Bread Crumb Trail

Credit Cards Latest News Economists point to interest rate rise

Economists point to interest rate rise

Economists point to interest rate rise

Those coming to the end of their credit card's interest free period might be affected if the national rate goes up.

Savings account and credit card customers may be affected should the Reserve Bank's rate increase this week.

According to a summary of the current situation by the AAP, economists believe the base rate will be bumped up for the third time in as many months.

Citing recently-conducted research, the news agency said 13 of 14 experts surveyed believe the cash rate will rise to 3.75 per cent tomorrow (December 1st).

This 25-basis point move, said 4cast Financial Markets economist Michael Turner, could be nixed due to recent volatility in the market, which may "stay the central bank's hand".

Royal Bank of Scotland chief economist Kieran Davies also commented on the issue, suggesting the Reserve Bank will hike rates "and then they will take their usual break in January".

"The average homeowner can absorb the initial hikes because they are still paying off their home loans at a pace consistent with where interest rates were late in '08 or early '09," he added.

Currently, the 3.5 per cent policy interest rate sits beside the inflation rate of 1.3 per cent.

By Joe Letts
ADNFCR-2135-ID-19485129-ADNFCR
Monday, 30 November 2009 00:00
View News Archive
Bookmark and Share

Make a comment on this article

Comment
Please enter the following letters in the box below.
We're very sorry for this but we just need to ensure
that you are not a computer.

Top 5 Credit Cards

Card Balance Transfers Typical APR (variable) Annual Fee Apply
View Full Table >
Citibank Clear Platinum
Apply >
More Info
0%
6 mths
11.49%
$99 - $50 off in 1st year = $49
ANZ Low Rate Card
Apply >
More Info
0%
6 mths
13.24%
$58 p.a.
ANZ Balance
Apply >
More Info
0%
6 mths
14.24%
$79 p.a.
HSBC Credit Card
Apply >
More Info
0%
6 mths
16.99%
Free For Life
Citibank Clear
Apply >
More Info
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:
1.90% p.a. 15 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:
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:
19.99% 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:
$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