Mastercard finds 91% of Canadians plan to maintain or increase holiday budgeting focus
MA•Mastercard’s holiday shopping research found 91% of Canadians plan to maintain or increase their focus on budgeting. Nearly half plan to redeem more loyalty rewards, while 26% say AI could handle all their holiday gift purchases.
1. Holiday shopping plans
Mastercard’s November 12, 2026, research found 91% of Canadians plan to maintain or increase their focus on budgeting. Forty-five percent plan to redeem more loyalty points and rewards than last year; 86% expect local shopping to hold steady or rise, and 74% plan to maintain or increase experience-based gifting.
2. AI and security
Twenty-six percent of Canadians say AI could handle all their holiday gift purchases, while 67% want approval rights over agents’ use of loyalty points. Shopping scams make 84% more likely to buy from trusted brands, and 75% would accept longer checkouts for additional security.
