Best payment options for Black Friday

12 November 2025

Black Friday is one of the most exciting shopping events of the year. From tech deals to big fashion markdowns, it is easy to get swept up in the excitement. But before you click “buy” it’s worth thinking carefully about how you pay. Choosing the right payment method can help you get the most out of your Black Friday spending while keeping your finances under control. Here are some shopping tips on the best payment options and how to avoid debt this season.

Smart Black Friday shopping tips

Black Friday can offer great bargains but it’s also a test of smart budgeting. Here are some tips on how to stay on budget and to avoid overspending.

Plan ahead and set a clear spending limit: List out the items that you want to buy. It’ is easy to overspend when discounts look tempting, but a set budget you can afford to keep you on track.
Use budgeting tools or apps: Keep tabs on your purchases in real time. Using budgeting tools or banking apps, lets you track your card spending and stick to your budget.
Compare Buy Now, Pay Later and credit card offers: Several retailers offer BNPL options at checkout, but many credit cards have features such as 0% interest on purchases, cashback, and shopping rewards. Make sure you compare both options and pick the most suitable one for your shopping.
Be aware of scams: When shopping online, pay extra attention to brand logos, suspicious webpages and links. They are common among clone websites. Look out for https:// and padlock sign before entering payment details.

Understanding Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)

BNPL has become a popular way to split payments into smaller chunks, making big purchases feel more manageable. In Ireland, Klarna, Revolut Pay Later, and PayPal offer instalment options, often interest-free if paid on time.

Pros of BNPL

Interest free periods help manage short term expenses
Quick approval and smart checkout integration
Flexible payment options

Cons of BNPL

Easy to lose track of multiple instalments
Missed payments can incur expensive late fees
BNPL can be handy for smaller purchases but if you are planning a big Black Friday haul, it’s important to assess all payment options.

Credit cards for Black Friday shopping

Credit cards remain one of the most versatile and secure ways to shop, both online and in-store.

Pros of Credit cards

0% interest for a limited time, good for large purchases paid over months.
Security features like instant freeze/unfreeze card option, approving online purchases through face ID or passcodes.
Widely accepted on retail, airline, and travel sites.

Cons of Credit cards

If you don’t clear your balance, interest charges can build up.
Easy to overspend, especially during sales.
Use credit wisely: only spend what you can repay and make the most of 0% offers.

Credit Cards Vs BNPL: Choosing the best option for Black Friday

Feature	Credit Cards	Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)
Interest	0% interest introductory offers (e.g. An Post Money Flex Credit Card)	Usually, 0% interest if paid on time
Approval	Requires eligibility check	Quick and simple
Purchase protection	Strong consumer protection and dispute resolution	Limited
Spending control	Monitor purchases in real time through credit card App or online banking	Easy to overspend on multiple BNPL plans
Ideal for	Large purchases with secure, flexible payment options	Small, short-term purchases

Black Friday can be an excellent time to save if you spend smartly. BNPL offers convenience for smaller purchases, while credit cards like the An Post Money Flex Credit Card offers 0% interest on your shopping for 9 months*.
By planning, tracking your budget, and using the right payment method, you can enjoy the excitement of Black Friday without overspending.

Frequently asked questions

Warning: If you do not meet the repayments on your credit agreement your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating which may limit your ability to access credit, a hire-purchase agreement, a consumer-hire agreement or a BNPL agreement in the future.

*Information correct as of 1^st November, source CCPC.ie. Lending criteria, terms and conditions apply. You’ll need to pay your minimum monthly repayment on time each month and stay within your credit limit to keep your promotional rates.
Standard variable rate of 16.8% nominal, 22.9% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) will apply once the introductory period ends. Representative example: 22.9% APR assumes €1,500 credit limit drawn down in one transaction and repaid over 12 months in equal monthly instalments, and Government stamp duty of €30. Total amount repayable €1,666.50, cost of credit is €166.50.

The An Post Money Flex Credit Card is issued by Bankinter S.A. pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated.
An Post acts as a credit intermediary on behalf of Bankinter S.A., who provide loan and credit card services and facilities. An Post trading as An Post Money is authorised as a credit intermediary by the CCPC.
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 conduct of business rules.