Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has posted a warning on his website that applies to anyone buying Christmas presents last minute. The finance guru says it can potentially save you "hundreds, if not thousands".
As part of a "top 10 Christmas consumer rights need-to-knows" list, Martin has shared several tips to not only save money, but also ensure you are protected financially in case something goes wrong.
Coming in at number seven is his tip for "powerful protective voodoo on bigger items", for which he recommends to "pay at least 1p on a credit card."
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Explaining further, he says: "Buy something costing £100.01 to £30,000 and pay for any of it, even a penny, on a credit card, and the card firm is jointly liable with the retailer for the WHOLE amount", report the M.E.N.
"So if you can, put at least some of it on a credit card (paid off IN FULL to avoid interest). Then if the retailer goes bust, won't play fair with faulty items, or you buy abroad and can't take the item back, you can go to the card firm."
In another of his tips, the Money Saving Expert warned that you DON'T have a legal right to change your mind & return store-bought goods - even if it's the wrong colour or size.
He said: "If you buy something in store (not online), shops are under no legal obligation to take your goods back unless they're faulty. So if you buy something in a hurry thinking you can always return it later, beware you may not have that choice."
Martin Lewis' full guide on how to stay safe while Christmas shopping is available to view here.
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