CANSTAR Credit Cards Star Rating - Report #24 - April 2013
YOUR GUIDE TO PRODUCT EXCELLENCE
AT LEAST $17 BILLION IN INTEREST OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS
With around $50 billion currently owed on credit cards – and $36 billion of that accruing interest – there is no doubt that our love affair with the plastic fantastic continues.
Notwithstanding the low interest rate environment and our improved personal saving profile, our analysis of official statistics reveal that Australians have paid between $16.9 billion at a minimum and $37.1 billion as a maximum in credit card interest charges over the past five years. Based on the average credit card interest rate each month across all providers, the average amount of credit card interest paid over the past five years is approximately $28.4 billion.
The graph below shows what the maximum interest paid and minimum interest paid per month would be, based on the lowest-rate card on the market at the time, the highest-rate card on the market at the time and the average interest rate charged across all providers.
IN THIS REPORT
We research & rate:
• 181 credit cards offered by
• 67 lenders
to determine the cards offering the best value for consumers across four spending profiles.
The Federal Government’s National Consumer Credit Protection (NCCP) Act, which came into effect in July last year, offers some protection for credit card users, including:
• A ban on invitations to increase your credit limit, unless you have agreed to receive these invitations.
• No fee on a new card when your card goes above the credit limit, without first getting your agreement.
• Provision of a 'key facts sheet' when you apply for a credit card. The facts sheet contains:
o How the minimum monthly repayment will be calculated
o Any annual and late payment fees and the interest rate that applies to purchases, cash advances and balance transfers
o Any promotional interest rate
o The length of any interest-free period
Another more recent development relates to surcharge costs. In 2003 the RBA imposed Standards requiring the card schemes to remove their ‘no-surcharge’ rules. This meant that businesses, if they desired, could charge a surcharge to customers who paid by credit card. The RBA has now varied its surcharging Standards to allow card scheme rules to limit the surcharge a business sets to ‘the reasonable cost of acceptance’. Currently this is self-regulated, however if enforced by the credit card providers, this could potentially reduce the transactional costs to consumers by millions of dollar per annum. According to RBA data, the average net fee incurred by merchants currently is:
As at Dec 2012, the average merchant fee charged by Credit Card Types:
* MasterCard and Visa 0.84%
* American Express 1.81%
* Diners Club 2.08%
Source: RBA Average merchant fees for debit, credit and charge cards
HOW DO WE USE OUR CREDIT CARDS?
The credit card market overall has remained stable over the twelve months since our last credit card star ratings report, with no significant fluctuation in the number of cards or providers. At a product level, there is a continued push towards removing the “gold” level of credit card, with consumers being transferred to platinum or black cards instead.
Different credit card users have different spending habits and therefore value different aspects of their credit card. In recognition of these differences, the CANSTAR credit card star ratings methodology reflects a range of spending styles and credit card usage.
Profile Name Description
-
Big Spender A monthly spend of $5,000 or more, with the balance paid off in full at the end of each month.
-
Everyday Spender A monthly spend of approximately $2,000, with the balance paid off in full at the end of each month.
-
Occasional Spender An occasional large purchase that is slowly paid off over time.
-
Habitual Spender Continual spending on credit with a constant running balance that accrues interest.
These four different credit card user profiles broadly cover the majority of card spending and payment patterns in Australia. So what features should each “type” of user look for in a credit card? As a general rule:
Tip: Look for a card that provides features and perks that you use frequently. These may include free travel insurance, concierge service and a rewards program.
Beware: Cards aimed at big spenders have high interest rates, so a few missed payments, combined with a high annual fee, can negate the benefits you receive from the “extras”.
Tip: Look for a card that has a reasonable annual fee, has maximum interest-free days and a rewards program that provides benefits that are relevant to you.
Beware: Of high annual fees. Make sure that your annual spending attracts enough rewards to justify the annual fee.
Tip: Because you may have an ongoing balance for part of the year, try to find low rate card with a low or no annual fee. Look for interest free days but remember that they are null and void as soon as your fail to pay your full balance.
Beware: Steer clear of high-interest rewards cards as the additional costs would likely outweigh the rewards benefits.
Tip: Find a low rate card with a very low or no annual fee. If you can get a suitable card that offers instant rewards or discounts at places you regularly use, that’s even better.
Beware: Don’t be swayed by cards offering big rewards, as these usually come with big monthly interest rates and/or large annual fees.
WHO OFFERS OUTSTANDING VALUE?
There is no shortage of credit cards vying for your business. To help you compare the products available, CANSTAR has looked at 181 credit cards across 67 lenders, assessing the value for each category of spender. We have found:
• 18 credit cards which offer outstanding value for big spenders • 19 credit cards which offer outstanding value for everyday spenders
• 12 credit cards which offer outstanding value for occasional spenders
• 18 credit cards which offer outstanding value for habitual spenders
CANSTAR’s credit card star ratings is an invaluable starting point when creating a shopping list of credit cards that match your spending profile.
Cards rated five stars denote outstanding value.
COPYRIGHT
© CANSTAR Pty Limited ABN 21 053 646 165, 2008. The recipient must not reproduce or transmit to third parties the whole or any part of this work, whether attributed to CANSTAR or not, unless with prior written permission from CANSTAR, which if provided, may be provided on conditions.
Credit Card Star Ratings
Spend to
Waive
Annual Fee
Rate
(as at
26/10/12)
Free
Days Annualised
Fee
Annual Fee ($)
(as at 26/10/12)
Product Maximum
Credit Limit ($)
Minimum
Rewards
Program
Availabe
We endeavour to include the majority of product providers in the market and to compare the product features most relevant to consumers in our ratings. This is not always possible and it may be that not every product in the market is included in the rating nor every feature compared that is relevant to you
BIG SPENDER
Company
"outstanding value"
ANZ Rewards Platinum 19.39% 55 149.00 N/A 6000 No Max
Bankwest More Gold MasterCard 19.49% 55 89.00 N/A 5000 50000
Bankwest More Platinum MasterCard 19.49% 55 99.00 N/A 8000 100000
Bankwest Qantas Platinum MasterCard 19.49% 55 99.00 N/A 8000 No Max
BOQ Platinum Visa 20.74% 55 199.00 N/A 6000 30000
Citibank Emirates Platinum MasterCard 20.99% 55 229.00 N/A 5000 100000
Citibank Platinum 20.99% 55 199.00 N/A 8000 100000
Citibank Select Credit Card 20.74% 55 700.00 N/A 18000 100000
Citibank Signature 20.99% 55 395.00 N/A 15000 100000
Coles Coles MasterCard 19.99% 62 49.00 N/A 500 No Max
Coles Coles Platinum MasterCard 19.99% 62 49.00 N/A 8000 No Max
Commonwealth Bank Diamond Awards 20.24% 55 425.00 N/A 18000 No Max
Commonwealth Bank Gold Awards 20.24% 55 144.00 N/A 4000 No Max
Commonwealth Bank Platinum Awards 20.24% 55 280.00 N/A 8000 No Max
Credit Unions* Platinum MasterCard 20.24% 55 179.00 N/A 6000 30000
CUA Platinum MasterCard 20.24% 55 179.00 N/A 6000 30000
HSBC Platinum Credit Card 19.99% 55 129.00 N/A 6000 No Max
HSBC Platinum Qantas Credit Card 19.99% 55 199.00 N/A 6000 No Max
nab flybuys Rewards Card 19.49% 44 65.00 N/A 6000 No Max
Suncorp Bank Platinum Card 20.74% 55 199.00 N/A 6000 30000
American Express David Jones Card 20.74% 44 99.00 N/A 2000 25000
American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card 20.74% 55 149.00 N/A 3000 50000
American Express Qantas Ultimate Card 20.74% 44 450.00 N/A 5000 100000
ANZ Freq Flyer Platinum 19.39% 55 295.00 N/A 6000 No Max
ANZ Low Rate Platinum 13.14% 55 99.00 N/A 6000 No Max
ANZ Platinum 19.39% 55 87.00 20000 6000 No Max
ANZ Rewards 19.39% 44 89.00 N/A 1000 No Max
Bank of Melbourne Amplify Credit Card 18.74% 55 79.00 N/A 1000 80000
BankSA Amplify Credit Card 18.74% 55 79.00 N/A 1000 80000
Bankwest Breeze Platinum MasterCard 11.99% 55 99.00 N/A 8000 No Max
Bankwest More MasterCard 19.49% 55 49.00 N/A 1000 25000
Bankwest Zero Platinum MasterCard 17.99% 55 0.00 N/A 8000 No Max
Citibank Clear Platinum Visa 11.99% 55 99.00 N/A 8000 60000
Coastline Credit Union Visa Rewarder 17.00% 55 52.00 12000 1000 25000
Commonwealth Bank Standard Awards 20.24% 55 89.00 N/A 500 No Max
Credit Unions* Rewards MasterCard 19.74% 55 90.00 N/A 5000 25000
CUA Rewards MasterCard 19.74% 55 90.00 N/A 5000 25000
nab Qantas Plus 19.99% 44 146.00 N/A 5000 500000
nab Qantas Rewards Premium 19.99% 44 250.00 N/A 6000 500000
nab Velocity Rewards Premium 19.99% 44 150.00 N/A 6000 No Max
Qantas Staff CU Lifestyle Plus 15.85% 46 0.00 N/A 1000 50000
Qantas Staff CU Visa Platinum Credit Card 18.99% 46 195.00 N/A 6000 50000
Qld Police Credit Union Bluey Rewarder Card 15.74% 55 48.00 8000 1000 25000
Queensland Country CredVisa Card 13.20% 55 39.00 N/A 500 No Max
Report Date: 2/05/2013, (All information is correct as at April 15th, 2013) Credit Card Star Ratings 2013 - page 1
your guide to product excellence
Credit Card Star Ratings
Spend to
Waive
Annual Fee
Rate
(as at
26/10/12)
Free
Days Annualised
Fee
Report Date: April 2013
Annual Fee ($)
(as at 26/10/12)
Product Maximum
Credit Limit ($)
Minimum
Rewards
Program
Availabe
We endeavour to include the majority of product providers in the market and to compare the product features most relevant to
consumers in our ratings. This is not always possible and it may be that not every product in the market is included in the rating nor
every feature compared that is relevant to you
BIG SPENDER
Company
St.George Bank Amplify Credit Card 18.74% 55 79.00 N/A 1000 80000
Suncorp Bank Gold Card 20.50% 55 120.00 N/A 5000 25000
Virgin Money Velocity Flyer Credit Card 20.99% 44 129.00 N/A 6000 100000
Virgin Money Velocity High Flyer Credit Card 20.99% 44 289.00 N/A 6000 100000
Westpac 55 day Platinum Visa 19.59% 55 90.00 20000 6000 100000
Westpac Altitude 19.99% 45 100.00 N/A 1000 30000
Westpac Altitude Platinum 19.99% 45 150.00 N/A 6000 50000
Westpac earth Platinum 19.99% 45 125.00 N/A 8000 50000
Westpac Singapore Airlines Platinum Car 19.49% 45 250.00 N/A 8000 100000
Woolworths Limited Everyday Money 19.84% 55 49.00 N/A 1000 No Max
Woolworths Limited Everyday Rewards Qantas Cred 19.99% 55 89.00 N/A 8000 No Max
ADCU Low Rate Visa Card 10.99% 55 49.00 N/A 500 No Max
American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card 20.74% 55 395.00 N/A 3000 50000
American Express Qantas Discovery Card 20.74% 44 0.00 N/A 2000 100000
American Express Qantas Premium Card 20.74% 44 249.00 N/A 5000 100000
American Express Velocity Gold Card 20.74% 44 199.00 N/A 3000 50000
American Express Velocity Platinum Card 20.74% 44 349.00 N/A 3000 100000
ANZ Balance Visa 14.39% 55 79.00 N/A 1000 15000
ANZ First 19.39% 44 30.00 N/A 1000 No Max
ANZ Frequent Flyer 19.39% 44 95.00 N/A 1000 No Max
ANZ Low Rate 13.14% 55 58.00 N/A 1000 15000
Bank of Melbourne Gold Low Rate MasterCard/Visa 15.99% 55 79.00 N/A 4000 80000
Bank of Melbourne Platinum Visa Card 15.99% 55 89.00 N/A 6000 80000
Bank of Melbourne Vertigo MasterCard 13.24% 55 55.00 N/A 500 40000
BankSA Gold Low Rate MasterCard/Visa 15.99% 55 79.00 N/A 4000 80000
BankSA Platinum Visa Card 15.99% 55 89.00 N/A 6000 80000
BankSA Vertigo MasterCard 13.24% 55 55.00 N/A 500 40000
Bankwest Breeze Gold MasterCard 11.99% 55 89.00 N/A 5000 50000
Bankwest Breeze MasterCard 11.99% 55 59.00 N/A 1000 25000
Bankwest Qantas Classic MasterCard 19.49% 55 49.00 N/A 1000 No Max
Bankwest Qantas Gold MasterCard 19.49% 55 89.00 N/A 5000 No Max
Bankwest Zero Gold MasterCard 17.99% 55 0.00 N/A 5000 No Max
Bankwest Zero MasterCard 17.99% 55 0.00 N/A 1000 25000
bcu Visa Bonus Rewarder 16.80% 55 40.00 N/A 500 No Max
Bendigo Bank Basic Black MasterCard/Visa 12.49% 44 45.00 N/A 500 50000
Bendigo Bank Ready Red MasterCard/Visa 19.99% 44 45.00 N/A 500 50000
Bendigo Bank RSPCA Rescue Rewards 19.64% 55 60.00 N/A 500 50000
Commonwealth Bank Low Fee Gold MasterCard 19.74% 55 90.00 10000 4000 No Max
Commonwealth Bank Low Fee MasterCard 19.74% 55 24.00 1000 500 No Max
Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Gold MasterCard 12.99% 55 120.00 N/A 4000 No Max
Commonwealth Bank Low Rate MasterCard 12.99% 55 78.00 N/A 500 No Max
Community First CU Low Rate Visa Cred Card 9.50% 55 40.00 N/A 1000 15000
Community First CU McGrath Pink Visa Card 9.50% 55 40.00 N/A 1000 15000
Credit Union SA Visa Credit Card 10.49% 55 10.00 N/A 1000 20000
Report Date: 2/05/2013, (All information is correct as at April 15th, 2013) Credit Card Star Ratings 2013 - page 2
your guide to product excellence
Credit Card Star Ratings
Spend to
Waive
Annual Fee
Rate
(as at
26/10/12)
Free
Days Annualised
Fee
Report Date: April 2013
Annual Fee ($)
(as at 26/10/12)
Product Maximum
Credit Limit ($)
Minimum
Rewards
Program
Availabe
We endeavour to include the majority of product providers in the market and to compare the product features most relevant to
consumers in our ratings. This is not always possible and it may be that not every product in the market is included in the rating nor
every feature compared that is relevant to you
BIG SPENDER
Company
Credit Unions* Low Rate MasterCard 12.99% 55 75.00 N/A 2000 15000
CUA Low Rate MasterCard 12.99% 55 75.00 N/A 2000 15000
First Option Credit Union Cash Rewards Visa Credit Card 15.99% 45 36.00 N/A 500 20000
GE Money 28 Degrees MasterCard 20.99% 55 0.00 N/A 500 No Max
GE Money GO MasterCard 21.74% 62 59.00 N/A 1000 25000
Greater Building Society Credit Card 10.25% 55 40.00 10000 1000 25000
Horizon Credit Union Visa Credit Card 12.95% 45 0.00 N/A 1000 30000
HSBC Classic Credit Card 20.50% 55 59.00 N/A 1000 No Max
Hume Building Society Gold 17.95% 55 60.00 12000 7500 50000
Hume Building Society Loyalty 17.95% 55 30.00 8000 500 20000
Hume Building Society Value 13.15% 55 0.00 N/A 500 20000
Hunter United Credit Un Visa Credit Card 11.49% 55 59.00 N/A 1000 20000
Intech Credit Union Titanium Visa 55 12.30% 55 46.00 N/A 1000 30000
Jetstar MasterCard 13.99% 55 59.00 N/A 2000 50000
Jetstar Platinum MasterCard 19.99% 55 149.00 N/A 8000 100000
Macquarie Bank Hilton Platinum Card 20.95% 55 295.00 N/A 6000 No Max
Macquarie Bank Visa Platinum Card 20.95% 55 200.00 N/A 6000 No Max
Macquarie Credit Union Visa Credit Card 13.54% 55 15.00 N/A 1000 10000
nab Gold MasterCard/Visa 19.49% 44 90.00 N/A 6000 No Max
nab Low Fee MasterCard 19.49% 44 30.00 N/A 500 No Max
nab Low Rate Card 13.99% 55 59.00 N/A 500 No Max
nab Qantas Rewards 19.99% 44 65.00 N/A 500 500000
nab Velocity Rewards 19.99% 44 65.00 N/A 500 No Max
Newcastle Permanent Value+ Credit Card 12.24% 55 49.00 N/A 500 20000
People's Choice Credit UnCharity Credit Card 15.95% 62 40.00 N/A 1000 No Max
People's Choice Credit UnVisa Credit Card 15.95% 62 40.00 N/A 1000 No Max
Police Credit Visa Credit Gold 16.95% 55 50.00 N/A 5000 30000
Police Credit Visa Credit Silver 11.95% 44 0.00 N/A 1000 10000
Qantas Staff CU Lifestyle 12.49% 0 0.00 N/A 1000 50000
Qld Police Credit Union Bluey Card 12.74% 55 25.00 8000 1000 25000
Select Credit Union Super Credit Card 10.99% 55 30.00 N/A 1000 20000
SGE Credit Union Classic Solutions 12.95% 45 50.00 N/A 1000 10000
SGE Credit Union Gold Solutions 14.95% 55 100.00 N/A 5000 20000
St.George Bank Gold Low Rate MasterCard/Visa 15.99% 55 79.00 N/A 4000 80000
St.George Bank Platinum Visa Card 15.99% 55 89.00 N/A 6000 80000
St.George Bank Vertigo MasterCard 13.24% 55 55.00 N/A 500 40000
Teachers Mutual Bank Teachers Credit Card 11.50% 55 0.00 N/A 1000 25000
Victoria Teachers Mutual Visa Classic Credit Card 13.19% 55 0.00 N/A 500 No Max
Victoria Teachers Mutual Visa Platinum Credit Card 9.99% 55 84.00 N/A 6000 No Max
Westpac 55 day MasterCard/Visa 19.59% 55 30.00 10000 1000 30000
Westpac earth 19.99% 45 75.00 N/A 1000 No Max
Westpac Low Rate MasterCard/Visa 13.49% 55 45.00 N/A 1000 30000
bankmecu Visa Credit Card 13.39% 55 0.00 N/A 1000 No Max
bcu Classic Visa Card 11.80% 55 40.00 N/A 500 No Max
Report Date: 2/05/2013, (All information is correct as at April 15th, 2013) Credit Card Star Ratings 2013 - page 3
your guide to product excellence
Credit Card Star Ratings
Spend to
Waive
Annual Fee
Rate
(as at
26/10/12)
Free
Days Annualised
Fee
Report Date: April 2013
Annual Fee ($)
(as at 26/10/12)
Product Maximum
Credit Limit ($)
Minimum
Rewards
Program
Availabe
We endeavour to include the majority of product providers in the market and to compare the product features most relevant to
consumers in our ratings. This is not always possible and it may be that not every product in the market is included in the rating nor
every feature compared that is relevant to you
BIG SPENDER
Company
Bendigo Bank Gold Visa 19.99% 55 85.00 N/A 10000 50000
Bendigo Bank RSPCA Rescue Visa 15.49% 40 24.00 N/A 500 50000
BOQ Low Rate Visa Card 13.49% 55 55.00 N/A 2000 20000
Defence Bank True Blue Credit Card 11.74% 55 45.00 N/A 1000 25000
ECU Australia Low Rate Visa Credit Card 13.50% 55 48.00 N/A 1000 50000
First Option Credit Union Standard Visa Credit Card 13.49% 45 18.00 N/A 500 20000
GE Money eco MasterCard 20.49% 55 49.00 N/A 500 20000
GE Money Gem Visa 22.99% 55 99.00 N/A 1000 No Max
GE Money Low Rate MasterCard 15.49% 55 58.00 N/A 500 No Max
Heritage Bank Visa Classic Basic 16.75% 55 18.00 10000 1000 10000
Heritage Bank Visa Classic No Frills 11.80% 0 0.00 N/A 1000 10000
Heritage Bank Visa Classic Rewards 16.75% 55 48.00 N/A 1000 10000
Heritage Bank Visa Gold Basic 16.75% 55 36.00 20000 5000 50000
Heritage Bank Visa Gold No Frills 11.80% 0 0.00 N/A 5000 50000
HSBC Credit Card 17.99% 55 0.00 N/A 1000 No Max
Macquarie Bank Visa Gold Card 20.95% 55 130.00 N/A 2000 50000
Macquarie Bank Visa RateSaver Card 14.95% 55 69.00 N/A 2000 50000
ME Bank MasterCard 12.25% 44 49.00 7500 1000 15000
Myer Myer Visa Card 20.69% 62 69.00 N/A 1000 No Max
P&N Bank Easypay Visa 11.99% 45 40.00 N/A 500 No Max
SCU Low Rate Visa Credit Card 10.49% 55 30.00 N/A 1000 No Max
Suncorp Bank Standard Card 12.74% 0 55.00 N/A 2000 20000
Virgin Money No Annual Fee Credit Card 18.99% 44 0.00 N/A 2000 10000
Bank of Melbourne No Annual Fee MasterCard/Visa 20.49% 0 0.00 N/A 500 40000
bankmecu Low Rate Visa CreditCard 10.39% 0 59.00 N/A 1000 No Max
BankSA No Annual Fee MasterCard/Visa 20.49% 0 0.00 N/A 500 40000
Coastline Credit Union Visa Credit Card 17.50% 0 0.00 N/A 500 No Max
Heritage Bank Visa Gold Rewards 16.75% 55 90.00 N/A 5000 50000
SERVICE ONE Members BVisa 15.25% 0 0.00 N/A 500 10000
St.George Bank No Annual Fee MasterCard/Visa 20.49% 0 0.00 N/A 500 40000
*Credit Unions includes the following financial institutions: Catalyst Mutual
Community CPS Australia
Companion CU
FCCS Credit Union
Holiday Coast CU
Illawarra CU NSW
IMB
MyState Financial
QT Mutual Bank
Queenslanders CU
SERVICE ONE Members Bank
Sutherland Credit Union
Unicredit-WA
Report Date: 2/05/2013, (All information is correct as at April 15th, 2013) Credit Card Star Ratings 2013 - page 4
your guide to product excellence
Credit Card Star Ratings
Spend to
Waive
Annual Fee
Rate
(as at
26/10/12)
Free
Days Annualised
Fee
Report Date: April 2013
Annual Fee ($)
(as at 26/10/12)
Product Maximum
Credit Limit ($)
Minimum
Rewards
Program
Availabe
We endeavour to include the majority of product providers in the market and to compare the product features most relevant to
consumers in our ratings. This is not always possible and it may be that not every product in the market is included in the rating nor
every feature compared that is relevant to you
EVERYDAY SPENDER
Company
"outstanding value"
ANZ Rewards Platinum 19.39% 55 149.00 N/A 6000 No Max
Bankwest More Gold MasterCard 19.49% 55 89.00 N/A 5000 50000
Bankwest More Platinum MasterCard 19.49% 55 99.00 N/A 8000 100000
Bankwest Qantas Platinum MasterCard 19.49% 55 99.00 N/A 8000 No Max
Citibank Platinum 20.99% 55 199.00 N/A 8000 100000
Coastline Credit Union Visa Rewarder 17.00% 55 52.00 12000 1000 25000
Coles Coles MasterCard 19.99% 62 49.00 N/A 500 No Max
Coles Coles Platinum MasterCard 19.99% 62 49.00 N/A 8000 No Max
Commonwealth Bank Standard Awards 20.24% 55 89.00 N/A 500 No Max
Credit Unions* Platinum MasterCard 20.24% 55 179.00 N/A 6000 30000
Credit Unions* Rewards MasterCard 19.74% 55 90.00 N/A 5000 25000
CUA Rewards MasterCard 19.74% 55 90.00 N/A 5000 25000
Hume Building Society Gold 17.95% 55 60.00 12000 7500 50000
Hume Building Society Loyalty 17.95% 55 30.00 8000 500 20000
Jetstar Platinum MasterCard 19.99% 55 149.00 N/A 8000 100000
nab flybuys Rewards Card 19.49% 44 65.00 N/A 6000 No Max
Qantas Staff CU Lifestyle 12.49% 0 0.00 N/A 1000 50000
Qantas Staff CU Lifestyle Plus 15.85% 46 0.00 N/A 1000 50000
Qld Police Credit Union Bluey Rewarder Card 15.74% 55 48.00 8000 1000 25000
Teachers Mutual Bank Teachers Credit Card 11.50% 55 0.00 N/A 1000 25000
American Express David Jones Card 20.74% 44 99.00 N/A 2000 25000
American Express Qantas Discovery Card 20.74% 44 0.00 N/A 2000 100000
ANZ Platinum 19.39% 55 87.00 20000 6000 No Max
ANZ Rewards 19.39% 44 89.00 N/A 1000 No Max
Bank of Melbourne Amplify Credit Card 18.74% 55 79.00 N/A 1000 80000
BankSA Amplify Credit Card 18.74% 55 79.00 N/A 1000 80000
Bankwest More MasterCard 19.49% 55 49.00 N/A 1000 25000
Bankwest Zero Platinum MasterCard 17.99% 55 0.00 N/A 8000 No Max
bcu Visa Bonus Rewarder 16.80% 55 40.00 N/A 500 No Max
Citibank Clear Platinum Visa 11.99% 55 99.00 N/A 8000 60000
Commonwealth Bank Low Fee Gold MasterCard 19.74% 55 90.00 10000 4000 No Max
CUA Platinum MasterCard 20.24% 55 179.00 N/A 6000 30000
First Option Credit Union Cash Rewards Visa Credit Card 15.99% 45 36.00 N/A 500 20000
Greater Building Society Credit Card 10.25% 55 40.00 10000 1000 25000
Horizon Credit Union Visa Credit Card 12.95% 45 0.00 N/A 1000 30000
HSBC Platinum Qantas Credit Card 19.99% 55 199.00 N/A 6000 No Max
Jetstar MasterCard 13.99% 55 59.00 N/A 2000 50000
Myer Myer Visa Card 20.69% 62 69.00 N/A 1000 No Max
nab Qantas Plus 19.99% 44 146.00 N/A 5000 500000
nab Qantas Rewards 19.99% 44 65.00 N/A 500 500000
nab Velocity Rewards 19.99% 44 65.00 N/A 500 No Max
nab Velocity Rewards Premium 19.99% 44 150.00 N/A 6000 No Max
Police Credit Visa Credit Silver 11.95% 44 0.00 N/A 1000 10000
Qld Police Credit Union Bluey Card 12.74% 55 25.00 8000 1000 25000
Report Date: 2/05/2013, (All information is correct as at April 15th, 2013) Credit Card Star Ratings 2013 - page 5
your guide to product excellence
Credit Card Star Ratings
Spend to
Waive
Annual Fee
Rate
(as at
26/10/12)
Free
Days Annualised
Fee
Report Date: April 2013
Annual Fee ($)
(as at 26/10/12)
Product Maximum
Credit Limit ($)
Minimum
Rewards
Program
Availabe
We endeavour to include the majority of product providers in the market and to compare the product features most relevant to
consumers in our ratings. This is not always possible and it may be that not every product in the market is included in the rating nor
every feature compared that is relevant to you
EVERYDAY SPENDER
Company
Queensland Country CredVisa Card 13.20% 55 39.00 N/A 500 No Max
St.George Bank Amplify Credit Card 18.74% 55 79.00 N/A 1000 80000
Suncorp Bank Gold Card 20.50% 55 120.00 N/A 5000 25000
Virgin Money Velocity Flyer Credit Card 20.99% 44 129.00 N/A 6000 100000
Virgin Money Velocity High Flyer Credit Card 20.99% 44 289.00 N/A 6000 100000
Westpac 55 day Platinum Visa 19.59% 55 90.00 20000 6000 100000
Westpac Altitude 19.99% 45 100.00 N/A 1000 30000
Westpac Altitude Platinum 19.99% 45 150.00 N/A 6000 50000
Westpac earth Platinum 19.99% 45 125.00 N/A 8000 50000
Westpac Singapore Airlines Platinum Car 19.49% 45 250.00 N/A 8000 100000
Woolworths Limited Everyday Money 19.84% 55 49.00 N/A 1000 No Max
Woolworths Limited Everyday Rewards Qantas Cred 19.99% 55 89.00 N/A 8000 No Max
ADCU Low Rate Visa Card 10.99% 55 49.00 N/A 500 No Max
American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card 20.74% 55 149.00 N/A 3000 50000
American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card 20.74% 55 395.00 N/A 3000 50000
American Express Velocity Gold Card 20.74% 44 199.00 N/A 3000 50000
American Express Velocity Platinum Card 20.74% 44 349.00 N/A 3000 100000
ANZ Balance Visa 14.39% 55 79.00 N/A 1000 15000
ANZ First 19.39% 44 30.00 N/A 1000 No Max
ANZ Freq Flyer Platinum 19.39% 55 295.00 N/A 6000 No Max
ANZ Frequent Flyer 19.39% 44 95.00 N/A 1000 No Max
ANZ Low Rate 13.14% 55 58.00 N/A 1000 15000
ANZ Low Rate Platinum 13.14% 55 99.00 N/A 6000 No Max
Bank of Melbourne Gold Low Rate MasterCard/Visa 15.99% 55 79.00 N/A 4000 80000
Bank of Melbourne Platinum Visa Card 15.99% 55 89.00 N/A 6000 80000
Bank of Melbourne Vertigo MasterCard 13.24% 55 55.00 N/A 500 40000
bankmecu Visa Credit Card 13.39% 55 0.00 N/A 1000 No Max
BankSA Gold Low Rate MasterCard/Visa 15.99% 55 79.00 N/A 4000 80000
BankSA Platinum Visa Card 15.99% 55 89.00 N/A 6000 80000
BankSA Vertigo MasterCard 13.24% 55 55.00 N/A 500 40000
Bankwest Breeze Gold MasterCard 11.99% 55 89.00 N/A 5000 50000
Bankwest Breeze MasterCard 11.99% 55 59.00 N/A 1000 25000
Bankwest Breeze Platinum MasterCard 11.99% 55 99.00 N/A 8000 No Max
Bankwest Qantas Classic MasterCard 19.49% 55 49.00 N/A 1000 No Max
Bankwest Qantas Gold MasterCard 19.49% 55 89.00 N/A 5000 No Max
Bankwest Zero Gold MasterCard 17.99% 55 0.00 N/A 5000 No Max
Bankwest Zero MasterCard 17.99% 55 0.00 N/A 1000 25000
Bendigo Bank Basic Black MasterCard/Visa 12.49% 44 45.00 N/A 500 50000
Bendigo Bank Ready Red MasterCard/Visa 19.99% 44 45.00 N/A 500 50000
Bendigo Bank RSPCA Rescue Rewards 19.64% 55 60.00 N/A 500 50000
Bendigo Bank RSPCA Rescue Visa 15.49% 40 24.00 N/A 500 50000
BOQ Blue Visa 20.74% 44 60.00 N/A 2000 7500
BOQ Platinum Visa 20.74% 55 199.00 N/A 6000 30000
Citibank Emirates Platinum MasterCard 20.99% 55 229.00 N/A 5000 100000
Report Date: 2/05/2013, (All information is correct as at April 15th, 2013) Credit Card Star Ratings 2013 - page 6
your guide to product excellence
Credit Card Star Ratings
Spend to
Waive
Annual Fee
Rate
(as at
26/10/12)
Free
Days Annualised
Fee
Report Date: April 2013
Annual Fee ($)
(as at 26/10/12)
Product Maximum
Credit Limit ($)
Minimum
Rewards
Program
Availabe
We endeavour to include the majority of product providers in the market and to compare the product features most relevant to
consumers in our ratings. This is not always possible and it may be that not every product in the market is included in the rating nor
every feature compared that is relevant to you
EVERYDAY SPENDER
Company
Citibank Select Credit Card 20.74% 55 700.00 N/A 18000 100000
Citibank Signature 20.99% 55 395.00 N/A 15000 100000
Commonwealth Bank Diamond Awards 20.24% 55 425.00 N/A 18000 No Max
Commonwealth Bank Gold Awards 20.24% 55 144.00 N/A 4000 No Max
Commonwealth Bank Low Fee MasterCard 19.74% 55 24.00 1000 500 No Max
Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Gold MasterCard 12.99% 55 120.00 N/A 4000 No Max
Commonwealth Bank Low Rate MasterCard 12.99% 55 78.00 N/A 500 No Max
Commonwealth Bank Platinum Awards 20.24% 55 280.00 N/A 8000 No Max
Community First CU Low Rate Visa Cred Card 9.50% 55 40.00 N/A 1000 15000
Community First CU McGrath Pink Visa Card 9.50% 55 40.00 N/A 1000 15000
Credit Union SA Visa Credit Card 10.49% 55 10.00 N/A 1000 20000
Credit Unions* Low Rate MasterCard 12.99% 55 75.00 N/A 2000 15000
CUA Low Rate MasterCard 12.99% 55 75.00 N/A 2000 15000
First Option Credit Union Standard Visa Credit Card 13.49% 45 18.00 N/A 500 20000
GE Money 28 Degrees MasterCard 20.99% 55 0.00 N/A 500 No Max
GE Money GO MasterCard 21.74% 62 59.00 N/A 1000 25000
Heritage Bank Visa Classic Basic 16.75% 55 18.00 10000 1000 10000
Heritage Bank Visa Classic No Frills 11.80% 0 0.00 N/A 1000 10000
Heritage Bank Visa Gold Basic 16.75% 55 36.00 20000 5000 50000
Heritage Bank Visa Gold No Frills 11.80% 0 0.00 N/A 5000 50000
HSBC Classic Credit Card 20.50% 55 59.00 N/A 1000 No Max
HSBC Credit Card 17.99% 55 0.00 N/A 1000 No Max
HSBC Platinum Credit Card 19.99% 55 129.00 N/A 6000 No Max
Hume Building Society Value 13.15% 55 0.00 N/A 500 20000
Hunter United Credit Un Visa Credit Card 11.49% 55 59.00 N/A 1000 20000
Intech Credit Union Titanium Visa 55 12.30% 55 46.00 N/A 1000 30000
Macquarie Credit Union Visa Credit Card 13.54% 55 15.00 N/A 1000 10000
ME Bank MasterCard 12.25% 44 49.00 7500 1000 15000
nab Gold MasterCard/Visa 19.49% 44 90.00 N/A 6000 No Max
nab Low Fee MasterCard 19.49% 44 30.00 N/A 500 No Max
nab Low Rate Card 13.99% 55 59.00 N/A 500 No Max
nab Qantas Rewards Premium 19.99% 44 250.00 N/A 6000 500000
Newcastle Permanent Value+ Credit Card 12.24% 55 49.00 N/A 500 20000
People's Choice Credit UnCharity Credit Card 15.95% 62 40.00 N/A 1000 No Max
People's Choice Credit UnVisa Credit Card 15.95% 62 40.00 N/A 1000 No Max
Police Credit Visa Credit Gold 16.95% 55 50.00 N/A 5000 30000
Qantas Staff CU Visa Platinum Credit Card 18.99% 46 195.00 N/A 6000 50000
Select Credit Union Super Credit Card 10.99% 55 30.00 N/A 1000 20000
SGE Credit Union Gold Solutions 14.95% 55 100.00 N/A 5000 20000
St.George Bank Gold Low Rate MasterCard/Visa 15.99% 55 79.00 N/A 4000 80000
St.George Bank Platinum Visa Card 15.99% 55 89.00 N/A 6000 80000
St.George Bank Vertigo MasterCard 13.24% 55 55.00 N/A 500 40000
Suncorp Bank Platinum Card 20.74% 55 199.00 N/A 6000 30000
Victoria Teachers Mutual Visa Classic Credit Card 13.19% 55 0.00 N/A 500 No Max
Victoria Teachers Mutual Visa Platinum Credit Card 9.99% 55 84.00 N/A 6000 No Max
Westpac 55 day MasterCard/Visa 19.59% 55 30.00 10000 1000 30000
Report Date: 2/05/2013, (All information is correct as at April 15th, 2013) Credit Card Star Ratings 2013 - page 7
your guide to product excellence
Credit Card Star Ratings
Spend to
Waive
Annual Fee
Rate
(as at
26/10/12)
Free
Days Annualised
Fee
Report Date: April 2013
Annual Fee ($)
(as at 26/10/12)
Product Maximum
Credit Limit ($)
Minimum
Rewards
Program
Availabe
We endeavour to include the majority of product providers in the market and to compare the product features most relevant to
consumers in our ratings. This is not always possible and it may be that not every product in the market is included in the rating nor
every feature compared that is relevant to you
EVERYDAY SPENDER
Company
Westpac earth 19.99% 45 75.00 N/A 1000 No Max
Westpac Low Rate MasterCard/Visa 13.49% 55 45.00 N/A 1000 30000
American Express Qantas Premium Card 20.74% 44 249.00 N/A 5000 100000
Bank of Melbourne No Annual Fee MasterCard/Visa 20.49% 0 0.00 N/A 500 40000
BankSA No Annual Fee MasterCard/Visa 20.49% 0 0.00 N/A 500 40000
bcu Classic Visa Card 11.80% 55 40.00 N/A 500 No Max
Bendigo Bank Gold Visa 19.99% 55 85.00 N/A 10000 50000
BOQ Low Rate Visa Card 13.49% 55 55.00 N/A 2000 20000
Coastline Credit Union Visa Credit Card 17.50% 0 0.00 N/A 500 No Max
Defence Bank True Blue Credit Card 11.74% 55 45.00 N/A 1000 25000
ECU Australia Low Rate Visa Credit Card 13.50% 55 48.00 N/A 1000 50000
Encompass Credit Union Visa Credit Card 15.00% 55 36.00 N/A 1000 5000
GE Money Gem Visa 22.99% 55 99.00 N/A 1000 No Max
GE Money Low Rate MasterCard 15.49% 55 58.00 N/A 500 No Max
Macquarie Bank Hilton Platinum Card 20.95% 55 295.00 N/A 6000 No Max
Macquarie Bank Visa Platinum Card 20.95% 55 200.00 N/A 6000 No Max
P&N Bank Easypay Visa 11.99% 45 40.00 N/A 500 No Max
SCU Low Rate Visa Credit Card 10.49% 55 30.00 N/A 1000 No Max
SGE Credit Union Classic Solutions 12.95% 45 50.00 N/A 1000 10000
St.George Bank No Annual Fee MasterCard/Visa 20.49% 0 0.00 N/A 500 40000
Virgin Money No Annual Fee Credit Card 18.99% 44 0.00 N/A 2000 10000
American Express Qantas Ultimate Card 20.74% 44 450.00 N/A 5000 100000
bankmecu Low Rate Visa CreditCard 10.39% 0 59.00 N/A 1000 No Max
GE Money eco MasterCard 20.49% 55 49.00 N/A 500 20000
Heritage Bank Visa Classic Rewards 16.75% 55 48.00 N/A 1000 10000
Heritage Bank Visa Gold Rewards 16.75% 55 90.00 N/A 5000 50000
Macquarie Bank Visa Gold Card 20.95% 55 130.00 N/A 2000 50000
Macquarie Bank Visa RateSaver Card 14.95% 55 69.00 N/A 2000 50000
SERVICE ONE Members BVisa 15.25% 0 0.00 N/A 500 10000
Suncorp Bank Standard Card 12.74% 0 55.00 N/A 2000 20000
*Credit Unions includes the following financial institutions: Catalyst Mutual
Community CPS Australia
Companion CU
FCCS Credit Union
Holiday Coast CU
Illawarra CU NSW
IMB
MyState Financial
QT Mutual Bank
Queenslanders CU
SERVICE ONE Members Bank
Sutherland Credit Union
Unicredit-WA
Report Date: 2/05/2013, (All information is correct as at April 15th, 2013) Credit Card Star Ratings 2013 - page 8
your guide to product excellence
Credit Card Star Ratings
Spend to
Waive
Annual Fee
Rate
(as at
26/10/12)
Free
Days Annualised
Fee
Report Date: April 2013
Annual Fee ($)
(as at 26/10/12)
Product Maximum
Credit Limit ($)
Minimum
Rewards
Program
Availabe
We endeavour to include the majority of product providers in the market and to compare the product features most relevant to
consumers in our ratings. This is not always possible and it may be that not every product in the market is included in the rating nor
every feature compared that is relevant to you
HABITUAL SPENDER
Company
"outstanding value"
ADCU Low Rate Visa Card 10.99% 55 49.00 N/A 500 No Max
bankmecu Low Rate Visa CreditCard 10.39% 0 59.00 N/A 1000 No Max
Bankwest Breeze Gold MasterCard 11.99% 55 89.00 N/A 5000 50000
Bankwest Breeze MasterCard 11.99% 55 59.00 N/A 1000 25000
Community First CU Low Rate Visa Cred Card 9.50% 55 40.00 N/A 1000 15000
Community First CU McGrath Pink Visa Card 9.50% 55 40.00 N/A 1000 15000
Credit Union SA Visa Credit Card 10.49% 55 10.00 N/A 1000 20000
Defence Bank True Blue Credit Card 11.74% 55 45.00 N/A 1000 25000
Greater Building Society Credit Card 10.25% 55 40.00 10000 1000 25000
Horizon Credit Union Visa Credit Card 12.95% 45 0.00 N/A 1000 30000
Hunter United Credit Un Visa Credit Card 11.49% 55 59.00 N/A 1000 20000
Intech Credit Union Titanium Visa 55 12.30% 55 46.00 N/A 1000 30000
Police Credit Visa Credit Silver 11.95% 44 0.00 N/A 1000 10000
Qld Police Credit Union Bluey Card 12.74% 55 25.00 8000 1000 25000
SCU Low Rate Visa Credit Card 10.49% 55 30.00 N/A 1000 No Max
Select Credit Union Super Credit Card 10.99% 55 30.00 N/A 1000 20000
Teachers Mutual Bank Teachers Credit Card 11.50% 55 0.00 N/A 1000 25000
Victoria Teachers Mutual Visa Platinum Credit Card 9.99% 55 84.00 N/A 6000 No Max
ANZ Low Rate 13.14% 55 58.00 N/A 1000 15000
ANZ Low Rate Platinum 13.14% 55 99.00 N/A 6000 No Max
Bank of Melbourne Vertigo MasterCard 13.24% 55 55.00 N/A 500 40000
bankmecu Visa Credit Card 13.39% 55 0.00 N/A 1000 No Max
BankSA Vertigo MasterCard 13.24% 55 55.00 N/A 500 40000
bcu Classic Visa Card 11.80% 55 40.00 N/A 500 No Max
Bendigo Bank Basic Black MasterCard/Visa 12.49% 44 45.00 N/A 500 50000
BOQ Low Rate Visa Card 13.49% 55 55.00 N/A 2000 20000
Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Gold MasterCard 12.99% 55 120.00 N/A 4000 No Max
Commonwealth Bank Low Rate MasterCard 12.99% 55 78.00 N/A 500 No Max
Credit Unions* Low Rate MasterCard 12.99% 55 75.00 N/A 2000 15000
CUA Low Rate MasterCard 12.99% 55 75.00 N/A 2000 15000
First Option Credit Union Standard Visa Credit Card 13.49% 45 18.00 N/A 500 20000
Heritage Bank Visa Classic No Frills 11.80% 0 0.00 N/A 1000 10000
Heritage Bank Visa Gold No Frills 11.80% 0 0.00 N/A 5000 50000
Hume Building Society Value 13.15% 55 0.00 N/A 500 20000
Macquarie Credit Union Visa Credit Card 13.54% 55 15.00 N/A 1000 10000
ME Bank MasterCard 12.25% 44 49.00 7500 1000 15000
nab Low Rate Card 13.99% 55 59.00 N/A 500 No Max
Newcastle Permanent Value+ Credit Card 12.24% 55 49.00 N/A 500 20000
P&N Bank Easypay Visa 11.99% 45 40.00 N/A 500 No Max
Qantas Staff CU Lifestyle 12.49% 0 0.00 N/A 1000 50000
Queensland Country CredVisa Card 13.20% 55 39.00 N/A 500 No Max
SGE Credit Union Classic Solutions 12.95% 45 50.00 N/A 1000 10000
St.George Bank Vertigo MasterCard 13.24% 55 55.00 N/A 500 40000
Suncorp Bank Standard Card 12.74% 0 55.00 N/A 2000 20000
Report Date: 2/05/2013, (All information is correct as at April 15th, 2013) Credit Card Star Ratings 2013 - page 9
your guide to product excellence
Credit Card Star Ratings
Spend to
Waive
Annual Fee
Rate
(as at
26/10/12)
Free
Days Annualised
Fee
Report Date: April 2013
Annual Fee ($)
(as at 26/10/12)
Product Maximum
Credit Limit ($)
Minimum
Rewards
Program
Availabe
We endeavour to include the majority of product providers in the market and to compare the product features most relevant to
consumers in our ratings. This is not always possible and it may be that not every product in the market is included in the rating nor
every feature compared that is relevant to you
HABITUAL SPENDER
Company
Victoria Teachers Mutual Visa Classic Credit Card 13.19% 55 0.00 N/A 500 No Max
Westpac Low Rate MasterCard/Visa 13.49% 55 45.00 N/A 1000 30000
ANZ Balance Visa 14.39% 55 79.00 N/A 1000 15000
ANZ First 19.39% 44 30.00 N/A 1000 No Max
ANZ Frequent Flyer 19.39% 44 95.00 N/A 1000 No Max
ANZ Platinum 19.39% 55 87.00 20000 6000 No Max
ANZ Rewards 19.39% 44 89.00 N/A 1000 No Max
ANZ Rewards Platinum 19.39% 55 149.00 N/A 6000 No Max
Bank of Melbourne Amplify Credit Card 18.74% 55 79.00 N/A 1000 80000
Bank of Melbourne Gold Low Rate MasterCard/Visa 15.99% 55 79.00 N/A 4000 80000
Bank of Melbourne No Annual Fee MasterCard/Visa 20.49% 0 0.00 N/A 500 40000
Bank of Melbourne Platinum Visa Card 15.99% 55 89.00 N/A 6000 80000
BankSA Amplify Credit Card 18.74% 55 79.00 N/A 1000 80000
BankSA Gold Low Rate MasterCard/Visa 15.99% 55 79.00 N/A 4000 80000
BankSA No Annual Fee MasterCard/Visa 20.49% 0 0.00 N/A 500 40000
BankSA Platinum Visa Card 15.99% 55 89.00 N/A 6000 80000
Bankwest More Gold MasterCard 19.49% 55 89.00 N/A 5000 50000
Bankwest More MasterCard 19.49% 55 49.00 N/A 1000 25000
Bankwest Qantas Classic MasterCard 19.49% 55 49.00 N/A 1000 No Max
Bankwest Qantas Gold MasterCard 19.49% 55 89.00 N/A 5000 No Max
Bankwest Zero Gold MasterCard 17.99% 55 0.00 N/A 5000 No Max
Bankwest Zero MasterCard 17.99% 55 0.00 N/A 1000 25000
bcu Visa Bonus Rewarder 16.80% 55 40.00 N/A 500 No Max
Bendigo Bank Ready Red MasterCard/Visa 19.99% 44 45.00 N/A 500 50000
Bendigo Bank RSPCA Rescue Rewards 19.64% 55 60.00 N/A 500 50000
Bendigo Bank RSPCA Rescue Visa 15.49% 40 24.00 N/A 500 50000
Coastline Credit Union Visa Credit Card 17.50% 0 0.00 N/A 500 No Max
Coastline Credit Union Visa Rewarder 17.00% 55 52.00 12000 1000 25000
Commonwealth Bank Gold Awards 20.24% 55 144.00 N/A 4000 No Max
Commonwealth Bank Low Fee Gold MasterCard 19.74% 55 90.00 10000 4000 No Max
Commonwealth Bank Low Fee MasterCard 19.74% 55 24.00 1000 500 No Max
Commonwealth Bank Standard Awards 20.24% 55 89.00 N/A 500 No Max
Credit Unions* Rewards MasterCard 19.74% 55 90.00 N/A 5000 25000
CUA Rewards MasterCard 19.74% 55 90.00 N/A 5000 25000
ECU Australia Low Rate Visa Credit Card 13.50% 55 48.00 N/A 1000 50000
First Option Credit Union Cash Rewards Visa Credit Card 15.99% 45 36.00 N/A 500 20000
GE Money 28 Degrees MasterCard 20.99% 55 0.00 N/A 500 No Max
GE Money Low Rate MasterCard 15.49% 55 58.00 N/A 500 No Max
Heritage Bank Visa Classic Basic 16.75% 55 18.00 10000 1000 10000
Heritage Bank Visa Classic Rewards 16.75% 55 48.00 N/A 1000 10000
Heritage Bank Visa Gold Basic 16.75% 55 36.00 20000 5000 50000
Heritage Bank Visa Gold Rewards 16.75% 55 90.00 N/A 5000 50000
HSBC Credit Card 17.99% 55 0.00 N/A 1000 No Max
HSBC Platinum Credit Card 19.99% 55 129.00 N/A 6000 No Max
Report Date: 2/05/2013, (All information is correct as at April 15th, 2013) Credit Card Star Ratings 2013 - page 10
your guide to product excellence
Credit Card Star Ratings
Spend to
Waive
Annual Fee
Rate
(as at
26/10/12)
Free
Days Annualised
Fee
Report Date: April 2013
Annual Fee ($)
(as at 26/10/12)
Product Maximum
Credit Limit ($)
Minimum
Rewards
Program
Availabe
We endeavour to include the majority of product providers in the market and to compare the product features most relevant to
consumers in our ratings. This is not always possible and it may be that not every product in the market is included in the rating nor
every feature compared that is relevant to you
HABITUAL SPENDER
Company
Hume Building Society Loyalty 17.95% 55 30.00 8000 500 20000
Jetstar MasterCard 13.99% 55 59.00 N/A 2000 50000
Macquarie Bank Visa RateSaver Card 14.95% 55 69.00 N/A 2000 50000
nab flybuys Rewards Card 19.49% 44 65.00 N/A 6000 No Max
nab Gold MasterCard/Visa 19.49% 44 90.00 N/A 6000 No Max
nab Low Fee MasterCard 19.49% 44 30.00 N/A 500 No Max
nab Qantas Plus 19.99% 44 146.00 N/A 5000 500000
nab Qantas Rewards 19.99% 44 65.00 N/A 500 500000
nab Qantas Rewards Premium 19.99% 44 250.00 N/A 6000 500000
nab Velocity Rewards 19.99% 44 65.00 N/A 500 No Max
nab Velocity Rewards Premium 19.99% 44 150.00 N/A 6000 No Max
People's Choice Credit UnCharity Credit Card 15.95% 62 40.00 N/A 1000 No Max
People's Choice Credit UnVisa Credit Card 15.95% 62 40.00 N/A 1000 No Max
Police Credit Visa Credit Gold 16.95% 55 50.00 N/A 5000 30000
Qantas Staff CU Lifestyle Plus 15.85% 46 0.00 N/A 1000 50000
Qantas Staff CU Visa Platinum Credit Card 18.99% 46 195.00 N/A 6000 50000
Qld Police Credit Union Bluey Rewarder Card 15.74% 55 48.00 8000 1000 25000
SERVICE ONE Members BVisa 15.25% 0 0.00 N/A 500 10000
SGE Credit Union Gold Solutions 14.95% 55 100.00 N/A 5000 20000
St.George Bank Amplify Credit Card 18.74% 55 79.00 N/A 1000 80000
St.George Bank Gold Low Rate MasterCard/Visa 15.99% 55 79.00 N/A 4000 80000
St.George Bank No Annual Fee MasterCard/Visa 20.49% 0 0.00 N/A 500 40000
St.George Bank Platinum Visa Card 15.99% 55 89.00 N/A 6000 80000
Suncorp Bank Gold Card 20.50% 55 120.00 N/A 5000 25000
Virgin Money No Annual Fee Credit Card 18.99% 44 0.00 N/A 2000 10000
Westpac 55 day MasterCard/Visa 19.59% 55 30.00 10000 1000 30000
Westpac 55 day Platinum Visa 19.59% 55 90.00 20000 6000 100000
Westpac Altitude 19.99% 45 100.00 N/A 1000 30000
Westpac Altitude Platinum 19.99% 45 150.00 N/A 6000 50000
Westpac earth 19.99% 45 75.00 N/A 1000 No Max
American Express David Jones Card 20.74% 44 99.00 N/A 2000 25000
American Express Qantas Discovery Card 20.74% 44 0.00 N/A 2000 100000
ANZ Freq Flyer Platinum 19.39% 55 295.00 N/A 6000 No Max
BOQ Blue Visa 20.74% 44 60.00 N/A 2000 7500
Citibank Emirates Platinum MasterCard 20.99% 55 229.00 N/A 5000 100000
Coles Coles MasterCard 19.99% 62 49.00 N/A 500 No Max
Credit Unions* Platinum MasterCard 20.24% 55 179.00 N/A 6000 30000
CUA Platinum MasterCard 20.24% 55 179.00 N/A 6000 30000
GE Money eco MasterCard 20.49% 55 49.00 N/A 500 20000
GE Money Gem Visa 22.99% 55 99.00 N/A 1000 No Max
GE Money GO MasterCard 21.74% 62 59.00 N/A 1000 25000
HSBC Classic Credit Card 20.50% 55 59.00 N/A 1000 No Max
HSBC Platinum Qantas Credit Card 19.99% 55 199.00 N/A 6000 No Max
Macquarie Bank Hilton Platinum Card 20.95% 55 295.00 N/A 6000 No Max
Report Date: 2/05/2013, (All information is correct as at April 15th, 2013) Credit Card Star Ratings 2013 - page 11
your guide to product excellence
Credit Card Star Ratings
Spend to
Waive
Annual Fee
Rate
(as at
26/10/12)
Free
Days Annualised
Fee
Report Date: April 2013
Annual Fee ($)
(as at 26/10/12)
Product Maximum
Credit Limit ($)
Minimum
Rewards
Program
Availabe
We endeavour to include the majority of product providers in the market and to compare the product features most relevant to
consumers in our ratings. This is not always possible and it may be that not every product in the market is included in the rating nor
every feature compared that is relevant to you
HABITUAL SPENDER
Company
Macquarie Bank Visa Gold Card 20.95% 55 130.00 N/A 2000 50000
Macquarie Bank Visa Platinum Card 20.95% 55 200.00 N/A 6000 No Max
Myer Myer Visa Card 20.69% 62 69.00 N/A 1000 No Max
Suncorp Bank Platinum Card 20.74% 55 199.00 N/A 6000 30000
Virgin Money Velocity Flyer Credit Card 20.99% 44 129.00 N/A 6000 100000
Woolworths Limited Everyday Money 19.84% 55 49.00 N/A 1000 No Max
American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card 20.74% 55 149.00 N/A 3000 50000
American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card 20.74% 55 395.00 N/A 3000 50000
American Express Qantas Premium Card 20.74% 44 249.00 N/A 5000 100000
American Express Qantas Ultimate Card 20.74% 44 450.00 N/A 5000 100000
American Express Velocity Gold Card 20.74% 44 199.00 N/A 3000 50000
American Express Velocity Platinum Card 20.74% 44 349.00 N/A 3000 100000
BOQ Platinum Visa 20.74% 55 199.00 N/A 6000 30000
Virgin Money Velocity High Flyer Credit Card 20.99% 44 289.00 N/A 6000 100000
*Credit Unions includes the following financial institutions: Catalyst Mutual
Community CPS Australia
Companion CU
FCCS Credit Union
Holiday Coast CU
Illawarra CU NSW
IMB
MyState Financial
QT Mutual Bank
Queenslanders CU
SERVICE ONE Members Bank
Sutherland Credit Union
Unicredit-WA
Report Date: 2/05/2013, (All information is correct as at April 15th, 2013) Credit Card Star Ratings 2013 - page 12
your guide to product excellence
Credit Card Star Ratings
Spend to
Waive
Annual Fee
Rate
(as at
26/10/12)
Free
Days Annualised
Fee
Report Date: April 2013
Annual Fee ($)
(as at 26/10/12)
Product Maximum
Credit Limit ($)
Minimum
Rewards
Program
Availabe
We endeavour to include the majority of product providers in the market and to compare the product features most relevant to
consumers in our ratings. This is not always possible and it may be that not every product in the market is included in the rating nor
every feature compared that is relevant to you
OCCASIONAL SPENDER
Company
"outstanding value"
bankmecu Visa Credit Card 13.39% 55 0.00 N/A 1000 No Max
Community First CU Low Rate Visa Cred Card 9.50% 55 40.00 N/A 1000 15000
Community First CU McGrath Pink Visa Card 9.50% 55 40.00 N/A 1000 15000
Credit Union SA Visa Credit Card 10.49% 55 10.00 N/A 1000 20000
Heritage Bank Visa Classic No Frills 11.80% 0 0.00 N/A 1000 10000
Horizon Credit Union Visa Credit Card 12.95% 45 0.00 N/A 1000 30000
Hume Building Society Value 13.15% 55 0.00 N/A 500 20000
Macquarie Credit Union Visa Credit Card 13.54% 55 15.00 N/A 1000 10000
Police Credit Visa Credit Silver 11.95% 44 0.00 N/A 1000 10000
Qantas Staff CU Lifestyle 12.49% 0 0.00 N/A 1000 50000
Teachers Mutual Bank Teachers Credit Card 11.50% 55 0.00 N/A 1000 25000
Victoria Teachers Mutual Visa Classic Credit Card 13.19% 55 0.00 N/A 500 No Max
ADCU Low Rate Visa Card 10.99% 55 49.00 N/A 500 No Max
ANZ Low Rate 13.14% 55 58.00 N/A 1000 15000
Bankwest Breeze MasterCard 11.99% 55 59.00 N/A 1000 25000
Bankwest Zero MasterCard 17.99% 55 0.00 N/A 1000 25000
Bendigo Bank Basic Black MasterCard/Visa 12.49% 44 45.00 N/A 500 50000
Bendigo Bank RSPCA Rescue Visa 15.49% 40 24.00 N/A 500 50000
Commonwealth Bank Low Fee MasterCard 19.74% 55 24.00 1000 500 No Max
Commonwealth Bank Low Rate MasterCard 12.99% 55 78.00 N/A 500 No Max
Defence Bank True Blue Credit Card 11.74% 55 45.00 N/A 1000 25000
First Option Credit Union Standard Visa Credit Card 13.49% 45 18.00 N/A 500 20000
GE Money 28 Degrees MasterCard 20.99% 55 0.00 N/A 500 No Max
Greater Building Society Credit Card 10.25% 55 40.00 10000 1000 25000
HSBC Credit Card 17.99% 55 0.00 N/A 1000 No Max
Intech Credit Union Titanium Visa 55 12.30% 55 46.00 N/A 1000 30000
nab Low Rate Card 13.99% 55 59.00 N/A 500 No Max
Newcastle Permanent Value+ Credit Card 12.24% 55 49.00 N/A 500 20000
Qantas Staff CU Lifestyle Plus 15.85% 46 0.00 N/A 1000 50000
Qld Police Credit Union Bluey Card 12.74% 55 25.00 8000 1000 25000
Queensland Country CredVisa Card 13.20% 55 39.00 N/A 500 No Max
SCU Low Rate Visa Credit Card 10.49% 55 30.00 N/A 1000 No Max
Select Credit Union Super Credit Card 10.99% 55 30.00 N/A 1000 20000
Westpac Low Rate MasterCard/Visa 13.49% 55 45.00 N/A 1000 30000
ANZ Balance Visa 14.39% 55 79.00 N/A 1000 15000
ANZ First 19.39% 44 30.00 N/A 1000 No Max
Bank of Melbourne Amplify Credit Card 18.74% 55 79.00 N/A 1000 80000
Bank of Melbourne Gold Low Rate MasterCard/Visa 15.99% 55 79.00 N/A 4000 80000
Bank of Melbourne No Annual Fee MasterCard/Visa 20.49% 0 0.00 N/A 500 40000
Bank of Melbourne Vertigo MasterCard 13.24% 55 55.00 N/A 500 40000
bankmecu Low Rate Visa CreditCard 10.39% 0 59.00 N/A 1000 No Max
BankSA Amplify Credit Card 18.74% 55 79.00 N/A 1000 80000
Report Date: 2/05/2013, (All information is correct as at April 15th, 2013) Credit Card Star Ratings 2013 - page 13
your guide to product excellence
Credit Card Star Ratings
Spend to
Waive
Annual Fee
Rate
(as at
26/10/12)
Free
Days Annualised
Fee
Report Date: April 2013
Annual Fee ($)
(as at 26/10/12)
Product Maximum
Credit Limit ($)
Minimum
Rewards
Program
Availabe
We endeavour to include the majority of product providers in the market and to compare the product features most relevant to
consumers in our ratings. This is not always possible and it may be that not every product in the market is included in the rating nor
every feature compared that is relevant to you
OCCASIONAL SPENDER
Company
BankSA Gold Low Rate MasterCard/Visa 15.99% 55 79.00 N/A 4000 80000
BankSA No Annual Fee MasterCard/Visa 20.49% 0 0.00 N/A 500 40000
BankSA Vertigo MasterCard 13.24% 55 55.00 N/A 500 40000
Bankwest More MasterCard 19.49% 55 49.00 N/A 1000 25000
Bankwest Qantas Classic MasterCard 19.49% 55 49.00 N/A 1000 No Max
bcu Classic Visa Card 11.80% 55 40.00 N/A 500 No Max
Bendigo Bank RSPCA Rescue Rewards 19.64% 55 60.00 N/A 500 50000
BOQ Low Rate Visa Card 13.49% 55 55.00 N/A 2000 20000
Coastline Credit Union Visa Credit Card 17.50% 0 0.00 N/A 500 No Max
Coastline Credit Union Visa Rewarder 17.00% 55 52.00 12000 1000 25000
Coles Coles MasterCard 19.99% 62 49.00 N/A 500 No Max
Commonwealth Bank Low Fee Gold MasterCard 19.74% 55 90.00 10000 4000 No Max
Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Gold MasterCard 12.99% 55 120.00 N/A 4000 No Max
Commonwealth Bank Standard Awards 20.24% 55 89.00 N/A 500 No Max
Credit Unions* Low Rate MasterCard 12.99% 55 75.00 N/A 2000 15000
CUA Low Rate MasterCard 12.99% 55 75.00 N/A 2000 15000
ECU Australia Low Rate Visa Credit Card 13.50% 55 48.00 N/A 1000 50000
Encompass Credit Union Visa Credit Card 15.00% 55 36.00 N/A 1000 5000
First Option Credit Union Cash Rewards Visa Credit Card 15.99% 45 36.00 N/A 500 20000
GE Money Low Rate MasterCard 15.49% 55 58.00 N/A 500 No Max
Heritage Bank Visa Classic Basic 16.75% 55 18.00 10000 1000 10000
Hume Building Society Loyalty 17.95% 55 30.00 8000 500 20000
Hunter United Credit Un Visa Credit Card 11.49% 55 59.00 N/A 1000 20000
Jetstar MasterCard 13.99% 55 59.00 N/A 2000 50000
ME Bank MasterCard 12.25% 44 49.00 7500 1000 15000
nab Low Fee MasterCard 19.49% 44 30.00 N/A 500 No Max
nab Qantas Rewards 19.99% 44 65.00 N/A 500 500000
nab Velocity Rewards 19.99% 44 65.00 N/A 500 No Max
P&N Bank Easypay Visa 11.99% 45 40.00 N/A 500 No Max
People's Choice Credit UnCharity Credit Card 15.95% 62 40.00 N/A 1000 No Max
People's Choice Credit UnVisa Credit Card 15.95% 62 40.00 N/A 1000 No Max
Qld Police Credit Union Bluey Rewarder Card 15.74% 55 48.00 8000 1000 25000
SGE Credit Union Classic Solutions 12.95% 45 50.00 N/A 1000 10000
St.George Bank Amplify Credit Card 18.74% 55 79.00 N/A 1000 80000
St.George Bank Gold Low Rate MasterCard/Visa 15.99% 55 79.00 N/A 4000 80000
St.George Bank No Annual Fee MasterCard/Visa 20.49% 0 0.00 N/A 500 40000
St.George Bank Vertigo MasterCard 13.24% 55 55.00 N/A 500 40000
Suncorp Bank Standard Card 12.74% 0 55.00 N/A 2000 20000
Virgin Money No Annual Fee Credit Card 18.99% 44 0.00 N/A 2000 10000
Westpac 55 day MasterCard/Visa 19.59% 55 30.00 10000 1000 30000
Westpac Altitude 19.99% 45 100.00 N/A 1000 30000
Westpac earth 19.99% 45 75.00 N/A 1000 No Max
American Express Qantas Discovery Card 20.74% 44 0.00 N/A 2000 100000
ANZ Frequent Flyer 19.39% 44 95.00 N/A 1000 No Max
Report Date: 2/05/2013, (All information is correct as at April 15th, 2013) Credit Card Star Ratings 2013 - page 14
your guide to product excellence
Credit Card Star Ratings
Spend to
Waive
Annual Fee
Rate
(as at
26/10/12)
Free
Days Annualised
Fee
Report Date: April 2013
Annual Fee ($)
(as at 26/10/12)
Product Maximum
Credit Limit ($)
Minimum
Rewards
Program
Availabe
We endeavour to include the majority of product providers in the market and to compare the product features most relevant to
consumers in our ratings. This is not always possible and it may be that not every product in the market is included in the rating nor
every feature compared that is relevant to you
OCCASIONAL SPENDER
Company
ANZ Rewards 19.39% 44 89.00 N/A 1000 No Max
bcu Visa Bonus Rewarder 16.80% 55 40.00 N/A 500 No Max
Bendigo Bank Ready Red MasterCard/Visa 19.99% 44 45.00 N/A 500 50000
BOQ Blue Visa 20.74% 44 60.00 N/A 2000 7500
Commonwealth Bank Gold Awards 20.24% 55 144.00 N/A 4000 No Max
GE Money eco MasterCard 20.49% 55 49.00 N/A 500 20000
GE Money Gem Visa 22.99% 55 99.00 N/A 1000 No Max
GE Money GO MasterCard 21.74% 62 59.00 N/A 1000 25000
Heritage Bank Visa Classic Rewards 16.75% 55 48.00 N/A 1000 10000
HSBC Classic Credit Card 20.50% 55 59.00 N/A 1000 No Max
Macquarie Bank Visa Gold Card 20.95% 55 130.00 N/A 2000 50000
Macquarie Bank Visa RateSaver Card 14.95% 55 69.00 N/A 2000 50000
Myer Myer Visa Card 20.69% 62 69.00 N/A 1000 No Max
Woolworths Limited Everyday Money 19.84% 55 49.00 N/A 1000 No Max
American Express David Jones Card 20.74% 44 99.00 N/A 2000 25000
American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card 20.74% 55 149.00 N/A 3000 50000
American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card 20.74% 55 395.00 N/A 3000 50000
American Express Velocity Gold Card 20.74% 44 199.00 N/A 3000 50000
American Express Velocity Platinum Card 20.74% 44 349.00 N/A 3000 100000
SERVICE ONE Members BVisa 15.25% 0 0.00 N/A 500 10000
*Credit Unions includes the following financial institutions: Catalyst Mutual
Community CPS Australia
Companion CU
FCCS Credit Union
Holiday Coast CU
Illawarra CU NSW
IMB
MyState Financial
QT Mutual Bank
Queenslanders CU
SERVICE ONE Members Bank
Sutherland Credit Union
Unicredit-WA
Report Date: 2/05/2013, (All information is correct as at April 15th, 2013) Credit Card Star Ratings 2013 - page 15
your guide to product excellence
Report Date: 2/05/2013, (All information is correct as at April 15th, 2013) Credit Card Star Ratings 2013 - page 16
your guide to product excellence
YOUR GUIDE TO PRODUCT EXCELLENCE
What are the CANSTAR credit card star ratings?
CANSTAR credit card star ratings are a sophisticated rating methodology, unique to CANSTAR, which compare the
dominant credit card products in Australia and present the results in a simple, user-friendly format.
Our rating methodology is transparent and extensive. The methodology compares all types of personal unsecured
credit cards in Australia and accounts for an array of characteristics such as;
Fees/Interest Rates No Free Days Standard Features
Premium Features Reward/Loyalty Programs No Frills
The results are reflected in a consumer-friendly 5-star concept, with five stars denoting a product that offers
outstanding value.
What are the Profiles used by CANSTAR credit card star ratings?
CANSTAR appreciates that credit card users have different spending habits and therefore value different aspects of
their credit card. In recognition of these differences, the CANSTAR credit card star ratings methodology has been
modified to reflect a range of spending styles and credit card usage.
Profile Name Description
Big Spender Do you Spend $5000 each month and then pay of your balance?
Everyday Spender Do you Spend $2000 each month and then pay of your card?
Occasional Spender Do you make the occasional big purchase and then slowly pay it off?
Habitual Spender Do you keep spending on your credit card before you have paid it
off?
CANSTAR has adopted four different credit card user profiles in an attempt to cover the majority of card spending and
payment patterns. The star ratings methodology differs for each profile in terms of the relative importance placed on
the fees and features of the cards assessed. For example the methodology recognises that interest rates will be more
important to someone who rarely pays off their card balance each month than they will be for someone who always
pays the balance owing on their card.
How does it work? How are the ‘stars’ calculated?
Each credit card reviewed for the CANSTAR credit card star ratings is awarded points for its comparative Costs and
for the array of positive Features attached to the card. These features include rewards programs, premium card
facilities, repayment capabilities and conditions attached to interest charging.
To arrive at the total score CANSTAR applies a weight (w) against the Cost score (C) and the Features score (F).
This weight will vary for each profile of credit card usage. The weight will reflect the relative importance of either costs
or features in determining the best card for the type of credit card usage and payment.
W1 COST SCORE ( C ) + W2 FEATURES SCORE ( F ) = TOTAL SCORE ( T )
METHODOLOGY
YOUR GUIDE TO PRODUCT EXCELLENCE 2
COST FEATURES
Profiles COST Cost over
12 months
Historical
Rates
FEATURES Product
features
Free days Min
Repayment
Habitual Spender 70% 50% 50% 30% 83% 0% 17%
Occasional
Spender
60% 70% 30% 40% 87% 13% 0%
Everyday Spender 35% 70% 30% 65% 90% (-2%) 10% (+2%) 0%
Big Spender 25% 70% 30% 75% 90% 10% 0%
Costs (C)
CANSTAR compares both current and historical credit card pricing data to calculate the COST (C) component of each product’s overall score. Current data is used to calculate the annual cost to the cardholder for using each card. The cost of each card varies depending on the characteristics of the spending profile. Below are some of the spending and revolving details used in the calculation of the cost of each credit card.
1) Current Data –includes a scenario for each of the four credit card spending profiles
Habitual Spender - spends $12,000 per year while revolving $6,000 (+$1000)
Everyday Spender - spends $24,000 per year and revolves $3000 for one month
Occasional Spender - spends $6,000 per year and revolves $750 four times a year
Big Spender - spends $60,000 per year and revolves $9,000 for one month
2) Historical Performance of Interest Rate – takes into account the product history in the last 6 months.
Features (F)
Each card Feature (F) is allocated points. Points are awarded for positive credit card traits such as no fees or greater
flexibility. The total features score for each category of information (eg repayment capabilities) is ranked and
weighted with each category contributing to the overall Features Score (F). As Features are relatively static, they are
not measured over time.
Weightings
The Costs and Features are weighted differently for each spending profile. This is done in recognition of the relative
importance of the different product components to each profile.
The methodology for each profile is subtly adjusted to account for the differences between them. The process
considers each profile separately and assigns weights representative of that profile (see table below). For the
Habitual spender for example, the rates and fees associated with a card account for 70% of that card’s total score and
Indexed Score
Product with the best pricing or
features will receive a full score
Cost Score
25-70%
Feature Score
30-75%
Cost over 12 months
Includes current interest rate & annual fee
Historical interest rates
6 months historical interest rates
Features
Eg, reward schemes, security
Min Repay/Int Free Days
Weightings:
YOUR GUIDE TO PRODUCT EXCELLENCE 3
the features account for the remaining 30%. The cards targeting this user demographic have fewer features, less
flexibility and compete mainly on pricing. The cards targeting the Big Spender on the other hand (eg. Gold, Platinum
or rewards cards) typically offer more features. The Big spender profile has therefore been adjusted so that features
account for 75% of the total score, while rates and fees account for 25%.
The Costs (C) plus Features (F) point scores are indexed and totalled to provide the Total Index Points. Together
they form the basis of the CANSTAR’s credit card star ratings.
FEATURES WEIGHTS USED IN STAR RATINGS SCORING
FEATURES CATEGORY
HABITUAL
SPENDER
OCCASIONAL
SPENDER
EVERYDAY
SPENDER BIG SPENDER
ADDTNL FEES & CHARGES 13% (+2%) 20% 5% 4.5%
CARD TERMS 20% 15% 7% 6%
LATE PYMT INT CHARGING 16% (+4%) 15.5% (+3.5%) 11.5% 10%
MERCHANT ACCEPTABILITY 14% 15% 9.5% 8%
CARD SECURITY 14% 15% 6.5% 5.5%
PREMIUM CARD FACILITIES 3% 3% 15.5% (+1%) 22%
REPAYMENT CAPABILITIES 7% 5% 3.5% 3%
REWARDS PROGRAM 3.5% 3.5% 35%* 35%**
SPECIAL PURCHASING POLICIES 9% (-6%) 3 (-3.5%) 3% (-1%) 3%
APPLICATION PROCESS 6.5% 5% 3.5% 3%
*based on $24k rewards star ratings (for companion cards, 35% of weight allocated to AMEX program, 65% to Visa/MasterCard)
**based on $60k rewards star rating ( for companion cards, 40% of weight allocated to AMEX program, 60% to Visa/MasterCard)
How are the stars awarded?
The total score received for each profile ranks the products. The stars are then awarded based on the distribution of
the scores according to the following guidelines. As you can see, only the products that obtain a score in the top 10%
of the of the score distribution receive a 5 star rating.
The results are reflected in a consumer-friendly CANSTAR star rating concept, with five stars denoting outstanding
value.
Does CANSTAR rate all products available in the market?
We endeavour to include the majority of product providers in the market and to compare the product features most
relevant to consumers in our ratings. However this process is not always possible and it may be that not every product
in the market is included in the rating nor every feature compared that is relevant to you.
How many products and financial institutions are analysed?
In order to calculate the ratings, CANSTAR analyses 212 Credit Card products from 53 financial institutions in
Australia. In addition, over 100 parts of a product are analysed which includes product parameters, flexibility and
YOUR GUIDE TO PRODUCT EXCELLENCE 4
operating terms and conditions.
How often are CANSTAR credit card star ratings re-rated?
All ratings are fully recalulated every six months based on the latest features offered by each institution. CANSTAR
also monitors rate changes on an ongoing basis.
Does CANSTAR rate other product areas?
CANSTAR researches, compares and rates the suite of banking and insurance products listed below. These star
ratings use similar methodologies to guarantee quality, consistency and transparency. Results are freely available to
consumers who use the star ratings as a guide to product excellence. The use of similar star ratings logos also builds
consumer recognition of quality products across all categories. Please access the CANSTAR website at
www.canstar.com.au if you would like to view the latest star ratings reports of interest.
DISCLAIMER:
To the extent that any CANSTAR data, ratings or commentary constitutes general advice, this advice has been prepared by CANSTAR Pty Ltd ABN 21
053 646 165 AFSL 312804 and does not take into account your individual investment objectives, financial circumstances or needs. Information provided
does not constitute financial, taxation or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. CANSTAR recommends that, before you
make any financial decision, you seek professional advice from a suitably qualified adviser. A Product Disclosure Statement relating to the product
should also be obtained and considered before making any decision about whether to acquire the product. CANSTAR acknowledges that past
performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Please refer to CANSTAR’s FSG for more information at www.canstar.com.au.
All information contained herein shall not be copied or otherwise reproduced, repackaged, further transmitted, transferred, disseminated, redistributed or
resold, or stored for subsequent use for any purpose, in whole or in part, in any form or manner or by means whatsoever, by any person without
CANSTAR’s prior consent. All information obtained by CANSTAR from external sources is believed to be accurate and reliable. Under no
circumstances shall CANSTAR have any liability to any person or entity due to error (negligence or otherwise) or other circumstances or contingency
within or outside the control of CANSTAR or any of its directors, officers, employees or agents in connection with the procurement, collection,
compilation, analysis, interpretation, communication, publication, or delivery of any such information. Copyright 2012 CANSTAR Pty Ltd ABN 21 053
646.
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