High-Value Festive Spends Surge as Shoppers Swipe Strategically This Diwali

42% of users spent over ₹50,000; cashback and no-cost EMIs dominate decision-making

A vibrant Diwali season has reaffirmed India’s love for festive shopping — but with a sharper financial mind. A new survey from Paisabazaar.com, the country’s largest consumer credit marketplace, finds that shoppers are no longer swiping impulsively; they are planning meticulously, waiting for offers, and making the most of credit card benefits.

Paisabazaar.com

This year, more than 42% of respondents spent above ₹50,000 using their credit cards during Diwali. Interestingly, 22% spent between ₹50,000 and ₹1 lakh, while 20% crossed the ₹1-lakh threshold. The share of high-value shopping is expanding, showing a growing willingness to use credit cards for large purchases when the right deals are in play.

“The surge in high-ticket festive purchases through credit cards reflects a growing affinity towards value and convenience,” said Santosh Agarwal, CEO of Paisabazaar. “Consumers are using credit cards more strategically, timing their big-ticket buys to coincide with festive season deals and card-specific rewards.”

The survey, which covered more than 2,300 credit card users, highlights that shoppers this season were guided by both aspiration and pragmatism. Home appliances accounted for 25% of all credit-card spending, while mobiles, gadgets, and accessories made up 23%. Apparel followed at 22%, with another 18% going toward furniture and home décor. Gold and jewellery remained firmly in play, drawing 12% of festive spending and reflecting the season’s traditional character.

What stands out most is how sharply value is shaping behaviour. A staggering 91% of buyers planned their festive purchases around card offers. Just under 10% said they shopped without waiting for any promotions, relying only on standard rewards or cashback.

A majority of respondents — 71% — used shopping-specific credit cards that offer cashback and reward points. Another 15% still accessed festive benefits despite not owning such cards, while the remaining 14% received no related benefits. Cashback continues to be the top incentive, favoured by nearly one in five cardholders. Co-branded offers were close behind at 19%, followed by accelerated reward points at 18%.

For those spreading out their payments, no-cost EMIs remained the biggest draw, chosen by 56% of EMI users. Another 29% said attractive discounts persuaded them to convert purchases into EMIs, while 10% opted for them simply to stagger their spending.

The shopping journey itself is evolving. Nearly half of all respondents — 48% — preferred a hybrid approach, mixing online and offline channels. Many buyers explored products in physical stores and then turned to digital platforms to snap up better deals. Convenience plus savings is the new norm.

Online marketplaces, however, continue to sit at the heart of India’s festive economy. An overwhelming 83% of respondents said they found the best offers on e-commerce platforms, while only 7% felt physical stores provided more value. Amazon and Flipkart continue to dominate mindshare, emerging as the platforms of choice for 43% of shoppers. Fashion-first platforms such as Myntra (15%) and Meesho (10%) also enjoyed strong engagement. Ajio, Nykaa, Zepto and Tata Cliq together cornered a 32% share, highlighting widening competition in India’s digital shopping landscape.

“This year’s survey reflects the rise of the strategic and value-aware shopper,” noted Rohit Chhibbar, Head of Credit Cards at Paisabazaar. “Cashback, rewards, no-cost EMI, coupled with merchant discounts, continue to make credit cards an essential part of festive shopping.”

The broader takeaway is clear. Shoppers are no longer casual swipers; they are informed buyers who research offers, compare platforms and extract maximum value from every transaction. The festive season is now as much about financial savvy as it is about celebration.

Paisabazaar, part of PB Fintech, has helped enable this shift. With more than 50 million users and over 20 lakh monthly inquiries from 1,000+ cities, the platform has partnered with 65-plus banks, NBFCs and fintechs to deliver a wide selection of credit products. Its ISO and PCI-DSS certifications underline its focus on secure consumer experiences.

India’s festive credit story is only getting richer. Homes are being upgraded, wardrobes refreshed and tech purchases fast-tracked — but with an eye firmly on value. If this Diwali is any indication, the modern Indian consumer is blending aspiration with strategy, ensuring every rupee earns its keep.

Source: Paisabazaar