One of the biggest and most anticipated seasons of the year in the Philippines, Christmas is often marked by reunions, gift-giving, and grand celebrations. People tend to spend more during this festive time by buying gifts, hosting events, preparing holiday feasts, or even traveling to see friends and family members. While these holiday expenses can quickly add up, it's also an ideal time to take full advantage of your cashback credit card and use every opportunity to earn points, discounts, or savings. By making smart spending decisions, you can accumulate points that you can use for future purchases or to ease the financial burden after the holidays.
Here are some practical ways to maximize your credit card rewards while making your Christmas season special.
Choose to Do Your Christmas Shopping at Partner Stores
Many credit card companies have partner stores where they offer higher cashback rates, especially during the holidays. The best rewards credit card in the market today, Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card, is the result of a partnership between Maya and Landers which means, using this credit card when shopping at Landers can bring you better rewards. Simply using the credit card to pay for your Landers purchases will get you 3% cashback, no minimum spend required.
If you spend a total of more than PHP 20,000 using the credit card, this goes up to 4% cashback at Landers. A cumulative credit card spend of more than PHP 50,000 gets you the maximum reward, which is 5% cashback at Landers. Meanwhile, using the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card outside of Landers gets you 1% cashback for your spending.* Take note that every time you swipe your card or use it online, this contributes to the cumulative spending amount that you need to access higher cashback rates at Landers.
Take Advantage of Holiday Promotions
The Christmas season is often accompanied by special holiday promotions from credit card issuers, such as double or even triple cashback points for certain categories. These promos can cover a wide range of spending, from dining out and groceries to travel and shopping. To maximize your rewards, make sure you’re aware of any ongoing holiday promotions tied to your credit cards, as these offers are typically time-limited and may require you to register. Take advantage of these deals to boost your cashback while covering all your holiday expenses, helping you save more in the long run.
Use Your Card to Shop for Christmas Gifts
Christmas is all about giving, and what better way to get rewarded for your generosity than by using your credit card to earn cashback on gift purchases? You can shop for premium goods and supplies at Landers as gift for friends and family, and earn up to 5% cashback in the process. Charging your gift shopping to your credit card allows you to rack up points on every purchase and makes your spending work for you.
Book Travel and Accommodations Using Your Cashback Card
For many Filipinos, Christmas is a time to travel. Perhaps you have plans of doing the same by heading to your ancestral home in your province or booking a vacation with family. Use your credit card to book flights, accommodations, or even holiday activities, as many cards offer cashback rates for travel-related expenses. Be sure to check if your credit card has partnered with any travel agencies or airlines to further maximize your rewards. Not only will you make lasting holiday memories, but you’ll also earn cashback on every booking, which can go a long way toward offsetting your travel costs.
Use Your Card for Dining and Preparing for Holiday Feasts
Food plays a central role in every Filipino Christmas celebration, and whether you're hosting a Noche Buena feast or dining out with friends, you can earn cashback while enjoying your holiday meals. Pay with your credit card when you dine at restaurants, order takeout, or even when buying groceries for your Christmas feasts. Many credit cards offer higher cashback rates for dining expenses, so you can earn more points while savoring the season’s flavors. If you choose to dine at Landers after your Christmas shopping or stocking up on party supplies, for instance, you can enjoy 2% cashback for your meals. You can also get this 2% cashback when you dine elsewhere. It’s a simple yet effective way to make your spending go further while indulging in your holiday traditions.
Use Your Card for Online Shopping
Online shopping has become a go-to option for Filipinos during the Christmas season, thanks to the convenience and variety of choices available on platforms like Lazada and Shopee. If you’re planning to do some of your holiday shopping online, make sure to use your Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card to take advantage of its 1% cashback reward. With just a few clicks, you can get your Christmas shopping done and earn cashback while avoiding the holiday rush at the malls.
Maximize Cashback Categories
If your credit card offers rotating cashback categories, such as groceries, dining, or entertainment, plan your holiday spending around these categories. For instance, if groceries are offering extra cashback this quarter, make sure to use your card when purchasing holiday ingredients or snacks for gatherings. Being mindful of these rotating categories ensures you’re earning the most cashback possible with minimal effort, as you’re simply using your card for everyday purchases that are already part of your Christmas preparations.
Redeem Points for Cashback or Gift Cards
Some credit cards allow you to convert your accumulated points into cashback or gift cards, which can come in handy during the holidays. Before the season gets too hectic, review your current points balance and see if you can redeem any rewards. This could help offset your holiday expenses or even provide extra gifts for friends and family. The holiday season is the perfect time to cash in on your year’s worth of spending and give yourself a little financial relief.
The Christmas season may be a time of higher spending, but by using your cashback credit card smartly, you can accumulate credit card points and savings that can help balance out the costs. With mindful spending, your credit card can be more than just a tool for making purchases—it can also become a source of rewards that help you save, even as you celebrate.
*Transactions that don’t qualify include: cash in, cash advance, quasi cash purchases, casinos and gambling, fuel, supermarket, pharmaceuticals, utilities, telco, and government.
