Research by Sainsbury’s Credit Cards predicts Brits could spend as much as £9.9 billion in the days leading up to Christmas, with almost £1.82 billion going on credit cards. The credit card division of the bank says the figure is £1.91 billion more than they predicted last year.

The bank advises using a zero per cent credit cards to spread the cost of last-minute buys.

Donald MacLeod, credit card manager at Sainsbury’s Bank, said: “Credit cards provide a convenient way in which to do your Christmas shopping but if you are unsure whether you will be able to clear your balance in January, you may be better off spreading the cost with a card that offers an introductory rate of zero per cent APR on purchases.”

The bank says over one million Brits are planning to spend more than £1,000 in the week before Christmas while almost three million plan to spend between £500 and £1,000.

Sainsbury’s says men tend to be the biggest spenders during the festive season, spending over £275 while women spend an average of £196.

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