In our monthly Ratehacker round-up, Jeremy Cabral from comparison site finder.com.au highlights recent credit card offer changes, plus the best savings accounts and home loans.
Money picture from Shutterstock
Australia’s credit card debts are under the spotlight through a Senate enquiry, and there’s never been a better time to switch to a card with a lower rate. If you’re thinking of shifting to a rewards credit card, check out finder.com.au’s new detailed guide to the key features to look for.
Credit Cards
Feature: 0 percent balance transfer
St George Vertigo Platinum: 0% per annum on balance transfers The St George Vertigo Platinum card offers 0% per annum on balance transfers for 20 months — that’s close to two years of zero interest. You can also enjoy 0% on purchases for the first three months after card approval. This offer closes 23 September 2015.
Feature: No annual fee credit card
HSBC Platinum Credit Card: Lifelong card annual fee waiver There is no annual fee ever on this card, provided you apply before 31 October 2015. Transfer an existing balance from another card and you’ll enjoy 0% interest for the first 8 months, after which time it will revert to the cash advance rate.
Feature: Cashback debit card
ING Direct Orange Everyday Account: 2% cashback on PayWave purchases under $100 You’ll qualify for 2% cashback on any sub-$100 PayWave purchases provided you deposit at least $1,000 in your account each month. You’ll also have ATM fees rebated for use in Australia.
Home Loans
Feature: Low interest home loan
loans.com.au Essentials Home Loan: 4.02% per annum rate This variable-rate loan is available for owner occupiers for between $50,000 and $750,000. There’s a maximum LVR of 80%, and you can make additional loan repayments at any time.
Feature: Two-year fixed rate loan
Newcastle Permanent Fixed Rate Home Loan: 3.79% for two years This loan is available for up to 95% of a property’s value, provided you pay lender’s mortgage insurance (LMI). After two years the loan reverts to variable rate, though you can elect to fix for a further period at a new rate at that point.
Savings Accounts
Feature: High introductory rate
Citibank Online Saver: 3.40% per annum introductory rate The introductory rate applies for four months for balances under $500,000, after which it reverts to the standard variable rate (currently 2.60% per annum). Interest is calculated daily and paid into the account monthly.
Feature: High bonus rate
RAMS Saver: 3.60% interest rate Earn a bonus 1.60% on top of the standard 2.00% per annum rate when you deposit at least $200 each month and make no withdrawals.
Personal Loans
Feature: Fixed Rate New Car Loan
RACV Car Loan: 6.5% per annum fixed rate This rate is available for new borrowers looking for over $5,000 for a car loan. There are no ongoing fees, but you will have to pay a $369 establishment fee.
Travel Insurance
Reckon you don’t need travel insurance? We checked out how much one night in hospital in the most popular overseas destinations for Australians cost — and it’s sobering reading.
Feature: Policy Discount
InsureandGo: 10% discount code Use this exclusive finder.com.au coupon code to score 10% off travel insurance through InsureandGo.
Jeremy Cabral is the Publisher at finder.com.au and finder.com which includes comparisons for credit cards, tools to find savings accounts, insurance and a constantly updated database of discounts and coupon codes. Connect with Jeremy on Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+.
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