Credit Cards

Travel

Beware The Hotel Dining Discount Call Scam

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9:30AM January 25, 2012 | Angus Kidman

Yet another entry in the “if it sounds too good to be true, it’s a con” files: the Accommodation Association of Australia is warning people to ignore telemarketing calls offering discount hotel dining packages. If you sign up, your credit card could get hit with thousands of dollars in unauthorised charges. More »


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Fix A Non-Swiping Credit Card With A Piece Of Tape

4:30AM December 29, 2011 | Melanie Pinola

If you use your credit card long enough, sooner or later that sensitive magnetic strip will get worn down and no longer swipe properly. While you’re waiting for your replacement card, here’s a quick fix: Tape over the magnetic strip. More »


Money

Check Your Credit Cards’ Perks To Avoid Overspending On Benefits

10:00PM July 12, 2011 | Melanie Pinola

Credit cards often come with benefits other than cash back or other rewards that we forget about long after signing up for the cards. Avoid paying extra for benefits like trip cancellation insurance, roadside assistance or extended warranties if your card already covers you. More »


Travel

Why You Shouldn’t Use A Debit Card When Paying For A Hotel Or Rental Car

11:30PM June 24, 2011 | Adam Dachis

When you’re asked for your credit card before renting a car or checking in at the hotel, they’re often not just taking an imprint. Travel expert Peter Greenberg points out that, more often than not, a hold is being placed on your available balance for the entire estimated bill. While this can be fine for credit cards, it’s a bigger problem with debit. More »


Money

How The Sony Hacks Remind Us About The Risks Of Online Entertainment

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11:30AM May 6, 2011 | Angus Kidman

Sony hasn’t been out of the headlines in recent weeks, with hacks into both the PlayStation Network (PSN) and its Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) net gaming platform. While the numbers involved are pretty small, they’re a reminder that the convenience of paying for entertainment services with a credit card does come with some risks. More »


Money

Australian Credit Card Users Sucked In By Free Offers

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2:00PM March 29, 2011 | Angus Kidman

Common sense dictates that the most important feature of a credit card is the interest rate charged, but it seems we’re all too willing to be sucked in by a free ‘extra’ thrown in with the card. More »


Money

Are Credit Card Surcharges Out Of Control?

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11:30AM March 15, 2011 | Angus Kidman

Businesses in Australia are allowed to impose surcharges for credit card users to recover fees they are charged, but recent research suggests that the charges are much higher than would be needed simply to cover those costs. More »


Money

How To Prevent Yourself From Overspending On Your Credit Cards

6:00AM March 11, 2011 | Loren Baxter

Stores and credit card companies want to make it as easy as possible for you to buy things with your credit card. They invest billions to get you to use your cards, including major advertising and rewards programs. If your credit card bills at the end of every month make you want to flee the country, the first step to getting through it is to stop spending on them. These tricks will help you fight back against the psychology and stick to cash purchases only. More »


Money

Woolworths Everyday Rewards Qantas Credit Card Is A Pricey Way To Get Points

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3:30PM October 28, 2010 | Angus Kidman

Members of Woolworths’ Everyday Rewards scheme already get frequent flyer points for shopping, and can trade fuel discounts for points if they’re so inclined. A new credit card from Woolworths offers even more points gaining options, but as with so many rewards schemes, they don’t come cheap. More »


Money

Big Four Banks Rate Poorly In Mozo Rankings

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1:30PM September 14, 2010 | Angus Kidman

Finance comparison site Mozo has gathered up its review data over 12 months to award “People’s Choice” gongs to the best financial institutions and products. Perhaps unsurprisingly, online accounts rate the highest, while the Big Four (Commonwealth, NAB, Westpac/St George and ANZ) don’t score so well. More »