(BPT) - The holiday season is full of celebration, but for many Americans, it's also becoming increasingly expensive. According to the National Retail Federation's 2025 Holiday Trends Report, consumers expect to spend an average of $890 on gifts, food, décor and other seasonal purchases - one of the highest totals on record. And with inflation keeping everyday essentials like groceries, gas and travel costs elevated, shoppers are feeling more pressure than ever to stretch their budgets while still enjoying the season.

Credit One Bank provides tools to help individuals manage rising expenses and maintain financial stability. For instance, the Platinum X5 Visa Signature^® card offers up to 5% cash back rewards on everyday purchases, which can help ease the burden of holiday spending in a year of increased costs.

Here are four practical tips to stay on budget this holiday season while maximizing the value of your rewards:

1. Create a Holiday Budget Before Shopping Begins - Categorize It - and Stick to It

Holiday spending can quickly snowball. Many people set spending goals, but the rush of travel, gifting, events and last-minute purchases often leads to overspending. Before hitting the stores or opening your favorite shopping app, create a detailed holiday budget. Break your list into categories (gifts, travel, food, décor). Assign a limit to each and do your best to match your spending on each item to the rewards you get from using a specific card for that item.

Choosing a card with helpful digital tracking tools can make the process easier. The Credit One Bank Platinum X5 Visa Signature card gives shoppers access to easy-to-use digital tools - including a mobile app and customizable alerts - to help them monitor spending and stay on top of their budget.

2. Maximize Rewards on Everyday Essentials

The holidays rarely unfold through big, picture-perfect moments. They happen in the everyday ones - the grocery aisle where you pick up ingredients for a family recipe, the gas station on the way to see relatives, the streaming night where everyone finally agrees on a movie, or the calls and texts that keep plans moving. These small, familiar rituals are what make the season feel like the season.

The Platinum X5 Visa Signature card is designed to reward those real moments. Cardmembers earn 5% cash back rewards on the first $5,000 spent annually on eligible purchases across the categories that naturally see more activity this time of year - gas, groceries, internet, select streaming services, cable and satellite TV and mobile phone bills - and 1% thereafter, plus unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

"People want a credit card that supports the rhythm of their lives, especially during the holidays," said Steve Min, Chief Credit Officer at Credit One Bank. "With the Platinum X5 Visa Signature card delivering up to five times the cash back rewards on everyday essentials, cardmembers can make the most of the moments that matter - without having to change how they already live or spend."

In other words, the things you're already doing to bring the holidays to life can also help you earn rewards faster - making it easier to stretch your budget without changing your traditions.

3. Redeem Rewards Wisely

Redemption flexibility matters. Some people prefer automatic monthly statement credits, while others like to redeem rewards for gift cards, travel or even a well-deserved personal treat during the season.

The Credit One Bank Platinum X5 Visa Signature card offers multiple redemption options, giving shoppers control over how their earned rewards support their holiday needs - whether that's offsetting a big gift purchase or reducing the overall cost of holiday hosting.

4. Shop with Confidence

Holiday scams are on the rise. According to the 2025 Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report - Holiday, 41% of scam victims say they've fallen prey to online shopping scams. From fake delivery notifications to fraudulent charity solicitations, online scams are everywhere, and it's important to stay vigilant.

The Credit One Bank Platinum X5 Visa Signature card offers Zero Fraud Liability on unauthorized charges reported promptly by cardmembers, giving cardmembers peace of mind while they shop. In addition, all enrolled cardmembers receive complimentary access to a monthly online credit score and report summary, adding another layer of financial awareness throughout the busy season.

Planning for Financial Success in the New Year

Once the holiday dust settles, many people turn their attention to financial reset goals - building credit, managing spending and making smarter money choices for the year ahead. Credit One Bank encourages consumers to take simple steps in January that can lead to long-term improvements, such as tracking expenses, setting achievable budgets and using rewards strategically.

As you wrap up the holidays and look toward the year ahead, the right credit card can help you plan, save and spend with confidence.

For more information about Credit One Bank and its products, including the Platinum X5 Visa Signature card, visit: https://www.creditonebank.com/credit-cards/platinum-x5-visa.