MANILA, Philippines - It is said Christmas is about giving, but that also means spending. Banks are preparing for an increase in customer traffic and higher demand for cash.

Two of the country's biggest lenders have prepared to open select branches on certain days of the holiday season to capitalize on the extra foot traffic.

Sy-led BDO Unibank Inc said it will follow the schedule below:

• December 24, 30 and 31 - select BDO branches will be open until 1pm, while branches in malls will stay open until 3 pm.
• December 25 and January 1 - all branches will be closed.
• December 26-29 and January 2 - branches will follow their normal banking schedules

To check the schedule for your specific branch during the holidays, click here.

Meantime, Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands told Rappler via twitter that all of its branches will be closed on December 24, 25, 31 and on January 1. Express Banking Centers will also be closed on December 30, which is considered a bank holiday.

Ty-led Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co (Metrobank) said select branches will be open on December 24, 30 and 31 and range in closing time from noon to 4pm. Find the list below and visit their website for additional information.

- Rappler.com