Consumers 'should seek out best credit card deals'

Australians are being urged to switch from high-interest credit cards to lower rate deals.

Those looking to get to grips with debts run up over the Christmas period are being advised to seek out a competitive credit card.

By obtaining a low-rate Australian banking product, Annette Sampson of the Sydney Morning Herald suggests that people can pay back what they owe in a more effective manner.

Claiming that there is no need to be repaying 20 per cent interest on debt, those looking to compare accounts in an effort to get on a firmer fiscal footing may want to make note of her points that "a swag of cards" which either charge a low amount of interest or nothing at all.

Her comments come as research commissioned by Aussie shows the typical person owes more than $3,200 on their credit cards.

"Presuming you've done your budgeting and committed a set amount each month to pay the debt off, the next step is to ensure you have the right credit card," Ms Sampson states.

Such advice follows comments made by Anglicare chief executive Reverend Chris Jones who told the Mercury that many people in Tasmania are seeking help with debts after excessive spending during the festive period.

By Ashley King