Black Friday Shopping Tips

Black Friday and Cyber Week can bring big savings, but without a clear plan, it’s easy to overspend or miss the best deals. With a few smart Black Friday shopping tips and a little preparation, you can stretch your budget even further.
When is Black Friday 2026 in Ireland?
Black Friday 2026 falls on Friday, 27th November. Some Irish retailers may begin promotions earlier, so compare current prices and terms rather than assuming every early offer is a genuine saving.
Black Friday shopping tips to help you grab great deals
Here are some simple, effective steps to help you find the best Cyber Week and Black Friday deals this year.
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Plan ahead to shop smart
Before the sales begin, make a list of what you actually need. Whether it’s a new laptop, or a winter coat, having a list helps you stay focused and avoid buying what you don’t need. Set a budget, and per item spend to keep your spending in check. Many shops release sneak peeks of their offers ahead of time, so planning early gives you an advantage.
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Timing is everything
Black Friday brings big discounts on electronics, home appliances, and clothes. A few days later, Cyber Monday rolls out more special offers. The rest of the week is known as Cyber Week, when many stores continue to cut prices and offer deals. If you know when and where the best offers appear, you can shop more easily and save more money.
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Spot real deals
Not every special offer will save you real money. Another piece of advice for Black Friday shopping is to use price tracking tools to monitor prices ahead of time. When the sales go live, don’t settle for the first Black Friday deals you see. Check more stores, including smaller online ones, for better prices or added benefits like free shipping.
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Be safe when shopping online
When buying online, it’s important to keep your details safe. Only enter your payment information on secure websites. Look for “https” in the URL and a padlock icon in the browser to confirm any websites you visit. Avoid shopping online using public Wi-Fi and consider using a credit card instead of a debit card for added protection. For more tips, please visit our guide on how to avoid credit card fraud & identity theft.
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Stay organised
Keep all receipts and emails in one place so you can easily keep a record of what you’ve bought or return items later if needed. Always check the return policies before buying, items on sale may have different returns policies. If you're shopping for gifts, make sure to confirm a date for them to be delivered before you buy to avoid any delay in shipping due to a busy holiday period.
When is Cyber Monday 2026 in Ireland?
Cyber Monday 2026 is on Monday, 30th November, the Monday immediately after Black Friday. It is commonly associated with online promotions, although many retailers now run offers across the wider Cyber Week period. Compare the final price, delivery cost, returns policy and retailer credibility before buying.
How to manage spending on Black Friday and Cyber Week
A simple plan can help you focus on genuine needs and avoid allowing a time-limited promotion to set your budget. Decide your total limit first, compare the full cost across retailers and keep a record of each purchase.
| Tip | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Set a budget and make a list | Helps keep total spending within a limit you choose. |
| Compare prices | Helps you assess whether the offer is a genuine deal. |
| Use secure websites | Reduces exposure to fraudulent or imitation sites. |
| Check returns policies | Clarifies your options if an item is unsuitable. |
| Keep receipts | Makes it easier to track purchases and request a return. |
Get 0% interest on purchases this Black Friday+
Looking to cash in on some Black Friday deals? The Avant Money One Card could give you the extra spending boost you’re looking for with 0% interest on purchases for 3 months+.
Still looking for a deal?
With an Everyday+ Credit Card, you can get 5% cashback at selected grocery retailers, giving you up to €25 back per month for the first 12 months*.
But that’s just the beginning:
- We’ll also cover the €30 government stamp duty each year**: The only credit card in Ireland that offers this benefit, helping you save more.
- 0% interest on Credit Card Balance Transfers for 6 months***: Save on your monthly card payments by moving your existing credit card balances from other lenders to your new Avant Money Everyday+ Credit Card.
- Add up to three additional cardholders at no extra cost: Share the benefits with your family and manage shared expenses easily.
If this sounds like the card for you, use our Credit Card Eligibility Checker to see if you qualify. If you’re eligible, you can apply online quickly and easily, so you’ll be ready to start earning cashback in no time.
Ready to give your spending power a boost?
Use our Credit Card Eligibility Checker to see if you qualify for an Avant Money Credit Card, and if eligible, you can apply online quickly and easily.
You can also compare credit cards from Avant Money before deciding whether any card suits your needs. Consider the interest rate, fees, promotional terms, exclusions and how you expect to use and repay the card.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
| Black Friday | Cyber Monday |
|---|---|
| Traditionally focused on sales across most product categories | Traditionally focused on online deals, particularly tech and electronics |
| Usually takes place on the Friday of the big November sales weekend | Usually takes place on the following Monday |
| Originally associated with in-store shopping | Originally associated with online shopping |
Is Cyber Monday better than Black Friday?
Neither is automatically better. The stronger offer depends on the product, retailer, delivery cost, returns policy and the price available before the promotion. Compare the total cost rather than relying on the discount label.
Are Black Friday deals worth it?
They can be worthwhile when the item was already planned, the price is genuinely lower and the purchase fits your budget. A deal is less useful if it results in buying something you do not need or taking on borrowing you cannot comfortably repay.
Where are the best Black Friday deals?
There is no single retailer that always has the best deals. Compare established retailers, check the seller’s credibility and review the full price, warranty, delivery and returns terms.
How can I avoid overspending on Black Friday?
Make a list, set a total budget and a limit for each item, compare prices and pause before adding unplanned purchases. Keep a running total so several smaller purchases do not take you over budget.
When is Cyber Monday 2026?
Cyber Monday 2026 is Monday, 30 November.
What is Cyber Week?
Cyber Week is an extended shopping event that builds on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, with retailers offering discounts across a wide range of products both online and in-store. Rather than focusing on a single day, Cyber Week gives shoppers several days to take advantage of deals, making it one of the biggest sales periods of the year.
Can I use a credit card for Black Friday purchases?
Many retailers accept credit cards. Before using one, check the card terms, your available credit and how you will repay the balance. Interest and charges may outweigh any saving if the balance is not managed in line with the card’s terms.
One Card
Variable interest rate 16.8%. Typical APR 22.9% (Annual Percentage Rate) includes government stamp duty of €30.
Representative example: assuming credit limit of €1,500 repaid in 12 equal monthly instalments, total amount repayable is €1,666.50. Total cost of credit is €166.50.
+For any offers related to purchases, the promotional period commences from the date your account is opened. You’ll need to pay your minimum monthly repayment on time each month and stay within your credit limit to keep your promotional rate. When the promotional offer ends any outstanding amount will be charged interest at your standard variable rate of 16.8%. Money Transfers are available from €100 up to 95% of your credit limit.
Everyday+
Variable interest rate 20.8%. Typical APR 22.9% (Annual Percentage Rate).
Representative example: Assuming a credit limit of €1,500 drawn down in one transaction and repaid over 12 months in equal monthly instalments, total amount payable is €1669.00. The cost of credit is €169.00.
*Cashback applied at selected grocery retailers. Exclusions apply, see Credit Cards FAQs. Max cashback is €25 per month 5% cashback valid for first 12 months; 1% thereafter.
**Government stamp duty of €30 will be charged to the account and refunded on the same day.
***You will need to complete a Balance Transfer within the first 90 days of opening your account to avail of the promotional rates. Variable interest rate of 20.8% will apply once the Balance Transfer promotional period ends. You’ll need to pay your minimum monthly repayment on time each month and stay within your credit limit to keep your promotional rate.
Lending criteria, terms and conditions apply. Avant Money Credit Cards are only available to customers over the age of 18 and resident of the Republic of Ireland. Rates correct as of 14th October 2026 and are subject to change.
Bankinter S.A., trading as Avant Money, is authorised by the Banco de España in Spain and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for consumer protection rules.
Warning: If you do not meet the repayments on your credit agreement, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit report, which may limit your ability to access credit, a hire-purchase agreement, a consumer-hire agreement or a BNPL agreement in the future.