TIPS AND TOOLS TO MANAGE YOUR CREDIT CARD

Keeping on track

If your credit card repayments become tricky to manage, it’s good to know a few strategies to get back in control.

Below, you’ll find tips to reduce your balance faster, and tools to help make that happen. We’ll also point you to a few other resources if you want to learn more.

Tips to reduce your balance

Keeping in control of your credit card means reducing your balance as fast as you can and paying less interest. Here are four things to keep in mind:
 

1. Pay on time

Not only does it help keep your balance down, paying at least the Minimum Payment on time means you’ll avoid any late fees and extra interest charges. What’s more, it could help maintain your credit score. If you’re unsure what the next due date and Minimum Payment amount are, you can find them on your latest credit card statement. Access your statement via Online Banking or call us on 1300 651 089 for more information.
 

2. Pay as much as you can

The higher your repayments, the quicker you’ll reduce your balance and the more you may be able to save on interest. So if you can, repay as much as possible above the Minimum Payment listed on your statement each month.

Want to know how this could look for your own repayments? The Australian Government’s MoneySmart website has a handy credit card calculator.~ Try entering some details to see how different repayment amounts can play out.

3. Consider switching to a lower rate credit card

Depending on what type of credit card you have (such as a rewards credit card), there may be other credit cards with a lower purchase rate available which could better suit your current needs. As always, make sure you read the Terms and Conditions for any new card, so you understand exactly what to expect.

You can find your current purchase rate on your latest statement.
 

4. Use the right tools for the job

A Balance SmartPlan or Autopay could help you pay on time, structure your repayments, and even reduce interest costs. These two features are already available to set up on your credit card account – learn more below.

Tools that could help make it happen

Balance SmartPlan*

There’s a structured way to manage your balance at a lower interest rate when you need to. It’s called a Balance SmartPlan, which breaks repayments down into regular monthly instalments.

You can set one up for all or part of any balance (minimum $200) and any type of existing balance, like purchases, cash advances, or a balance transfer. Choose your term (3, 6, or 9 months) and set a goal for how much you want to repay. Keep in mind, the applicable interest rate on your SmartPlan will be confirmed when you set it up through Online Banking.

Learn more about SmartPlan.

Autopay^

Want a set-and-forget way to make sure your repayments are on time each month? Autopay is a handy feature to do just that. You can choose to pay the full closing balance, the Minimum Payment, a percentage of the closing balance, or a set amount of the closing balance.

Try setting Autopay to the highest amount you can comfortably maintain above the Minimum Payment. If you set an Autopay amount but don’t think you’ll be able to manage it, call us on 1300 651 089 to change or cancel it at least 2 business days before the statement closes.

Learn more about Autopay and how to set it up.
 

Westpac App

In the Westpac App, you can get visibility of your spending habits which can help uncover areas you could potentially save. Get a big-picture view on your home screen using our simple-to-use budgeting tools:

Track your income vs expenses.

• Cash flow updates show how you’re tracking each month.
• See instantly if you’re on track or if you need to curb spending.

Compare spend across categories.

• Learn more about your spending habits.
• Spot areas where you might be able to save. Find out more about our budgeting tools.