Data obtained from Pocketbook by Savings.com.au shows a marked increase in spending on liquor, computer goods, cosmetic surgery, and gambling over the past two and a half months compared to the same period last year.  

Meanwhile, some of the most common spending haunts - like supermarkets and grocery stores, pubs and bars, clothing retailers and travel agents - have suffered noticeable declines. 

Pocketbook's data is based on the 2020 and 2019 spending habits of more than 800,000 users from the first week in October till December 15th.

The table below displays credit cards with some of the lowest interest rates on the market, disregarding any temporary promotional offers.

Credit card

N/A$product[$field["value"]][FREE_SUPPLEMENTARY_CARDS, ]3015100015.49VisaMore details

G&C Mutual Bank Low Rate Visa Credit Card

    N/A$product[$field["value"]][FREE_SUPPLEMENTARY_CARDS, PARTNER_DISCOUNTS, PURCHASE_PROTECTION_INSURANCE, ]302050010.99VisaMore details

    Auswide Bank Low Rate Visa Card

      N/A$product[$field["value"]][FREE_SUPPLEMENTARY_CARDS, FRAUD_PROTECTION, PURCHASE_PROTECTION_INSURANCE, ]30301000-1AMEXMore details

      American Express Low Rate Credit Card

        N/A$product[$field["value"]][]302510008.99VisaMore details

        Community First Bank Low Rate Credit Card

          N/A$product[$field["value"]][]302510008.99VisaMore details

          Easy Street Financial Services Easy Low Rate Visa Credit Card

            Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

            All products with a link to a product provider’s website have a commercial marketing relationship between us and these providers. These products may appear prominently and first within the search tables regardless of their attributes and may include products marked as promoted, featured or sponsored. The link to a product provider’s website will allow you to get more information or apply for the product. By de-selecting “Show online partners only” additional non-commercialised products may be displayed and re-sorted at the top of the table. For more information on how we’ve selected these “Sponsored”, “Featured” and “Promoted” products, the products we compare, how we make money, and other important information about our service, please click here. Rates correct as of August 21, 2024. View disclaimer.

            Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

            The biggest winners 

            By far the biggest surge in spending was seen among computer retailers, which saw a huge 458% spike compared to last year. 

            Interestingly, spending cosmetic surgery and weight loss treatments were up by 68% and 28% respectively, perhaps indicating Australians are feeling some isolation blues about their appearances (Savings.com.au thinks you're beautiful just the way you are). 

            Another curious category to see a big increase in spend was caravan dealers, up 60% on the year. This could be a sign Australians are keen to get out and explore our own wonderful country with international travel off the agenda for some time. 

            [See also: Victorians to receive $200 travel vouchers to kickstart COVID recovery

            With most of Australia confined to their homes for much of the year, it's unsurprising to see bottleshops (+21%) and takeaway meals (+3%) seeing spikes in spending, nor is it surprising to see online retail spending up 10% overall. 

            And of course, bookmakers had a good year, with Australians flocking to gambling solutions 53% more than last year. 

            Earlier this year, Alliance of Gambling Reform chief advocate Reverend Tim Costello told Savings.com.au people are gambling more as a way of self-soothing, or with the false hope gambling may solve their problems.

            “Pocketbook data has revealed computer retailers are some of the biggest winners this festive period - whether that be friends and family gifting those working from home or consumers treating themselves to an improved home office," Freya Hunter, Head of Partnerships at Pocketbook told Savings.com.au. 

            "Likewise, spend on cosmetic surgery and weight-loss treatments - which typically see a spike post-festive period - are already well on the rise.

            "It’ll be interesting to see what these figures reveal in the New Year, alongside the rise in gambling spend. As 2020 has afforded more people with extra time on their hands, bookmakers have been particularly busy.”

            Need somewhere to store cash and earn interest? The table below features savings accounts with some of the highest interest rates on the market.

            Provider

            4000$product[$field["value"]]$product[$field["value"]]$product[$field["value"]]More details
            • Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening
            • No account keeping fees
            • No minimum balance

            High Interest Savings Account (< $250k)

            • Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening
            • No account keeping fees
            • No minimum balance
            4000$product[$field["value"]]$product[$field["value"]]$product[$field["value"]]More details
            • A high-interest online savings account with no monthly fees, easy withdrawals and award-winning digital banking
            • No withdrawal notice periods or interest rate penalties
            • Save up to 10% on eGift cards at over 50 retailers with Macquarie Marketplace

            Savings Account (Amounts < $250k)

            • A high-interest online savings account with no monthly fees, easy withdrawals and award-winning digital banking
            • No withdrawal notice periods or interest rate penalties
            • Save up to 10% on eGift cards at over 50 retailers with Macquarie Marketplace
            4000$product[$field["value"]]$product[$field["value"]]$product[$field["value"]]More details
            • For deposit amounts $0 - $49,999
            • New ING personal savings customers receive an introductory bonus 0.50% p.a. variable kick starter rate for the first 4 months on balances up to $500,000.
            • Reverts to variable ongoing rate. T&Cs apply.

            Savings Accelerator (Amounts < $50000)

            • For deposit amounts $0 - $49,999
            • New ING personal savings customers receive an introductory bonus 0.50% p.a. variable kick starter rate for the first 4 months on balances up to $500,000.
            • Reverts to variable ongoing rate. T&Cs apply.
            000$product[$field["value"]]$product[$field["value"]]$product[$field["value"]]More details
            *Rate varies on savings amount
            • Deposit $500 per month to get bonus interest
            • 5.50% p.a. available on total savings up to $100k.
            • 5.00% p.a. applies to savings between $100k-250K.
            • Tiered bonus rates apply. (TMDs at ubank.com.au)
            *Rate varies on savings amount

            Save Account (<$100,000)

            • Deposit $500 per month to get bonus interest
            • 5.50% p.a. available on total savings up to $100k.
            • 5.00% p.a. applies to savings between $100k-250K.
            • Tiered bonus rates apply. (TMDs at ubank.com.au)
            010000$product[$field["value"]]$product[$field["value"]]$product[$field["value"]]More details
            • Deposit at least $1,000+ each month from an external source
            • Make 5 or more eligible transactions
            • Grow your savings balance each month

            Savings Maximiser (<$100k)

            • Deposit at least $1,000+ each month from an external source
            • Make 5 or more eligible transactions
            • Grow your savings balance each month
            Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

            All products with a link to a product provider’s website have a commercial marketing relationship between us and these providers. These products may appear prominently and first within the search tables regardless of their attributes and may include products marked as promoted, featured or sponsored. The link to a product provider’s website will allow you to get more information or apply for the product. By de-selecting “Show online partners only” additional non-commercialised products may be displayed and re-sorted at the top of the table. For more information on how we’ve selected these “Sponsored”, “Featured” and “Promoted” products, the products we compare, how we make money, and other important information about our service, please click here. Rates correct as of August 21, 2024. View disclaimer.

            Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

            The biggest losers 

            Some of the biggest casualties of the pandemic were travel agents, clothing retailers, cosmetics and beauty retailers, restaurants, pubs and bars, and grocery stores. 

            With both international and domestic borders being closed for much of the year, spending on travel agents understandably fell by a massive 71%.

            Closer to home, spending on public transport almost halved (down 48%), with around half the country working from home at some point this year. 

            [See also: Airfares could drop by 35% in a post-coronavirus 2021]

            As Australian spending shifted to online marketplaces, spending in clothing retailers and cosmetic and beauty retailers fell by 11% and 20% respectively. 

            Naturally, spending in pubs and bars as well as restaurants is also down by 24-28% from this time last year, as Australia continues its economic recovery from the tough mid-year period. 

            “With travel the hardest-hit category this year, this is top of our Christmas wish list to kickstart again in 2021," Ms Hunter said. 

            "Talks of travel bubbles and COVID vaccines mean we hope it won’t be too long before this becomes a reality."

            October - December 2020 spending by category 

            Food

            • The total amount spent in supermarket and grocery stores is down 11% this year
            • The total amount spent on takeaway meals is up by 3% this year
            • The total amount spent on restaurants is down 28% this year

            Drink

            • The total amount spent on bottle shops is up 21% this year
            • The total amount spent on pubs and bars is down 24% this year 

            Retailers

            • The total amount spent on clothing retailers is down 11% this year
            • The total amount spent on computer retailers is up 458% this year
            • The total amount spent on online marketplaces is up by 10% this year
            • The total amount spent on cosmetics and beauty retailers is down by 20% this year

            Transport

            • The total amount spent on public transport is down by 48% this year
            • The total amount spent on travel agents is down by 71% this year
            • The total amount spent on caravan dealers is up by 60% this year

            Beauty

            • The total amount spent on weight loss treatment is up by 28% this year
            • The total amount spent on cosmetic surgery is up by 68% this year 

            Gambling

            • The total amount spent on bookmakers is up by 53% this year 

            Previous Pocketbook data sent to Savings.com.au showed household savings doubled over COVID and tripled in the past three years, averaging monthly savings of $2,645 in July 2020. 

            Pktbk

            Image source: Pocketbook 

            Photo by Tamanna Rumee on Unsplash