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Many Aussies 'not changing financial approach'

Many Aussies 'not changing financial approach'

The majority of people are unwilling to change their approach to credit cards and other areas of personal finance despite the ongoing financial downturn, new research indicates.

Although the economic crisis continues to rumble on, a new study shows that many Australians are yet to change their financial habits.

Research carried out by Finsia - Financial Services Institute of Australasia reveals that although 60 per cent of people claim to be under either "some" or "a lot" of monetary stress since the start of the downturn, 51 per cent of people believe that there will not be any long-lasting effects of the downturn.

The study also indicates that 84 per cent of Australians believe there is too much access to credit cards for those people who unable to repay. Indeed, with 79 per cent of people in possession of a credit card, just under a fifth of these are oblivious to how much interest such a product charges.

It was also revealed that many people are not aware of how their superannuation is invested, something that could interest those looking for tips for saving for retirement.

"Despite recognising the inadequacy of their retirement savings and the unsustainable levels of access to easy credit, Australians appear largely unwilling to change their borrowing and spending approach in order to address their longer term financial security," Dr Martin Fahy, chief executive of Finsia, states.

Such comments come as figures from the Reserve Bank of Australia revealed that credit card spending rose by nine per cent over the course of June from the previous month.

Written by Bret ClementADNFCR-2135-ID-19337600-ADNFCR
Friday, 28 August 2009 00:00
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Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
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Cash Advance:
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Annual Fee:
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Credit Limit:
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Interest Free Days:
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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:
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Balance Transfers:
14.24% p.a.
Cash Advance:
21.49% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$79 p.a.

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Credit Limit:
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Interest Free Days:
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Online Banking:
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Approval Criteria

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  • You have an Income of over $15,000.pa

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Balance Transfers:
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Cash Advance:
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Annual Fee:
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Approval Criteria

  • Are at least 18 years of age
  • Have a good credit rating
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  • 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:
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Balance Transfers:
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Cash Advance:
20.49% p.a.
Annual Fee:
$79 p.a.

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Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
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Approval Criteria

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  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of Australia

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Balance Transfer Rate:
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Purchases:
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Balance Transfers:
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Cash Advance:
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Annual Fee:
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Interest Free Days:
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Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
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  • 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:
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Standard Rates

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

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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.

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Credit Limit:
$60,000
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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:
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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:
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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:
$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