Internet credit card spending booming

Brits have been spending more than ever online this Christmas as they attempt to avoid the mayhem of the rainy and busy streets this festive season.

There are many benefits to shopping online and these benefits seem to have convinced a staggering amount of shoppers that online is the way forward.

In a poll by credit card company Egg, four out of five shoppers questioned said that they were carrying out most of their Christmas shopping using the internet this year.

They were attracted by offers and discounts only available to online shoppers, a wider range of products available, the convenience and the fact that they could avoid the crowded high streets.

Many also said that security was an important factor in choosing to shop online, with over half 54 per cent) of respondents said they prefer to use their credit card for payment as most purchases will be insured.

In addition, 38 per cent stated that they use the cards to make the most of online fraud protection, often not available on high street purchases.

"It's good to see that people realise the benefits of using a credit card online in terms of insurance on purchases and fraud protection. Customers should also remember other benefits, such as cashback," remarked Egg spokesperson Vanessa Wood.

Customers are also feeling increasingly wary of the high street as shops are scrambling for profits and many are sinking into administration.

This week Woolworths and MFI both collapsed into administration putting 31,000 jobs at risk, and it seems worse could be to come, with predictions of Christmas expenditure reaching an all time low.

With so many stores struggling financially, shoppers are worried that by shopping on the high street with cash they could have no insurance should they need an exchange or guarantee honoured in the quite likely event the shop is no longer trading.

Companies are attempting to entice customers in with store cards which come with discounts and benefits, however they are accompanied by sky high APRs which could cripple users.

The rates, which have always been high are continuing to rise, with some high street stores pushing store cards with APRs as high as 25%.

In an attempt to bring a little order to their Christmas shopping budget, savvy shoppers are opting to shop online, away from pushy shop assistants heralding store cards and the temptations of high street offers.

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