RateCity
Five great freebies for the family
We all feel like we're winning if we land a free airfare or a bit of merchandise in return for swiping our credit cards. But recent Reserve Bank research reveals that you have to spend an average $18,400 on your credit card to get a $100 shopping voucher from your credit card rewards program.
Millions struggle to repay debt, yet seek more
More than 2.7 million Australians are struggling to pay their current credit commitments, research suggests. Despite this, 25 percent also admitted they would seek to overcome difficulty by increasing their credit card limit, mortgage or loan.
Pet tarantulas, freeloading friends, amateur band practice in the living room; many of us have experienced living with a housemate from hell. Nevertheless a rental squeeze is pushing more Australians towards sharing leased accommodation to better afford a home in a convenient location, with more appeal and better amenities.
Two-thirds of Australians think it’s unlikely they will be victims of a cyber-attack, an Australian SCAN social trend survey has revealed. So much so, that fewer than half of us ever bother to change our passwords or update anti-virus software.
When happy hour rolls around, pubs around the country are serving up beef-flavoured, non-alcoholic beverages to four-legged, furry patrons. It sounds gimmicky, but Dog Beer – with the slogan "Shout your best friend a beer" – reflects a broader embracing of canine clientele by cafes and bars, particularly in Sydney.
Surge in celebrity bankruptcies
What do Perez Hilton and Dennis Rodman have in common? How about Gary Busey and Donald Trump? What about Mike Tyson and… It's likely that name will tell you where this is headed.
If there was ever an argument for a 'cashless society' this may be it; germs on money could be making us sick. New research has revealed that some bank notes contain more than six times the contamination levels of a public toilet.
Weddings: rip-off or worth every cent?
Weddings are big business; we've heard that using the word 'wedding' in front of a photographer, caterer or florist will automatically increase the price you're quoted for your big day.
Banks roll $6 billion on plastic
Thousands of Australians saddled with credit card debt are "throwing money away", according to new research, which shows that credit card providers are making over $6 billion per year in credit card interest alone, despite the cash rate dropping.
Aussies still feeling the pinch from Christmas spending
The festive season may be little more than a fond memory for most, but the thousands of Australians still carrying Christmas credit card debt are being warned: pay up or face a nasty reminder.
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.
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.
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.
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.
