The data show that December consistently records the highest transaction volumes of the year, underscoring the strong economic and cultural pull of the holiday season.
Local card transactions peaked on Dec. 23, while overseas spending by Filipinos climbed later in the month, reaching its highest point on Dec. 29.
Visa, in a Dec. 17 press statement, said the trend highlights a shift in consumer behavior, from last-minute domestic shopping to leisure and travel-related spending abroad as the holidays progress.
Local rush ahead of Christmas
Based on card-present transactions—where both the cardholder and physical card are present at the point of sale—VCA found that Filipinos begin ramping up Christmas spending early in December.
Transaction volumes rise steadily throughout the month, with visible spikes every weekend as shoppers flock to malls and commercial hubs.
The busiest day locally is Dec. 23, the final weekend before Christmas Eve, reflecting a rush to complete gift-buying and holiday preparations. Domestic spending then tapers off in the days that follow, as many Filipinos travel back to their hometowns to celebrate with family and friends.
“Christmas brings people together, and our data underscores the holidays’ enduring socio-cultural and economic significance to the country,” said Jeffrey Navarro, country manager of Visa Philippines, in the same statement.
He added that Visa aims to support these moments through payment experiences that are “fast, seamless, and secure.”
Overseas spending peaks after Christmas
For Filipinos traveling abroad, spending patterns follow a different rhythm. Overseas card transactions continue to climb after Christmas Day, peaking on Dec. 29 before easing toward the New Year.
Visa noted that this reflects ongoing leisure, dining, and travel-related purchases during extended overseas holidays.
The trend also points to a growing appetite for post-Christmas travel, as more Filipinos combine year-end celebrations with international trips.
Holiday spending in the Philippines also receives a boost from tourists and returning overseas Filipinos, who drive higher local transactions using foreign-issued cards.
Christmas without borders
Visa data show that the top inbound spending corridors, measured by payment volume in U.S. dollars, come from the United States, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.
While Metro Manila remains a major hub, holiday spending extends well beyond the capital. Six of the top 10 destinations for inbound card spending are outside Metro Manila, with Makati and Parañaque leading overall, followed by Cebu, Angeles, and Davao.
Spending preferences vary by market. Visitors from the U.S., South Korea, Singapore, Australia, and Hong Kong spend most on lodging, while Taiwanese and Japanese tourists favor entertainment.
Indian travelers allocate more to education and government-related payments, while Canadians and many Americans prioritize food and groceries.
As holiday spending continues to shape consumer trends, Visa said these insights highlight how digital payments help power connections and experiences during the most festive time of the year. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
