Credit Card Frequently Asked Questions

In an ideal world, the best credit card interest rate would be no interest rate, as this is one of the biggest contributors to credit card debt. 

While some providers do offer introductory no-interest credit card offers, or zero per cent balance transfer offers, you will inevitably always have an interest rate on your credit card once this period ends. To avoid paying interest altogether, consider paying off your credit card balance in full each statement period. 

Keep in mind that like death and taxes, credit card interest is inevitable if you don’t pay your balance in full. For more premium credit cards, or those with greater perks, a higher interest rate is expected as it can help to pay for your rewards and benefits. Factor this into your search when looking for your best credit card. 

There are a range of credit card benefits to choose from, including frequent flyer programs, rewards programs, cash back offers, gift cards, complimentary travel insurances and more. 

Choosing the best credit card that offers benefits will depend on exactly which type of benefits you’re after, which provider you prefer and how much you’re prepared to pay in annual fees and interest. Keep in mind that the more premium credit card offerings are typically reserved for high income earners, and you may not be eligible for every credit card on the market. 

To find your best frequent flyer or rewards credit card for you, you’ll want to ask yourself what exactly you want out of your credit card. 

For example, is complimentary international travel insurance a must have? Or are you a lifelong Qantas frequent flyer member and need your credit card to offer Qantas rewards points? Perhaps you also want a credit card with a general rewards program that offers a low annual fee? 

Then, use a comparison table to filter down your card options via the features, fees and rate you’re interested in. You can then compare options side by side to further narrow your search for your next frequent flyer or rewards credit card. 

An ING cardholder, their spouse, and dependent children are eligible for international travel insurance, provided the ING card has been used in a related purchase. You must spend at least $500 using your ING credit card for your overseas tickets and accommodation in order to qualify, though money spent on airport and travel agent charges are likely to be excluded from the minimum spend.

Any dependents who are less than two years old are eligible for the complimentary ING credit card insurance if they travel with you on the same itinerary during the entire journey. However, any baby born during your overseas travel is not likely to be covered under the complimentary insurance.

Please note that when you, your spouse, and children travel together, only one person is eligible to file a claim at one time, though they may file as a spouse or dependent, not just as the cardholder. 

ING cardholders can file a claim for the complimentary overseas travel insurance by calling 1800 754 190 within Australia or +61 3360 7701 from any other country.

Yes, Macquarie Bank may offer credit card insurance; it just depends on the type of Macquarie Bank credit card you have. There is a range of credit card insurance offers you can benefit from when you take out a Macquarie Bank credit card.

If you have a Macquarie Black or Platinum credit card, you have access to travel insurance for you, your spouse and any dependent children while travelling overseas. Under this travel insurance you receive:

• Interstate Flight Inconvenience Insurance, which provides cover for meals and clothing, depending on the delay
• Medical Emergency Expense Cover, which offers you unlimited cover for most medical expenses, and limited cover for dental treatment and emergencies caused by an act of terrorism
• Baggage, Money and Documents Cover, which is subject to certain sub-limits mentioned in the terms and conditions

As a Macquarie Bank credit cardholder, you could be eligible for Extended Warranty insurance, which provides an extension to the manufacturer’s Australian warranty on certain products. To access this cover, you must have purchased the product using your Macquarie Bank credit card.

Select Macquarie Bank credit cardholders might also be able to take advantage of Rental Vehicle Excess Insurance. This insurance will cover you for any excess or deductibles that you’re liable to pay during the rental period.

Most Macquarie Bank credit cards also come with purchase protection insurance which protects you against fraudulent transactions. You should check the terms and conditions to find out more.

If you’re the primary cardholder on an ANZ credit card, you can increase your credit limit by logging into your credit card account and choosing the “Increase your credit limit” option. You can also submit an ANZ credit card limit increase application form by visiting any ANZ branch or by mail or fax. When completing the form, it's important to remember to specify how much you want the limit increased. You can estimate this by first calculating the amount of credit card debt you can afford to repay based on your income and expenses, and then declaring that in your application. 

Irrespective of whether you’re completing your ANZ credit card limit increase application online or in print, you’ll need to provide updated employment information, income, and expenses, which the company will have to verify. You'll also need to authorise ANZ’s access to your credit history, as your current credit score and recent credit history tell the company about your financial responsibility, and whether or not you'll be able to repay the additional debt you’re applying for. 

In some cases, ANZ may ask you for additional information, or the agent processing the application may reach out to you after your application is received. After verifying your credit score as well as your personal and financial information, however, ANZ may approve a credit card limit increase proportionate to your repaying ability, though it may not be the same as the increase you requested.

Before requesting an increase in the limit of your Citibank credit card, you’ll need to find out if you’re eligible for the increased limit. You can check your eligibility for a Citibank credit card limit increase by calling 13 24 84 or checking the “My Offers” section of your online Citibank account. If you are eligible and request a credit card limit increase, the company will review your income and expenses, including the repayments you make to clear other debts. Your request may be approved if Citibank can confirm that you can repay the full credit card balance, as stipulated by Australian laws, within three years.

To make sure that the company is reviewing your current earnings, you should update any income details by providing recent payslips or a tax assessment notice. In case you are still repaying other debts, consider consolidating or paying off some in full before applying for a credit limit increase. This will free up more disposable income, or earnings left over after deducting all necessary expenses, and possibly determine how much you can increase your credit card limit.

You may want to increase your credit card limit for many reasons, such as having access to more spending money. However, if you are using the Orange One credit card issued by ING, you may not be able to do so. 

ING customers can choose a credit limit of their preference when applying for the Orange One credit card. Depending on your financial situation, this limit can be anywhere between $1,000 and $30,000. If you qualify for a Rewards Platinum card, the minimum credit card limit will likely be $6,000. 

Ideally, you should set your credit card limit knowing how much you can afford to repay each month and keep your expenses lower than this level. With most credit cards, you should have the option of requesting a credit card limit increase at a later time, although you will need to qualify for any increase. With an ING credit card, limit increases are out of the question (at the time this was published), which means you may want to apply for a higher credit card limit from the beginning. Remember that you have the option of decreasing your ING credit card limit at a later time.

If you want your  ME bank credit card limit increased, you’ll have to fill the “credit card limit increase request form” and send it to the bank via post, email, or fax. The requirements for increasing the credit limit include:

• You should have the card for at least six months;
• Your income has increased; and
• Your debt liabilities have decreased.

You can apply to increase the limit of your St.George credit card online through Internet Banking. Log in and go to ‘Manage my accounts’. Within that, look for ‘Card Services’ and select ‘Increase Credit Card Limit’. Alternatively, you can also call on 133 800 and say ‘Increase Card Limit’ when prompted. You’ll also be required to share some information at the time of making the application.

To apply for a credit limit increase on your St. George credit card, your account should have been open for at least six months before the application and you should not have made a credit limit increase request in the last six months. Also remember, that you are only eligible for a credit limit increase if you’re the primary cardholder.

Final approval of your request depends on satisfactorily meeting the credit assessment criteria.