If you're a savvy shopper, you've probably figured out how to scope out the sales, score the deals and get goods and services for less.

However, you might be able to get even better deals using some of the credit cards that are already in your wallet. That's because some credit card issuers and payment networks offer special discounts to cardholders.

The specials vary, and the steps you take to get the deal may differ with each credit card.

You may have to start your online shopping at your card issuer's website before you go to the store sites you like to shop at, says Linda Sherry, director of national priorities for Consumer Action. You may have to register or enroll to get the deals, she says.

The issuer may also use social networking to deliver discounts, such as the recent partnership between American Express and Foursquare.

To find out what's available, visit your issuer's website and/or the payment network's site -- such as Visa or MasterCard -- periodically. Read those inserts that come with your bill, since they can alert you to special promotions.

If you have general credit cards affiliated with certain stores, using them when you shop at those venues can often earn you "preferential treatment," says Sherry. Frequently, "you can get some perks."