This week in banking news - Holiday debt, new Citi credit card offering, and Aussie property

By Mozo Editorial · · 2 min read
Fact Checked
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In this week’s banking recap, we take a look at current sentiment among Aussie homebuyers, Citi’s venture into the buy now, pay later market, and more.

Buckling under holiday credit card debt?

Ever thrown caution to the wind and booked a holiday without regard to how you’ll pay for it? You’re not alone. According to research from Experian, three in five Australians who use their credit card to cover holidays failed to pay it off upon returning home. Those aged 24-35 struggle with holiday debt the most, taking between one month and two years to pay off their balance.

Aussie gift-giving squeezing our wallets

Australia is a nation of gift-givers, but it turns out that our budgeting skills still need some work. A recent study by the Financial Planning Association of Australia found that Aussies are spending a massive $19.8 billion on gifts each year, with impromptu purchases making up almost three quarters of that figure.

Citi jumps on the pay now, pay later bandwagon

Citi Australia made waves this week when it announced it will be throwing its hat in the buy now, pay later ring. Anyone with a Citi credit card will now have the option to pay off purchases they make in instalments over 3, 12, 18 or 24 months. And in lieu of interest, customers will be charged a flat fee representing a percentage of the amount borrowed. This can range from 0.4% for a three month loan to 5% for 24 month loans. 

Motorists can now choose repairers

A recent ruling by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) will allow motorists to use their preferred repairer as part of their insurance policy, rather than their provider’s choice of repairer. This comes after mounting complaints of under-repairs by insurance-approved workshops.

Westpac housing sentiment

Spring property season is upon us and homebuyer confidence is soaring, or at least that’s the takeaway from Westpac’s latest Housing Sentiment Survey. According to the findings, 51% of Australians are more optimistic about the property market than they were last year, with one in two respondents looking to finally make a purchase.

At the moment, conditions are proving quite favourable for anyone with sights on the property market. Interest rates are currently at record lows and auction clearance rates are improving. If you’re thinking about taking out a home loan be sure to visit our home loan comparison page, or check out some of the options below.

Mozo may receive payment if you click products on our site. We don’t compare the entire market, but you can compare more home loans here.
Last updated 21 October 2025 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*
What are your home loan needs?
Loan purpose
Buying or Refinancing
  • Promoted

    Unloan Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.24 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.15 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,758
    Go to site
    • The first home loan with an automatic loyalty discount (conditions apply)
    • No application or banking fees
    • Built by CommBank
  • Promoted

    Lite Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.19 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.21 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,742
    Go to site
    • Earn Virgin Money Points every month
    • No ongoing home loan fees
    • Make additional repayments and redraw at no extra cost

  • First Home Buyer Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 5% min deposit
    • For first home buyers
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    4.99 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.04 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,681
    Go to site
    • Competitive interest rate – 4.99% p.a. (comparison rate* 5.04% p.a.)
    • Offset account to reduce interest and save on repayments
    • No establishment or monthly fees, plus valuation fees waived up to $1,000 (limited time)

  • Special Budget Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    • Cashback
    Interest rate
    5.19 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.19 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,742
    Go to site
    • No application or monthly fees
    • Free redraw facility
    • $5000 cashback for first time buyers borrowing at least $500K. Apply by 30/11/2025 with loans settled by 30 April 2026. Lending criteria, T&Cs apply.

  • Discount Great Rate Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    • Cashback
    Interest rate
    5.19 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.20 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,742
    Go to site
    • Get up to $3,000 cashback when you apply online (T&Cs apply)
    • No paperwork or payslips required (see site for details)
    • Low variable rate

  • Lite Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.19 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.21 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,742
    Go to site
    • Earn Virgin Money Points every month
    • No ongoing home loan fees
    • Make additional repayments and redraw at no extra cost

  • Unloan Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.24 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.15 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,758
    Go to site
    • The first home loan with an automatic loyalty discount (conditions apply)
    • No application or banking fees
    • Built by CommBank

  • Simple Home Loan Variable

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.24 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.24 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,758
    Go to site
    • A low variable rate that allows you to benefit from potential future rate cuts
    • No application, ongoing, or monthly fees
    • Make unlimited extra repayments and access funds via a free redraw facility

  • OMG Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.24 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.27 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,758
    Go to site
    • No ongoing annual fees
    • Pre-approval valid for 3 months

  • Budget Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    • Cashback
    Interest rate
    5.29 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.32 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,773
    Go to site
    • Get up to $4,000 cashback (T&Cs apply)
    • Split loan available

  • Variable Home Loan 90

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 10% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.29 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.33 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,773
    Go to site
    • No monthly or ongoing fees
    • Option to add an offset for 0.10% p.a.

  • Loaded Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.34 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.64 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,789
    Go to site
    • Earn Virgin Money Points at settlement and every month
    • 100% interest offset
    • Weekly, fortnightly or monthly repayment flexibility

  • Basic Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    • Cashback
    Interest rate
    5.38 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.40 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,801
    Go to site
    • $3,000 cashback when refinancing $700k+ (T&Cs apply)
    • Unlimited free redraw and extra repayments
    • No account-keeping or monthly fees

  • Basic Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.38 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.41 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,801
    Go to site
    • No ongoing monthly loan maintenance fees
    • Weekly, fortnightly, or monthly repayment options

  • Economy Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 30% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    • Cashback
    Interest rate
    5.38 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.51 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,801
    Go to site
    • $2,000 cashback for new loans (T&Cs apply)
    • Unlimited free redraw and extra repayments
    • Pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly

  • Offset Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.39 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.42 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,805
    Go to site
    • No ongoing monthly loan maintenance fees to pay.
    • Pre-approval valid for 3 months

  • Clear Path Variable Rate Special Offer Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    • Cashback
    Interest rate
    5.39 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.52 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,805
    Go to site
    • $2,000 cashback for new loans (T&Cs apply)
    • 100% mortgage offset account to reduce interest
    • Can apply with just 5% deposit

  • Offset Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.42 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.45 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,814
    Go to site
    • No ongoing monthly loan maintenance fees
    • Weekly, fortnightly, or monthly repayment options
Showing 16 results from 376 home loans. Use the filters to see more

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* WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. The comparison rate displayed is for a secured loan with monthly principal and interest repayments for $150,000 over 25 years.

** Initial monthly repayment figures are estimates only, based on the advertised rate. You can change the loan amount and term in the input boxes at the top of this table. Rates, fees and charges and therefore the total cost of the loan may vary depending on your loan amount, loan term, and credit history. Actual repayments will depend on your individual circumstances and interest rate changes.

Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.

While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.