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Bank of Queensland Falls Foul of Consumers

Bank of Queensland (BoQ) has this week angered residents and MPs by closing another NSW franchise.

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The Mum With $135,000 Credit Card Debt

Meet the American mother-of-six who has over $135,000 in credit card debt and spends $400 a month (more than US$13 a day, every day) at Starbucks.

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Consumers Turn to Debit

Credit card lenders may be forced to find new ways to entice customers with data suggesting debit cards will become the most popular form of payment by the end of the year.

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Lottery Winnings Purchased on Stolen Credit Card Seized

In events reminiscent of TV show 'My Name is Earl', an American methamphetamine addict won US$1 million in a state lottery - then lost the lot because she purchased the ticket using a dead woman's credit card.

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Who Swipes

Swiping your credit card could be a thing of the past, with new RFID technology in the Visa payWave. This new system will allow you to simply wave your card near the cashier and you're done.

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Seven Simple Steps To Get Out of Credit Card Debt

Deciding where to start and making the first step toward reducing your credit card debt can seem overwhelming. Follow our step-by-step guide to paying off your balances.

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Credit Card Concierge Services

Most premium and platinum Australian cardholders have access to a credit card concierge service, but few use it. We examine what a concierge service is and what it can do.

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19,000 Credit Card Numbers Exposed

An Australian IT worker has stumbled upon the details of 19,000 credit cards, held on an unsecured section of a now-defunct site.

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Identity Theft

Identity theft is now the number two reported crime in the U.S. and costs Australians around $2 billion every year. But how does a criminal take control of your identity and what can you do to stop it?

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Foreign Exchange Rates Compared

We compare the foreign exchange rates of different banks and find some surprising results.

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Cash is Still King

Australia is a cash-based economy, with credit card transactions accounting for only 10 per cent of all spending according to a RBA study released this week.

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Twelve Little Known Credit Card Facts

Did you know American Express began as a shipping company, or that credit card expiration dates don't really exist? Read our twelve little-known credit card facts.

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Credit Card Minimum Purchases Illegal

We've all seen the 'minimum credit card purchase $10' signs plastered in stores, but are merchants permitted to refuse credit card payment on a small purchase?

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NSA Spies on U.S. Domestic Credit Card Transactions

Does the U.S. National Security Agency illegally use credit card transactions and international wire transfer data to spy on its citizens?

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Debt Collectors 101

If your credit card balance has been transferred to a debt collector, it's important to know your rights. Our guide outlines what they can and can't do.

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New Credit Laws

New national laws regulating the consumer credit industry, including credit cards, will be introduced by the Federal Government.

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Banks Are Not Evil

After yet another 'why haven't credit card rates come down' article in the news, we explain why credit card rates remain high, even after RBA cuts.

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Virgin Credit Card to Return

Remember the Virgin credit card? It was released in Australia to much fanfare back in 2003, amid claims it would 'shape-up' the local credit card market.

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Credit Cards with Displays

Just when you thought it was safe to sit on your wallet...

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The Credit Card Prank

Merchants rarely give more than a customary glance to your signature, so could you get away with drawing pictures or writing insults instead of signing your name? John Hargrave finds out.

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Why Cash Advances Are More Expensive

We find out why credit cards charge significantly higher interest rates for cash advances.

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Average Credit Card Debt Tumbles

Credit card balances have fallen for the first time since records began 14 years ago, according to central bank figures.

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International Fees Comparison

A must-read if you're planning an overseas trip. Our comparison table of international fees shows how much you'll pay for purchases and cash advances while abroad with each bank.

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Visa CEO Loses His Credit Cards

When you're the head of a credit card company which likes to boast their security credentials, how much pressure is there to be security conscious? Not enough apparently...

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Kevin Says: Shop Around For Credit Cards

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has encouraged Australian consumers to 'shop around' for the best credit card rates.

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Five Biggest Credit Card Gripes

From retroactive rate increases to charging customers for making payments, we reveal what consumers hate most about banks.

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Financial Profiling

Using your credit card at certain stores can affect your credit rating. We find out how 'financial profiling' or 'behavioural scoring' works and whether it's legal.

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Choosing a Small Business Credit Card

Are you looking for a credit card for your small business? Read our quick guide to the five things you should check before applying.

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Balance Transfers

Most cards now offer a balance transfer deal to entice customers to switch from other cards, but are they a good idea, or are the long term costs too great?

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Consumer Credit Insurance

Most credit cards now come with the option of consumer credit insurance, which will cover your repayments if you become unemployed or disabled. But is it worth it?

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Credit Card Insurance

With many cards offering travel insurance, transit accident cover, purchase security and extended warranty protection, we ask the question: is included insurance any good?

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Photo ID Credit Cards

Just one more bad photo of you in your wallet, or the end to fraudulent credit card transactions?

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See ID

Some people suggest writing 'See ID' on the back of your card rather than signing it. But is it more secure, or does it actually make things worse?

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Credit Card Security Microchips

If you've noticed merchants inserting your credit card into the EFTPOS terminal, rather than swiping it, your card contains a security microchip.

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Inflated Penalty Charges

Have you ever been late with a credit card payment? How about overdrawn your account or exceeded your credit card limit? If so, you'll know these simple mistakes can cost you as much as $50 in penalty fees.

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Brand Imprinting

Which bank are you with? Is it the same bank you were with as a child? We look at the effects of brand imprinting on adult consumer credit behaviours.

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Addicted to Credit

Psychologists suggest credit card spending shares similar characteristics to cocaine or heroin abuse. Are you addicted to credit?

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Credit Card Helps Fight AIDS

American Express UK and Product RED, the anti-AIDS movement headed by Bono, have teamed up to deliver the American Express Red.

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Luxury Credit Cards

Think your card is indulgent? We take a look at the credit cards of the rich and famous, from private island rentals to cosmetic surgery reward programs.

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Banks: Thanks a Billion

Australian banks netted more than $1 billion in fees from customers paying late, exceeding limits and using non-bank ATMs, according to a report released by the Reserve Bank of Australia this month.

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Credit Card Repayments Up 17pc

Australians paid $19.72 billion off their credit cards in March, bringing total credit and charge card balances down one percent to $44.358 billion.

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The Environmental Impact of Credit Cards

There is mounting consumer pressure for credit cards to become more environmentally sustainable.

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Credit Card Fees Guide

Our simple guide explains the fees you may be charged on your credit card, how much you'll pay and how to avoid them.

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Choosing a Credit Card

Are you having difficulty selecting the right credit card for you? Here are some things you should know...

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Guarantors

Read our guide on your rights and responsibilities before agreeing to act as a guarantor on a credit card or loan.

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Choosing a Travel Credit Card

Our quick guide explains the features you should look for when choosing a credit card to take overseas.

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Code 10

If you're using your credit card for a purchase and the merchant calls up the bank asking for a 'code 10', you're in trouble.

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ATM Skimming

The recent discovery of skimming devices on Australian ATMs has left many people wondering if they're safe to use anymore.

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Transaction Steps

Ever wondered what happens behind-the-scenes when you use your credit card to make a purchase? Our guide traces though the steps in a credit card transaction.

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Virtual Credit Cards

Introducing virtual credit cards. You get the credit card number, expiry date and three digit security code...and that's it. No physical credit card.

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Collectible Credit Cards

I wish we were joking...I truly do.

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Credit Cards: Funding For Entrepreneurs

Did you know that Google was initially financed using credit cards? We look at the pros and cons of using credit cards as venture capital.

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Credit Card Fraud

What is credit card fraud? We examine the major categories of fraud and suggest ways you can prevent it from happening to you.

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Credit Card Numbers

Did you know your credit card number is the result of a complex algorithm designed to deter fraud?

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Redlining

Your credit card limit may be determined by where you live or your ethnicity. Our article explains what 'redlining' is and whether it's legal.

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What Happened to Bankcard

Remember this logo? We examine the decline of Australia's first credit card and find out what went wrong.

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The History of Credit Cards

We accept credit cards as a fundamental component of our daily banking, but it was not all that long ago that credit cards were uncommon.

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Obtaining a Higher Credit Card Limit

If you're thinking about a higher limit on your credit card, start following these five simple tips now to improve your chances.

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Cash Passports

If you need to access your money overseas, consider a cash passport. Our guide explains what cash passports are, how they work and why every traveller should have one.

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Why Credit Cards Are Better Than Cash

Are you reluctant to use your credit card? Our team gives you ten reasons why your credit card is better than cash.

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Pen or Pin

Our team investigates the new PIN option on credit cards: why it was introduced, why you should use it and whether you can continue to sign for your purchases.

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AMEX Pays Customers to Close Accounts

American Express has offered some of its U.S. cardholders $300 to close their accounts.

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Reward Programs Compared

Let us do the hard work for you. We've compared twenty two Australian reward programs and ranked them by their value for shopping, cash and flights.

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Credit Card Debt More Than 45 Billion

The Reserve Bank last week reported the total credit card debt in Australia has grown to a record $45.4 billion - an average of $3,139 per cardholder.

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Kleenmaid: Get a Refund From Your Bank

If you've used your credit card to pay for goods you haven't received, is it possible to get a refund from your bank rather than the merchant? Kleenmaid certainly think so.

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50 Simple Credit Card Security Tips

Think using your credit card online is risky? You’re actually more likely to be the victim of fraud when using your card at a store or by not discarding your statements correctly. Follow these simple tips to protect yourself.

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Stoozing: Making Money on Credit Cards

Sometimes it is possible to beat the system. Our guide explains what 'stoozing' is and how you can use it to make money on your credit card.

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Cards 101: Credit, Debit and Charge

Confused about card types? Our simple guide will explain the differences between a credit card, debit card and charge card.

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Using Your Credit Card Overseas

Everything you need to know about using your credit card overseas. How much will it cost? Is it secure? Will it be accepted? What's the best card for the job?

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Predatory Lenders On Notice

Under new laws, lenders who push credit cards or credit limit increases onto consumers who cannot afford them will lose their licences.

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The World's Worst Credit Card

Think your credit card is bad? How about a card with a $53 credit limit which charges you every time you make a payment?

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Visa vs MasterCard vs American Express

What's the difference? Our guide tells you everything you need to know about the major payment systems.

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Free Credit Cards

With features such as interest free days and $0 annual fees, our team investigates whether it's possible to have a credit card which doesn't cost you a cent.

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Why Credit Card Rates Haven't Dropped

The sixth consecutive drop in interest rates begs the question: why haven't credit card rates come down?

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The Smart Way to Use Your Credit Card

If you're looking for ways to tighten your belt follow these simple tips to begin saving money on your credit card immediately.

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The Federal Stimulus Bonus: What You'll Get and When

Many Australians may be intending to use their bonus toward their credit card. Our guide explains how much you’ll get, when you’ll get it and what you’ll need to do to receive it.

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Smart Guide: Successfully applying for a student credit card

Follow our guide to maximize your chance of successfully applying for a student credit card.

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Credit Ratings Explained

Ever wondered what your credit rating is and how it is calculated? Been refused credit? Our guide will tell you all you need to know, including how to obtain a copy of your credit history and improve your credit rating.

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Card Sharks: Top Ten Credit Card Traps

Our team exposes some of the credit card tricks used by financial institutions, including all those hidden fees, balance transfers and tricky ways to calculate interest.

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