Credit Cards - Sydneysiders 'struggle to cope with financial commitments'
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Latest News Sydneysiders 'struggle to cope with financial commitments'
Sydneysiders 'struggle to cope with financial commitments'
Keeping on top of financial commitments is proving to be an area of significant difficulty for many people in Sydney, it has been claimed.
Research recently released by Wesley Mission reveals that just under a quarter (24 per cent) of those between the ages of 30 and 59 are unable to consistently pay their utility bills on time.
However, it could be possible that being in possession of a credit card could be a useful tool in meeting such a financial demand.
Just under a fifth of those with a credit card struggle to pay bills on time, although this rises to 47 per cent among people without a card.
Keith Garner, chief executive of Wesley Mission, points out this year has seen a significant drive in the number of calls that the organisation's financial counsellors have received from people looking for help in getting to grips with their utility bills.
"For many people the coming months and year will mean a financial wipe-out," he adds.
One of those who may have previously turned to plastic to meet essential payments such as utility bills was an anonymous Adelaide millionaire who recently told the Sunday Mail that before the $20 million lottery win he and his wife relied heavily on their credit cards to supplement their day-to-day spending.
Written by Emma North
Research recently released by Wesley Mission reveals that just under a quarter (24 per cent) of those between the ages of 30 and 59 are unable to consistently pay their utility bills on time.
However, it could be possible that being in possession of a credit card could be a useful tool in meeting such a financial demand.
Just under a fifth of those with a credit card struggle to pay bills on time, although this rises to 47 per cent among people without a card.
Keith Garner, chief executive of Wesley Mission, points out this year has seen a significant drive in the number of calls that the organisation's financial counsellors have received from people looking for help in getting to grips with their utility bills.
"For many people the coming months and year will mean a financial wipe-out," he adds.
One of those who may have previously turned to plastic to meet essential payments such as utility bills was an anonymous Adelaide millionaire who recently told the Sunday Mail that before the $20 million lottery win he and his wife relied heavily on their credit cards to supplement their day-to-day spending.
Written by Emma North
Wednesday, 01 July 2009 00:00
| Card | Balance Transfers | Typical APR (variable) | Annual Fee | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| View Full Table > | ||||
 |
ANZ Low Rate Card | |||
|
0%
6 mths
|
12.74%
|
$58 p.a.
|
||
 |
ANZ Balance | |||
|
0%
6 mths
|
13.74%
|
$79 p.a.
|
||
 |
Coles Group Source MasterCard | |||
|
0%
6 mths
|
19.74%
|
No Fee
|
||
 |
Citibank Clear Platinum | |||
|
0.99%
6 mths
|
11.49%
|
$99 - 50% off in 1st year = $49
|
||
 |
Westpac 55 Day Classic Card | |||
|
1.99%
9 mths
|
18.59%
|
No Annual Fee in 1st Yr, then $30
|
||
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% p.a. 6 mths
- Purchase Rate:
- N/A
Standard Rates
- Purchases:
- 12.74% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 12.74% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 20.99% 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:
- 13.74% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 13.74% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 20.99% 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:
- 19.74% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 19.74% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 21.99% p.a.
- Annual Fee:
- No Fee
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:
- 0.99% p.a. 6 mths
- Purchase Rate:
- N/A
Standard Rates
- Purchases:
- 11.49% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 11.49% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 20.99% 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
- ou 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:
- 1.99% p.a. 9 mths
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% p.a. 5 mths
Standard Rates
- Purchases:
- 18.59% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 18.59% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 20.49% 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:
- 12.74% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 12.74% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 20.74% 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. 9 mths
- Purchase Rate:
- N/A
Standard Rates
- Purchases:
- 19.25% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 19.25% 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:
- 2.99% p.a. 6 mths
- Purchase Rate:
- 2.99% p.a. 6 mths
Standard Rates
- Purchases:
- 12.29% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 12.29% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 18.79% 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:
- 2.99% p.a. 6 mths
- Purchase Rate:
- N/A
Standard Rates
- Purchases:
- 11.74% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 11.74% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 20.49% 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:
- 1.99% p.a. 9 mths
- Purchase Rate:
- N/A
Standard Rates
- Purchases:
- 19.14% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 19.14% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 20.64% 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:
- 1.99% p.a. 9 mths
- Purchase Rate:
- N/A
Standard Rates
- Purchases:
- 19.14% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 19.14% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 20.64% 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:
- 1.99% p.a. 9 mths
- Purchase Rate:
- N/A
Standard Rates
- Purchases:
- 18.59% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 18.59% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 20.49% p.a.
- Annual Fee:
- No Annual Fee in 1st Yr, then $130
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:
- 2.90% p.a. 6 mths
- Purchase Rate:
- N/A
Standard Rates
- Purchases:
- 15.49% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 15.49% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 20.99% 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
- ou 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:
- 2.90% p.a. 12 mths
- Purchase Rate:
- N/A
Standard Rates
- Purchases:
- 20.49% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 20.49% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 20.99% 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:
- 3.90% 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:
- 3.99% p.a. 6 mths
- Purchase Rate:
- N/A
Standard Rates
- Purchases:
- 14.99% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 14.99% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 20.49% 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
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 5.99% p.a. 6 mths
- Purchase Rate:
- N/A
Standard Rates
- Purchases:
- 16.99% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 5.99% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 19.99% 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
- You have a Income of over $20,000.pa
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 5.99% p.a. 6 mths
- Purchase Rate:
- N/A
Standard Rates
- Purchases:
- 18.74% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 18.74% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 20.99% p.a.
- Annual Fee:
- 1st Year Free, then $49
Standard Features
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 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
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 5.99% p.a. 5 mths
- Purchase Rate:
- N/A
Standard Rates
- Purchases:
- 19.24% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 19.24% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 20.74% p.a.
- Annual Fee:
- $24, or Free if you spend $1000+p.a
Standard Features
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 0 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:
- 19.74% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 19.74% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 20.74% 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:
- 19.74% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 19.74% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 20.74% 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:
- 19.74% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 19.74% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 20.74% 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:
- 18.49% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 18.49% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 20.24% 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:
- 18.49% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 18.49% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 20.24% 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:
- 18.59% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 18.59% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 20.49% 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:
- 19.14% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 19.14% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 20.99% p.a.
- Annual Fee:
- $100 p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 44 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:
- 18.74% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 18.74% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 20.69% p.a.
- Annual Fee:
- $150 p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 44 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