How to choose the right credit card
Choosing the right credit card can be a bit of a tricky task, especially if you don’t know what to look out for. There are different features and benefits for every card in the market and cutting through the information can be a little tedious.
Finding the right card for you depends on many different factors, so here are a few things to consider before committing to your new plastic.
What do you want to use your card for?
When choosing a credit card, it’s important to consider what you actually want to use the card for. Do you want to keep it in your wallet for emergencies? Do you want to make your dollar go further by collecting rewards points? Do you have an existing non-Westpac credit card and would like to transfer your balance? Or do you just want the freedom of having credit when you need it? Your behaviours will help you nut out the type of card that will work best for you.
What should I consider before choosing a credit card?
There are several key features to consider before choosing a credit card.
What is the interest rate?
Interest rates apply to the outstanding balance of your credit card after the interest-free period has expired. If you do not plan to pay off your entire balance before the interest-free period, then this may be an important factor to consider.
What is the cash advance rate?
A cash advance is the withdrawal of cash or a transfer of funds from your credit card. A specific interest rate applies to this type of transaction. Transaction fees may also apply.
What is the annual or monthly credit card fee?
Most credit cards will have an applicable fee that is either charged annually or monthly for the use and convenience of the card. This fee is separate to fees incurred due to interest and differs with each type of credit card.
Our credit card comparison tool is a useful way to see these criteria side by side for each card.
Find a card for you
If you know how you want to use your card, then you should be able to narrow down your card options. Take a look at our credit card finder tool to help you through the process.
Every type of credit card serves a different purpose; here are the cards that Westpac has on offer:
Low Rate credit card
The Westpac Low Rate credit card is designed to give you the flexibility of a low rate and a low card fee. It also includes a 55 day interest free period on purchases when you pay the closing balance (including any balance transfer amount) by the statement due date each month.
Altitude rewards credit cards
The Altitude Platinum credit card is a platinum rewards credit card with complimentary insurance covers4, bonus rewards points offers and no monthly points cap.
Lastly, the Altitude Black credit card is our top level rewards card and offers the highest points earn rate along with premium travel and lifestyle services.
Visit Rewards Cards to learn more.
Low Fee credit card
Our Low Fee credit card offers up to 55 days interest free on purchases when you pay the closing balance by the statement due date each month and $0 card fee in the first year if you meet minimum spend criteria*.
A credit card can be useful for emergency purchases or as part of a carefully planned budget. With a little bit of consideration, you could find the right card for you.
Ready to apply? Learn more about Westpac’s credit cards.
Flex Card
The Westpac Flex card is a simple, affordable way to pay with 0% interest, a low credit limit and a monthly fee you can avoid if you pay your previous months balance by the due date.
Things you should know
Credit criteria, fees and charges apply. Switches, upgrades or Westpac group staff are ineligible.
This promotion may be varied or withdrawn at any time and is not available in conjunction with any other promotion.
Be credit savvy: Before applying, consider a realistic credit limit and check all conditions, interest rates, fees and charges on your selected card.
4. Complimentary insurance covers: AWP Australia Pty Ltd ABN 52 097 227 177 AFSL 245631, trading as Allianz Global Assistance (AGA), under a binder from the insurer, Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL 234708 (Allianz), has issued an insurance group policy to Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714 (Westpac) which allows eligible persons to claim under it as third party beneficiaries. Access to the benefit of cover under the Credit Card Complimentary Insurance is provided to eligible Westpac cardholders by operation of s48 of the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 (Cth). If an eligible persons wishes to claim any of these benefits, they will be bound by the eligibility criteria, terms, conditions, limits and exclusions contained in the Complimentary Insurance Policy Information booklet (PDF 898KB) which may be amended from time to time. This insurance is underwritten by Allianz. Westpac does not guarantee this insurance. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Consider its appropriateness to these factors before acting on it.
Concierge Services are provided by a third party supplier. For further details including terms and conditions visit www.westpac.tenconcierge.com
*Low Fee annual card fee waiver: $0 card fee is available for the first year and every year afterwards when you apply and are approved for a new ‘Low Fee’ credit card. To qualify, you must meet the spend criteria on eligible purchases ($5,000 or more for a Low Fee card) in each 12-month period, starting from the Card Fee date.
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