Imagine a credit card that allowed you to buy what you wanted, have time to pay it back, yet never pay interest for the privilege of borrowing the money. Does this sound too good to be true? Yes, it does, but interest free credit cards do exist. Here is what you need to know about them… read more.
* Enjoy the convenience of a complimentary additional card for a family member or friend
* Enjoy hassle free shopping online and while travelling overseas
* Secure Internet Shopping protects you against online card fraud, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
The CBA Platinum Card is being re-launched! New customers will now get an AMEX card in addition to the standard Master Card so that they can earn rewards faster in addition to the full list of benefits listed below as part of the Spectrum Awards Program.
Your new Commonwealth Bank Awards American Express Card will earn you 1.5 Awards points for every $1 spent, along with a new level of privileges and rewards. Your Commonwealth Bank Awards MasterCard earns you 1 Awards point for every $1 spent and lets you enjoy the convenience of worldwide acceptance at over 29 million locations.
As an Awards cardholder your privileges include:
* Earn 1.5 Awards points for every $1 spent with American Express
* Emergency Travel Assistance for Commonwealth Bank American Express Cards
* globaleshop by American Express lets you shop at any online store in the US that doesn’t normally accept your Australian credit card or won’t normally deliver to an Australian address
* American Express Selects
* Internet fraud loss protection
* Secure Internet Shopping
* Enhanced chip protection with your MasterCard card
* Emergency card replacement and cash advances
* Access to MasterCard® applause
* MasterCard Global Service
As an example, where it may have taken around 21 months to earn enough Awards points for an iPod Nano this reward could be earned in only 14 months* by using your Awards American Express Card. *Based on an average spend of $2,000 per month.
* Complimentary international travel insurance for return trips of up to 12 months
* Your Platinum Connection concierge service is your personal assistant, 24/7
* Reward yourself with exceptional Platinum Awards
* Travel easy with Travel Plus, our exclusive booking service, using your award points
If you love to shop, this low interest rate credit card may be just for you. A low 11.99% p.a. rate on purchases means you can save on interest while enjoying the freedom to shop when you like. Save even more money by transferring a balance from a high rate non-St.George card to your Vertigo MasterCard and receive 0% on balance transfers for up to 6 months from when your card is approved.
* 11.99% p.a. on purchases
* 0% p.a. balance transfer rate for up to 6 months
* Awarded Australia’s Cheapest Balance Transfer Credit Card by Money Magazine 2009
The ultimate for shopping and travel, Platinum is a low interest credit card delivering great value and premium benefits. In addition to a low 15.24% p.a. rate on purchases, Platinum makes life a little easier with access to your own 24×7 Personal Concierge Service as well as a range of complimentary shopping and travel insurances.
* 15.24% p.a. on purchases
* 3.99% p.a. balance transfer rate for up to 6 months
* Low Platinum annual fee of $89
* Free, comprehensive shopping and travel insurances
* 24 x 7 Personal Concierge Service
Everyday Money Credit Card is competitively positioned in “Retail Rewards Card” market with:
Lowest APR
Unique rewards Shopping card every 4 months
Hot offer Bonus $50 shopping card. Apply by 31 March 2010 and make 3 purchases by May 2010
Low annual free (waived for first year)
Acquisition offer: Bonus $50 shopping card. Apply by 31 March 2010 and make 3 purchases by May 2010 (details on Page 3)
Features:
No annual fee
Pay no annual fee for the first year and only $49 per year after that.
Free additional cardholder
You can apply for a family member or friend who is over 16 years of age to become an additional cardholder on your Everyday Money Credit Card. You’ll even earn reward points for purchases on the additional card. Simply complete the relevant section of the Everyday Money Credit Card application.
A competitive credit card interest rate
The Everyday Money Credit Card offers a competitive interest rate (currently 18.49% p.a. on purchases and 20.99% p.a. for cash advances).
Up to 55 days interest free on purchases
With an Everyday Money Credit Card you can benefit from up to 55 days interest free on purchases.
5.99% p.a. on card balance transfers for the first 6 months
Your Everyday Money Credit Card gives you the option to transfer the balances from your non-HSBC credit or store cards, enabling you to reduce the cost and difficulty of managing more cards. Apply now and you’ll pay a low 5.99% p.a. for the first 6 months on balance transfers from non-HSBC credit or store cards
Worldwide acceptance wherever you see the MasterCard logo
The Everyday Money Credit Card is accepted at over 26 millions locations worldwide wherever you see the MasterCard logo.
Chip security
A microchip is embedded in the Everyday Money Credit Card plastic. The chip-enabled card carries more sophisticated payment applications, including enhanced security programs that provide better protection against unauthorised card use.
MasterCard PayPass
MasterCard PayPass is a convenient payment program that will allow you to just Tap & Go your card wherever you see the PayPass sign. So there’s no need to wait, sign or enter a PIN for amounts that are $35 or less.
Access to Everyday Money Credit Card Repayment Insurance
Protect yourself from the unexpected with Everyday Money Credit Card Repayment Insurance. Get help with your monthly credit card repayments if you’re involuntarily unemployed (due to redundancy or retrenchment) or can’t work due to injury or sickness. If you become totally and permanently disabled or were to pass away, the outstanding balance on your card is repaid up to a maximum of $25,000.
Everyday Money Credit Card Repayment Insurance doesn’t cost much. You’ll pay just 60c for each $100 of your monthly outstanding balance. There are no medical examinations or health questions to answer and you have a 30-day cooling off period. If you’d like to apply for Card Repayment Insurance simply select this option when you apply for the Everyday Money Credit Card, download a form or call Customer Service on 1300 10 1234.
We’ll even let you choose your own card colour - now that’s refreshing!
When you apply for the Everyday Money Credit Card you can choose from a black, pink, blue or green card. And if you apply for an additional cardholder they too can choose their own card colour.
Things you should know
The Everyday Money credit card is issued by HSBC Bank Australia Limited ABN 48 006 434 162 and HSBC is the credit provider. Lending criteria applies. Fees, Charges and Interest Rates apply and are current as at 11 January 2010 and are subject to change. Terms and conditions apply and are available upon request. MasterCard and the MasterCard Brand Mark are registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated. *As rated by CANSTAR CANNEX, May 2009.
The bonus $50 shopping card is only available to new approved primary cardholders who apply between 11 January 2010 and 31 March 2010, and who make 3 purchases on their new card by 31 May 2010 (excluding Dick Smith interest free promotions). Your account must be current and not in arrears. The bonus $50 shopping card offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other bonus offer. Allow up to eight weeks from date of third purchase on your credit card for receipt of your shopping card.
No reward points are earned on business expenses, Dick Smith interest free promotions, interest free merchant purchases, balance transfers and cash advances. 1 point for every dollar excludes Dick Smith interest free promotions. 2 points for every dollar excludes Dick Smith interest free promotions, purchases at online sites, standalone photo kiosks, DVD vending machines, mobile EFTPOS terminals and Dick Smith and Tandy franchisees and resellers. For a list of franchisees and resellers please call 1300 10 1234.
The Everyday Money Shopping Card is redeemable at participating stores only and expires 90 days after the date of issue. Participating stores may change from time to time. The shopping card is currently not accepted at some designated Dick Smith, Tandy and CALTEX WOOLWORTHS/SAFEWAY co-branded fuel outlets. The shopping card cannot be used for online purchases (except Homeshop), at standalone photo kiosks, optical counters, DVD vending machines and mobile EFTPOS terminals. For a full list of participating stores where you can use your shopping card, details of the points you’ll need to obtain one, and to find out its value.
The ultimate for shopping and travel, Platinum is a low interest credit card delivering great value and premium benefits. In addition to a low 15.24% p.a. rate on purchases, Platinum makes life a little easier with access to your own 24×7 Personal Concierge Service as well as a range of complimentary shopping and travel insurances.
* 15.24% p.a. on purchases
* 3.99% balance transfer rate for up to 6 months
* Low Platinum annual fee of $89
* Free, comprehensive shopping and travel insurances
* 24 x 7 Personal Concierge Service
Want to get smarter with your money? Then the St.George Vertigo MasterCard is the perfect accessory. It can help you buy the things you need and still stay in control of your credit card balance.
* Low ongoing rate on purchases - just 11.99%p.a.
* 0%p.a. on balance transfers for up to 6 months.
* Low annual fee of $55.
* Up to 55 days interest free on purchases.
Sometimes, wishes do come true. With $0 annual fee, travel insurance^ and reward points earned for every dollar you spend on purchases#, the HSBC Gold Credit Card is everything you could wish for in a credit card.
Bring the world closer, sooner with the Emirates Citi Platinum Card. Enjoy free access to the Emirates Lounges in Australia and the Marhaba Lounge in Dubai, the convenience of Emirates’ chauffeur-drive service when you travel to and from airports in Australia, a generous 1.5 Skywards Miles for every $1 spent and complimentary Travel Insurance.
Better manage your cash flow with up to $60,000 credit limit, and 2.9% p.a. on balances transfers for 9 months*. Reward yourself for your hard work with 1.5 reward points for every $1 spent and a personalised rewards program. Add to that free international travel insurance and the CitiBusiness Gold Card is a better deal for your business.
* 2.99% p.a. purchases and balance transfers for 9 months
* 5,000 bonus Rewards points after your first retail spend
* 1.5 Rewards points per $1 spend on the card
* Generous credit limit of up to $60,000
* Complimentary Business Concierge service
* Complimentary International travel insurance
* A low $49 annual fee for the first year and $99 thereafter
* 0.99% p.a. on balance transfers for 6 months
All the features of a low rate card with the added benefits of a platinum card, like; entertainment offers, concierge service, retail discounts, and complementary international travel insurance
Citibank Silver gives you automatic benefits and a security guarantee.
* 2.9% for 12 months on balance transfers
* Up to 55 days interest-free on purchases
* To reduce the interest paid on the life of balances you transfer
* Generous credit limits of up to $7,500
* Low annual fees for primary and additional cardholders
* Free Rewards program1 with points that never expire and the option of Qantas Frequent Flyer Points
* Free purchase cover insurance for lost, stolen or damaged goods
* Extra security with a photo card, digital signature and Fraudshield protection
Apply Online Now. Click through for full product terms and conditions.
Enjoy the freedom and luxury of higher levels of credit, exclusive privileges and an extensive choice of rewards no other credit card can match.
* Credit limit up to $100,000
* 4.9% p.a. on the life of balance transfers - Transfer your outstanding balances from other credit or store cards and you’ll enjoy a low 4.9% p.a. until you have paid off the entire balance
* 24/7 Personal Concierge Service - Enjoy the privilege and convenience of a personal concierge service to provide you with information and assistance for both business and pleasure. The service is available from anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day 7 days a week
* Free international travel insurance - Automatically covers you and your family when you buy your travel tickets with your Citibank Platinum Card. Your cover includes medical and unexpected travel expenses, trip cancellation, personal liability and loss of damage to personal items
* Personalised rewards program - With Citibank Platinum you’ll never be limited by a rewards catalogue
Apply Online Now. Click through for full product terms and conditions.
Access to Citibank World Privileges
Generous credit limit of up to $25,000
Keep you finances afloat with a lighter interest rate of 2.9% p.a. for 12 months on balance transfer. Simply transfer the outstanding amount from your non-Citibank credit and store cards, to your new Citibank Gold Card, and enjoy a low 2.9% p.a for 12 months on balance transfers.
* Free International Travel Insurance - Automatically covers you and your family when you buy your travel tickets with your Citibank Gold Card
* Automatic FREE access to a superior Rewards Program - You’ll earn Reward points every time you use your Citibank Credit Card, which you can choose to redeem for a great range of items and vouchers, including Qantas Frequent Flyer points
* Access to Citibank World Privileges - It’s your passport to exclusive upgrades, benefits and discounts at thousands of hotels, restaurants, shops, shows and services worldwide
* Generous credit limit up to $25,000
* Up to 55 Days Interest-free on retail purchases
* FRAUD SHIELD - the fraud department checks any unusual activity to detect early signs of fraud and will contact you to check when they spot irregular purchases
Apply Online Now. Click through for full product terms and conditions.
At last a credit card that gives you a low interest rate of 15.49% p.a. on purchases. Apply now and you’ll also receive 2.9% p.a. for 6 months on Balance Transfers.
With Citibank Clear Card, the choice has never been clearer:
* 15.49% p.a. ongoing on purchases
* 2.9% for 6 months on Balance Transfers
* Access your account anywhere, anytime via Internet and phone banking
* Up to 55 days interest free on retail purchases
Apply Online Now. Click through for full product terms and conditions.
Big savings on petrol and purchases from BP and cash back on all other purchases as well as 2.9% p.a. for 12 months on balances transferred
* 5% off your petrol and everything else you buy at BP?
* Save 0.5% off all other purchases
* A low rate on all credit card balances transferred
* Generous credit limit up to $25,000
Apply Online Now. Click through for full product terms and conditions.
* Earn 1 Reward point1 for every $1.50 spent on credit card purchases (excluding cash equivalent transactions); up to a maximum spend of $50,000 per card account per year.
* Earn unlimited Bonus Reward points at Bonus partners Australia wide.
* The choice of over 500 rewards, including merchandise, cash back and shopping vouchers
* ANZ Falcon - provides advanced around the clock monitoring for suspicious transactions. So you can feel secure about purchases online, overseas or over the phone
* Visa Entertainment - Access to special offers exclusive to Visa cardholders
Whether you want a smart way to repay your balance or up to 55 days interest free credit on purchases, ANZ Low Rate MasterCard could help you take control of your finances.
Features at a glance:
* 0% p.a. on balance transfers for the first 6 months
* Low interest rate of 12.49% p.a. p.a. on purchases
* Up to 55 days interest free credit on purchases
* Access to special offers with MasterCard Applause
* Design your own card
* Extended Warranty Insurance for up to 12 months, in addition to the Australian manufacturer’s warranty
*90-day Purchase Security Insurance cover for loss, theft or accidental damage for most new personal items purchased
* Comprehensive Overseas Travel and Medical Insurance including coverage for overseas medical expenses, cancellations and loss or damage of luggage
* ANZ Gold Liberty 24 hour dedicated phone service for peace of mind when things don’t go according to plan
* Commission free travellers’ cheques from any ANZ branch in Australia
* No ANZ overseas cash withdrawal fees
Enjoy the freedom to make everyday purchases, pay bills or deal with that unexpected expense, without paying for extras you don’t need.
* $0 Annual Account Fee for the first 12 months
* Introductory offer of 7.99% p.a. on balance transfers for the first 6 months
* Up to 44 days interest free credit on purchases
* Convenience of Visa acceptance at over 24 million locations worldwide
* ANZ Falcon security with 24/7 monitoring of suspicious transactions
* Access to exclusive offers through Visa Entertainment
* 0% p.a balance transfers for 6 months
* 13.49% p.a. interest rate on purchases
* 1 Reward Point for every $1 you repay to your balance
* Choose how you would like to be rewarded - Cashback, Shopping Vouchers or Gift Cards
* Choose how often you would like to be rewarded - every 3, 6 or 12 months
* $57 Annual Account Fee + $22 Rewards Program Fee (per card)
* $10 additional card holder fee
* 20.74% p.a. interest rate on cash advances
* Up to 55 days interest free
* Up to $15,000 credit limit
What Are Interest Free Credit Cards Interest free credit cards, in most situations, are not interest free forever. These cards offer an introductory period of no interest. When that period is over, the card functions like a regular credit card, with an interest rate similar to other comparable cards.
Why do credit card companies offer interest free credit cards?
They do so to get your business. If you have a large balance on an existing card that has a high interest rate, you are going to be tempted to move that money to an interest free credit card. After all, that would give you some time to pay back the card without worrying about the interest you are earning.
You can benefit from interest free credit cards by transferring balances to them from cards that have high interest rates. Even though the interest free period is not permanent, you can still save hundreds of dollars during the introductory period. Sometimes these introductory periods are as long as 18 months, and you can pay down quite a bit of your debt in 18 months.
You can also benefit from interest free credit cards when you need to make a larger purchase. Perhaps a major appliance has broken or you need to make a major repair to your home. If you can find a card offering a no interest period on purchases, you can make this purchase and not pay interest on it, even if you do not have the money to pay for it upfront.
Considerations when Shopping for Interest Free Credit Cards Interest free credit cards can be a great tool to use, whether to help you pay down your debt or make large purchases. However, there are some considerations you need to make before getting one.
First, if you are going to transfer a balance to an interest free card, look for balance transfer fees. These may accrue interest while you are paying down the balance. It could still be worthwhile to get the card, but you will need to do a little figuring to decide if you will still save money. Also, make sure you are disciplined enough to avoid spending on your old card once you transfer the balance. If your goal is to lower your debt amount, clearing out an old card could be dangerous.
Keep in mind that failing to make a payment on your interest free credit card almost always means it will no longer be interest free. Find out what the interest rate will be, as sometimes the rate after the introductory zero percent period is quite high. If you can be disciplined to pay down the card on time each month and avoid spending on your other cards, an interest free card is a good way to save some money on your credit card balances.