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.
With a low interest rate on offer and a reasonable annual fee, it's no wonder Defence Bank's Foundation Credit Card received a 2023 Mozo Experts Choice Award for best Low Rate Credit Card.
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.
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8.99% p.a. |
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|
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 |
|
|
yes |
|
|
none |
Apple Pay, Google Wallet, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay
50% of the Annual fee ($22.50) is donated to the Defence Bank Foundation.
Qantas Ultimate Card
23.99% p.a.
No current offer
$450
Qantas Frequent Flyer
Platinum Edge Credit Card
23.99% p.a.
No current offer
$195 $0 in the first year
Membership Rewards
Explorer Credit Card
23.99% p.a.
No current offer
$395
Membership Rewards
Velocity Platinum Card
23.99% p.a.
No current offer
$375
Velocity Frequent Flyer
Low Rate Card
13.49% p.a.
0% p.a. for 28 months and then 21.74% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)
$59 $0 in the first year
Qantas Discovery Card
23.99% p.a.
No current offer
$0
Qantas Frequent Flyer
Velocity Escape Card
23.99% p.a.
No current offer
$0
Velocity Frequent Flyer
Qantas Ultimate Card
Qantas Frequent Flyer
$450
60,000
1.25 points up to 100,000 points/year, then
1 point uncapped
Platinum Visa Credit Card
Qantas Frequent Flyer
$299
50,000
1 point up to 20,000 points/month
Qantas Rewards Premium Card
Qantas Frequent Flyer
$250 $150 in the first year
70,000
0.66 points up to $3,000/month, then
0.33 points up to $6,000/month
Qantas Premium Card
Qantas Frequent Flyer
$249
20,000
1 point uncapped
Rewards Signature Card
NAB Rewards
$295 $145 in the first year
160,000
1.25 points uncapped
Qantas Discovery Card
Qantas Frequent Flyer
$0
No current offer
0.75 points uncapped
Velocity Escape Card
Velocity Frequent Flyer
$0
No current offer
0.75 points uncapped
Qantas Rewards Signature Card
Qantas Frequent Flyer
$395 $295 in the first year
120,000
1 point up to $5,000/month, then
0.5 points up to $20,000/month
Low Rate Card
0% p.a. for 28 months and then 21.74% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)
13.49% p.a.
$59 $0 in the first year
Premier Credit Card
0% p.a. for 6 months and then 22.24% p.a.
21.49% p.a.
$300 $150 in the subsequent years if you spend $48,000 on eligible purchases or cash advances in previous year., $150 in the first year
Citi Rewards Program
Blue Visa Credit Card
0% p.a. for 9 months and then 21.74% p.a.
0% p.a. for 9 months then 20.74% p.a.
$60
Q Rewards
Virgin Australia Velocity Flyer Card - Balance Transfer Offer
0% p.a. for 24 months and then 20.99% p.a.
20.74% p.a.
$149 $0 in the first year
Velocity Frequent Flyer
More Mastercard
0% p.a. for 6 months and then 19.99% p.a. (1.00% balance transfer fee)
19.99% p.a.
$100
Bankwest More Rewards
Low Rate Card
13.49% p.a.
0% p.a. for 28 months and then 21.74% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)
$59 $0 in the first year
Low Rate Credit Card
12.99% p.a.
0% p.a. for 12 months and then 25.99% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)
$99
Low Rate Visa Credit Card
9.90% p.a.
No current offer
$59
Low Rate Credit Card
8.99% p.a.
0% p.a. for 6 months and then 8.99% p.a.
$59 $0 in the first year
Blue Visa Credit Card
0% p.a. for 9 months then 20.74% p.a.
0% p.a. for 9 months and then 21.74% p.a.
$60
Flex Card
0% p.a.
No current offer
$120 $10 monthly fee waived if the outstanding balance on the previous statement is paid in full by the due date.
StraightUp Card
n/a
No current offer
$240 $20/month - waived if no spend & no balance owing
n0w Credit Card
n/a
No current offer
$228 Monthly fee is waived if account has a $0 balance and if card isn't used during the calendar month.
Platinum Mastercard
0% p.a. for 3 months then 25.80% p.a.
No current offer
$99
