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Save on credit card costs with 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 18 months or take advantage of a $200 cashback offer.
The Westpac Low Rate credit card is designed to provide the flexibility of a credit card account without high costs. If you apply for this card by 26 October 2017 you can enjoy 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 18 months (with a 2% balance transfer fee).
If a balance transfer isn't what you're after, there is also the option of $200 cashback when you spend $400 within 90 days of card approval.
| Product Name | Westpac Low Rate Card |
|---|---|
| Balance transfer rate (p.a.) | 0% p.a. for 18 months with 2% balance transfer fee |
| Balance Transfer Revert Rate The interest rate after the balance transfer ends. | Purchase Rate (13.49% p.a.) |
| Balance Transfer Limit | 95% of available credit limit |
| Purchase rate (p.a.) | 13.49% p.a. |
| Offer end date | 26 October 2017 |
| Annual fee | $59 p.a. |
| Interest Free Period The interest-free period on purchases is the period or number of days you do not have to pay interest on your card purchases. You will be charged interest either from the day you make a purchase or from the statement date, unless you pay the closing balance in full by the due date (or within the interest-free period) on your statement. | Up to 55 days on purchases |
| Cash advance rate (p.a.) | 21.49% p.a. |
| Min credit limit This is the lowest credit card limit that you can request. It is possible to apply for a higher credit card limit but not a lower one than this figure. | $1,000 |
| Max credit limit This credit limit may not be issued to you immediately on application. This is the maximum credit limit for this card which must be applied for or offered to you after you are approved and have already opened the account. | $25,000 |
| Minimum Monthly Repayment | 2% or $10, whichever is greater |
| Minimum Income | $15,000 |
| Card Type | Visa |
| Late Payment Fee | $15 |
| Foreign Currency Conversion Fee (VISA) Foreign currency conversion fees are charged when you make a transaction that is converted by a credit card network, such as MasterCard, Visa or American Express, from Australian dollars to a foreign currency. You’ll also incur a currency conversion fee if you make a purchase or obtain a cash advance in Australian dollars while overseas or shopping online with a foreign merchant or financial institution. | 3% of transaction value |
| Complimentary Travel Insurance | No |
| Available To Temporary Residents | Yes - Conditions apply |
| Joint Application | No |
| Minimum Income | $15,000 |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years of age |
| Available to Temporary Residents | Yes - Conditions apply |
| Credit Rating Requirement Credit rating requirement is provided only as a guide. Understanding your credit file helps you make more informed decisions in regards to your finances. Learn more about what this means here. | Good |
| Min Credit Limit This is the lowest credit card limit that you can request. It is possible to apply for a higher credit card limit but not a lower one than this figure. | $1,000 |
| Max Credit Limit This credit limit may not be issued to you immediately on application. This is the maximum credit limit for this card which must be applied for or offered to you after you are approved and have already opened the account. | $25,000 |
| Annual Fee | $59 p.a. |
|---|---|
| Minimum Repayment | 2% or $10, whichever is greater |
| Late Payment Fee | $15 |
| Over Limit Fee | $15 |
| Cash Advance Fee | 2% of the transaction amount or $2.50 |
| Overseas ATM Balance check | $0 |
| Overseas ATM Withdrawal Fee | $0 |
| Foreign Currency Conversion Fee (VISA) Foreign currency conversion fees are charged when you make a transaction that is converted by a credit card network, such as MasterCard, Visa or American Express, from Australian dollars to a foreign currency. You’ll also incur a currency conversion fee if you make a purchase or obtain a cash advance in Australian dollars while overseas or shopping online with a foreign merchant or financial institution. | 3% of transaction value |
| Gambling Transactions Allowed | Yes |
| Gambling Transactions Interest Rate | Cash Advance Rate |
| Additional Cardholder Fee | $0 p.a. |
| Number of Additional Cardholders | 1 |
| BPAY | Yes |
| Cheque | Yes |
| Direct Debit | Yes |
| Internet Banking Transfers | Yes |
| In Branch | Yes |
| Yes |
Pros
- Take advantage of a promotional offer of 0% p.a. for 18 months on balance transfers or $200 cashback.
- Receive up to 55 days interest-free on purchases.
- You can request for an additional cardholder at no extra cost.
Cons
- This card has no rewards program.
- Complimentary insurance covers are not offered on this card.
Westpac Low Rate credit card review
This low-cost credit card from Westpac offers a standard variable interest rate of 13.49% p.a. on purchases and a competitive annual fee of $59 p.a. It also gives you up to 55 interest-free days when you pay your balance in full by the due date on each statement.
The Westpac Low Rate credit card also has two different introductory offers available for new cardholders when you apply by 26 October 2017, giving you the choice between a 0% balance transfer promotion and cash back on your account. Plus, you can add an additional cardholder for free. While this card does offer a relatively low annual fee and a choice of promotional offers, there are some costs involved.
Benefits of the Westpac Low Rate credit card
- 0% balance transfer offer option. You can consolidate high-interest debts by transferring up to 3 non-Westpac balances to this card and save with 0% p.a. interest for the first 18 months (with a 2% BT fee). At the end of the promotional period, any remaining balances will revert to the standard interest rate on purchases. Not available in conjunction with the cashback offer.
- $200 cashback offer option. Receive $200 cashback when you spend $400 on eligible purchases within 90 days of card approval. Not available in conjunction with the promotional balance transfer offer.
- Low variable purchase rate. This card has a standard variable purchase rate of 13.49% p.a.
- Interest-free days. If you pay your account balance in full by the due date on each statement, you can enjoy up to 55 days interest-free on your purchases. Note that interest-free days are not available for cash advance transactions or if you carry a debt from a balance transfer.
- Additional cardholders. Get 1 additional cardholder for $0 p.a.
- Contactless technology. The Visa card can be used for Visa payWave terminals with contactless technology. You can also link your Westpac credit card with Samsung Pay to make contactless payments with your smartphone. Plus, you can use the Westpac mobile banking app to make contactless payments with your Samsung smartphone.
Features of the Westpac Low Rate credit card
- Annual fee. This card comes with an annual fee of $59.
- Cash advances. If you use your card to make a cash advance, such as an ATM withdrawal, you'll collect an interest rate of 21.49% p.a. and will be charged a fee of 2% of the transaction amount or $2.50.
- Currency conversion rate. If you use your card to make a foreign transaction overseas or online, you'll collect an interest rate of 3%.
- Late payment fee. Missed payment charges apply at a $15 fee and there is an over-limit fee of $15 as well.
- Duplicate statement fee. Duplicate statement fee attracts a $7.50 charge.
- Card security. This card has various security features. It features Card Shield, which protects your card from fraudulent activities. The Visa card also has an embedded microchip which features enhanced security and offers a 24-hour protection by monitoring your card activities. Westpac also has a money back guarantee with all fraudulent activities, provided that you were not responsible for the loss.
How to apply for the Westpac Low Rate credit card
If you’ve compared your options and decided that the Westpac Low Rate credit card is right for you, you can apply for this card by completing the online application form. Before you apply, make sure you comply with the eligibility requirements and have the necessary information and documents.
Eligibility criteria
- Minimum age limit. You must be at least 18 years of age to apply.
- Residency. Westpac only approves applications from permanent Australian residents and Australian citizens.
- Good credit history. You'll need to have a healthy credit history with no signs of recent signs of bankruptcy or a low credit score to receive approval.
- Minimum income requirement. You'll need to meet the minimum income requirements set by the Westpac.
Required documents
- Proof of identity. You'll need to provide some form of identification such as Australian driver's licence, Medicare card or Australian passport.
- Financial details. The credit card provider will also require your personal and financial details to assess your credit rating and source of income. If you receive government support and payments, you'll need to provide your Centrelink Pension Card details.
- Employment details. You'll need to provide details about your employment including your annual income and your employer's details.
The Westpac Low Rate credit card is designed to ease the burden that comes with credit repayments. As it's not the only low rate card on the market, compare similar credit cards to ensure you're applying for the right card.
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I would like to apply for a new card?
Hi Paula Rae,
Thank you for contacting finder. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.
You can apply for this card by completing the online application form. Before you apply, make sure you comply with the eligibility requirements and have the necessary information and documents.
Eligibility criteria
- Minimum age limit. You must be at least 18 years of age to apply.
- Residency. Westpac only approves applications from permanent Australian residents and Australian citizens.
- Good credit history. You’ll need to have a healthy credit history with no signs of recent signs of bankruptcy or a low credit score to receive approval.
- Minimum income requirement. You’ll need to meet the minimum income requirements set by the Westpac.
Required documents
- Proof of identity. You’ll need to provide some form of identification such as Australian driver’s licence, Medicare card or Australian passport.
- Financial details. The credit card provider will also require your personal and financial details to assess your credit rating and source of income. If you receive government support and payments, you’ll need to provide your Centrelink Pension Card details.
- Employment details. You’ll need to provide details about your employment including your annual income and your employer’s details.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Danielle
Do the 6 months interest-free on purchases apply to purchases made overseas? I got this card for travel on the basis it would be interest-free for 6 months but have been told that the interest-free period may only apply to domestic purchases?
Hi Deniz,
Thanks for your question.
Yes, the interest-free period applies to overseas purchases as well, provided you aren’t processing cash advances or balance transfers. Some of the transactions treated as cash advance include direct cash withdrawals, receiving from a merchant a cash substitute and paying bills through a third party where the merchant does not accept credit card payments. You may refer the credit card guide that I send to your email for more information on this card’s conditions of use.
Cheers,
Liezl
can someone on a mother’s pension from centrelink be approved on this type of credit card
Hi Talia,
Thanks for your question.
If you’re on a pension, what you need to provide will depend on your financial situation. The most basic requirement to apply for a Westpac credit card will be your 2 most recent Centrelink statement.
You may want to get in touch with Westpac to check the other requirements and criteria for your situation.
Cheers,
Anndy
Hi! I’ve just applied for a low rate credit card with Westpac and I would like to do a balance transfer. Is this offer still available? I still haven’t got my new card yet. I’m a new customer with Westpac.
Hi Shimona,
Thanks for your question.
Yes, the 0% p.a. for 16 months balance transfer offer is still available for new cardholders and is valid until 30 January 2017.
Cheers,
Ysa
What amount am I able to transfer ?
Hi Andrew,
Thanks for your question.
With Westpac Low Rate Credit Card, you can balance transfer up to 95% of your available credit limit.
Cheers,
Anndy
Hi there,
I am Westpac existing customer and currently a Westpac holding a 55 days Platinum credit card with balance transfer. Just wondering will I still eligible for a balance transfer of this Low Rate Card?
Hi Steven,
Thanks for your question.
Unfortunately, the 0% for 18 months balance transfer offer is only available to new approved Westpac customers.
Since you are currently holding a 55 Day Platinum credit card, you may not be eligible for this offer.
Should you wish to check for other credit cards with the same feature, please refer to this comparison guide on balance transfer credit cards.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Ysa
I am not a new customer. l have west pack c/c my card is no outstanding balance. can I do 18 month balance transfer from same card or do I need apply new card?
Hi MP,
Thanks for your inquiry.
A credit card balance transfer is essentially the process where you transfer the balance (any money you owe on your current credit card) to a new credit card with another credit card institution. Now if you do not have any outstanding balance on your current Westpac credit card, a balance transfer may not be necessary.
Nonetheless, if you intend to have another credit card in addition to your Westpac credit card, then you can apply for a new card by reviewing the criteria and requirements before you submit any application.
If you wish to apply for this Westpac Low Rate credit card, you may do so by clicking the ‘Go to site’ button to head over to Westpac’s website. Just be mindful though that you can’t do a balance transfer from your current card to this account.
Cheers,
May
We have used a westpac Credit card for many years $10500 limit. Since my husband went into a Nursing home last year (Dementia) I am having difficulty with repayments due to the interest rates. Would it be possible to transfer to a Low Rate Credit Card or have you any other suggestion please
Hi Norma,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to transfer your balance from your current Westpac credit card to a Low Rate credit card that is also issued by Westpac. However, you can transfer your balance to a non-Westpac credit card and you can compare your options on this page.
Just be mindful though that the total amount you can transfer onto the new credit card should not exceed your approved credit limit.
Please make sure to review the criteria and requirements before you submit your application or yet get in touch with the bank to discuss your chances of approval. This way, you can avoid enquiries on your credit file and you’ll be able to keep it healthy.Â
I hope this is helpful.
Cheers,
May
I have had 4 defaults on my credit file and its cleared off now, cause I waited the 5 years or more.. plus I paid the defaults in full.
I order my credit file, there isn’t any defaults at all. I have had 3 credit enquires & 56 file access but this would of been in the last 5 or more years..
I am not working, but I do have a pension card and payments and have 3 children..
$2000 just under front income..
I would like to apply and get approve for a credit card & I applied through my bank Commonwealth as I have account there..
but I was not approved..
Do you know why? I can’t get a credit card… only want under $2000 just for urgent use..& to built my credit file up..
Hi Tracy,
Thanks for your comment and I’m sorry to hear about your declined application.
It could be that you may not have met the eligibility requirements (like income, credit score, provided necessary documents, etc.) when applying.
As your application just recently got rejected, it’s not a good idea to apply for another credit card right away as applying for multiple credit cards within a short span of time can negatively affect your credit score and decrease your chances of future approval. You may have to wait for a few months before you apply for a credit card again.
In future, make sure to review the criteria and requirements before you submit your application or call the bank first to discuss your chances of approval. This way, you can avoid too many enquiries on your credit file and you’ll be able to keep it healthy.Â
Cheers,
May
I have a gem visa card and a St. George vertigo card and would like to transfer the balance of both cards to have one payment monthly. Which lenders should I look at and would St. George bank consider a balance transfer if I upgrade to another card.
Hi Janeen,
Thanks for your inquiry.
If you want to transfer your balance from your Gem Visa and St. George Vertigo credit cards, make sure to choose a credit card that is not underwritten or issued by Gem and St. George. Generally, if you will transfer balances between credit cards of the same institution, your credit card application and BT request will surely be declined.
So, which banks allow you to transfer balance to and from? You can actually get an idea from this article.
Also, please note that when you transfer balances from two different cards to a single credit card, make sure that the total balance transfer amount should not exceed the credit limit that you’ll be approved for. You can actually check that information from the product disclosure booklet of the card.
In the meantime, if you wish to check and compare your balance transfer credit card options, please feel free to visit this page.
I hope this is helpful.
Cheers,
May