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Credit cards ''can ease the squeeze''

Credit cards ''can ease the squeeze''
Consumers who are feeling the quease of the credit squeeze could find credit cards to be the key to easing their troubled minds, it has been asserted.

The Leader explains that different credit card providers have passed on interest rate cuts more quickly than others.

As such, transferring funds from one card to another could lower the amount being spent on interest each month.

However, the publication warns that savvy consumers should avoid low introductory rates if they are unable to clear their balance before the rate defaults to a higher long-term level of interest.

Similarly, cards with a higher long-term rate should be avoided as new purchases will incur this interest - and not the introductory offer - the article adds.

Other issues include any fixed charges or benefits, which may also vary from provider to provider and could be of more interest heading into 2009 than is usually the case.

Recent figures from the Australian National Retailers Association revealed that fewer Aussies are planning to use their Christmas bonuses to clear credit card debts than in previous years.ADNFCR-2079-ID-18951583-ADNFCR
Wednesday, 31 December 2008 00:00
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Top 5 Credit Cards

Card Balance Transfers Typical APR (variable) Annual Fee Apply
View Full Table >
Citibank Clear Platinum
Apply >
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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

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