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Online shopping has become a regular part of life for many Filipinos. The convenience of being able to browse and purchase items anytime has made it easier than ever to buy what we need, or sometimes, what we simply want. Beyond that, online platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop offer endless discounts, flash sales, and free shipping deals. As such, it’s no surprise that many of us find ourselves buying stuff impulsively.
But are impulse purchases always a bad decision? Not necessarily. While some may lead to regret or unnecessary spending, others can actually be rewarding while also being practical and adding value to your life. It all depends on the context. The key is knowing when a spontaneous buy makes financial sense and when it might end up causing more harm than good. Let’s explore what these situations are like.
Yes — When You’re Maximizing Credit Card Rewards or Promos
Impulse purchases can be a smart move if they help you take advantage of credit card perks or time-sensitive promos. Many Philippine banks offer cashback, bonus points, or instant discounts when you spend a specific amount during major sales like 12.12, 11.11, or even random mid-month promotions.
Some credit card issuers also have year-round promos. In the case of the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card, you can get up to 5% cashback at Landers, 2% on dining spends, and 1% on all other qualified transactions.* The cashback points you earn can then be used directly as cash, with each point being equivalent to PHP 1.
To use these points, simply follow these steps:
- Tell the cashier that you want to pay using your Landers points. The cashier will request you to tap your card on the terminal and will guide you as you pay.
- Choose how many Landers points you’d like to use.
- Pay the rest with your card. Once you confirm your points, the remaining amount will be paid using your card.
In this situation, using your Maya credit card for online shopping, even on an impulse purchase, can be beneficial. Just be sure to stay in control by setting a spending limit on your transactions. On the Landers Everywhere cashback Credit Card, this a helpful feature that can keep your purchases in check across different types of transactions.
To do this, first, log in to the Maya app and go to “Cards.” Then, select your credit card. Tap the “Security Center” to open the “Limits and Controls” screen. From there, you can set spending limits for daily spends, online purchases, foreign transactions, and more. With this spending control feature, this Maya credit cardcan be considered the best credit card for online shopping in the Philippines, especially for those who tend to impulsively spend online.
Yes — When You Score Essentials or Daily Needs at a Lower Price
Impulse buying can also be a good thing when it helps you save money on necessities you already know you’re going to use anyway. For instance, seeing your favorite brand of detergent, shampoo, or even canned goods on sale might prompt an unplanned purchase. If it's something you’ll eventually buy, then you’ve actually saved money.
Online stores often offer bundle deals, time-limited markdowns, or free shipping vouchers on household items. Grabbing these when available can be cost-effective, especially if you’re trying to stretch your monthly budget.
Still, discipline is key. One smart approach is to keep a running list of essential household items and check whether any of them are included in current online sales or promotions. This way, even if the purchase is spontaneous, it's still guided by your actual needs.
Sometimes — When You Discover Something Genuinely Useful
Some of the best impulse buys are the ones that unexpectedly improve your day-to-day life. Whether it’s a nifty kitchen gadget or a space-saving storage solution, some purchases you didn’t plan for can turn out to be incredibly useful.
You might not have thought you needed that collapsible laundry basket or that ergonomic pillow, but after using them, you realize how much they help. The key here is to assess the item’s long-term value. Will it make your life easier? Is it something you’ll use regularly?
However, since you likely would want to prevent yourself from overspending, you should try the 24-hour rule of holding off the purchase while you consider if the item still feels worth buying after that period elapses. Also, ask yourself practical questions like, “Will I use this next week? Next month? Many years later?” If the answer is yes, then it’s likely an impulse purchase that will pay off.
No — When You’re Spending Beyond Your Means Just Because It’s on Sale
It’s easy to fall for the trap of buying things just to meet a promo requirement or qualify for a freebie. You might feel compelled to add PHP 500 worth of items just to get free shipping or unlock a PHP 50 voucher, even if the added products weren’t in your plans. These extra expenses may feel small, but over time, they can add up.
The problem arises when you shop purely because it feels like a good deal, not because you actually need or want the item. Remember: spending to save still means you’re spending. And if you're doing this repeatedly during monthly sales, it could be eating into your savings or emergency fund without you even noticing.
To manage this, set a monthly “impulse buy budget,” or an amount you’re okay with spending on spontaneous purchases. This gives you some freedom to enjoy online deals without going overboard.
No — When It Leads to Regrets
The truth is that not all impulse purchases bring joy. Often, people are swayed by trending items promoted by influencers or items that look good in the photos but don’t deliver in real life. Once the excitement fades, you might be left with unused items taking up space in your home, and a bit of guilt about wasting money.
These regrets are often caused by emotional buying. Whether you're bored, stressed, or trying to cheer yourself up, shopping can provide a temporary high. So, before you click “Check Out,” take a pause. Ask yourself if you truly want the item or if you're just reacting to a feeling or hype. If you realize you’re not fully convinced, it’s best to step away from the app and revisit it later.
So, Are Impulse Online Shopping Purchases Ever a Good Thing?
Yes—when done mindfully. Impulse buys can be rewarding and convenient, especially when they help you save on essentials or maximize rewards. However, they can also turn into poor financial decisions if driven by emotion, hype, or if they push you beyond your budget. While it’s perfectly fine to enjoy your occasional online splurges, keep it within reason. Having said that, always keep your budget in check, and ask yourself whether the purchase truly adds value to your life.
*Transactions that don’t qualify include: cash in, cash advance, quasi cash purchases, casinos and gambling, fuel, supermarket, pharmaceuticals, utilities, telco, and government.
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