Archive for the ‘Credit Card Reviews’ Category

Low Rate Credit Cards from 4 major banks July 2010

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

Who has the best low rate credit card of all the major Australian banks? Why don’t we compare the 4 major banks by rates and features on their main low rate credit card options?

 

Purchase

Cash Advance

Annual Fees

Balance Transfers

Free days

Westpac

13.24% p.a.

21.24% p.a

$45

3.99% p.a. on balance transfers for up to 6 months

Up to 55 days interest free days

CBA

13.24% p.a

21.49% p.a

Annual fee $78 (or $48 for qualifying customers)

5.99% p.a
5 months

Up to 55 days interest free days

NAB

13.24% p.a

21.49% p.a

$49

4.99% p.a. for up to 6 months

Up to 55 days interest free days

ANZ

13.24% p.a

21.49% p.a

$58

0% p.a. .for up to 6 months

Up to 55 days interest free days

 

EVEN

Westpac lowest

Westpac lowest

ANZ Lowest Balance transfer

EVEN

So let’s get this straight, Australians major 4 banks have a similar purchase rate on each of their low interest credit cards as of writing this article. Could this be right? In a system of market competition they all have the same rates. There are other banks that offer even lower rates but this comparison is only for Australia’s major 4 banks so let’s keep going.

The cash rate, for when you draw money in the form of cash on credit. Never a good idea to draw a cash advance rate because of the higher interest rate this incurs and none of these credit cards offer too much relief in this area. All the banks showed big cash interest rates in the high 21% but Westpac had a little less at the lowest purchase rate of 21.24%, 25 basis points off the other three banks CAB, NAB and ANZ at 21.49%. So cash advances are not the best use of these credit cards.

Westpac have the lowest annual credit card fee at $45 with CBA having the highest at $79($48 if you qualify). NAB the next best annual fee at $49, only $4 more that Westpac’s yearly fee and ANZ at a seemingly close $58. So credit card annual fees vary between the banks being compared but not by too much.

ANZ has the best balance transfer at 0% interest over 6 months. All the other cards have a higher balance transfer rate between 3.99% to 5.99%. If you were choosing to transfer your credit card balance then ANZ might be the way to go.

All the compared credit cards have the same 55 day interest free terms on purchases.

If you were only considering these cards then you would not be doing your credit card research properly, there are other credit cards that can save you money in the low interest area. You just need to consider other lenders to find a better deal.

Bank West for instance, that have a genuinely competitive interest rate on it low rate credit card but if you haven’t heard of them or are not near a bank branch you might never getting choose. With the internet, online applications can have a great impact on your ability to apply for a different credit card easily. You can apply for most credit cards online these days so you should look to more credit card lenders to find better deals.

Bankwest Lite MasterCard
  • 10.75% on purchases.
  • A low $59 annual fee.
  • Up to 3 additional cardholders – free!
  • Access to RewardMe instant rewards and discounts
  • Plus lots more….


Bankwest Lite MasterCard



Purchase Rate Interest Free Annual Fee Balance Transfer
10.75% 55 days $59.00

1.99% for 9 months



BOQ Gold and Platinum Cards

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

BOQ is offering a great rewards program through there premium Gold and Platinum credit cards. You can enjoy quality rewards through the BOQ Q Rewards. Q Rewards is a range of benefits including travel options and shopping vouchers. Rewards are accumulated by simply spending money throught BOQ Gold and Platinum credit cards.

BOQ Gold Credit Card
  • Q Rewards program
  • Earn 1.75 Q Rewards Points for every $1 spent
  • International travel insurance
  • Purchase Cover Insurance
  • Priority 24-hour customer service on a dedicated Gold Visa card enquiries line
  • $1,000 daily cash advance limit through ATMs


BOQ Gold Credit Card



Purchase Rate Interest Free Annual Fee Balance Transfer
20.24% 55 days $120.00

1.90% for 6 months

BOQ Platinum Credit Card
  • Q Rewards program
  • Earn 2 Q Rewards Points for every $1 spent
  • Concierge service
  • International travel insurance
  • Higher levels of Purchase Cover Insurance
  • Extended warranty on purchases made
  • Priority 24-hour customer service on dedicated Platinum card enquiries line
  • $1,000 daily cash advance limit through ATMs


BOQ Platinum Credit Card



Purchase Rate Interest Free Annual Fee Balance Transfer
20.24% 55 days $199.00

3.90% for life

If you apply for a Gold and Platinum credit card your are automatically enrolled in the Q Rewards program and the rewards program is free.
If Flights rewards are your main purpose for having a rewards card, Q Rewards allows you to fly with all major Australian airlines including Virgin Blue, JetStar and Qantas.

Shopping Vouchers are also redeemable with BOQ rewards program, they offer you vouchers for the best Australian department stores and more like Myer, David Jones, Hoyts and Village Cinemas, Toys R Us, Bunnings Warehouse and Dreamworld.

You can review all your Q rewards points and benefits through a rewards website especially designed for BOQ Gold and Platinum credit cards holders. You can get rewarded with things like Electronics, home items, Health and Beauty, iPod and Accessories plus the travel and shopping vouchers. There is even a cashback option if you prefer to get money back with your reward points.

Points / Cash Back
7,200 = $25
14,300 = $50
28,600 = $100
71,500 = $250
142,900 = $500
285,800 = $1000

How many points do you receive? With the BOQ Gold credit card, purchases reward you with1.75 Points per dollar spent and the BOQ Platinum credit card gives you 2 points per dollar spent. Both credit cards come with balance transfer options if you would like to change credit card providers easily.

The credit cards offer 2 types of insurance, International travel insurance covers you for any unexpected circumstances while travelling like lost luggage and hospital cover. The Purchase Cover Insurance extends your warranty on any purchases made on the credit card.



St. George Vertigo Credit Card offers great interest and fees for everyday Australians

Sunday, January 24th, 2010

One of Australia’s most trusted financial providers St. George has an award-winning credit card for cost-conscious consumer called Vertigo.

Vertigo from St. George Voted Australia’s Cheapest Credit Card by Money Magazine in 2007 and 2008, St.George Vertigo Mastercard provides a great personal interest rate and a competitive low fee.

Any purchase your make with a St.George Vertigo Mastercard has a 55 day interest free period before a low interest rate of 11.74% is charged against your balance. It has a very low credit card fee of $55 per annum which rates amongst the lowest in all the credit cards available.

If you like to share your credit card with a family member, St.George offer a second credit card attached to the very same account for free.

With a no interest on balance transfers for 6 months, this credit card is perfect to transfer your current credit cards balance to help you manage your current credit card debt.

If you like getting benefits with your credit card, St.George Vertigo Mastercard offers discounts and added extras on Entertainment, Experiences, Shopping, Travel and Leisure, Wine and Magazine Subscriptions. This is a very special credit card because it has a low interest rate but still offers benefits usually found in more expensive rewards credit cards.

St.George is another lender which isn’t one of the big for banks in Australia; they are increasing competition in the credit card sector in which all Australians benefit from. Best Rate Credit Cards rates the St.George Vertigo Mastercard 5 stars.

Applying for your St. George Vertigo MasterCard is quick and easy with our secure application link. You must be at least 18 years of age to apply and have a valid driver’s license number, and proof of income. Applications are quick with an instant application response, so you can start enjoying your new card sooner.

StGeorge Vertigo MasterCard
  • The low rate credit card for those who love to shop
  • 2.99% p.a. on balance transfers for up to 6 months**.
  • A low ongoing variable interest rate on purchases – currently 12.49% p.a.
  • Instant discounts and added extras with St.George Instant Benefits


StGeorge Vertigo MasterCard



Purchase Rate Interest Free Annual Fee Balance Transfer
12.49% 55 days $55.00

2.99% for 6 months





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