ANZ raises rates of interest on choose bank cards once more

ANZ, Australia’s fourth-largest bank card issuer, has elevated rates of interest on sure bank cards by 0.50 proportion factors, following a earlier hike that noticed charges rise by as much as 1.25 proportion factors, RateCity.com.au has reported.

Particulars of ANZ’s charge will increase

The speed enhance impacts choose ANZ bank cards, with the financial institution additionally providing one-off annual payment waivers, cashback, rewards, and frequent flyer factors on sign-up for varied playing cards.

Sector-wide pattern of rising rates of interest

This charge hike by ANZ shouldn’t be an remoted incident, with NAB and Latitude Finance additionally not too long ago rising their bank card charges, reflecting a broader pattern amongst lenders to boost prices for shoppers.

With six lenders having raised charges on 25 playing cards within the final six months, the typical rate of interest for bank cards stands at 18.14%, although choices for lower-rate playing cards underneath 10% stay out there from 12 lenders.

Time for a bank card check-up

Sally Tindall, analysis director at RateCity.com.au, suggested bank card customers to overview their playing cards, cautioning in opposition to the excessive prices of rewards and frequent flyer playing cards, which now carry rates of interest as excessive as 20.99% amongst three of the large 4 banks.

“For those who’re one of many hundreds of thousands of Australians with a bank card in your pockets or in your telephone, do a fast 10-minute take a look at to be sure to’ve received the suitable card to your funds,” Tindall stated.

“Signing as much as a elaborate rewards card would possibly really feel like profitable lotto at the beginning, notably in case your new supplier showers you in rewards factors, however the longer you permit that card sitting in your pockets unchecked, the much less possible you’re to be getting worth for cash.

“Bank card firms will not be charities. Sure, some individuals can efficiently sport the bank card system and are available out forward, however should you haven’t performed a well being test in your bank card not too long ago, there’s each probability the system is definitely gaming you.”

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