Skip to content   Skip to footer navigation 

shop smart

Best & worst appliance stores Australia: JB Hi-Fi, Kmart & more

From The Good Guys and Kmart to Bing Lee and JB Hi-Fi, over 3500 shoppers have weighed in on the best electrical appliance retailers in Australia.

data privacy

Bunnings facial recognition program ruled illegal

money

Credit cards for travelling

Latest stories

Don't buy a dud in the sales.

Get your free guide

and know the products to avoid

Black Friday sales

Take action

Sign the petition to rein in facial recognition

You don’t have to hand over your fingerprint to buy groceries, see a show, or have a pub meal, so you shouldn’t have to hand over your “faceprint” either. Big businesses should keep their hands off your sensitive biometric data – which is why we’re calling on the government to pass a new law to stop facial recognition technology running rampant. Add your name now. 

Life admin

Handy tools and comparison services from CHOICE

2024 Shonky Awards

Making change together

How you've helped us make things fairer for Australians

Learn more
Show more
  • FEB 2024

    Support for Youpla/ACBF victims

    The Government announces $97 million to the Youpla Support Program to assist some victims. Thanks to ongoing advocacy by First Nations advocates, policyholders, and community organisations.

  • DEC 2023

    Win for fairness in financial advice

    The Government announces that the best interests duty for financial advisers will stay in place, following advocacy to keep it by CHOICE and other groups. The rule ensures customers get helpful advice of a high standard.

  • DEC 2023

    Coles refunds thousands of customers

    Following our complaint to the ACCC about Coles' false 'locked' price claims, the supermarket apologises for raising prices of 20 products before the end of promotional periods and refunds thousands of customers.

  • SEPT 2023

    Stronger renters’ rights in Vic

    After a CHOICE report exposing invasive rent-tech, the Victorian Government commits to strengthening renters' rights, including restrictions on personal information collection and retention.

  • SEPT 2023

    Bank execs on notice as new rules pass

    New legislation, the Financial Accountability Regime (FAR), passes. Once in force, the rules will hold top executives accountable for misconduct by banks, super funds or insurers. They are backed up by strong penalties.

  • AUG 2023

    Qantas backs down on COVID credits

    Qantas removes the expiry date on credits for customers who had flights cancelled due to COVID, and allows them to ask for a refund. This follows our campaigns on travel rights, including awarding Qantas a Shonky for its behaviour in 2022.

  • JUNE 2023

    Win for victims of financial misconduct

    A banking royal commission reform passes after decades of pressure from consumer groups. The compensation scheme of last resort will provide compensation for many victims.

  • MAY 2023

    Super advocate receives further funding

    The Government commits an additional five years of funding to continue consumer advocacy in the superannuation sector.

  • MAY 2023

    Consumer protections from scams

    The Government commits $86.5 million in funding to combat scams, including the establishment of the National Anti-Scams Centre.

  • DEC 2022

    ACCC takes action on shonky Bloomex

    Following its 2022 Shonky Award, Bloomex is taken to court for publishing misleading online star ratings and price representations.

  • NOV 2022

    Grieving WA consumers now protected

    Funeral operators must now display prices publicly and provide key information without requiring people to meet with a sales representative.

  • OCT 2022

    New fines for breaching consumer rights

    Companies who harm, mislead or deceive consumers will face up to 5x greater penalties. For the first time ever, companies who rely on unfair contract terms will also face penalties.

  • OCT 2022

    Timeshare taken to task

    Ultiqa will pay a $900,000 penalty for breaching financial advice protections for consumers thanks to action from ASIC. We raised the alarm in our super complaint in May 2021.

  • SEPT 2022

    A ban on binary options

    These dodgy financial products share many characteristics with high risk gambling. CHOICE supported a ban to prevent consumer harm, and ASIC has extended that ban until 1 October 2031.

  • AUG 2022

    South Australia joins school banking ban

    Private banks are banned from school banking programs in South Australia, joining Victoria, NSW, Queensland and ACT state governments. We awarded Dollarmites a Shonky in 2018.

  • Buy smarter

    The tools you need to find the best brands, avoid poor performers and get help when things go wrong.  

  • Make a difference

    Our members are at our heart, funding our independent product testing, journalism and campaigns.

  • Connect and belong

    Join a community of thousands where you can share ideas, get advice and make positive change.