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Credit Cards Latest News Rudd to review high rates paid on credit cards

Rudd to review high rates paid on credit cards

Rudd to review high rates paid on credit cards
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is concerned about the fluctuating interest rates applied to credit cards, and has said the Government is reviewing regulation of the industry.

Mr Rudd's concerns were focussed on the sheer range of between 500 and 600 credit cards available with interest rates reaching as high as 28%p.a.

There are several cards offering rates less than half of that, so it is up to you to compare the credit card market to find the best deals.
"I am concerned about the extraordinary spread of interest rates out there," he told Fairfax Radio Network today.

"Of course consumers can choose ... but we are having a very close look at the extent of which they are being properly regulated."
Mr Rudd said that rate cuts should be passed onto credit cards to reflect the new official interest rates, but it's the banks responsibility to do so.

"In terms of the responsibility of the banks ... to bring down their rates appropriately as well, yes, that should happen," he said.
"Is it happening as fast as it should? Well, I think we would all like to see faster action on these questions."

Australian credit cards have been improving over time, with more and more cards offering 0% periods on balance transfers and more competitive interest rates and annual fees.

St. George is currently offering the market leading credit card with the St. George Vertigo, giving you 0% on balance transfers for 6 months, with a low rate of just 11.89% and a low annual fee of $55 p.a. See this card and more at www.which4u.com.au
Wednesday, 05 November 2008 09:34
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Top 5 Credit Cards

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

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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