Financial institutions are using unfair practices to squeeze every last cent of interest from customers.
25 Jan 2010 |
CHOICE reveals which providers are bucking this trend to treat their customers fairly.
It’s almost always against the law for banks and other financial institutions to send unsolicited credit and debit cards to consumers.
18 Dec 2009 |
The regulator claimed that Westpac breached the The Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 by sending unsolicited debit cards to consumers, but the Federal Court has taken a different view.
Airlines are charging customers disproportionate credit card booking fees.
18 Sep 2009 |
For a merchant, the average cost to process a customer’s MasterCard or Visa credit card payment is less than 1% of the value of the transaction. But some airlines charge much higher fees.
The cash rate has fallen dramatically, yet banks are failing to pass on the savings to consumers and have hiked up credit card interest rates.
11 Jun 2009 |
At a time when more people are struggling with debt and relying on credit to see them through, banks are nudging up credit card interest rates.
CHOICE crunches the numbers to find the most rewarding cards for frequent flyer, shopping and cash rewards.
19 Mar 2009 |
We analysed 63 reward credit and charge cards, looking at frequent flyer points, shopping vouchers and cash rewards.
Credit protection insurance makes an easy dollar for lenders and insurers, but for consumers there are far smarter options.
2 Mar 2009 |
Our investigation concludes that credit protection insurance is a rip-off, as other options give you far better and cheaper cover.
We explain how to make the most of your credit card and keep out of debt.
20 May 2008 |
At a time when more people are struggling with debt and relying on credit to see them through, banks are nudging up credit card interest rates.
It's not as easy as it once was to get decent rewards.
16 May 2008 |
Interest rates and fees have gone up and the number of points able to be earned has gone down because of less generous point conversion rates and the introduction of point caps.
Choosing the wrong type of credit card can end up costing you a fortune in interest.
15 Nov 2000 |
Some cards charge 18% to 20% annually, while others charge interest rates below 10%, so it's well worth shopping around.
Rates are on the rise again.
2 Mar 2010 |
The RBA increased interest rates by 0.25% in March 2010.
Can you be sure brokers are working for you and not their own sales targets?
8 Oct 2009 |
The CBA now requires mortgage brokers to submit a minimum of four loan applications and settle a minimum of three every six months, which presents an obvious conflict of interest.
A reverse mortgage can help fund your retirement. CHOICE outlines the risks.
1 Oct 2009 |
Reverse mortgages target homeowners aged 60 and older who want to borrow money against the value of their property. The top three uses of reverse mortgages are home improvement, regular income and debt repayment.
Home owners who locked in their loans 12 months ago now pay about 30% more interest than those on variable rates.
6 Feb 2009 |
Fixed rates have now come down to about their lowest point in the past 10 years.
Find the best mortgage. Here's how to save thousands on your home loan.
2 Oct 2008 |
The best savings were achieved by switching to a credit union or an online subsidiary of a major bank – and you can’t get any of those loans through mortgage brokers.
Use our tips to negotiate the mortgage maze.
19 May 2008 |
For some people, flexibility and peace of mind are important, and there are a range of home loan options that offer such benefits.
How to avoid the traps and get the most from a mortgage broker when shopping around for a home loan.
21 Apr 2008 |
If brokers’ advertisements and claims are to be believed, they’re the answer for anyone seeking a loan to suit their circumstances.
The best way to own your home sooner is to get a cheap loan and make higher payments, more often.
1 Mar 2008 |
Extra repayments can have a huge effect. Our case studies were amazed at how modest extra payments could save tens of thousands in interest.
We expose the traps of new types of loans, including 40-year mortgages and no-deposit home loans.
5 Jan 2008 |
With first homes averaging $430,000 and housing affordability at a record low, new types of loan may seem tempting — but are they safe?
Our shadow shop revealed poor advice and information from reverse mortgage sellers.
27 Feb 2007 |
Originally reverse mortgages were sold directly by the lender, but in the last few years mortgage brokers have started to offer these products.
If you lose your job, how will you pay your bills? CHOICE outlines your options.
20 Apr 2009 |
Debt relief companies are reporting extreme cases of consumers carrying up to $400,000 in credit card debt on 50 separate credit cards.
Lenders will check your credit report when you apply for credit.
9 May 2007 |
If you plan to apply for credit in the near future - for example, if you’re looking to buy a house - it’s a good idea to check your credit file.