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Budget 'can help with money management'

Budget 'can help with money management'
The setting up of a budget can prove to be an effective means for people to get to grips with their finances, it has been suggested.

Commenting on the launch of Wesley Mission's online budgeting website, Graeme Cole of the organisation claims that planning finances can be especially useful for those consumers who are "in over their heads".

Indeed, financial counsellor Sandra Bourke adds that a lack of preparation can see people struggle to keep up with demands for payment on essentials such as utilities.

And she claims that while credit cards are often used to supplement spending, this can be the start of major financial difficulties.

Ms Bourke goes on to claim that people are placing less money into saving accounts these days.

She adds that many people are spending more money than they are actually bringing in, with credit cards especially playing a factor in overspending.

Earlier this month, Michelle House, creator of secretbudget.net, told the Courier Mail that as money is "a precious, finite resource" setting up a budget can help monitor regular areas of financial demand.

Written by Emma NorthADNFCR-2135-ID-19241066-ADNFCR
Monday, 29 June 2009 00:00
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Card Balance Transfers Typical APR (variable) Annual Fee Apply
View Full Table >
Citibank Clear Platinum
0%
6 mths
11.49%
$99 - $50 off in 1st year = $49
ANZ Low Rate Card
0%
6 mths
13.24%
$58 p.a.
ANZ Balance
0%
6 mths
14.24%
$79 p.a.
HSBC Credit Card
0%
6 mths
16.99%
Free For Life
Citibank Clear
0%
6 mths
15.49%
$65 p.a.

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% p.a. 6 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
11.49% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
11.49% p.a.
Cash Advance:
21.24% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$99 - $50 off in 1st year = $49

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
$20,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia
  • You have an Income of over $50,000.pa
  • You have not applied and been declined for another Citibank product in the last 9 months
  • Please ensure you have your contact details, your employment details and your personal income and expense details ready to make an application

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% p.a. 6 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
13.24% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
13.24% p.a.
Cash Advance:
21.49% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$58 p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia
  • You have an Income of over $15,000.pa

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% p.a. 6 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
14.24% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
14.24% p.a.
Cash Advance:
21.49% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$79 p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
$15,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia
  • You have an Income of over $15,000.pa

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% p.a. 6 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
16.99% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
N/A
Cash Advance:
20.75% p.a.
Annual Fee:
Free For Life

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia
  • You have a Income of over $20,000.pa

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% p.a. 6 mths
Purchase Rate:
11.99% p.a. 12 mths

Standard Rates

Purchases:
15.49% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
15.49% p.a.
Cash Advance:
21.24% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$65 p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
$20,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia
  • You have an Income of over $20,000.pa
  • You have not applied and been declined for another Citibank product in the last 9 months
  • Please ensure you have your contact details, your employment details and your personal income and expense details ready to make an application

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% p.a. 6 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
20.24% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
20.24% p.a.
Cash Advance:
21.99% p.a.
Annual Fee:
Free For Life

Standard Features

Interest Free Days:
Up to 62 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
1.90% p.a. 12 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
12.24% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
12.24% p.a.
Cash Advance:
17.99% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$39 p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
$20,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 0 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • Are at least 18 years of age
  • Have a good credit rating
  • Earn taxable income of $20,000 per year or more
  • Are a permanent Australian resident
  • If you are an existing Suncorp credit cardholder, you must have held your current account for at least 9 months before you can apply for another Suncorp credit card.

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
1.90% p.a. 12 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
19.75% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
19.75% p.a.
Cash Advance:
19.75% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$99 p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
$60,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • Are at least 18 years of age
  • Have a good credit rating
  • Earn taxable income of $35,000 per year or more
  • Are a permanent Australian resident
  • If you are an existing Suncorp credit cardholder, you must have held your current account for at least 9 months before you can apply for another Suncorp credit card.

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
1.90% p.a. 12 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
19.99% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
19.99% p.a.
Cash Advance:
19.99% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$63 p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
$7,500
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • Are at least 18 years of age
  • Have a good credit rating
  • Earn taxable income of $20,000 per year or more
  • Are a permanent Australian resident
  • If you are an existing Suncorp credit cardholder, you must have held your current account for at least 9 months before you can apply for another Suncorp credit card.

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
1.99% p.a. 9 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
10.75% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
10.75% p.a.
Cash Advance:
21.74% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$59 p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia
  • & have an Earned Taxable Income of over $20,000.pa

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
3.99% p.a. 9 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
16.99% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.99% p.a.
Cash Advance:
16.99% p.a.
Annual Fee:
Free For Life

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia
  • & have an Earned Taxable Income of over $20,000.pa

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
2.99% p.a. 6 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
12.49% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
12.49% p.a.
Cash Advance:
21.24% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$55 p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
2.90% p.a. 6 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
16.95% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.95% p.a.
Cash Advance:
20.99% p.a.
Annual Fee:
Free For Life

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
$2,000 - $10,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 44 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have an annual Income of $20000 p.a. or more.

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
2.99% p.a. 6 mths
Purchase Rate:
2.99% p.a. 6 mths

Standard Rates

Purchases:
12.99% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
12.99% p.a.
Cash Advance:
19.79% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$49 p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia
  • You have an Income of over $15,000.pa
  • If you are NOT permanent resident/citizen of Australia you must have an Income of over $50,000.pa

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
2.90% p.a. 12 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
13.24% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
13.24% p.a.
Cash Advance:
20.74% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$58 p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia
  • You have an Income of over $15,000.pa

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
2.90% p.a. 12 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
14.24% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
14.24% p.a.
Cash Advance:
21.49% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$79 p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
$15,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia
  • You have an Income of over $15,000.pa

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
3.90% p.a. For Life
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
19.99% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
19.99% p.a.
Cash Advance:
19.99% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$205 p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
$100,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • Are at least 18 years of age
  • Have a good credit rating
  • Earn taxable income of $50,000 per year or more
  • Are a permanent Australian resident
  • If you are an existing Suncorp credit cardholder, you must have held your current account for at least 9 months before you can apply for another Suncorp credit card.

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0.99% p.a. 6 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
18.49% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
18.49% p.a.
Cash Advance:
20.49% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$79 p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
1.99% p.a. 9 mths
Purchase Rate:
0% p.a. 5 mths

Standard Rates

Purchases:
19.34% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
19.34% p.a.
Cash Advance:
21.24% p.a.
Annual Fee:
No Annual Fee in 1st Yr, then $30

Standard Features

Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia & have an Income of over $15,000.pa

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
1.99% p.a. 9 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
13.24% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
13.24% p.a.
Cash Advance:
21.24% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$45 p.a.

Standard Features

Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia & have an Income of over $15,000.pa

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
1.90% p.a. 12 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
20.74% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
20.74% p.a.
Cash Advance:
21.24% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$149 p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
$60,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia
  • You have an Income of over $35,000.pa
  • You have not applied and been declined for another Citibank product in the last 9 months
  • Please ensure you have your contact details, your employment details and your personal income and expense details ready to make an application

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
3.99% p.a. 12 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
12.99% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
12.99% p.a.
Cash Advance:
19.79% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$49 p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia
  • You have an Income of over $15,000.pa
  • If you are NOT permanent resident/citizen of Australia you must have an Income of over $50,000.pa

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
3.99% p.a. 6 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
15.74% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
15.74% p.a.
Cash Advance:
21.24% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$89 p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0.99% p.a. 6 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
19.64% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
19.64% p.a.
Cash Advance:
21.14% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$75 p.a.

Standard Features

Interest Free Days:
Up to 45 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia & have an Income of over $15,000.pa

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0.99% p.a. 6 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
19.64% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
19.64% p.a.
Cash Advance:
21.14% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$125 p.a.

Standard Features

Interest Free Days:
Up to 45 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia & have an Income of over $15,000.pa

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0.99% p.a. 6 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
19.64% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
19.64% p.a.
Cash Advance:
21.14% p.a.
Annual Fee:
No Annual Fee in 1st Yr, then $250

Standard Features

Interest Free Days:
Up to 45 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia & have an Income of over $15,000.pa

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
5.99% p.a. 5 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
19.99% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
21.49% p.a.
Cash Advance:
21.49% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$24, or Free if you spend $1000+p.a

Standard Features

Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia
  • You have an Income of over $15,000.pa

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
5.99% p.a. 5 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
20.49% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
21.49% p.a.
Cash Advance:
21.49% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$144 p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia
  • You have an Income of over $50,000.pa

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
5.99% p.a. 5 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
20.49% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
21.49% p.a.
Cash Advance:
21.49% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$280 p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia
  • You have an Income of over $50,000.pa

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
5.99% p.a. 5 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
20.49% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
21.49% p.a.
Cash Advance:
21.49% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$89 p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia
  • You have an Income of over $15,000.pa

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
7.99% p.a. 6 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
18.99% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
18.99% p.a.
Cash Advance:
20.74% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$87 p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia
  • You have an Income of over $50,000.pa

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
7.99% p.a. 6 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
18.99% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
18.99% p.a.
Cash Advance:
20.74% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$30 p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 44 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia
  • You have an Income of over $15,000.pa

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
1.99% p.a. 9 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
19.34% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
19.34% p.a.
Cash Advance:
21.24% p.a.
Annual Fee:
No Annual Fee in 1st Yr, then $90

Standard Features

Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia & have an Income of over $15,000.pa

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
1.99% p.a. 9 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
19.64% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
19.64% p.a.
Cash Advance:
21.24% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$100 p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 45 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are aged 18 years or over
  • You are a permanent resident or citizen of Australia (Temporary Visa holders are not eligible to apply)
  • You earn a minimum income of $15,000p.a

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
1.99% p.a. 9 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
19.64% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
19.64% p.a.
Cash Advance:
21.24% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$150 p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 45 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are aged 18 years or over
  • You are a permanent resident or citizen of Australia (Temporary Visa holders are not eligible to apply)
  • You earn a minimum income of $50,000p.a

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
1.99% p.a. 9 mths
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
19.64% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
19.64% p.a.
Cash Advance:
21.24% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$295 p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 45 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are aged 18 years or over
  • You are a permanent resident or citizen of Australia (Temporary Visa holders are not eligible to apply)
  • You earn a minimum income of $65,000p.a

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
N/A
Purchase Rate:
4.99% p.a. 9 mths

Standard Rates

Purchases:
12.99% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
12.99% p.a.
Cash Advance:
19.79% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$49 p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia
  • You have an Income of over $15,000.pa
  • If you are NOT permanent resident/citizen of Australia you must have an Income of over $50,000.pa

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
N/A
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Standard Rates

Purchases:
12.99% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
12.99% p.a.
Cash Advance:
19.79% p.a.
Annual Fee:
No Annual Fee in 1st Yr, then $49

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia
  • You have an Income of over $15,000.pa
  • If you are NOT permanent resident/citizen of Australia you must have an Income of over $50,000.pa