This week in banking - RBA, HSBC Everyday Extras, and the best travel insurance of 2019

In this week’s banking recap, we revisit the RBA’s August decision, plus turn our attention to travel insurance in light of the latest round of Mozo Experts Choice Awards.

RBA holds the cash rate at 1.00%

After two consecutive cuts in June and July, the Reserve Bank decided to take a breather and keep the cash rate unchanged this August, with RBA Governor Philip Lowe saying he expects conditions in the economy to pick up in the near future.

“The outlook is being supported by the low level of interest rates, recent tax cuts, ongoing spending on infrastructure, signs of stabilisation in some housing markets and a brighter outlook for the resources sector,” he said.

Best travel insurance policies revealed

Travel insurance might not be too high on your list of priorities ahead of a holiday, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. To make picking the right policy easy, we’ve compiled the best of the best in this year’s Mozo Experts Choice Travel Insurance Awards.

World2Cover was named our Travel Insurance Provider of the Year, marking the second year in a row it’s taken out the top spot. But all the other winners are well worth a look. Whether you plan to board a cruise or make your way down the ski slopes, you’re sure to find a policy that suits you. 

Reap the rewards with HSBC’s Everyday Extras

HSBC has launched Everyday Extras, a nifty little feature which could see savers rewarded each time they spend.

Customers who deposit at least $2,000 a month into their HSBC Everyday Global Account will receive 2% cashback on purchases up to $100, so long as they use payWave, Apple Pay or Google Pay.

“Australians love rewards, but most rewards programs rely on offering the chance to earn points, which can be complicated or time-consuming to redeem. We wanted to offer customers a more immediate benefit,” said Jessica Power, HSBC Australia’s Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management.

Wholesale demand response: a potential remedy to energy woes

This Tuesday, the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) heard a proposal to introduce a ‘wholesale demand response’ in the Australian energy market. Such a mechanism would reward customers for responsible energy habits with cash or credit, which can go towards further lowering their bills.

ME lowers fixed rates to lowest in its history

The cuts to fixed rates continue to pile up, with ME the latest to join the party. Headlining the latest round of changes is its 3-year Flexible Home Loan Member Package, which saw a massive 0.40% reduction. The new 3.18% p.a. fixed rate (3.87% p.a. comparison rate*) marks the lowest rate ever offered by the bank.

If you’re on the lookout for a quality home loan, be sure to visit our home loan comparison page, or have a browse of the options below.

Home loan comparisons on Mozo - last updated 29 March 2024

Search promoted home loans below or do a full Mozo database search. Advertiser disclosure
  • Offset Home Loan

    Package, Owner Occupier, LVR<60%, Principal & Interest

    interest rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    6.15% p.a. variable
    6.40% p.a.

    Ability to open up to 10 offset accounts per loan account. Fast online application. Linked Debit Mastercard® with fee-free access at ATMs across Australia. Package a credit card with your home loan and the annual card fee will be waived (T&Cs apply). 40% deposit required.

    Compare
    Details
  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Express Home Loan

    Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR <90%

    interest rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    6.01% p.a. variable
    6.14% p.a.

    Get fast online approval from the award-winning Bendigo Bank Express Home Loan. Multiple offset accounts and redraw available. 100% offset on variable rate loans and partial offset on fixed rate. Flexible repayment options. New home loans only.

    Compare
    Details
  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Fixed Rate Home Loan

    Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest

    interest rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    5.99% p.a.
    fixed 2 years
    6.24% p.a.

    Secure a low rate and enjoy the certainty of repayments, with the BCU Fixed Rate Home Loan. Save with no ongoing annual fees. Pay up to $25,000 extra during a fixed period (T&Cs apply). Lock in for up to 5 years.

    Compare
    Details

* 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.

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Home Loan Awards

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