Black Cyber Deals: Low-Hanging Fruit and Buy Now Pay Later Mind Tricks

I attempted a bit of a “digital vacation” this long weekend in order to maximize my feelings of thankfulness, but I couldn’t help taking a peek at what was available in the “I was going to spend this money anyway” department. I’ll try to keep this updated with all the low-hanging fruit.

• $100 Instacart gift card for $85 at Sam’s Club. $50 off $500 AirBnB currently out of stock, but might come back in stock.
• Buy $100 Apple Gift Card, get $15 Amazon credit.
• 10% off Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines gift cards at Costco. $50 off a $500 gift card.
• H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2021 with 3% Refund Bonus for $22.50. A good price for non-cloud tax software, for you early planners.
• Buy $20 Starbucks Gift Card, get $5 Starbucks Gift Card. Through 11/29 or while quantities last. Update: Sold out!

You may also wish to check if you are newly-targeted for these Amazon Pay-with-Points promotions:

• Amazon: Pay with American Express Membership Rewards Points, Get 15%/30% Off (Targeted)
• Amazon: Pay with Discover Card Points, Get 30%/40% Off (Targeted)
• Amazon: Pay with Chase Ultimate Rewards Points, Get Up to 50% Off (Targeted)
• Amazon: Pay with Citi ThankYou Points, Get Up to 50% Off (Targeted)

Quick bonus thought: The real trick behind “Buy Now Pay Later” services is that the average total purchase is much bigger because you only have to pay for 25% of it upfront. You may commit to spending $200, but only “spend” $50 on those shoes that day. Normally, even if you pay with a credit card, you still have to charge the entire balance upfront. BNPL makes you spend more than otherwise because of a mind trick. Don’t fall for it! It’s still debt. My rule remains: If you can’t pay for it upfront, you can’t afford it.