Credit Card Rewards in the Ber-Months: How to Maximize Points Before Holiday Season

The Ber months in the Philippines arrive like a festive drumroll—each beat louder as September ushers in carols echoing through malls, flash deals lighting up online shops, and calendars filling with family reunions. Alongside the sparkle of parols and the hum of Jose Mari Chan, one truth shines brighter: the holidays are a season of both joy and heavy spending.

But here’s the good news: your credit card can be more than just plastic—it can be a magic wand that transforms everyday purchases into cashback, miles, and gift vouchers. With the right strategy, every swipe is like planting a seed that blooms into travel discounts, shopping perks, or grocery savings.

Ready to unlock the best credit card rewards in 2025? Explore Finmerkado’s credit card comparison tool and make sure your holiday spending works harder for you.

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The Ber months (September to December) are the Philippines’ peak spending season. In fact, a 2024 Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) survey revealed that household spending jumps by up to 40% compared to regular months. This surge is your golden chance to maximize credit card rewards, cashback, and discounts—if you’re swiping the right card.

Here are the top holiday spending categories in the Philippines where rewards stack up fastest:

Skipping these opportunities means leaving thousands of pesos in unused perks—money that could have turned into free flights, shopping credits, or cash rebates.

Not all rewards cards are equal. Focus on the categories that align with holiday-season spending:

1. Cashback Credit Cards

Perfect for everyday Ber-month expenses. Cashback of 2–6% on groceries, fuel, and dining adds up quickly.

2. Miles & Travel Cards

If you’re planning a holiday trip or OFW family reunion, air miles can help cover flights. Some cards even offer free airport lounge access.

3. Shopping & Lifestyle Rewards

Cards partnered with big malls or e-commerce platforms often have exclusive deals. Gift vouchers or store credits can help reduce Christmas gift costs.

4. Dining & Buffet Perks

Many cards run seasonal promos with hotel buffets or restaurants—ideal for reunions and family gatherings.

Check out Finmerkado’s best rewards cards in 2025 here.

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Here’s where strategy makes the difference between earning a few perks and really making your card work for you:

• Concentrate spending on one main card
  Splitting transactions across multiple cards dilutes rewards. Pick one with the strongest perks for your Ber-month needs.
  
  
• Time big purchases with sale events
  Combine cashback with Lazada, Shopee, or Zalora mega sales for double benefits.
  
  
• Look out for limited-time promos
  Some banks offer extra multipliers (like 10x points or double cashback) during Ber-month campaigns.
  
  
• Redeem smartly
  Don’t just let points expire. Redeem for high-value options like flights or supermarket vouchers instead of low-value merchandise.
  
  

Pair with e-wallets wisely
Linking your card to GCash, Maya, or GrabPay can unlock extra cashback layers.

• Overspending just to earn rewards
  Cashback or points don’t matter if you end up in debt. Stick to your budget.
  
  
• Ignoring annual fees
  Some rewards cards charge high annual fees that can eat into your perks. Make sure the math works out.
  
  
• Not checking expiry dates
  Points, miles, and vouchers often expire. Redeem early to avoid waste.
  
  
• Carrying a balance
  Interest rates in PH average 2–3% per month. Always pay in full to truly benefit from rewards.

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The Ber months are known as the season of giving in the Philippines—but they don’t have to drain your wallet. With the right rewards strategy, a credit card isn’t just a payment tool; it becomes your financial sidekick for holiday spending. From cashback on groceries to air miles for Christmas travel and shopping discounts during mega sales, the right card helps you stretch every peso further.

Before you swipe, make sure you’re carrying the card that matches your lifestyle. Use Finmerkado’s credit card comparison tool to explore the best rewards credit cards in the Philippines for 2025—and turn every Ber month purchase into perks, savings, and unforgettable holiday experiences.

References

1. Philippine News Agency (2023) – Reports on BSP’s outlook for household spending growth in 2024 supported by easing inflation.
   
   
2. Philstar (2024) – Covers forecasts of stronger consumer spending in the Philippines for 2024.
   
   
3. Malaya Business Insight (2024) – Notes BSP’s expectation of a Q4 rebound in household spending with easing inflation.
   
   
4. BusinessWorld (2025) – Analyzes how inflation expectations influence Filipino household spending behavior.
   
   
5. Manila Bulletin (2024) – Highlights BSP’s report on improved consumer sentiment in Q4 2024.