Say goodbye to bank fees by simply switching to a different transaction account.
12 Mar 2010 |
Switching to a new transaction account with no monthly fees and low transaction costs may save you more than $200 per year. CHOICE selects the picks of the crop.
Here's a new twist on bank fees: an account that refunds some of the fees other banks charge to you.
18 Jan 2010 |
The new Bankwest Zero account actually refunds its customers the fees that the big four banks charge when you use their ATM machines.
Thanks to our unfair penalty fees campaign, the big banks have finally started to reduce some of their penalty fees.
15 Oct 2009 |
Are you being stung by high penalties for overdrawing your account, paying your credit card bill a day late, or trying to pay in a cheque that bounces?
So which institutions came out on top for bank accounts, credit cards and homeloans in our survey?
30 Sep 2009 |
Over the past year, ANZ, Commonwealth, NAB and Westpac have increased market share but our survey reveals they haven't increased in popularity.
CHOICE shows you how to find the fairest bank account and then switch to save.
30 Sep 2009 |
Are you paying more in bank fees than you need to?
ING Direct's latest account is set to raise the bar for everyday banking.
28 Sep 2009 |
The account isn't completely fee-free and it doesn't pay interest, but most everyday transactions are free and there are incentives that will be attractive to many customers.
A new government scheme provides incentives for new home buyers, but watch for traps.
3 Aug 2009 |
To provide incentives for people to save for their first home, the federal government launched the first home saver account (FHSA) scheme.
When paying with a debit card, you're given a choice of cheque, savings or credit. What should you choose?
9 Jul 2009 |
Many financial institutions now offer debit cards that can be used for transactions through the MasterCard, Visa and EFTPOS systems.
How has the global financial crisis affected CHOICE members?
24 Jun 2009 |
It’s been a traumatic time for financial markets and the wider economy, with the world experiencing its deepest and most synchronised recession in 70 years.
If you're feeling the pressure of the financial squeeze, here are some simple ways to save money.
23 Apr 2009 |
While you may feel overwhelmed by mounting cost pressures, there are ways to modify your everyday spending to ensure your money goes further.
It's time to work out your budget.
20 Apr 2009 |
Most people are getting income from one source — a salary. However, with increasingly complicated employment and the odd savvy person making money from investments, it might not be that simple.
You need to consider lengths as well as rates when it comes to choosing a term deposit.
9 Jul 2008 |
If you’re prepared to lose access to your money for a period from three months to two years, term deposits are a pretty good option.
Worried you're paying too much on banking, credit cards or insurance?
15 Feb 2008 |
For most of us, minimising the cost of 'staple' financial services like bank accounts and insurance is important. Here's how to save.
Traditional and internet savings accounts compared.
15 Jan 2008 |
If you've got money parked in an everyday transaction account paying next to nothing interest, you could be earning much more by switching to an account with a better rate.
More and more merchants offer incentives if you pay via direct debit. We tell you how to avoid the pitfalls.
17 Apr 2007 |
A direct debit is a transfer of control to a third party so it's important to read the agreement carefully before you sign it.
Find your unclaimed super, lost bank account or insurance policy - for free.
30 Jan 2007 |
An estimated one-in-three working Australians have lost contact with their super accounts. If you changed your job, address or name recently and forgot to tell the fund, you could be one of them.
We reveal items you may not realise you can claim on your tax return.
25 Jun 2009 |
Budgets are stretched and times are tough for many people. But there are simple ways you can reduce your taxable income to save money.
How much of your donation is gobbled up by fundraising fees and expenses?
1 Apr 2008 |
As Australians, we’re a pretty charitable lot. Nearly nine out of 10 adults give to charity, and the average annual donation is more than $400.
How to stay safe when banking online.
26 Sep 2008 |
Have you ever received an email that looked like it came from your bank, instructing you to urgently click on a link because of a security upgrade or some other matter?
It's a safer bet than carrying cash or a bank card when you travel overseas, but will these cards save you money?
21 Dec 2009 |
We expose the hidden costs.
Keep currency costs to a minimum on your next overseas trip.
23 Apr 2009 |
CHOICE recommends you take a mix of cash and cards to cover expenses and provide a back-up plan. We tell you which companies provide the best products and rates.
For years some major credit card companies failed to adequately disclose the fees for overseas transactions.
30 Apr 2007 |
Our investigation shows many consumers were charged more for overseas transactions than the fees disclosed on their statements suggested.