Aussie Finance Blog

Australian personal finance news, tips and advices.

Contactless payments statistics in Australia

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Last month I published an article about contactless payments and it seems like it’s a hot topics nowadays because Westpac released its Visa contactless payments statistics for 2017.

They claim that Visa payWave contactless payments increased to 325 million in 2017, which is a 25% uplift compared to 2016. There were 67 million more payments in 2017 than the year before.

In the first month of 2017, Visa reported more than 24 million contactless payments, which by the end of the year increased to over 33 million. ... (read more)

Contactless Payments: How Do They Work?

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Are you someone who absolutely hates how long it takes to make a transaction using a credit or debit card? Do you worry about card fraud a lot? If so, you will love contactless payment systems, which involve the use of contactless cards, stickers, key fobs, mobile devices, and wearable gadgets.

In a nutshell:

  • It is secure. You don’t need to hand over your card to the cashier. For the entire transaction, the card never leaves your hand.
  • It is fast. You don’t need to enter a PIN or leave a signature for purchases under $100.
  • It is easy. You just need to hold the card close to the terminal.

Contactless payments make life a tad easier for the average consumer. 

History

Contactless cards have been available in Australia since 2006 but it only started to gain traction in the last few years. From the 7.6 million cards issued in 2010, the number grew to 18 million in 2014. With more and more retailers accepting contactless payments, the total number of contactless cards in Australia should reach 33.9 million in 2019, Timetric predicts. ... (read more)

What is a Black Credit Card?

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Choosing the right credit card seems more complicated than ever thanks to a competitive financial marketplace and diverse product developments. Fortunately, Australian banks provide credit card options tailored to suit individual requirements. Banks generally differentiate their premium credit card options according to colours such as platinum, gold or black, while lesser cards are not as imposing or opulent in appearance. Most banks in Australia and around the world advertise their black card as the premium product. ... (read more)

Are Rewards Credit Cards Worth It?

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In a world governed by finances, it’s often all too obvious that we need to make our own money work harder for us. Everyone likes to get the best possible interest rate or return on investments, with hard earned money tucked safely away. However, we also need to spend money, and anything saved at the point of transaction will reap rewards later on.

All of us have the capacity to reap at least some gain from a rewards credit card. First, we need to understand the name and nature of the card. Rewards are gained over time, with good financial management, while the card is used for as many transactions as possible. A large number of Australians earn and spend sufficiently to justify owning a rewards credit card. At this point we need to be warned that any card payment default or late payment will incur a fee or other penalties that will nullify rewards earnings. ... (read more)

Are Personal Loans A Good Idea

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Taking out a personal loan can be a positive step toward achieving your goals. It is a real commitment, with long-term financial accountability required, and patience is a must. Successfully paying off a personal loan is character-building and also provides valuable advantage for further loan approvals at a later date. In fact, there are several scenarios where taking out a personal loan is a good idea. ... (read more)

What are Rewards Credit Cards?

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Australians are keen to get the best return on their money. Many of us are enticed by the incentives of reward credit cards offering cash back, frequent flyer miles or points that can be dedicated toward purchases. Coupled with good money management, a rewards credit card will pay dividends. However, in the hands of a whimsical spendthrift the card can become a further drain on financial resources. ... (read more)

What Credit Score Is Needed To Get a Credit Card

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In essence, it would seem that getting a credit card is easy. After all, credit card company representatives are out and about on the streets and in shopping malls signing up new customers all the time. However, filling out the form is only the first step, and your credit score will be used to determine if you are actually wanted as a customer. So, what credit score is actually needed to get a credit card? ... (read more)

Credit Card Advantages and Disadvantages

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There are a range of good reasons for owning a credit card. However, in the wrong hands, credit card misuse can lead to financial hardship. You need to understand credit card advantages and disadvantages to get the best value for your money.

A credit card is an easy way to borrow cash for a purchase you wish to pay off over a number of months. They are an essential item for most people, with the advent of internet shopping and bill pay methods rapidly superseding traditional retail shopping and over the counter transactions. Credit cards are also great for business and travel, and are accepted world-wide for a huge range of purposes. ... (read more)