OHbaby! Forums : Credit cards

Credit cards : I haven't read the other...

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 09:40:04 +0000

Author: kebakat
Subject: 13350
Posted: 09�January�2008 at 9:40am

I haven't read the other responses.. but this is what we do and why..

We have a BNZ global plus visa. We use this for our day to day spending. I check every couple of days whats on the credit card and pay it off weekly so that it helps us keep track of our spending. And that way we don't end up being pinged by interest.

We do it this way to avoid transation fees but mostly because of airpoints. We collect tons of airpoints using this. We used airpoints for most of our honeymoon flights to raro in 2006, the only flight we had to pay for was for one of us to get to auckland, allt he rest was essentially free. When we go to aussie later this year most of our flights will be free again thanks to airpoints

It does mean you have to be disiplined with your spending but I don't see that as a bad thing.

Credit cards : yeah Jen my dad said it is terrible...

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 09:34:07 +0000

Author: 11111
Subject: 13350
Posted: 09�January�2008 at 9:34am

yeah Jen my dad said it is terrible over there he tried to get his bank to atomacally transfere his wages to an account here cause he was here on holiday by the time they had done that he would have been back in the UK before it ever made it here he was here for over 6 week's. Oh and just second everone else that said CC are evil. I got myself in sooo much trouble with mine before I meet Pete that I ended up having to use the court to get out of the trouble I was in. B oth me and DH are bad with money so we alway's robbing Pete to pay Paul.

Credit cards : But you do have switch Jen, that...

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 00:05:01 +0000

Author: miss
Subject: 13350
Posted: 09�January�2008 at 12:05am

But you do have switch Jen, that is pretty much what the debit thing here is I reckon, I miss switch!

Credit cards : miss wrote:If you are disciplined...

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 09:47:14 +0000

Author: Jennz
Subject: 13350
Posted: 08�January�2008 at 9:47am

miss wrote:

If you are disciplined wiht money then using a cc to live on is better banking than running a couple of accounts - you get up to 60 days interest free, so your real money can earn interest before you pay it off in full. You don't pay any fees and can use rewards to pay the CC fees so they are truely cost free.

BUT
you MUST pay the balance in full each time to do this. If you can it is the best way to organise money.

Check with your bank - many do a lower interest card these days, if the other options aren't going to work.

We do this but DH is an accountant and anal with money so we never 'slip up'. Works well for us but I would never ever do it if I was running the money! Those debit card things sound great Wonder if they'll get them over here before we leave lol Our local store only just got chip and pin (UK version of EFTPOS) and it still takes 3 days for cash deposits to clear Its like banking in the 80s

Credit cards : We've just recently got an...

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 08:43:48 +0000

Author: baalamb
Subject: 13350
Posted: 08�January�2008 at 8:43am

We've just recently got an ASB mastercard also. It came with some ridiculous $2000 limit or something, but we'll definitely be reducing that. Even before we got the card and were looking at our options, I could feel myself starting to spend that money already!!! it would be so, so easy to go out and have a big spend up, but I don't think I could actually bring myself to do it. DH is rather impulsive, whereas I like to just think on things a bit more and decide if we really need it, or just want it so I like to think that I have a bit of self control!

Credit cards : I have a ASB mastercard and it...

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 08:37:03 +0000

Author: kiwigal
Subject: 13350
Posted: 08�January�2008 at 8:37am

I have a ASB mastercard and it has a $500 limit which is enough for me.I never get up to the amount at the most I spend $50-$200 some months and there is some things that Dh wants me to get.

Credit cards : When I opened my Westpac account...

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 08:33:39 +0000

Author: minik8e
Subject: 13350
Posted: 08�January�2008 at 8:33am

When I opened my Westpac account I didn't need $200 - I think I put $20 in (just a straight withdrawal from the ATM outside the branch) and that was all I needed.

Credit cards : I'd definitely go with the...

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 08:20:29 +0000

Author: nikkitheknitter
Subject: 13350
Posted: 08�January�2008 at 8:20am

I'd definitely go with the debit card. It's just WAY too easy to overspend with a credit card (unless you are some kind of financial wonder woman like Liz! How DO you do it?!?)

Credit cards : be aware that many of the low...

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 07:59:47 +0000

Author: lizzle
Subject: 13350
Posted: 08�January�2008 at 7:59am

be aware that many of the low interest cards actualy have a higher annual fee so depending on the limit, can work out more expensive. With my credit card I user it for EVERYTHING. i put all my money onto it, so I pay very little in the way of bank fees. BUT, very easy to overspend. i am extremely carfeul with my money.

Credit cards : Now I'm even more confused...

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 22:10:37 +0000

Author: Rachael21
Subject: 13350
Posted: 04�January�2008 at 10:10pm

Now I'm even more confused lol my mum works for ANZ but she said they didn't do an ANZ debit card so I might ask her. I know she will talk me out of a CC. I think it looks like I'll get a debit card rather than CC.

Just one last stupid question in that thing that Sheza (I think it was Sheza) put up it said you needed $200 to open the account, that just means you put $200 in but you can start spending it right away?? Not that the hold on to it for ages.

Credit cards : what you need to ask - are you...

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 18:25:08 +0000

Author: AnnC
Subject: 13350
Posted: 04�January�2008 at 6:25pm

what you need to ask - are you disaplined and finacially secure enough not to run a huge creditcard bill. then i would go with the cc (might as well get rewards) but if you aren't so good with saving and not much money left over from week to week then the debt card is the better deal. Make sure you ask that the account does not go into OD (as you can get huge fees slapped on for doign that 'accidently')

Credit cards : If you are disciplined wiht money...

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:31:25 +0000

Author: miss
Subject: 13350
Posted: 04�January�2008 at 4:31pm

If you are disciplined wiht money then using a cc to live on is better banking than running a couple of accounts - you get up to 60 days interest free, so your real money can earn interest before you pay it off in full. You don't pay any fees and can use rewards to pay the CC fees so they are truely cost free.

BUT
you MUST pay the balance in full each time to do this. If you can it is the best way to organise money.

Check with your bank - many do a lower interest card these days, if the other options aren't going to work.

Credit cards : I opened a Westpac account just...

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 13:56:30 +0000

Author: minik8e
Subject: 13350
Posted: 04�January�2008 at 1:56pm

I opened a Westpac account just for the DebitPlus card - it's an Elect account. I don't pay any fees because I stopped the paper statements, and electronic transactions are free on that particular account. And when I want to buy something I just transfer the funds in and buy it. There's the $10 annual fee for the card, but that's fairly reasonable I think.

Credit cards : I went with St George Bank over...

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 13:32:20 +0000

Author: kezplanet
Subject: 13350
Posted: 04�January�2008 at 1:32pm

I went with St George Bank over there Mo, I always got the best service from them & they do a visa debit card also, just works off your existing accout with them so you are using yourown money rather than "booking" things up

Credit cards : debit card is a prepaid credit...

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:29:16 +0000

Author: MyMinis
Subject: 13350
Posted: 04�January�2008 at 12:29am

debit card is a prepaid credit card eh??
they huge over here, i would recomend one of them as apose to a credit card.
we are curently paying off alot of debt with a credit card (2 actually).
we are looking into getting a prepaid credit card here for buying things online.

Credit cards : any of the cc that have rewards...

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 23:13:13 +0000

Author: kezplanet
Subject: 13350
Posted: 03�January�2008 at 11:13pm

any of the cc that have rewards usually cost more over the year and also have higher interest rates so if you havn't paid it off you get stung. The rewards are just gimmicks to get you to go with them.

unless you NEED the credit to buy something then def go with a debit card


Debit cards

Annual fee
	Westpac ATM/EFTPOS card	no fee
	Active card	no fee
	Debitplus Visa card	$10 per card

Additional Westpac ATM/EFTPOS card		no fee

Replacement card		$15 per card

Courier delivery in NZ/Overseas		Courier costs where applicable

Foreign currency fee *
	Westpac Debitplus Visa	2.50%
	Westpac or Active debit card	2.50%

Using an overseas ATM **
	cash withdrawals	NZ $8
	balance enquiries	60c
	declined transactions	60c

ANZ Everyday Visa Debit card

ANZ Everyday Visa Debit card gives you worldwide acceptance of Visa while accessing your own money. You can make purchases online, over the phone and overseas at more than 24 million outlets around the world.

ANZ Everyday Visa Debit card: No credit application necessary.

With an ANZ Visa Debit Card you will also get

Unlimited ANZ transactions for $6 a month. This includes ANZ ATMs, EFTPOS, ANZ Phone and Internet Banking, and ANZ branch transactions¹.
Full time students can also take advantage of a 50% discount on monthly account fees²

Managing your finances could be even easier by directly depositing your salary or other payments into your ANZ Everyday Visa Debit account. ANZ's Online Guarantee offers protection on internet purchases plus ANZ Falcon� monitoring of suspicious transactions.

Credit cards : Kels wrote:CREDIT CARDS ARE...

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 22:34:35 +0000

Author: Shezamumof3
Subject: 13350
Posted: 03�January�2008 at 10:34pm

Kels wrote:

CREDIT CARDS ARE THE DEVIL!!!! GO for the debit card it wont get you into any trouble

omg that was going to be my EXACT wording aswell!! For the love of god DONT get one, I got one to "Just get a few things" and I went mental with it, and then extened the limit and then got into to the poo cos I couldnt pay it back! Its just spending money you dont have really.
If you pay back the montly minimum your only paying off the the interest so really you need to pay off more than the minimum if you want to stay totally under control with it, I thought I could and I couldnt, I would put silly things on it and think "Oh i dont have to pay that till next month so its ok" but it never is!

Its up to you but I really suggest not getting one, as kels said, they ARE the devil, disguised(sp?) in plasic Go with the debit card, much better

Edited by Sheza

Credit cards : I heart my debit card! And coz...

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 21:44:19 +0000

Author: Maya
Subject: 13350
Posted: 03�January�2008 at 9:44pm

I heart my debit card! And coz it's on my student acct I don't pay any fees

Credit cards : CREDIT CARDS ARE THE DEVIL!!!!...

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:57:48 +0000

Author: Kels
Subject: 13350
Posted: 03�January�2008 at 7:57pm

CREDIT CARDS ARE THE DEVIL!!!! GO for the debit card it wont get you into any trouble

Credit cards : also depends what fees westpac...

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:19:41 +0000

Author: AnnC
Subject: 13350
Posted: 03�January�2008 at 7:19pm

also depends what fees westpac charge for the account with the debt card - what you are paying in fees might be over and above what you would pay on annual fees for a CC. I know the BNZ with the lite visa is great for people who are looking for a low interest rate but the annual fee is slightly higher - BUT if you are going to pay it off at each statement then i suggest you get a CC that has rewards - once again bnz have flybuys attatched to their credit cards and Airpoints (global plus)

Edited by AnnC

Credit cards : Rachael check with the bank you...

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:07:14 +0000

Author: kezplanet
Subject: 13350
Posted: 03�January�2008 at 7:07pm

Rachael check with the bank you are with, the debit cards are fairly new to nz but I dont think it will take long befor most of the banks offer them

Credit cards : I have a WP debit card and i LOOOOVE...

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 18:55:50 +0000

Author: MissCandice
Subject: 13350
Posted: 03�January�2008 at 6:55pm

I have a WP debit card and i LOOOOVE it.. i buy online all the time.. proberly to much! Glad i dont have a credit card lol

Credit cards : I want a debit card too.........Paid...

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 18:39:05 +0000

Author: Kelpa
Subject: 13350
Posted: 03�January�2008 at 6:39pm

I want a debit card too.........Paid of my/our credit cards years ago. Hate them but would like to get things online..forever ringing up someone and using their card and transferring $!!!

Credit cards : We have a BNZ one as we have our...

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 18:34:32 +0000

Author: mummy_becks
Subject: 13350
Posted: 03�January�2008 at 6:34pm

We have a BNZ one as we have our banking through them. They have the Visa Lite that only has 12.95% interest which is very low.

Credit cards : It doesn't cost anything...

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 18:18:22 +0000

Author: .Mel
Subject: 13350
Posted: 03�January�2008 at 6:18pm

It doesn't cost anything to open up an account, WP normally require a $200 deposit/2 forms of id/proof of address. The account that I use it on is called an Encore Chq Account, it comes with a free $200 O/D, I don't have a cheque book with it though, just my debit card and normal eftpos card.

I hope all of the above is still correct I worked for WP for 4 years and that's what they used to require. You could call 0800400600 and speak to a CSR to confirm what is required to open an accout though.

Oh and you can use the debit card as a zip zap card if you want to and you can get a pin loaded on to it.

Credit cards : Yeah thats what I just did for...

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 18:12:54 +0000

Author: Rachael21
Subject: 13350
Posted: 03�January�2008 at 6:12pm

Yeah thats what I just did for one thing but it costs $5 on top of what you put on it and you can't re-top it up so isn't really worth it for me.

Credit cards : Are you planning on buying stuff...

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 17:47:43 +0000

Author: caliandjack
Subject: 13350
Posted: 03�January�2008 at 5:47pm

Are you planning on buying stuff online regularly? If its for a one off purchase, you can go to the post office and buy a Pressie Card it works like a VISA card and you can put as much on as you want to spend.

Credit cards : I'm not with westpac but...

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 17:45:16 +0000

Author: Rachael21
Subject: 13350
Posted: 03�January�2008 at 5:45pm

I'm not with westpac but can I just go in there an open an account just for the debit card? I was planning on transferring the money as I buy stuff anyway. How much is it to open a new account?

Credit cards : If you're with Westpac you...

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 17:25:10 +0000

Author: .Mel
Subject: 13350
Posted: 03�January�2008 at 5:25pm

If you're with Westpac you can get their new Debit card it works like a credit card, you can use it to pay for things online etc. BUT it's not a credit card, you are using your own money... I got one and use it to buy concert tickets etc.

Credit cards : you can also check with your bank,...

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 17:14:12 +0000

Author: kezplanet
Subject: 13350
Posted: 03�January�2008 at 5:14pm

you can also check with your bank, most are now doing visa debit cards - which means you can use it like a credit card but you only use the money you already have without going into debt & I don't think it incurrs a c/c fee

I used one of these when I was in Australia and it was fantastic, no interest to pay only bought what we could afford

Credit cards : If you're not planning to...

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 17:09:12 +0000

Author: busymum
Subject: 13350
Posted: 03�January�2008 at 5:09pm

If you're not planning to use it much, I would suggest going through your bank and using a direct debit to pay the full amount each month so you have no interest (that's what we've done, through National Bank, I think the annual fee is $20)

Credit cards : Ok I need to get one because theres...

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:45:24 +0000

Author: Rachael21
Subject: 13350
Posted: 03�January�2008 at 4:45pm

Ok I need to get one because theres some things we want to buy off the net but need a credit card for. The thing is I have no idea where to start, so can anyone recommend the best one for me if I wouldn't use it much and want the lowest limit possible.

TIA