Whether you work in the Australian Defence Force or like the idea of a bank with a member-first mindset, you can’t go past the Defence Bank Foundation Credit Card. This credit card is highly budget-friendly, thanks to its low 3.99% introductory purchase rate (then 8.99%) and reasonable $45 annual fee (half of which is donated to the Defence Bank Foundation). There’s also up to 55 interest-free days and you’ll have your pick of contactless payment options.
One great thing about Defence Bank is that you don’t have to be a member of the Australian Defence Force to get your hands on the Defence Bank Foundation Credit Card. Once you are approved, you’ll receive an introductory purchase rate of 3.99% for 6 months (reverts to 8.99% after). Once the 6 months is up, the card’s interest rate will then revert to 8.99%, which is still one of the lower rates on the market.
This no-frills plastic also features up to 55 interest-free days on purchases, a low $45 annual fee and a cash advance rate of 3.99% for the first 6 months (reverts to 8.99% after) - though it’s still best to avoid using your credit card to withdraw cash. And if you love to pay with your smartphone, you’ll be happy to know that Apple Pay, Google Pay, Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay and Samsung Pay are available with this card.
Plus, you may also be happy to hear that half of the annual fee is donated to the Defence Bank Foundation and is put towards providing specially-trained assistance dogs to veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
There are still a few things to be aware of though, like the 3% foreign exchange margin that will kick in for international purchases. A $20 late payment fee will apply if you miss a payment and since this plastic is for the frugal of mind, there is no rewards program.
The Defence Bank Foundation Credit Card could be a great pick for Aussie shoppers looking to take advantage of a low purchase rate or spenders in need of a card for everyday spending.
There’s no denying this card can be a great shopping companion, thanks to its introductory purchase rate. But remember, if you use it for some online shopping on an international website, you will be slapped with the aforementioned 3% fee.
8.99% p.a.
3.99% p.a. for 6 months
3.99% p.a. for 6 months and then 8.99% p.a.
no
8.99% p.a.
55
$45.00
none
none
none
$20.00
4.1
3.00%
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$10.00
3.0
none
none
Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay
50% of the Annual fee ($22.50) is donated to the Defence Bank Foundation.
Defence Bank was originally set up to provide financial products and services to members of the Defence force and their families. Now catering to the defence community and general public, Defence Bank offer services in savings and investment accounts, personal loans, home loans, credit cards, debit cards, term deposits and car insurance.
Bendigo Bank
Low Rate Credit Card
11.99% p.a.
0% p.a. for 18 months and then 11.99% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)
$45
Westpac
Low Rate
13.74% p.a.
0% p.a. for 24 months and then 21.49% p.a. (1.00% balance transfer fee)
$59
NAB
Qantas Rewards Signature Card
19.99% p.a.
0% p.a. for 6 months and then 21.74% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)
$395 $295 in the first year
Qantas Frequent Flyer
Bankwest
Breeze Mastercard
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
St.George
Vertigo
13.99% p.a.
0% p.a. for 24 months and then 21.49% p.a.
$55 $0 in the first year
Citi
Simplicity Credit Card
0% p.a. for 6 months then 21.49% p.a.
0% p.a. for 6 months and then 22.24% p.a.
$0
St.George
Amplify Signature
Amplify Rewards
$279 $139 in the first year
200,000
1.5 points uncapped
American Express
Qantas Ultimate Card
Qantas Frequent Flyer
$450
100,000
1.25 points uncapped
NAB
Qantas Rewards Signature Card
Qantas Frequent Flyer
$395 $295 in the first year
130,000
1 point up to $5,000/month, then
0.5 points up to $20,000/month
BankSA
Amplify Signature
Amplify Rewards
$279 $139 in the first year
200,000
1.5 points uncapped
American Express
Qantas Discovery Card
Qantas Frequent Flyer
$0
No current offer
0.75 points uncapped
NAB
Qantas Rewards Premium Card
Qantas Frequent Flyer
$250
30,000
0.66 points up to $3,000/month, then
0.33 points up to $6,000/month
American Express
Velocity Escape Card
Velocity Frequent Flyer
$0
No current offer
0.75 points uncapped
Bendigo Bank
Low Rate Credit Card
0% p.a. for 18 months and then 11.99% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)
11.99% p.a.
$45
Bankwest
Breeze Mastercard
0% p.a. for 26 months and then 10.99% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)
10.99% p.a.
$49 $0 in the first year
St.George
Vertigo
0% p.a. for 24 months and then 21.49% p.a.
13.99% p.a.
$55 $0 in the first year
Westpac
Low Rate
0% p.a. for 24 months and then 21.49% p.a. (1.00% balance transfer fee)
13.74% p.a.
$59
St.George
Amplify Platinum
0% p.a. for 22 months and then 21.49% p.a. (1.50% balance transfer fee)
0% p.a. for 7 months then 19.74% p.a.
$99 $0 in the first year
Amplify Rewards
Citi
Rewards Credit Card
0% p.a. for 30 months and then 22.24% p.a.
21.49% p.a.
$149 $49 in the first year
Citi Rewards Program
Bank of Melbourne
Amplify Platinum
0% p.a. for 15 months and then 21.49% p.a. (1.00% balance transfer fee)
19.74% p.a.
$99
Qantas Frequent Flyer
St.George
No Annual Fee
0% p.a. for 12 months and then 21.49% p.a. (1.00% balance transfer fee)
20.74% p.a.
$0
Bendigo Bank
Low Rate Credit Card
11.99% p.a.
0% p.a. for 18 months and then 11.99% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)
$45
Defence Bank
Foundation Credit Card
3.99% p.a. for 6 months then 8.99% p.a.
3.99% p.a. for 6 months and then 8.99% p.a.
$45
St.George
Vertigo
13.99% p.a.
0% p.a. for 24 months and then 21.49% p.a.
$55 $0 in the first year
NAB
StraightUp Card
0% p.a.
No current offer
$120 $10/month - waived if no spend & no balance owing
Westpac
Low Rate
13.74% p.a.
0% p.a. for 24 months and then 21.49% p.a. (1.00% balance transfer fee)
$59
Bank of Melbourne
Vertigo
13.99% p.a.
0% p.a. for 24 months and then 21.49% p.a.
$55 $0 in the first year
BankSA
Vertigo
13.99% p.a.
0% p.a. for 24 months and then 21.49% p.a.
$55 $0 in the first year
Citi
Simplicity Credit Card
0% p.a. for 6 months then 21.49% p.a.
0% p.a. for 6 months and then 22.24% p.a.
$0
NAB
StraightUp Card
0% p.a.
No current offer
$120 $10/month - waived if no spend & no balance owing
St.George
Vertigo Platinum
0% p.a. for 15 months then 12.99% p.a.
6.99% p.a. for 12 months and then 21.49% p.a.
$99 $49 in the first year
St.George
Amplify Platinum
0% p.a. for 7 months then 19.74% p.a.
0% p.a. for 22 months and then 21.49% p.a. (1.50% balance transfer fee)
$99 $0 in the first year
