Why you might need to switch credit cards for 2021
Has 2020 shaken up the way you spend?
If the answer is yes, it may be time to think about switching your credit card for the year ahead.
“There’s no doubt that, for many Aussies, 2020 has changed the way we’re spending our money, so naturally now could be the time to reassess something like a credit card.” Mozo Director, Kirsty Lamont said.
“Look at things like the interest rate and fees, as well as the value of your current rewards program. If your spending habits have changed, by switching cards you could save yourself forking out too much in interest repayments or pesky annual fees which you can actually avoid.”
Where do credit card rates sit right now?
Currently in the Mozo database, the average credit card rate sits at 16.35%. However, they range from 0% to a hefty 24.99%. So, there’s a chance you’re not getting a low rate on your current card.
But a low rate credit card isn’t suited to every spender.
In fact, for some credit card users it may be a savvier option to choose a card with a higher rate in return for a killer rewards program or low fees.
Let’s see what option might suit you.
There are a whole bunch of credit cards available to customers at the moment, so finding one to suit your spending shouldn’t be too tricky.
You just need to know what you’re looking for.
With that in mind, here’s a rundown of what type of credit cards are on offer and what type of spender they suit.
- 0% intro offer: If you have some spending to do in the new year, like purchasing a new outdoor setting for your backyard or upgrading your TV, a 0% introductory offer on a credit card may benefit you. On the Mozo database, these offers range from 6 to 17 months.
- Low interest rate: Find yourself paying too much in interest because you don’t always pay down your credit card balance in full? Switch to a low interest option. This way, if you can only make your minimum repayment in a month, you won’t be slapped with a high interest rate but instead something lower and more manageable.
- No annual fee: For credit card users that always pay down their balance in full each month and want to save on fees, a no annual fee credit card is worth considering for 2021. On the Mozo database, annual fees range from $0 to $1,200, so it could end up saving you a bit each year.
- Rewards: Use your credit card for everything and always pay down your balance? It may be time to switch to a rewards card. Consider what type of program would suit you, as well as the different perks attached to the card (as sometimes these can offset a high interest rate or annual fee).
- Balance Transfer: If you’re looking to clear your debt in 2021, a balance transfer offer is for you. This is where you can pay down your existing balance at no interest rate. On the Mozo database, these offers range from 5 to 30 months, so choose the option that matches how long it would take to pay off your debt. Just remember, any spending you do on a balance transfer credit card isn’t interest-free, so ensure you’ve got all your Christmas shopping done before you apply!
RELATED ARTICLE: Using a credit card this Christmas? Here's how to avoid a new year debt hangover
Want to start comparing credit card options right now? Check out the hot offers below or jump over to our credit cards comparison table for even more!
Compare Credit Cards - last updated January 23, 2021
Bendigo Bank Low Rate Credit Card
Bonus $150 Woolworths Supermarket Gift Card when you spend $1,000 on eligible purchases within 90 days of opening your account. 0% on purchases for 15 months from account opening (Reverts to 11.99% p.a) Annual fee of $45 and no fees for additional cardholders.
Purchase rate
Balance transfer rate
Annual fee
Rewards program
0% p.a. for 15 months then 11.99% p.a.No current offer$45-CompareCompareLow Rate Credit Card
Bonus $150 Woolworths Supermarket Gift Card when you spend $1,000 on eligible purchases within 90 days of opening your account. 0% on purchases for 15 months from account opening (Reverts to 11.99% p.a) Annual fee of $45 and no fees for additional cardholders.
- Purchase rate
- 0% p.a. for 15 months then 11.99% p.a.
- Intro purchase rate
- 0% p.a. for 15 months
- Balance transfer rate
- No current offer
- Cash advance
- 13.99% p.a.
- Interest free days on purchases
- 55
- Intro fee
- -
- Foreign exchange margin
- 3.00%
- Annual card fee
- $45
- Late payment fee
- $15.00
- Cash advance fee
- 0.50%, Min $3.25
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Low Rate Credit Card
Bankwest Breeze Mastercard
Enjoy 0% p.a on balance transfers for 26 months (2% BT fee applies) then 10.99% thereafter. No annual fee for the first year. Limited time only. Other fees, T&Cs apply. New Mastercard Breeze customers only.
Purchase rate
Balance transfer rate
Annual fee
Rewards program
10.99% p.a.0% p.a. for 26 months and then 10.99% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)$49 $0 in the first year-CompareCompareBreeze Mastercard
Enjoy 0% p.a on balance transfers for 26 months (2% BT fee applies) then 10.99% thereafter. No annual fee for the first year. Limited time only. Other fees, T&Cs apply. New Mastercard Breeze customers only.
- Purchase rate
- 10.99% p.a.
- Intro purchase rate
- -
- Balance transfer rate
- 0% p.a. for 26 months and then 10.99% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)
- Cash advance
- 21.99% p.a.
- Interest free days on purchases
- 55
- Intro fee
- 0.0
- Foreign exchange margin
- 2.95%
- Annual card fee
- $49 $0 in the first year
- Late payment fee
- $25.00
- Cash advance fee
- 2%, Min $4.00
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Breeze Mastercard
- Hot DealLimited time cashback offer
Westpac Low Rate
Enjoy 0% p.a. interest on balance transfers for the first 24 months. Get $200 cashback with $1k minimum spend on eligible purchases within 90 days of card approval. 55 interest free days and low on-going rate of 13.74% on all purchases.
Purchase rate
Balance transfer rate
Annual fee
Rewards program
13.74% p.a.0% p.a. for 24 months and then 21.49% p.a. (1.00% balance transfer fee)$59-CompareCompareLow Rate
Enjoy 0% p.a. interest on balance transfers for the first 24 months. Get $200 cashback with $1k minimum spend on eligible purchases within 90 days of card approval. 55 interest free days and low on-going rate of 13.74% on all purchases.
- Purchase rate
- 13.74% p.a.
- Intro purchase rate
- -
- Balance transfer rate
- 0% p.a. for 24 months and then 21.49% p.a. (1.00% balance transfer fee)
- Cash advance
- 21.49% p.a.
- Interest free days on purchases
- 55
- Intro fee
- -
- Foreign exchange margin
- 3.00%
- Annual card fee
- $59
- Late payment fee
- $15.00
- Cash advance fee
- 2%, Min $2.50, Max $150
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Low Rate
ME frank Credit Card
Meet Frank, a low rate credit card with up to 55 interest free days, no annual fee and no strings attached. If simple, hassle free spending is your goal, you and Frank might be a match made in heaven.
Purchase rate
Balance transfer rate
Annual fee
Rewards program
11.99% p.a.No current offer$0-CompareComparefrank Credit Card
Meet Frank, a low rate credit card with up to 55 interest free days, no annual fee and no strings attached. If simple, hassle free spending is your goal, you and Frank might be a match made in heaven.
- Purchase rate
- 11.99% p.a.
- Intro purchase rate
- -
- Balance transfer rate
- No current offer
- Cash advance
- 11.99% p.a.
- Interest free days on purchases
- 55
- Intro fee
- -
- Foreign exchange margin
- 2.30%
- Annual card fee
- $0
- Late payment fee
- $10.00
- Cash advance fee
- 2%, Min $4.00
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the frank Credit Card
St.George Vertigo
0% p.a. for 24 months on balance transfers requested at card application. No balance transfer fee. Rate then switches to applicable variable cash advance rate. First year annual card fee waived for the first year ($55 thereafter). Available to new cards only, Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply. Offer ends March 30th 2021. Mozo Experts Choice Balance Transfer Credit Card Winner 2020^.
Purchase rate
Balance transfer rate
Annual fee
Rewards program
13.99% p.a.0% p.a. for 24 months and then 21.49% p.a.$55 $0 in the first year-CompareCompareVertigo
0% p.a. for 24 months on balance transfers requested at card application. No balance transfer fee. Rate then switches to applicable variable cash advance rate. First year annual card fee waived for the first year ($55 thereafter). Available to new cards only, Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply. Offer ends March 30th 2021. Mozo Experts Choice Balance Transfer Credit Card Winner 2020^.
- Purchase rate
- 13.99% p.a.
- Intro purchase rate
- -
- Balance transfer rate
- 0% p.a. for 24 months and then 21.49% p.a.
- Cash advance
- 21.49% p.a.
- Interest free days on purchases
- 55
- Intro fee
- 0.0
- Foreign exchange margin
- 3.00%
- Annual card fee
- $55 $0 in the first year
- Late payment fee
- $15.00
- Cash advance fee
- 2%, Min $2.50
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Vertigo
CUA Low Rate Credit Card
0% balance transfer rate for 20 months and up to 55 interest free days. No annual fee for the first year and $49 after. Mozo Experts Choice Balance Transfer Platinum Credit Card Winner 2020 20.
Purchase rate
Balance transfer rate
Annual fee
Rewards program
11.99% p.a.0% p.a. for 20 months and then 21.74% p.a.$49 $0 in the first year-CompareCompareLow Rate Credit Card
0% balance transfer rate for 20 months and up to 55 interest free days. No annual fee for the first year and $49 after. Mozo Experts Choice Balance Transfer Platinum Credit Card Winner 2020 20.
- Purchase rate
- 11.99% p.a.
- Intro purchase rate
- -
- Balance transfer rate
- 0% p.a. for 20 months and then 21.74% p.a.
- Cash advance
- 21.74% p.a.
- Interest free days on purchases
- 55
- Intro fee
- 0.0
- Foreign exchange margin
- 3.40%
- Annual card fee
- $49 $0 in the first year
- Late payment fee
- $12.50
- Cash advance fee
- 2.00%, Min $3.50
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Low Rate Credit Card
^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Credit Cards Awards
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