Archive · 11 Sep 2026
How to Choose Credit Cards for Festive Season Offers
Festive shopping can become cheaper when the right credit card is used.
Different cards give rewards for different types of spending.
Some cards work especially well on one shopping platform.
Others give cashback for categories such as dining, travel or clothing.
You should choose a card based on what you buy most often.
A smaller reward on regular purchases may be more useful than a larger reward on rare purchases.
Check limits, exclusions, redemption rules and annual fees before applying.
Paying the bill in full helps ensure the rewards do not lead to extra costs.
Consumers should match credit cards to their biggest spending categories, such as gadgets, apparel, dining or travel.
Co-branded cards may offer better value for shoppers who regularly use the associated platforms.
Category-based cashback cards can suit people who shop across multiple merchants or platforms.
Experts advise checking cashback rates, spending caps, exclusions, redemption rules and annual fees.
Festive promotions are usually temporary, so year-round rewards should also justify the card’s cost.
- Who
- Consumers planning festive-season purchases, with guidance from Santosh Agarwal of Paisabazaar and Adhil Shetty of BankBazaar.
- What
- Advice on selecting credit cards that offer useful cashback and rewards during the festive season.
- When
- Ahead of the upcoming festive season; some promotional offers are available only for a limited period.
- Where
- Across shopping platforms and spending categories including gadgets, apparel, dining and travel.
- Why
- To reduce the effective cost of planned purchases and ensure rewards justify any annual fee.
- Best approach
- Match the card to regular spending patterns and the categories where the consumer spends most.
- Co-branded cards
- These may be useful for people who prefer shopping on the associated platforms.
- Alternative option
- Cards offering cashback across specific categories can suit shoppers using multiple platforms.
- Important checks
- Review cashback rates, spending caps, exclusions and redemption conditions.
- Annual fee
- Assess whether year-round benefits justify the fee, including any spending threshold for a waiver.
- Festive offers
- Promotional rewards can be attractive but are generally available for a limited period.
- Payment guidance
- Use cards for planned purchases and pay the balance in full.