By Mark T Brown
Balance transfer credit cards are a popular tool for Australian consumers. For example, if you have a $500 balance with a 20 percent interest rate p.a. on your MasterCard, you can move that balance to another card, perhaps a Visa, and have less interest to pay on the original balance. This is ideal in today's economic times. This guide offers the best five balance transfer credit cards for Australians, based on interest rates, customer service, and card benefits.
St. George Vertigo MasterCard
St. George Vertigo MasterCard is great for transferring balances because it offers zero percent interest p.a. for six months. Money Magazine also awarded the MasterCard "Best of the Best" in 2008 for Cheapest Credit Card. St. George Vertigo MasterCard holds an 11.89 percent interest rate p.a. for regular purchases, and a $55 annual fee.
Citibank Clear Credit Card
Citibank Clear Credit Card, a Visa, also offers zero percent interest p.a. for six months on balance transfers. Purchases are assessed a 12.49 percent interest rate p.a. It also has up to 55 days of no interest. With credit limits of up to $20,000 and a $65 annual fee, this is a good bet for dollar-savvy consumers with good credit.
Bank West Lite MasterCard
Like most of its competitors, Bank West Lite issues MasterCards to qualified applicants with zero percent interest p.a. on balance transfers for six months. Cash advances are assessed a 20.49 percent interest rate p.a., while purchases are billed at 11.49 percent interest p.a. Up to three additional cardholders are allowed for free, and the annual card fee is $59.
HSBC Low Rate Visa Card
HSBC Low Rate Visa Card is another solid bet for Australians looking for a balance transfer credit card. Not only is there zero percent interest on balance transfers for six months, but also no annual fee for the first year. After that time period expires, the annual fee is $49. The card also features a rewards program good in more than 40 countries, and up to 55 days interest-free on purchases.
GE Money eco MasterCard
GE Money eco MasterCard not only enables customers to "go green," but also offers zero percent interest for six months on balance transfers. In addition, one percent of all purchases on the card is donated to organizations working to offset greenhouse gas emissions. The interest rate on purchases is 18.49 percent p.a., but the card is eligible for up to 55 days interest-free on transactions.
If he isn't busy hunting down discounts and bargains online, Mark Brown writes for CreditCardCompare.com.au, an Australian comparison site offering 0% balance transfer credit card including the popular Citibank Clear Card.
