2 Best Ways To Maximize Your Credit Card for the Holidays, According to a Finance Expert
Most credit cards enjoy a healthy amount of activity during the holiday season. The National Retail Federation reported 91% of consumers celebrated the 2025 winter holidays with an average $890 spent on decorations, presents and other seasonal items.
While many people know the basic rules for practical credit card use, like the importance of not treating a credit limit like its free money, how can you maximize using these cards during the holidays to reward your future self?
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Erica Sandberg, consumer finance expert at CardRates.com, revealed two savvy tips worth implementing before using your credit card this holiday season.
Know Which Purchases You’ll Make With Which Card
If you have more than one credit card, explore each card’s rewards program to better understand what your rewards are on various types of purchases. You might be eligible for cashback, points or miles.
Once you know, you can strategically determine which card to use on key holiday purchases like airline tickets or presents while simultaneously earning the most rewards possible.
Don’t Wait Until You Get Your Statement To Pay Your Bill
This is Sandberg’s best tip for savvy credit card use during the holidays: She recommends buying what you want and immediately paying off the amount you spent rather than waiting until you receive a billing statement.
“If you charged $150 worth of presents at once, use a payment app like Zelle to send this exact amount to your credit card company,” she said. “No interest will be added to your purchases, and you won’t be faced with expensive debt or monthly payments.”
Sandberg said this approach forces shoppers to be mindful with their spending, which is critical since spending behaviors often take a turn for the frenzied during the holidays.
“Maybe you want to buy a $1,200 laptop as a gift for your college student child,” said Sandberg. “Great. You will first review your checking account to know that have enough to cover it and be sure it won’t hurt your ability to meet your other expenses.”
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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