Featured Credit Cards for May

St George Vertigo MasterCard

• Rate : 10.99 %
• Balance Transfer :
  0% (for first 6 months)

 

Citibank Clear

• Rate : 11.99 %
• Balance Transfer :
  0% (for first 6 months)

 

Aussie MasterCard

• Rate : 11.99 %
• Balance Transfer :
  0% (for first 6 months)

 

NAB Low Rate Visa Card

• Rate : 12.79 %
• Balance Transfer :
  0% (for up to 6 months limited time only)

 

St George Starts Low, Stays Low Credit Card

• Rate : 12.99 %
• Balance Transfer :
  12.99%

 

Credit Card News Archive

Digging out of the debt hole

Ever heard of the saying 'money is the root of all evil'? Well, for many Australians, money is the root of all stress and strains, according to a new poll.

Article Added 09/05/2008
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Families spending 'half of income on debts'

Many families across Australia are spending more than half of their yearly household income on paying debts and credit card bills, a new study has revealed.

Article Added 09/05/2008
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St George rides out crunch with credit card boom

One of Australia's largest banks has put its recent good fortunes down to the success of its credit card division.

Article Added 08/05/2008
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Surviving a taxing time

It is that time of the year again - time to do the one job you have been dreading for the last 12 months - filling in the tax form.

Article Added 08/05/2008
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Pin payments coming to Australian shops

Credit card holders across Australia will have the option of using their pin number instead of a signature to make purchases in many shops later this year.

Article Added 07/05/2008
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House price hikes 'fuelling bankruptcy rates'

Rising house prices, high interest rates and increasing credit card bills mean that more Australians than ever before could be made bankrupt during 2008, a new study has found.

Article Added 06/05/2008
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A problem shared is a problem solved by the Facebook generation

New technologies may be shrinking the world and making it a faster place but according to new research they may also be opening up financial discussions.

Article Added 01/05/2008
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Banks could increase rates 'to cover fee cuts'

Interest rates charged on credit card accounts, personal loans and mortgages may be even higher if banks are forced to cut consumer penalty fees, according to a major industry association.

Article Added 01/05/2008
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Rate rises 'will hurt those with multiple credit cards'

Consumers with multiple credit cards or large personal loans are most at risk from another interest rate rise by the Reserve Bank of Australia, an industry expert has claimed.

Article Added 24/04/2008
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Clearing the payment headaches

Online payment systems can be a bit of a nightmare. Making sure you are on a safe site, typing in the numbers correctly and making sure the site does not time out before you have done that can induce headaches.

Article Added 24/04/2008
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NAB continues roll-out of new ATMs

One of Australia's largest banks has announced it is to upgrade all its ATMs nationwide in a bid to offer more services to customers.

Article Added 23/04/2008
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Rudd outlines 2020-influenced tax plans

Prime minister Kevin Rudd has announced a major overhaul of Australia's federal taxation system as complaints about the current scheme continue.

Article Added 22/04/2008
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Avoiding the credit card debt surge

As credit card debt continues to grow, more and more people across Australia are taking notice of the terms and conditions of their cards and looking at changing credit card companies.

Article Added 18/04/2008
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Credit card debt slows as consumers tighten finances

The growth of credit card debt racked up by Australian consumers has slowed to its lowest rate in over 13 years, new data has suggested.

Article Added 18/04/2008
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Time to avoid your own credit crunch

If you are caught in your own credit crunch because you don't pay off your credit card in full each month, it's time to look at how you could do things differently.

Article Added 17/04/2008
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Living well in tough times

Many Australians are finding life tough at the moment financially. Stitching those cents to fund the next purchase can be a bit of a hassle. Recent interest rate hikes, combined with higher home loan repayments and the global credit crunch mean that a lot of people are having to cut back on additional spending.

Article Added 16/04/2008
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Firm unveils "quirky" credit card fraud buster

An Adelaide company has stated that it has come up with a "quirky" way of avoiding credit card fraudsters.

Article Added 15/04/2008
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Pokies spending 'helped by credit cards'

Australians are spending as much as 78 per cent of their disposable income on pokie machines and other forms of gambling, a new survey has found.

Article Added 14/04/2008
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Interest rate rises 'pushing credit cards to the max'

Australia's high interest rates are hurting more consumers than first thought, according to a new report.

Article Added 11/04/2008
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Credit cards 'at heart of Woolies expansion plans'

The new range of credit cards soon to be launched by Australia's largest retailer could be used to help the company grow in overseas markets, according to reports.

Article Added 10/04/2008
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Young Aussies 'turn to credit cards to cover debts'

A quarter of young Australians will be forced to use their credit cards to cover ever increasing debts in the next three months, a new study has revealed.

Article Added 09/04/2008
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How to take credit card companies on a honeymoon

A recent study found that the number of households expecting to have increased credit card debt in three months' time has increased "massively" over the past year.

Article Added 09/04/2008
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Protecting against 'credit card crims'

Australians should be doing more to protect themselves from credit card fraud and identity theft, an industry expert has claimed.

Article Added 07/04/2008
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Survey reveals young people's debt fears

New research by Newspoll has shown that young people are more in fear than ever of getting into debt.

Article Added 04/04/2008
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Westpac and Virgin Money in credit card merger

Virgin Money has agreed a merger for its Virgin Credit Card in a $39 million deal with Australian firm Westpac Banking.

Article Added 04/04/2008
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Crunch spurring consumers to switch credit card providers

A recent study found that many Australians are changing their spending habits as a result of the recent credit crunch.

Article Added 02/04/2008
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Controlled use of credit cards 'leads to happy finances'

The use of credit cards is at the heart of many Australian's debt problems, according to new research.

Article Added 02/04/2008
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Australians 'relying on credit cards too much'

A large number of Australians are now paying for stock market debts on their credit card, an ABC investigation has revealed.

Article Added 01/04/2008
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Going low with credit card interest

Many Australians find the credit card market to be something of a minefield. Deciding what card they want can be a long and sometimes confusing process.

Article Added 31/03/2008
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Customers urged over security as credit card fraud rises

The number of incidents of credit card fraud across Australia has risen sharply over the last year, new research has revealed.

Article Added 31/03/2008
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David Jones reiterates credit card desires

Retail giant David Jones has reiterated its desire to move into the credit card market, after announcing its financial results.

Article Added 28/03/2008
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Avoiding common credit card pitfalls

Credit cards can be great additions to the wallets of many Australians. However, as with just about all financial products, these plastic friends do have good and bad points. Many customers fall into common pitfalls which can force them into protracted negotiations with lenders or even debt problems.

Article Added 28/03/2008
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The benefits of switching credit cards

There are many reasons why people enter the credit card market. There are also many stories of people being unhappy with their credit cards and wanting to switch.

Article Added 28/03/2008
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An overview of the most competitive frequent flyer credit cards

Many consumers want something back from their credit card each time they use them. While there are numerous reward cards on the market, many people - especially businessmen - use their credit cards to earn air miles to travel the globe.

Article Added 25/03/2008
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Old technologies 'hitting Aussies in the pocket'

Old payment systems currently being used by some of the largest banks in Australia are costing consumers billions of dollars each year, according to a new report.

Article Added 25/03/2008
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Common pitfalls in choosing a credit card and how to avoid them

When choosing to enter the credit card market, it can be an exciting yet bewildering time. As with almost anything there are, in reality, many ups and downs with regards to credit cards and, as a result, many people fall into the same pitfalls over and over again.

Article Added 19/03/2008
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How to apply for a credit card online

Applying for a credit card online can seem like a hassle. With so many to choose from - and a sometimes bewildering array of offers - it can be complicated.

Article Added 18/03/2008
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Credit cards 'lead to identity crisis'

A new report has revealed that as many as 23 per cent of Australians have been the victims of some kind of identity fraud at least once in their lives.

Article Added 17/03/2008
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Victorians 'stock-piling credit cards'

More than 375,000 people in the state of Victoria have three of more credit cards in order to juggle their growing debt problems, new research has revealed.

Article Added 17/03/2008
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An overview of the best rewards credit cards

Many people want a little something extra when they commit to a credit card. Reward cards earn treats and special offers for the consumer, without them having to do anything additional. You get gifts in return for expenditure - sounds pretty good really.

Article Added 14/03/2008
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Consumers warned over credit card rates small print

Consumers undertaking a credit card comparison should look, read and understand the small print before they sign up for a card, according to a new report.

Article Added 13/03/2008
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Rate rises 'halting credit card popularity'

Rising interest rates are putting people off taking out credit cards, while a rush of homeowners are trying to agree mortgages before the next interest rate rise, federal government figures have suggested.

Article Added 13/03/2008
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An overview of the most competitive low interest credit cards

Comparing credit cards can be a tough decision - which is cheapest; which gives the most rewards; which has the lowest rate of interest? All these are pressing questions when looking at credit card offers.

Article Added 13/03/2008
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The rise of the competitive debit card

Debit cards are becoming increasingly popular in purses and wallets across Australia. Not quite rivalling the popularity of credit cards just yet, debit cards often offer customers greater flexibility and, for those who are short on cash, will only allow you to spend the money that you have. No interest rates and fewer headaches.

Article Added 12/03/2008
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Competitive balance transfer credit cards

For those currently unsure of which is the best credit card for them, it is important to choose what the most important feature of the card is. If it is balance transfer rates, then there are a number of credit card offers to choose from.

Article Added 12/03/2008
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Expert warns of reward card pitfalls

There is no such thing as a "free lunch" in the credit card market, with customers best off shopping around for the best deal before settling on their chosen card, an expert has claimed.

When looking for the best credit card reward schemes on the market, it is important to look at all the cards - over 200 of them - which offer incentives and then compare which is right for your personal needs, Paul Clitheroe stated.

Writing in the Sunshine Coast Daily, the chairman of the Financial Literacy Foundation and chief commentator for Money Magazine said that while some credit cards are a "bargain", others make consumers work too hard for their rewards.

Mr Clitheroe said: "Depending on the type of card, you may need to rack up anywhere between $8,000 and $36,000 in annual card spending just to be rewarded with a $100 shopping voucher. In some cases this barely covers the annual card fee."

Most credit card loyalty schemes work by giving consumers 'points' for each dollar they spend on their credit card and which can then be redeemed for travel and accommodation, gifts, electronic equipment and just about any other product or service possible.

Article Added 11/03/2008
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Faster credit card payment system 'passes tests'

Payments on credit cards could be much faster in the future after an Australian invention which speeds up payment processing passed essential tests.

Article Added 11/03/2008
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Woolies and HSBC team up for credit card launch

One of Australia's largest retailing groups has launched its own range of credit cards after securing a deal with a major bank.

Article Added 10/03/2008
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What is Bartercard?

The credit card industry is always on the look out for a new and innovative way to get its services out to customers. First there was the platinum credit card, then the frequent flyer credit card. Now, there is the Bartercard.

Article Added 10/03/2008
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What is Visa?

As major players in the credit card market come, they rarely get any bigger than Visa. Together with its rival MasterCard, Visa has dominated the credit card sector for decades and, through major tie-ups with leading banks, nearly everyone in Australia now has one of its products.

Article Added 10/03/2008
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How to find the right credit card for you

Finding the right credit card can be a bit of a nightmare. With so many to choose from, the options are often bewildering. However, it can be much easier than you think.

Article Added 06/03/2008
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Why choose a platinum credit card?

When starting a credit card comparison, it can be hard to know where to start. The market is full, with so many credit cards to choose from it can be bamboozling.

Article Added 05/03/2008
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What is American Express (AmEx)?

When it comes to global superpowers in the financial world, there are few bigger than American Express.

Article Added 04/03/2008
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What is GE Money Australia?

Banks and financial institutions have a variety of histories. Some are former state departments; some are founded by wealthy businessmen, however very few are directly linked to the inventor of the light bulb.

Article Added 04/03/2008
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Is credit card variety the spice of life?

Credit card companies are constantly fighting for consumers, offering a range of sometimes mind-boggling offers, complete with their own added bonuses.

Article Added 03/03/2008
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Credit card reward schemes 'better than last year'

Rewards offered on credit cards by some of the major banks and financial institutions are better than a year ago, according to a new report.

Article Added 03/03/2008
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What is MasterCard?

MasterCard is now a household brand. Whether through using MasterCard credit cards or through striking television commercials, just about every Australian has heard of this truly global company.

Article Added 26/02/2008
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How to compare credit cards

Looking for a credit card can be a confusing and bewildering experience. With so many to choose from, having to compare credit cards can lead to some disastrous consequences.

Article Added 26/02/2008
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What is the NAB?

Many Australians have heard of the National Australian Bank, or NAB as it is better known as. But many do not know its global status as one of the most powerful homegrown companies to ever come out of Australia.

Article Added 25/02/2008
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Credit card debt 'reaches new high'

Australia's credit card spending hangover has reached a new high, it has emerged.

Article Added 21/02/2008
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David Jones announces new credit card partnership

The department store chain David Jones has announced details of a new credit card partnership.

Article Added 21/02/2008
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Some things in life do come for free

The free credit card industry in Australia is growing rapidly. Many of the major credit card companies are now offering customers the chance to have no annual fees but are they right for you?

A no annual fee credit card gives you an automatic saving with some of the more prestigious credit cards - such as a platinum card - charging well over $200 in annual fees.

Article Added 15/02/2008
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Sadness 'makes us spend more money'

People who are in a bad mood or sad for any reason often spend more on their credit cards when they go shopping, new research has found.

Article Added 14/02/2008
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Smart cards - the credit card for the 21st century

Last year, two of Australia's banks started replacing credit cards with magnetic strips with cards containing computer chips, known as smart cards.

Article Added 13/02/2008
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What is Westpac?

The nation's oldest financial institution, Westpac has been through some tough times recently, but still maintains its position as one of the major players in the Australian financial industry.

Article Added 11/02/2008
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Borrowers warned to 'take stock of finances'

Consumers requiring personal and home loans should take a step back and look at the bigger picture in the current financial climate, a leading industry body has claimed.

Article Added 04/02/2008
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Interest rate hike 'could be halted'

The Reserve Bank of Australia may resist temptation to increase interest rates next month as a result of the continuing global financial instability, an industry expert has suggested.

Article Added 31/01/2008
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Banks offer assistance to storm-ravaged customers

Two of Australia's largest financial institutions have offered help to thousands of homeowners hit by recent storms in Queensland.

Article Added 30/01/2008
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Higher food prices loom for Australians

Consumers across Australia may have to use their credit cards more often to pay for the weekly shop, as a new report has found that raw produce prices are likely to reach record highs during 2008.

Article Added 29/01/2008
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Over 1m 'struggle with credit card payments'

More than one million Australians only make the minimum payment on their credit card bill each month, new research has found.

Article Added 24/01/2008
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New year, new credit card?

The Christmas spending spree has left many Australians looking at their finances harder than ever before, with credit cards the source of much of the scrutiny.

Article Added 11/01/2008
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Christmas debt worries not over as wait for bills continues

Consumers are bracing themselves for their credit card bills after a record period at the stores for Australians this Christmas.

Article Added 07/01/2008
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'Serious planning required' to avoid credit card debt

Consumers should take a serious look at their financial situation before taking out a credit card to avoid debt problems in the future, a financial expert has claimed.

Article Added 07/01/2008
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Rise and rise of zero-interest credit cards

With the amount being spent being spent by Australian consumers breaking records, credit card companies have been quick to seize an opportunity to allay fears of mounting debts.

Article Added 04/01/2008
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Financial fears put aside during festive spending spree

Despite enduring a difficult year in personal finance terms, consumers in Australia confounded expectations by coming out in force over the festive period.

Article Added 03/01/2008
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Australian dollar catches up on US

The gap between the Australian and American dollars narrowed on Wednesday, it has emerged.

Article Added 02/01/2008
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Apca urges vigilance on card fraud

One of the country's leading voices in the financial sector has issued a call for businesses and individuals to exercise vigilance when conducting transactions via credit card.

Article Added 27/12/2007
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