A Smarter Way to Shop Online

In collaboration with MAX.

93% of Israelis shop online. This is not a surprising figure — anyone who hasn't ordered something online in the last month is probably an exception. However, the price appearing on the screen is only part of the picture. There are several additional components that should be taken into account to understand how much you will really save.

In most cases, these are small details that are easy to miss: shipping costs revealed only at the payment stage, currency conversion fees that creep in unnoticed, customs duties arriving two weeks after the package, or a return policy that makes canceling the purchase more expensive than the item itself. A few minutes of checking in advance can help understand the full cost and ensure the deal is truly worthwhile.

What do Israelis buy online and what should you check?

Fashion and electronics are the largest categories in online commerce in Israel. Both are easy to buy remotely, usually come from international sites, and are exposed to the same problems: unequal price comparison, high return costs, and differences in sizes or specifications discovered only after arrival.

When buying electronics from international sites, check the product's compatibility with Israel. Different versions of the same product — European, American, or Asian — sometimes differ in the plug, interface language, supported cellular frequencies, and even software. A quick check of specifications before ordering can help you enjoy the price gap and ensure the product meets your needs.

Spontaneous purchases account for a significant share of transactions: promotions expiring at midnight, "buy now" buttons, and "only one item left" alerts. All are intended to make us skip basic checks. The way to enjoy even tempting promotions is to stop for a moment before payment and check the total cost of the transaction.

Before payment: what really affects the final price?

Before confirming payment, check these five things:

• Shipping and customs: "Free shipping" is sometimes included in the product price, and sometimes applies only above a certain amount. When importing from abroad above a certain threshold, VAT applies, and in some cases, customs duties are added. Calculate the final amount before getting excited about the stated price.

• Billing currency: One of the most elusive traps. When a foreign site displays a price in NIS, currency conversion is sometimes performed twice: once by the merchant and once by the bank. The simple solution is to pay in the site's original currency or use a foreign currency account that allows direct payment without conversion fees. MAX, for example, offers such an account, preventing the double conversion scenario.

• Real discounts: A 40% discount is significant only if the base price is real. Search for the product on several sites and check the price history if possible. Browser extensions that track price changes can save you from tracking past prices yourself.

• Returns and reliability: Before purchasing on a new site, read who bears the cost of return, the cancellation period, and whether the refund goes to the credit card. International returns can cost dozens of shekels — sometimes more than the savings you were looking for. Rule of thumb: the larger and more well-known the site, the more convenient the return policy.

• Security: Check for HTTPS, visible contact details, and clear terms. Checking reviews of the site in search engines adds another layer of security.

How to get more from big online sales

Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Day, and other sales are opportunities to enjoy significant discounts. To ensure a promotion is worthwhile, follow the product's price weeks before the event. Create a list of products you plan to buy in advance and track their prices to get a real picture of the discount size. A planned purchase is the difference between real savings and the illusion of savings.

Beyond avoiding mistakes, there is the side of achieving real value. Tools like cashback allow you to accumulate a refund on every shekel paid. The MAX Back Total card, for example, returns cashback on every purchase and offers a double refund for purchases abroad and on international sites when paying in foreign currency.

Smart shopping after the purchase

Smart shopping continues after the transaction. Real-time tracking of transactions allows for a clearer picture of expenses. At MAX, you can choose between two billing tracks for online shopping, depending on your preference: immediate billing or consolidating purchases into a monthly bill.

Tip: Every few weeks, review your transaction details and check which services and subscriptions are still relevant. This is a simple way to identify savings opportunities.

Most importantly: before every purchase, ask yourself what the final price will be. When you do it right and use tools that return value and maintain transparency, online shopping can be one of the smartest things you do with your money.

For more details on the MAX foreign currency account>>

For MAX cardholders only, subject to the service terms of use, benefit and joining terms. Failure to repay credit may result in interest on arrears and enforcement proceedings. Subject to underwriting terms and lender approval: MAX. In collaboration with MAX.