RateCity
Don't be a victim of credit card fraud
Despite concerted efforts by banks to fight fraud, figures released in December by the Australian Payments Clearing Association (APCA) showed credit card fraud reached $210 million last financial year, up by $39 million from the previous year.
Show your credit card who is boss
With savvy strategies in place you can control your credit card rather than let it control you. Here are RateCity's top five tips for managing your credit card usage.
Credit cards 101: how to beat the banks
Trying to get a clear picture of the fees and charges you're likely to be hit with by your credit card can be an indecipherable guessing game.
Credit cards – don't get stung
There's no denying that credit cards make life a hell of a lot easier, but the banks seem intent on making us pay for the convenience by charging unreasonably high credit card interest rates.
Australians have changed their use of credit cards in a massive and potentially permanent way since the global financial crisis, according to new research from RateCity.
Aussies recover with a balance transfer
After the Christmas period and the party season, many credit cards will have had a work out. But with a few simple tips, most Australians will be able to flick the financial hangover and start a clean slate for the New Year.
Australians have changed their use of credit cards in a massive and potentially permanent way since the global financial crisis, according to new research from RateCity.
Are you safe from credit card fraud?
Australians spend around $2.7 billion more using their credit cards in December than during the other 11 months of the year. So now, more than ever, cardholders should be taking extra caution against credit card fraud and scams.
How to avoid the festive hangover
With the festive season almost upon us, many Australians will soon be reaching for their credit cards, as they hit the stores for the traditional Christmas shopping flurry.
Credit card wars – how you can win
A war for your hard-earned money is raging in the credit card industry, as retailers and credit card companies argue over the surcharges imposed on your everyday credit card transactions, according to new research.
Aussie travellers waste $330 million
Australia is renowned as a nation of travellers, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics reporting that over 7.1 million overseas journeys were made by Australian residents in 2010. But while we undoubtedly love exploring other countries, a downside to overseas travel can be the unexpected costs, particularly in the form of credit card fees.
Freebies can cost more than you think
For many Australians balancing a range of financial commitments, the idea of getting something for nothing is a very appealing one. But for those of us who have been tempted by credit card rewards programs offering free flights, accommodation, gift vouchers and even household appliances, it appears the benefits are not all they're cracked up to be.
Use your credit card to get out of debt
Australia has confirmed its reputation as a nation of shopaholics, with credit card debt reaching unprecedented levels. Indeed, the Reserve Bank said we owed almost $50 billion collectively on our credit cards in August 2011.
Safety in numbers: cut credit card crime
Having multiple credit cards could reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud, according to experts. But will having extra credit cards help improve security, or just weigh down your wallet and attract fees?
How to be a savvy mobile shopper
Every few years, technology takes a big leap in our everyday lives. With the success of the smartphone, Australians with credit cards have been able to carry their own digital shopping centre in their pockets.
How to become a credit card whiz kid
Credit cards have been getting a bad rap lately. Australians’ credit card debt has risen to $49.8 billion, or an average debt of $3,340 per credit card, according to Reserve Bank June data. That’s a hefty bill by anyone’s calculation.
While many of us have spent the past few years in angst about economic conditions, others are forking out nearly $50,000 to get married. That's the average cost of a wedding, according to research from Bride To Be magazine.
How to get back in the black with your credit card
Having a credit card can seem like having access to free money for many Australians. But considering that we swiped our way to a new record of $49.41 billion in credit card debt in May this year, paying on plastic is a real issue.
The $1.3 billion credit card bill
Australian households whittled away $1.3 billion on their credit cards last year – and much of that was before they even purchased anything or paid interest. That figure is the amount Australians paid on credit card fees in 2010, according to the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).
Aussies waste $2b on credit card cash advance fees and interest
Australians withdrew almost $11 billion in cash advances using their credit cards in the year to April, and paid $2.15 billion interest for the privilege, according to Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) data and RateCity research.
Credit card providers shy away from balance transfers
Australia's credit card debt levels have hit record highs yet credit card providers are offering little reprieve. Instead, reigning in the number of balance transfer cards and upping some interest rates.
Credit card rewards better than ever!
Spending big dollars on a credit card may soon mean greater perks for the cardholder as competition in the premium card market heats up. Credit card providers are beefing up rewards programs and relaxing the rules of how we redeem points.
Aussies waste $1.3 billion on credit card fees
Australians are spending in excess of $1.3 billion in credit card fees each year, despite the fact that more than two dozen fee-free cards now exist in the market, RateCity has found.
Is PayPal moving in on the credit card market?
Australians can now pay for Singapore Airlines airfares with PayPal on its website, without the need to use a credit card. The move is not groundbreaking by any means - PayPal can also be used by 26 other airlines across the world. But this potentially spells a move away from the stranglehold credit cards have on online purchases.
Clash of the credit titans: will cards or loans help you?
In December 2010, credit card users racked up a total of $49.27 billion in debt - an average of $3315 per account. But before making a big decision, have a look at the pros and cons for credit cards and personal loans.
