6 ways to plan ahead for Christmas to help you save

By Gabriella Margerison · · 2 min read
Fact Checked

Ready to sleigh Christmas spending this year? While the festive season is quickly creeping in on us, getting ahead of holiday planning is the best way to avoid budget blowouts and it could mean more cash for all the things you want to enjoy. 

From clever budgeting tricks to early-bird gift strategies, here’s how to get festive without losing sight of your financial goals.

1. Start a Christmas budget asap!

Create a budget that includes everything from gifts and travel to Christmas dinner and those little extras, like decorations. Aim to set aside a small amount weekly, so when the festive fun arrives, you’ve got a nice cushion ready to go. Need a hand? Our budgeting tool can help map out a spending plan in a flash.

2. Lock in your travel early

December is peak travel season, so the sooner you book, the better. Whether it's flights, accommodation, or a car hire, securing travel plans early can help you avoid hefty last-minute fees. Even setting alerts for fare deals can mean snagging cheaper rates! And don’t forget travel insurance; compare policies early to cover your bases without overspending.

3. Create a gift list and start sale searching

Instead of braving the holiday rush, list everyone you’ll need gifts for, along with some present ideas. Then, keep an eye out for pre-Christmas sales, like Black Friday or Cyber Monday, and start ticking off your list without the December scramble.

4. Avoid holiday debt with a dedicated savings account

A great way to steer clear of debt is to set up a savings account just for holiday spending. Consider a high-interest account to get a little boost on your savings and pop in regular deposits so you’ll be ready when it’s time to spend. 

5. Go DIY for décor and gifts

Embrace the magic of a handmade Christmas! From DIY decorations to baked treats as gifts, a little creativity can go a long way. Pinterest and YouTube are your best friends here, loaded with ideas that look just as good as the store-bought versions without the price tag. Plus, a personalised, handmade touch can be more meaningful than anything you can buy.

6. Keep track of spending to avoid surprises

It’s easy to get swept up in Christmas shopping and forget your budget. Keep a running list of expenses, whether it’s a spreadsheet or a simple note on your phone. This helps you stay on top of costs and avoid any nasty surprises come January, when we’re all nursing that dreaded Christmas spending hangover.

A little planning can go a long way in keeping the festive cheer alive without stretching your budget. So this year, why not make a list, check it twice, and compare savings accounts below to help you get there?

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Last updated 10 January 2026 Important disclosures

  • High Interest Savings Account

    Maximum rate
    5.10 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening
    Standard rate
    3.45 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    No Partner link

  • High Interest Save Account

    Maximum rate
    5.10 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $1,000,000)
    Welcome bonus rate for new customers for the first 4 months. Reverts to 4.35% bonus rate. Grow your balance by at least $1 per month, payable on total savings up to $1,000,000.
    Standard rate
    0.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    No Partner link

  • Savings Accelerator

    Maximum rate
    5.00 % p.a.
    (for $150,000 to $500,000)
    New customers who open an account after June 9 2025 receive an introductory bonus 1.05% p.a. variable kick starter rate for the first 4 months on balances up to $500,000.
    Standard rate
    2.10 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $50,000)
    No Partner link

  • Life - 18-34 years old

    Maximum rate
    5.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $30,000)
    Make 20 eligible card purchases per month with a linked Westpac Choice account, make one eligible deposit and grow the balance each month. Account balance must not fall below $0.
    Standard rate
    0.10 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    No Partner link

  • Future Saver Account - 14 to 35 years

    Maximum rate
    4.85 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $50,000)
    Transfer a minimum of $1,000 into your linked Everyday Account and make 5 eligible transactions. Bonus interest criteria waived for account holders 14-17 years of age.
    Standard rate
    0.05 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    No Partner link

  • Easy Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.80 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Bonus variable intro rate for the first 4 months
    Standard rate
    4.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    No Partner link

  • Growth Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.75 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $25,000)
    Minimum deposit of $200 and no withdrawals in the month
    Standard rate
    0.10 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    No Partner link

  • Savings Maximiser

    Maximum rate
    4.75 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $100,000)
    Deposit $1,000 into a personal ING account, make 5 eligible transactions with a linked Orange Everyday account and grow the balance each month.
    Standard rate
    0.01 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    No Partner link

  • Reward Saver Kick Start Account - Up to 30 years old

    Maximum rate
    4.75 % p.a.
    (for $5,000 to $100,000)
    Minimum deposit of $20 and no withdrawals in the month.
    Standard rate
    0.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    No Partner link

  • Bonus Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.75 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $100,000)
    3 month intro bonus rate of 0.40%. Minimum deposit of $100 and no withdrawals in the month.
    Standard rate
    0.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $0)
    No Partner link

  • PremiumSaver

    Maximum rate
    4.65 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Increase balance by $200 by the end of each month
    Standard rate
    0.60 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    No Partner link

  • Boss Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.65 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $100,001)
    Minimum $500 deposited into linked transaction account, and 5 Visa Card transactions from that account
    Standard rate
    0.20 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    No Partner link

  • Savvy Saver Account

    Maximum rate
    4.65 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $100,001)
    Minimum $500 deposited into linked transaction account, and 5 Visa Card transactions from that account
    Standard rate
    0.20 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    No Partner link

  • Hello Saver Account

    Maximum rate
    4.60 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $100,001)
    Bonus variable rate is available for the first 4 months. Intro rate only available to new Mystate Bank customers
    Standard rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $100,001)
    No Partner link

  • Savings Account

    Maximum rate
    4.60 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,000)
    Bonus variable rate is available for the first 4 months.
    Standard rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $2,000,000)
    No Partner link

  • Maxi Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.60 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Bonus rate for the first 6 months from account opening. Including a 0.45% bonus for new accounts opened online.
    Standard rate
    1.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    No Partner link

  • Maxi Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.60 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Bonus rate for the first 6 months from account opening. Including a 0.45% bonus for new accounts opened online.
    Standard rate
    1.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    No Partner link

  • Maxi Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.60 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Bonus rate for the first 6 months from account opening. Including a 0.45% bonus for new accounts opened online.
    Standard rate
    1.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    No Partner link

  • Netsave Account

    Maximum rate
    4.60 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Introductory interest rate for the first 4 months after the account is opened.
    Standard rate
    0.75 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    No Partner link

  • Goal Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.60 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $50,000)
    Deposit $500 by electronic transfer (excluding telegraphic transfers) into your Everyday Edge Account and make 5 card transactions per month.
    Standard rate
    0.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    No Partner link

  • HomeME Savings Account

    Maximum rate
    4.60 % p.a.
    (for $100,000 to $1,000,001)
    Deposit $2,000 into linked SpendME account each month from an external account.
    Standard rate
    0.05 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    No Partner link

  • Smart Saver Account

    Maximum rate
    4.60 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Transfer a minimum of $1,000 into your linked Everyday Account and make 5 eligible transactions.
    Standard rate
    0.05 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    No Partner link

  • Saver

    • Grow & Flow
    Maximum rate
    4.60 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,000)
    Make 5 or more successful card purchases per calendar month using your Up debit card and digital wallets (ATM transactions excluded). Earn the Grow Rate of 4.60% p.a. on Savers with no withdrawals for the month up to $250k, otherwise earn the Flow Rate of
    Standard rate
    0.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    No Partner link

  • U30 Super Charge Account

    Maximum rate
    4.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $10,000)
    Standard rate
    4.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $10,000)
    No Partner link

  • Saving Account

    Maximum rate
    4.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    bonus rate for 3 months
    Standard rate
    2.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    No Partner link

  • Home Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $100,000)
    Deposit $2,000 by electronic transfer into your Everyday Edge Account and make 5 purchases with your Visa debit card each month.
    Standard rate
    0.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    No Partner link

  • Boost Saver with Go Account - Lock Saver Feature

    Maximum rate
    4.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,000)
    Bonus rate without the Lock Saver is up to 4.20% p.a. Enable Lock Saver Feature to earn 4.50% p.a. with 32 day’s notice for withdrawal and deposit $1,000 from another financial institution into your linked Go Account and settle 5+ transactions per month.
    Standard rate
    0.05 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    No Partner link

  • Smart Saver Youth Account

    • under 25
    Maximum rate
    4.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $50,000)
    Increase account balance by any amount and make no more than two withdrawals
    Standard rate
    0.05 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    No Partner link

  • Bonus Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $99,999)
    minimum deposit $100, no withdrawal allowed
    Standard rate
    0.01 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    No Partner link

  • Save Up

    Maximum rate
    4.50 % p.a.
    (for $1 and over)
    minimum deposit $50, no withdrawals
    Standard rate
    0.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $1)
    No Partner link
Showing 30 results from 255 savings accounts

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