Credit Cards - RBA will increase cash rates 'only twice in 2010'
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Latest News RBA will increase cash rates 'only twice in 2010'
RBA will increase cash rates 'only twice in 2010'
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will increase the cash rates twice this year, according to an industry expert.
Clifford Bennett, chief economist at Herston Economics, told the Australian Associated Press that interest rates would keep inflation in check, something which could appeal to credit card holders.
He said interest rates are at a "new normal" rate of around 3.5 per cent, in contrast to last year.
"In the first three rate hikes last year a lot of the (RBA) statements were around the discussion of how strong growth is going to be," he added.
During the financial crisis the cash rates rose by 75 basis points in the last quarter of 2009, which took the rate up to 3.75 per cent after a 49-year low of three per cent.
Mr Bennett's comments come as Citi predicted earlier this week that the RBA will boost rates to 5.25 per cent by the end of 2010.
By James Leyfield
Clifford Bennett, chief economist at Herston Economics, told the Australian Associated Press that interest rates would keep inflation in check, something which could appeal to credit card holders.
He said interest rates are at a "new normal" rate of around 3.5 per cent, in contrast to last year.
"In the first three rate hikes last year a lot of the (RBA) statements were around the discussion of how strong growth is going to be," he added.
During the financial crisis the cash rates rose by 75 basis points in the last quarter of 2009, which took the rate up to 3.75 per cent after a 49-year low of three per cent.
Mr Bennett's comments come as Citi predicted earlier this week that the RBA will boost rates to 5.25 per cent by the end of 2010.
By James Leyfield
Friday, 05 February 2010 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