It’s a truth universally acknowledged: the most wonderful time of the year is also the busiest. So how do you survive Christmas without losing your mind? There’s one thing in our arsenal: our Debit Mastercard.
Issued by BDO, Bank of Commerce, BPI, CITI, Metrobank, PNB, PSBank, PBCOM, RCBC, RCBC Savings Bank and Security Bank in the Phillippines, Mastercard is accepted in over 44.4 million Mastercard locations worldwide and 2.4 million Mastercard/Maestro/Cirrus ATMs in over 210 countries.
Think of it as your holiday sidekick—the elf to your being Santa, except it can do so much more than delivering toys for the people on your list.
Here are twenty things you can do with your Debit Mastercard this season:
Buy your gifts, of course. Whether you choose to brave the malls or shop online, whip out your Debit Mastercard and shop safely and conveniently. No need to get in line at the ATM—your Debit Mastercard gives you quick access to your money. Don’t forget to use only reputable apps and websites when shopping online. Always look for that padlock icon in your browser’s URL bar to make sure you are shopping securely.
Wrap those presents. What will your theme be? Snowmen? Reindeer? Stock up on gift wrapper, boxes, ribbons, cards and tape and have fun getting those packages ready. (We like playing Christmas songs while wrapping—it puts us in an even more festive mood.)
Put together those party outfits. On the hunt for a great Christmas dress or New Year’s Eve-worthy shoes? Hit your favorite stores and remember, if you spot the Mastercard logo, that means you can use your card in that store.
Get your presents delivered. Just because you don’t have reindeers and a sleigh doesn’t mean you need to suffer through hours in traffic trying to get your gifts to your loved ones. You can send them using delivery apps and pay for the service with your Mastercard.
When you feel like shopping at stores but don’t feel like driving? Can’t blame you. Sign up on ride-sharing apps using your Mastercard.
Exhausted and need a boost? Grab a cup of your favorite coffee with your card. Go contactless if you can.
Don’t forget to pay your bills this Christmas season. The holidays don’t give us a holiday from our responsibilities. Pay your bills safely and conveniently using your Mastercard.
Stick to your budget. With the Debit Mastercard, you’re spending money you already have in your account so you definitely won’t go overboard.
Keep track of your account balance and /or finances by using your mobile banking app—just make sure you only log in when you have a private connection and always use strong passwords (at least eight characters and a mix of letters, numbers and symbols).
Take your favorite balikbayan out. Welcome friends and family home by treating them to lunch, merienda or dinner.
Catch a show. Buy tickets online or in ticketing outlets with your debit Mastercard.
Fill your fridge. It’s also the season of visitors coming over so you need to make sure your kitchen is always ready for entertaining. Head to the supermarket with your debit card and buy ingredients for your famous Christmas cookies. Or get ham. A lot of ham.
Rock that potluck. No time to cook? No worries. Drop by any of the countless restaurants that accept Mastercard and bring that delicious new dish you’ve discovered to your party.
Get some “me time”. We spend so much of the holidays thinking about making other people happy but you can’t forget to squeeze in a little solo time too. Go get that massage or spa treatment. You deserve to look your best this Christmas season.
Stay fit. Worried about the endless holiday feasts? Make sure you squeeze in some workout time. Use your Mastercard to sign up for a gym membership or those fitness classes you’ve always wanted to try.
Treat your team. Is holiday stress hitting your office hard? Get in the mood to celebrate by sharing a good meal with your coworkers. Order some food online, wait and dig in. Try out paying through Masterpass at applicable online delivery websites.
Have the staycation of your dreams. Book a hotel (or an AirBnB) in your own city and enjoy some much-needed relaxation.
Book your holiday. Feel like spending Christmas or New Year elsewhere? Use your Debit Mastercard to book your trip as soon as possible.
Travel with your Mastercard. Make sure you activate your card for overseas use. Here’s a tip: you can enjoy the best exchange rates with your debit and credit cards. Sign up for SMS alerts so you can get notifications each time you make a purchase. Should you lose your card while traveling, call your bank hotline (save it before you leave) so they can freeze your card and keep your money safe.
Want to do good this holiday season? You can use your card to make a donation to your favorite charity. Be cautious though—don’t click on hyperlinks that are emailed to you. Research is always important. Look up the organization online before you trust them with your money.