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?

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.

Knowing what credit card to choose can be over whelming, the number of credit cards on offer can distract you from your original goals when considering a new credit card but if you know what to look out for then you can save money with your credit card. Following some of these credit card tips can save you from excessive fess, charges and interest rates and will guide you to finding the right credit card offer for your particular needs.

Cash advances cost more!
when you use you credit card for Cash advances a higher interest rate applies to the transaction and there are no interest free days. Some credit cards will wipe all your interest free days remaining on previous purchases and start charging interest. All you debt will incur interest charges and you won’t receive more interest free days until the all your debt is repaid.

Lower interest rates save you more!
You can save hundreds on interest charges every year if you have a lower interest rate credit card . Use our credit card charts or credit card interest calculator to see the difference between what interest charges are applied to with differing debt balances and interest rates.

Using a balance transfer
When you want to switch credit cards you can get a break on interest charges for a certain amount of time, balance transfers offer low to no interest charges on your card debt for a period of months. Use this time to repay the whole amount and you will get ahead on your repayments. You can’t use your credit card until the debt is repaid otherwise in some cases a cash advance interest rate will be applied and you wont receive the intended interest break.

Pay more than the minimum repayments
Just paying the minimum amount off your credit card each month will not reduce your debt very quickly, you will mostly be just paying off interest. You could transfer the debt to a low interest rate personal loan if you are having some trouble meeting you financial obligations. Its best to repay your credit card balance in full every month if you can otherwise minimize interest charges with a lower interest credit card.

Review your credit card statements
Check your credit card statements each month and look for payments made that your were not aware of. I could be a case of credit fraud when someone is using your credit card details to make purchases. If you see anything out of the ordinary you must notify your bank immediately other wise you will be paying for the debt.

Do Rewards appeal to you
If you want rewards from your credit card you must spend enough to gain rewards. The interest rates and fees on these credit cards are a lot higher than with low rate credit cards. If you can funnel your expenses through a rewards card and meet the repayment regularly then you can benefit from reward points in the form of shopping vouchers or frequent flying miles, just watch out for interest rate charges eating up the reward benefits in the first place.

Choose credit cards that suit you’re repayment habits
Knowing what your spending and repayment habits are going to be with your credit card, you can benefit from the right credit card features. If you don’t repay your credit card debt in full every month or when the interest free period is up then low interest rate credit cards are for you. If you do repay the full amount off your credit card and annual fees don’t trouble you, you can benefit from rewards, frequent flyer or premium service credit card features.

Use Credit Card Fee discounts
some credit card lenders offer you discount on credit card fees when you combine financial services from that lender. If you already have a home loan, personal loan or savings account, applying for a credit card with your bank can reduce fees, you might even have no fees. Check to see if your lender does offer these incentives with there credit cards services.

Avoid late payments penalties
If you don’t meet the minimum credit card repayments on time the you could be charge a dishonesty fee for the late payment. Plus you could loose any interest free days owing on your credit purchases. If you having trouble meeting credit card repayment find another financial solution like a balance transfer, don’t just hide and let it happen.

Non banks offer great credit card deals too
Smaller banks, building societies and credit unions offer some great credit card deals that are just as good as the major Australian banks. They increase competition in the credit card lending sector and bring downward pressure on credit card fees, charges and interest rates. They are very dependable and should not be overlooked when choosing a credit card.