Holiday shopping is in full swing and so is spending. But if you don't have cash on hand - there are still ways to shop.

News 12's consumer reporter Janice Lieberman has The Real Deal on buy now, pay later services.

Retailers are using buy now, pay later companies as a way for consumers to buy what they want and get the item immediately, but you need to know what to look out for when using these services.

Is the company running a credit check? Some run a credit check, some run a soft credit check, and some don't run a credit check at all.

Some companies offer 0% interest, and the option to divide the payments with installments, but others will run soft credit checks when you divvy up your payments.

It's also important to pick only one of the platforms - don't sign up for three of them at once.

The offers to split up your payment are not just for online retailers. Some merchants even let you use the buy now pay later app in-store.

If you are trying to fix your credit, and don't pay on time, it could bring your score down.

And if you are dividing the payments make sure you can afford the payments in the time specified.

If you have a story idea, question or tip, click here to reach out to Janice.