25 Sep, 2025
With just three months until Christmas, new survey data from American Express reveals that the last-minute rush for gifts may be a thing of the past, as savvy UK consumers seek a stress-free festive season. October is now the peak month for Christmas planning, with one in four (25%) survey respondents starting their planning and shopping next month, while only 8% leave it until December.
By July, one in 10 (9%) consumers have started their Christmas shopping, with an additional 12% already having plans and budgets in place. Gen Z and Millennials are the most organised, with one in five (21%) having plans and budgets in place by the end of June.
Less panic, more planning
Planning peaks in October – particularly among Gen Z – with 37% of Gen Z respondents expecting to start their festive planning next month. A quarter (25%) of Gen Zs say they’re motivated to start early as they make or personalise gifts, so need the extra time. This trend is also apparent among Millennials, with 22% looking to make or personalise gifts.
Many consumers have other reasons for getting ahead of the game. Two in five consumers agree that starting earlier stops last minute panic buying, while a third (33%) say that shopping early lets them avoid busy stores and crowds. A quarter prefer not to do any shopping in December so that they can relax and enjoy the festive season more.
Savvy Spending for a more rewarding Christmas
Consumers are also keen to get additional value from their Christmas spend. One in three like to take advantage of deals and offers throughout the year, while one in five (18%) agree that starting earlier lets them earn rewards that they can redeem against other festive season expenses, from gifts and experiences to travel and dining.
Harry Mole, Vice President at American Express, said: “The festive is season is traditionally a time for giving, but it’s also a time when people want to feel in control of their finances. Our research shows that consumers are planning ahead and spending smartly to make their money go further. With the right Card, festive spending can be even more rewarding, with cashback, points, and other benefits all providing additional value for consumers.”
From collecting cashback, exchanging points for gift cards, to the exclusive Amex Offers programme that rewards spending on retail, travel and dining, American Express® Cardmembers can use their Card rewards and benefits to maximise their festive season spending.
Best Cards for Cashback and Membership Rewards® Points
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American Express® Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card2
Representative APR: 86.8%
18+. T&Cs and fees apply.
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1 point for every £1 spent, 2 points for every £1 spent directly with airlines or in a foreign currency, and 3 points for every £1 spent on American Express Travel
Eligible new Gold Cardmembers can earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® points when they successfully apply and are approved by 14 October 2025 and spend £5,000 in their first six months. The offer is double the usual maximum 20,000 points. 40,000 Membership Rewards® points can be redeemed as £180* to offset purchases made on the Card
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Points can be used to shop with hundreds of retailers online, exchanged for gift cards or to reduce your Account balance
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Amex® Cashback Everyday Credit Card 3
Representative APR: 29.7%
18+. T&Cs apply.
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New Cardmembers earn 5% cashback on all purchases for the first 5 months (up to £125).
After that, you can earn 0.5% cashback on spend up to £10,000, and 1% on spend above £10,000 per Cardmembership year
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Cashback is automatically collected and applied to your Account as a statement credit once a year
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Amex® Cashback Credit Card 4
Representative APR: 35.3%
18+. T&Cs and fees apply.
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New Cardmembers earn 5% cashback on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to £125)
After that, you can earn 0.75% cashback on spend up to £10,000, and 1.25% on spend above £10,000 per Cardmembership year
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Cashback is automatically collected and applied to your Account as a statement credit once a year.
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