1. Check whether it's a genuine discount

A product advertised as 50% off might not be as good a deal as it first appears. Some prices may have been increased before a sale, making the discount look bigger.

Before buying, compare the price across different retailers and check whether it has been cheaper elsewhere.

Here are some easy ways you can check so you don’t get caught out on Black Friday:

• PriceRunner for comparing prices across retailers.

• PriceSpy for product comparisons and price history.

• CamelCamelCamel for checking the price history of Amazon products.

• MoneySavingExpert for independently researched deals.

Don't assume the biggest percentage discount means the best price. A little research could help you avoid paying more than you need to.

2. Ask yourself whether you would buy it anyway

One of the easiest ways to overspend during Black Friday is buying things simply because they're discounted.

Before adding something to your basket, ask yourself:

• Was this already on my shopping list?

• Do I actually need it?

• Would I still buy it at full price?

• Am I buying it because it's useful, or because the offer feels too good to miss?

Taking a moment to ask yourself these questions can help you avoid buying things simply because they're on offer, and focus on the purchases that are genuinely useful to you.

3. Don't let limited-time offers rush you

Countdown clocks, low-stock warnings and flash sales can make you feel like you need to act immediately.

While some offers really are time-limited, don't let a sense of urgency stop you from checking the details.

Take a moment to compare prices, read reviews and decide whether the purchase is right for you. If you're unsure, it's okay to walk away.

4. Check the website before entering your payment details

Black Friday is also a busy time for online shopping scams. Fraudsters can use fake websites, misleading adverts and suspicious payment requests to catch shoppers out.

Before buying from an unfamiliar retailer:

• Check the website address carefully for unusual spellings.

• Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true.

• Look for genuine contact details and clear delivery and returns information.

• Check independent customer reviews.

• Be wary of unexpected requests to pay by bank transfer or gift card.

• Never share passwords, PINs or one-time security codes.

If something doesn't look right, take a moment to check before handing over your payment details.

Check out our fraud resource page for more advice on recognising scams and keeping your money safe.

5. Check the full cost, not just the price

A discounted price doesn't always tell you everything you need to know.

Remember to check delivery charges, collection costs and any additional fees before completing your purchase.

If you're buying something expensive, look at the returns policy too. Check whether returning it is free, how long you have to return it and whether the item is new or refurbished.

6. Keep your Christmas spending in mind

Black Friday arrives just as many of us start thinking about Christmas presents, food, travel and family celebrations.

It can be tempting to treat every discount as a separate opportunity, but those purchases can quickly add up.

Before shopping, consider setting a Christmas budget and making a list of what you actually need. Keep track of what you've already bought and avoid spending any money that might be set aside for essential bills or unexpected expenses.

Planning ahead can also make Christmas costs easier to manage. Consider putting aside savings throughout the year, even a small amount can add up over time. 

7. Think carefully before using credit

Sometimes, a Black Friday offer might seem like a good reason to borrow. But a discount doesn't automatically make something affordable.

If you're considering using credit, take time to understand the interest, total amount repayable and whether the repayments fit comfortably within your budget.

Think about how long you'll be paying for something after Black Friday has passed and make sure you understand the costs before making a decision.

If you're thinking about borrowing to help with Christmas costs, take a look at our personal loans for Christmas. They could help you spread the cost into manageable repayments that work for your circumstances.

If you receive Child Benefit, our Family Loan could be another option. You can spread the cost of Christmas with simple, fixed repayments through your Child Benefit payments.

Is Black Friday worth it?

Black Friday can be a useful opportunity to find a good price, but not every deal is worth taking.

Checking prices, avoiding rushed purchases and staying alert to scams can help you shop with confidence. Most importantly, remember that you don't have to take advantage of every offer.

A genuine bargain should fit your needs and your budget. 

And if you're worried about covering the cost of Christmas, we're here to help you understand your options. Explore our personal loans for Christmas or find out about our Family Loan if you receive Child Benefit. Whatever you decide, take time to check the costs and make sure any repayments are affordable for you.