ORLANDO, Fla. – Twenty-seven shopping days left until Christmas, and Cyber Monday is just around the corner. Before you shop 'til you drop, be sure you're using the best credit card. Choosing the right card could save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars.
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Savvy shopper Kimberly Rose doesn't just search for the best deal, she scours the fine print of credit card offers to make sure she applies only for the ones that will save her the most.
"Over the years, I've saved thousands of dollars by using the credit card benefits," said Rose.
Like the time her phone broke after the manufacturers' warranty expired.
Luckily, she bought the device with her American Express card, which offered an extended warranty.
Mastercard has a similar policy -- doubling the manufacturer or store warranty for up to a year.
"Most card holders don't know the services and benefits that the card in their wallet or their digital wallet hold," said a Mastercard representative.
Another benefit is price protection.
If you buy an item but find it cheaper somewhere else, some cards will reimburse you the difference with no trip to the store needed.
And if you miss a return deadline at the store, some cards allow you to fill out a form, ship the item to them and get your money back.
There are also travel perks.
Rose has two cards that double the amount of money she can get if an airline loses her luggage.
Chase bank reimburses some card holders for clothing and necessities when luggage is lost and pays for meals and hotels if your flight is delayed for more than 12 hours.
And if you have to back out of a trip?
Some cards offer protections for those who are sick and can't travel by allowing them to cancel their reservations.
American Express works with some car dealers to give special discounts.
And if your car breaks down, some cards hook you up with roadside assistance.
As with anything, however, you have to be careful.
Be sure to read all that fine print to find out which perks apply to the specific card you have.
And, of course, watch for things like interest rates and annual fees.
You'll also want to pay close attention to any notices you get in the mail about changes in benefits.
And always make sure you understand all the rules before signing up for a new credit card. Most banks and card companies list their benefits online.
Want to know which is the right credit card for you? Click here for a quiz designed to help you decide.