New AMP Bank GO research reveals sales season istriggering overspending, impulse buys and ‘financial hangovers’, as shoppers are urged to take back control.
Australians love a bargain – but new research shows the sales rush is turning into a blowout, not a saving, for millions of us.
A national survey for AMP Bank GO has found that 40% of Aussies admit they spend more than they should during Black Friday, Christmas and Boxing Day sales, despite ongoing cost-of-living pressure.
And it’s not just generosity driving the splurge – many of us are also shopping for ourselves.
The sales season ‘perfect storm’
Key findings from AMP Bank GO’s national survey include:
• Over half of us (52%) are more likely to make impulse purchases during sales.
• 2 in 5 (40%) say they spend more than they should during key shopping periods such as sales and Christmas.
• Close to 1 in 3 (29%) shoppers don’t set a budget at all, leaving themselves wide open to overspending.
• 3 in 5 (61%) deliberately hold off on purchases until sales, creating a ‘perfect storm’ for impulse splurging.
• While we like to think it’s all about giving, many people are also shopping for themselves.
With Christmas fast approaching, AMP Bank GO is urging Australians to swap the sales buzz for a plan – and avoid starting 2026 with a financial hangover.
John Arnott, Director AMP Bank GO said:
“Sales are marketed as a way to save, but for many Australians they’re a fast-track to blowing the budget.
“Impulse buying and a lack of planning can derail financial goals – especially during the festive season when emotions are high and the marketing is relentless.
“If you set a simple budget, do your research and use the digital tools already in your pocket, you can still enjoy the bargains without waking up in January wondering where your money went.
“And if a discount looks too good to be true, it probably is. This is peak season not just for sales, but for scammers trying to cash in on the frenzy.”
Four ways to avoid a Christmas ‘debt hangover
1. Set a real budget before you shop.
Decide what you can afford before you hit ‘add to cart’. With AMP Bank GO, you can separate your spending money into multiple Spaces, helping you set budgets and monitor spending.
2. Know a genuine saving from clever marketing.
Compare prices before the sales start and watch out for “was/now” tricks and deals designed to keep you spending. Always search for retailers directly rather than clicking on random ads.
3. Track where your money actually goes.
Use spending insights in your banking app to see which categories are soaking up your cash. AMP Bank GO’s spend categories show trends by store and type of purchase so you can spot bad habits early.
4. Let sales help your future self.
If you do spend, round up everyday purchases to the nearest dollar and send the spare change into a separate Space for your New Year goals.
About AMP Bank GO
AMP Bank GO is a mobile-first banking app with real-time insights, smart alerts, goal tracking through Spaces and round-ups to help shoppers manage their finances on the go, and stay on budget without missing out on deals.
For more information on AMP Bank GO’s features visit our website.
About the findings
AMP Bank GO commissioned research through Dynata, a nationally representative survey of 1,003 respondents aged 18 years and over, conducted in October 2025.
The product issuer is AMP Bank Limited ABN 15 081 596 009 AFSL, Australian credit licence 234517.
This information is provided by AMP Bank and is general in nature. It doesn’t consider your personal goals, financial situation or needs.
Target Market Determinations and terms and conditions are available from AMP Bank at www.amp.com.au/appterms or by calling us on 1800 950 105.