Bumper Diwali Shopping: 42% Credit Cardholders Spent Over Rs 50,000, Finds Paisabazaar Survey

In a new survey, Paisabazaar found that 42 per cent of credit cardholders spent over Rs 50,000 on Diwali shopping this year. The report indicates that consumers are becoming more inclined to pay for high-value purchases during the festival season using their credit cards. Around 22 per cent of those surveyed spent Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh, while 20 per cent spent over Rs 1 lakh during festivals.

The survey suggests that festive shopping is now no longer confined to smaller or necessary things. With increasing ease of credit card usage and festive offers, many consumers are ready to spend at a higher level.

Top Spending Categories This Festive Season

Home appliances topped the list as the most bought category, accounting for 25 per cent of the overall spending using credit cards. Mobile phones, gadgets, and accessories came in second at 23 per cent, and clothing accounted for 22 per cent. Furniture and decor occupied 18 per cent of spending, and gold and jewellery were about 12 per cent.

The survey highlights a strong bias towards products that enhance lifestyle or provide long-term usefulness. Promotional offers during festive seasons and bundled packages have prompted consumers to replace or upgrade electronics and home goods.

Consumers Plan Purchases Around Offers

Around 91 per cent of credit card users thought in advance while making festive purchases based on offers and discounts. Only less than 10 per cent bought without waiting for special offers. This is the reflection of how consumer value orientation has increased, with people buying big-ticket items only in addition to offers and card-linked benefits.

Credit card-specific offers like cashbacks, reward points, and no-cost EMIs have become key factors influencing this spending behaviour. Around 71 per cent of respondents held shopping-focused credit cards offering such benefits. Another 15 per cent received festive offers despite not owning such cards, while 14 per cent said they did not receive any shopping-related rewards.

Cashback Emerges As The Top Driver

Cashback was the favourite reward, chosen by almost 20 per cent of the respondents. Co-branded promotions were second at 19 per cent, and bonus reward points attracted 18 per cent. Out of those who chose instalments, 56 per cent used no-cost EMI, 29 per cent used discounted EMIs, and 10 per cent used standard EMIs.

This pattern shows a growing understanding among the card users regarding how to use credit cards strategically to increase savings. No-cost EMI options, in particular, have helped consumers manage larger purchases without immediate financial stress.

Online And Offline Shopping Mix

The survey noted that 48 per cent of the respondents wanted a blend of offline and online channels for their Diwali purchases. Consumers increasingly toggle between e-commerce sites and physical stores to manage convenience, cost savings, and product experience.

E-commerce websites were the strongest contenders for offers, with 83 per cent of respondents indicating they discovered the best deals online. About 7 per cent discovered greater value at physical stores. In terms of brand preference, Amazon and Flipkart collectively had 43 per cent of the customer preference, followed by Myntra and Meesho with 15 per cent and 10 per cent respectively. Ajio, Nykaa, Zepto, and Tata Cliq collectively contributed the remaining 32 per cent.

The survey findings portray that credit card usage is changing from convenience to a financial optimisation tool. Consumers are not merely spending money; they are shopping smarter, matching offers, and adjusting their spending patterns with rewards.