A credit card is a convenient line of credit, usually revolving, which gives you access to funds up to a set credit limit. The funds that you use are subject to the interest rate: either the interest rate on purchases, for – you guessed it – purchases and the interest rate on cash advances. Cash advances are basically any transaction that involves cash, such as taking money out of an ATM, or directly transferring funds online to another account.In Australia, the main credit card types come under MasterCard, Visa and American Express. You can use these cards wherever the symbols are displayed, and this will use up a portion of your credit limit.
Back to topThese type of products are generally suitable for larger purchases, like a car, holiday, DIY projects or your dream wedding. The interest rates are generally lower than those on credit cards, but the amount you’re borrowing is a lump sum and much bigger than what you’d normally put on a credit card.
Back to topYour home will probably be one of the biggest assets that you purchase. Home loans are loans that are designed to fund your purchase, and there’s a huge range to choose from. The most common are variable rate or fixed rate mortgage, which will be explained below. When you borrow money from a lender, you’ll be liable to pay it back with interest. Considering a home loan has a typical loan term of about 20 years, it’s important that you pay attention to the interest rate because this determines what your repayments will be.
Back to topSavings accounts, at its most basic, comes in three forms: high interest savings accounts, transaction accounts, and term deposits. Please note that if you’re a business, banks tend to have a separate range of products suitable for a business environment.
Back to topThere are many reasons why you might need to exchange money: sending money to a family overseas, or you might have investment abroad. It’s important to pay attention to exchange rates because if you’re dealing with large sums of money, even the smallest change can have an impact.
Back to topWho doesn’t love travelling? Who doesn’t love travelling when you don’t need to pay any fees? finder.com.au compares a range of travel money products to help you make the most of your holiday on a budget.
Back to topCalculators are a great way to see how much you can afford on a particular product, or comparing two products side by side. Arm yourself with as much information as possible before you head to the banks, so you can use the information as leverage.
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I am a new credit card holder can I get a cash advance before using it for purchases as I am needing a cash advance. Can this be done either over the counter or ATM Thank you Joan
Hi Joan,
Thanks for your question.
Yes, you can use your credit card to withdraw funds from an ATM or over the counter, but (depending on the card you’re using) you’ll immediately be charged a cash advance fee and the amount you have withdrawn will start accruing a high cash advance interest rate.
Cheers,
Sally
I am a pensioner and I find it very hard to make ends meet, please can you help me, I’ll be much appreciated if you can.
Hi Peter,
Thanks for getting in touch and sorry about your situation.
We’re not able to provide financial advice but there is a free financial counselling service you can call, the number is 1800 007 007. If you are in debt, we have a guide detailing free debt management services that you can read here, and you can also see some of the alternative loan options (including no- and low-interest loans) that are available here.
I hope this helps,
Elizabeth
Do you have any comparisons of Superannuation funds in Australia
Hi Tim,
Thanks for your question.
You can check out our super fund comparison here.
Bonjour M. Shirley je voudrai que vous me venner en aide avec cette outile Detector for Metal Garrett atx SVP Merci
Hi Billa,
Thanks for your question.
Unfortunately none of our featured retailers are currently selling metal detectors. You may want to try eBay or from their official website. Sorry that I couldn’t be much of an assistance.
All the best,
Shirley
I just want to know if you are offering loan for recover or business to non-citizens leaving overseas like in the pacific
Hi Betty,
Thanks for your question.
You’ve come through to finder.com.au, as a financial comparison service we don’t actually offer loans ourselves. You can compare business loan options on this page, however please keep in mind that the majority of lenders will require you to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and that you be residing in Australia on some sort of Visa while repaying your loan. You can review the eligibility criteria on the review pages of each loan.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
comment avoir un aide financière très urgente au Burkina Faso
Hi Hamadou,
Thanks for your question.
If you would like to send money to Burkina as financial assistance, you may want to browse through our international money transfers page.
However, since finder.com.au is an Australian comparison service, we are unable to recommend local organisations that offer financial assistance.
Cheers,
Shirley