At the cash register this holiday season, you have more options than ever to pay—cash, credit, or a "buy now, pay later" loan. But be warned: your choice could end up costing you more in the long run.

In this episode of the Talking Carts podcast, hosts Tanya Christian (Senior Home and Appliances Writer) and Brian Vines (Marketplace Equity Reporter) are joined by Investigative Reporter Lisa Gill. They help listeners navigate the complex landscape of payment options, including popular pay-in-four installment loans like Afterpay, Klarna, and Affirm, and provide guidance on when a traditional credit card is the better choice. We also delve into interest rates, buyer protections, and those "apply now" credit offers at the register.

Plus, did you get a head start on your holiday haul? We run down the holiday return deadlines for major retailers, from Nordstrom to Costco and beyond.