Braving Black Friday, with its long lines and competitive shoppers, is a badge of honor for some who relish hunting for great deals on holiday gifts.

But if you want the deals without the hassle, consider using a credit card perk to your advantage this season.

Price protection lets you get the difference between an item’s regular price and its sale price, all without camping out at the store or throwing elbows to get the last doorbuster. Here’s how it works:

Price protection explained

You don’t have to wait for the price to drop on your next wish-list item if your credit card includes price protection among its benefits. Simply make the purchase with your card and keep an eye on the price for the next two to three months. If the price drops, you can submit a claim to your card issuer to get a refund of the difference.

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