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

By Mozo Editorial · · 2 min read
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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.

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Last updated 24 November 2024 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*

Home loan comparisons on Mozo

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  • Unloan Variable

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
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    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.90 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
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  • Unloan Variable

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.90 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    Go to site

    Built by CommBank, the Unloan is the first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply) for borrowers. No application or banking fees. No monthly account keeping or early exit fees. Apply online in minutes.

  • Budget Home Loan

    • LVR <80%
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    6.04 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.07 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,011
    Go to site

    Enjoy a discounted variable home loan from IMB. Get up to $4,000 cashback (T&Cs apply). Life-of-loan discount off IMB’s standard variable interest rate. Unrestricted additional repayments. Free Internet and Mobile Banking redraws (T&Cs apply). No monthly fees to pay. Up to a 30 year loan term. Split loan available. No offset account.

  • Mortgage Simplifier

    • LVR<80%
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    6.14 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.17 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,043

    Get a competitive variable rate with ING’s Mortgage Simplifier. Free extra repayments, no monthly or annual fees. Freedom to make free extra repayments or redraws.

  • Elevate

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • <80% LVR
    Interest rate
    6.18 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.18 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,056

    Get competitive rates on loan terms of 5 to 30 years with the Aussie Elevate Home Loan. Structure your loan with up to five splits. Make additional repayments (T&Cs apply). Offset accounts available. Unlimited redraw using your online banking account. Choose from weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments For loan amounts from $10,000 to $5 million.

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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.

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