long running

Bendigo Bank - Ready Credit Card - $0 Annual Fee, 0% International Fee, Travel Insurance

2001

E5TOQUE on 06/12/2023 - 16:40 bendigobank.com.au (8756 clicks)
Last edited 10/07/2024 - 22:35

Bendigo Bank Ready Credit Card

This is a repost from the original deal here:
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/742184/

Remember OzBargain has their Wiki here for all cards similar to Bendigo Bank's Ready Credit Card.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/wiki/cards_with_no_overseas_tra…

This card could be good for people looking to go on overseas holidays over the xmas/ new year period and beyond.
It has some advantages other cards don't have like a lower minimum credit limit, joint accounts and travel insurance.

Joint Accounts Available

Bendigo Bank support joint credit card holders.
Joint account means the credit facility is opened under two peoples names. Not many banks offer this on credit cards.
https://www.finder.com.au/joint-account-credit-cards

BSB/Account Number linked to the card

Which enables you to send fast payments directly onto the card. No need to send money in via BPAY.
Not all banks support sending fast payments via BSB/Account No, so you will need to check with your respective bank.

Other features

Uses the Mastercard Exchange Rate (https://www.mastercard.us/en-us/personal/get-support/convert…)
0% International Fee
$0 Yearly Fee
Joint accounts available (you apparently need to go into a branch to set this up)
$0 Additional Card Holder Fee
90 Days Travel Insurance (inc cancellation cover)
Extended Warranty on purchases
Purchase Protection on purchases
$3000 minimum credit limit

Bendigo Bank is also considered an 'ethical bank' with no investments in fossil fuel's according to Market Force:
https://www.marketforces.org.au/info/compare-bank-table/

Enjoy.

Financial Credit Card Insurance MasterCard Travel Insurance

Unknown

Related Stores

Bendigo Bank

MasterCard AU

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Comments

jv on 06/12/2023 - 16:52

-4

Bendigo Bank is also considered an 'ethical bank'

Haven't they merged with Adelaide Bank?
- E5TOQUE on 06/12/2023 - 16:53
  
  +6
  
  If you check the link both Adelaide and Bendigo apparently don't invest in fossil fuels.
  - jv on 06/12/2023 - 16:54
    
    +41
    
    I don't have fossil fuels investments either, does that make me ethical?
    - pizzaguy on 06/12/2023 - 17:01
      
      +13
      
      In the area of fuel investments, it does. If you have any other despicable investments, then you are not. Class dismissed.
    - 1st-Amendment on 06/12/2023 - 17:03
      
      +31
      
      I don't have fossil fuels investments either
      
      Considering 99% of everything is made with Fossil Fuels, including every single renewable energy project, we are all invested in it. ESG is just a racketeering scam, don't fall for scams
      - jv on 06/12/2023 - 17:04
        
        @1st-Amendment:
        
        we are all invested in it.
        
        Including Bendigo Bank then?
        
        1st-Amendment on 06/12/2023 - 17:10
        
        +11
        
        @jv:
        
        Including Bendigo Bank then?
        
        Indirectly yes. ESG is pure a virtue signalling wankery.
        
        They use electricity, steel, glass, concrete, wear clothes, eat food, then yes they are invested in Fossil fuels just like the rest of us.
        
        jv on 06/12/2023 - 17:12
        
        +18
        
        @1st-Amendment: They also give their customers plastic cards !!! 😲
        
        jrvb42 on 07/12/2023 - 08:55
        
        -1
        
        @jv: What's that got to do with it? Surely you're not suggesting plastics are produced from fossil fuels? 😂
        
        RefusdClassification on 07/12/2023 - 17:34
        
        -1
        
        @1st-Amendment: If these capitalists were really as virtuous as they claim, they would give all of their money to the poor, or build housing for the poor and sell it to them for $100.
        
        Igaf on 07/12/2023 - 21:04
        
        +3
        
        @RefusdClassification: The old simplistic hair shirt/all-or-nothing argument raises its juvenile head again.
        
        Grandslam on 06/12/2023 - 17:24
        
        +5
        
        @jv: The whole ESG thing is quite hypocritical. Companies won't invest in fossil fuels, despite the fact that energy underpins our whole society, yet have no problem investing in China or Russia, countries which are responsible for serious and ongoing human rights violations.
        
        jv on 06/12/2023 - 18:02
        
        +4
        
        @Grandslam:
        
        countries which are responsible for serious and ongoing human rights violations.
        
        They are also the greatest polluters…
        
        windCheater on 06/12/2023 - 20:15
        
        @jv: In which way? Historical or per capita？
        
        jrvb42 on 07/12/2023 - 08:57
        
        @jv: Not per capita.
        
        Xizor on 06/12/2023 - 18:58
        
        @Grandslam: How dare you speak logical.
      - frewer on 06/12/2023 - 18:07
        
        @1st-Amendment: An index that made ~500% in 2 weeks is a scam? No way https://www.tradingview.com/x/EW2Jkxbu/
    - muncan on 06/12/2023 - 17:20
      
      Do you have any barrels?
    - seamonkey on 06/12/2023 - 18:27
      
      One more step jv. You need to get yourself a Bendigo Bank - Ready Credit Card, then you level up.
    - realist123 on 05/06/2024 - 16:14
      
      In the same way eating gluten free bread makes you gluten free, no
      - jv on 05/06/2024 - 16:41
        
        @realist123: 🤣
  - park on 07/12/2023 - 07:29
    
    +3
    
    Why would he check a link when he just wants attention for being strange
- HeWhoKnows on 07/12/2023 - 08:07
  
  +2
  
  Irrelevant to the card offer….Poor pickings!
  
  This is a Fantastic credit card
  Equal in benefits to the all-mighty Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard
  But without the Platinum minim income requirements!
  - bobz79 on 06/06/2024 - 01:49
    
    +3
    
    From 3 September 2024, we'll be removing the complimentary overseas travel insurance as well as other insurances cover from Bankwest Zero Platinum credit cards!
    https://www.bankwest.com.au/help/cards/credit-card-changes
    - HeWhoKnows on 08/06/2024 - 10:06
      
      +1
      
      Yes, I just received that TERRIBLE notice.
      Banwest have now crucified that card.
      A Platinum card with no tangible benefits over other credit and debit cards.
      All that remains is fee free foreign purchases and thats becoming standard on many debit and credit cards anyway.
      So time to switch to the Bendigo Bank Ready Credit card.
      
      And furthermore BankWest no longer has brances in NSW except in the city whilst Bendigo bank has one in the adjoining suburb.
      - HeWhoKnows on 18/07/2024 - 16:22
        
        @HeWhoKnows: Heads up with Bendigo Bank after applying for thier Ready Credit card.
        Youd think its a relatively straight forward process…..
        But not with Bendigo Bank!
        
        Ive recently discovered, upon applying for the card, that they have an extraordinarily painful application process.
        Much more detailed and complicated than other banks.
        They want to know absolutely everything about you and want copies of all your documents.
        Seriously its overkill to the max.
        
        Bendigo Bank treat a simple credit card application with $3,000 credit limit same as a $2M loan.
        
        Just saying - might put some people off. (like me)
        
        Im just about to cancel my Bendigo Bank Ready Credit card application and apply for the much better (FREE) HSBC Premier World Mastercard.
        Its great for those that satisfy their qualification criteria. ($75,000pa income + HSBC Premier Status)
        
        It has everything the Bendigo bank ready credit card offers
        (except fee-free overseas/foreign exchange transactions*)
        But also offers:
        2 airport lounge entry passes per year
        Discounts up to 10% with Agoda and expedia
        HSBC Instant savings!
        Points, points and points
        
        See here:
        https://www.hsbc.com.au/credit-cards/products/premier/
        
        *many Bank debit cards now offer Fee-Free Overseas/Foreign exchange purchases as well as FREE overseas ATM withdrawals. Hence no longer a necessary requirement on a Credit card
        eg Citi Bank Customers migrated to NAB, uBank Spend account Visa Debit Card, Bankwest Tranasction account Platinum Debit mastercard, Macquarie Transactioon account Platinum Debit mastercard etc
        
        HeWhoKnows on 18/07/2024 - 16:43
        
        -1
        
        @HeWhoKnows: It astounds me the number of fools on this site that NEG vote THE FACTS!
        Its not like you can change THE FACTS by NEG voting them.
        Seriously…GROW UP!
        
        rdhupar on 06/08/2024 - 09:57
        
        @HeWhoKnows: This looks to be a good option.
        
        HeWhoKnows on 06/08/2024 - 10:30
        
        +1
        
        @HeWhoKnows: Update on my applications with Bendigo bank and HSBC credit cards.
        
        Bendigo bank took over 3 weeks to approve and then didnt grant me the higher credit limit I requested.
        the card took over a week to get to me once approval was given.
        
        I then applied for the HSBC Premier World credit card.(Im already a HSBC Premier Customer which helps)
        Minimum questions asked. They just wanted to see my bank account statement to verify my income and also the most recent Tax assessement notice showing my taxable income.
        so very simple process.
        
        HSBC approval given in just 3 days and card received in mail just 3 working days later.
        
        Russ on 11/09/2024 - 12:53
        
        +1
        
        @HeWhoKnows:
        
        Its great for those that satisfy their qualification criteria. ($75,000pa income + HSBC Premier Status)
        
        Achieving HSBC Premier Status has additional qualification criteria, which make it a bit more difficult:
        
        Hold $150k+ in a HSBC account or deposit $9k every month into an account.
        
        From https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/15062943/redir
        
        HeWhoKnows on 12/09/2024 - 08:45
        
        -2
        
        @Russ: Correct!
        
        Which is why I didnt make it a recommendation.
        It doesnt suit most OBers.
        But for those that do, ts great.
        
        Im just comparing the "process"
        
        The Bendigo bank Ready credit card is a GREAT ONE CARD DOES ALL credit card.
        Great once you jump through all the hoops and get approval
        
        Russ on 12/09/2024 - 13:59
        
        @HeWhoKnows: I replied because your post made it sound easy, until I looked up the requirements to get premier status. Which wasn't easy, HSBC make it sound like only a one-off transfer of $9k is needed. Only when I read OzBargain comments did I find out that's a monthly requirement.
        
        Commenting so other OzBargainers don't waste time researching the HSBC offer when most won't take it, after they eventually find the full requirements.
        
        HeWhoKnows on 12/09/2024 - 19:21
        
        -3
        
        @Russ: As I said. I did NOT recommend the HSBC card.
        
        Yes, the process was easy for me with HSBC !!!
        But amazingly difficult with the Bendigo Card
        Thats the point being made!
        
        I also qualified my response with..
        "Im already a HSBC Premier Customer which helps"
        So just comparing the application process and making a point about how Bendigo bank was so difficult for me whilst HSBC was fairly straight forward.
        
        Pls dont shove words down my mouth and make mountains out of molehills.
        
        And at no stage did I suggest you apply.
        And yes, each person should conduct thier own research and inquiries as you have done.
        We are not here to offer personal financial advice.
        If you dont qualify for the HSBC card thats your problem….
        
        However the point here is that plenty of responders have complained about having thier Bendigo bank "online" applications refused.
        Same happened to me.
        I have made a suggestions on how to be successful with Bendigo Bank
        
        And this discussion is about the Bendigo bank Ready Credit Card.
        Not the HSBC Premier World mastercard
        
        So pls take your unwarranted complaints elsewhere.
        
        2025 on 14/09/2024 - 15:53
        
        -1
        
        @HeWhoKnows:
        
        And this discussion is about the Bendigo bank Ready Credit Card.
        Not the HSBC Premier World mastercard
        
        Do you recall that it was you that brought it up first?
        
        apply for the much better (FREE) HSBC Premier World Mastercard.
        Its great for those that satisfy their qualification criteria. ($75,000pa income + HSBC Premier Status)
        
        Practice what you preach. It seems foolish and hypocritical to me.
        
        HeWhoKnows on 15/09/2024 - 14:53
        
        -3
        
        @2025: Thx for bring this up.
        Yes it was a bit of a "sideline mention" only as most OBers wont qualify.
        With some added information as a courtesy if anyone wanted top know more, as OBers always ask.
        Hence NOT a recommednation as such
        Russ obviously missed this post
        
        The qualifier for Russ being….
        Its great for those that satisfy their qualification criteria. ($75,000pa income + HSBC Premier Status).
        
        But in future pls dont "cut out" important information as you have done to put this out of context.
        That is not the OB way of doing things.
        
        here is what I actualy said..
        "Im just about to cancel my Bendigo Bank Ready Credit card application and apply for the much better (FREE) HSBC Premier World Mastercard"
        
        How do you call that a recommednation?????????????????.
        
        Thats 2 to me and Nil for Russ and Nill for you too.
        
        And so yes, I do practice what I preach as it wasnt a recommendation.
        Just a quick mention.
        As you recall, I didnt make a "big deal" about it.
        Other than how easy the application process went compared with Ready card (in a later post)
        
        2025 on 15/09/2024 - 17:43
        
        @HeWhoKnows:
        
        How do you call that a recommednation?????????????????.
        
        Calm down, Russ never said that you recommended it, neither did I, there really is no need for misspellings and excessive punctuation.
        
        In any case, now that you mention it, did you know that according to the OED, recommend means:
        
        recommend | ,reka'mend | verb
        1. put forward (someone or something) with approval as being suitable for a particular purpose or role
        
        The phrase
        
        much better
        
        Conveys your enthusiastic approval, does it not?
        
        You then go on to list some benefits of the card, like some kind of shill.
        
        So you’ve met the all the components of the definition. Maybe by accident, but you have recommended it, unless you have a slightly different definition of the term “recommend”?
        
        Thats 2 to me and Nil for Russ and Nill for you too.
        
        It’s not about points or anything, we can only guess how you awarded yourself some. Maybe just look at the votes on the comments since Russ’s reply, that’s a bit more of a transparent process of earning your fabled “points”
        
        It’s not a big deal, Russ was simply pointing out the requirements further up the comment chain to enhance the visibility for all to see. You in particular know all about replying to the first comment for visibility, don’t you?
        
        HeWhoKnows on 16/09/2024 - 18:54
        
        -3
        
        @2025: WRONG!
        as you quoted:
        …put forward (someone or something) with approval as being suitable for a particular purpose or role
        
        ……That never happened.
        
        I was just justifying my own actions.
        
        You butted into this without invitation
        It wasn't any of your business
        
        now pls butt out
        
        2025 on 16/09/2024 - 20:13
        
        @HeWhoKnows: You’re all over the place with your comments, R U OK? Whether it’s a bitter divorce, health concern or something else, you’re not alone, there is someone to talk to.
        
        You butted into this without invitation
        It wasn't any of your business
        
        You’re implying OzB users need invitations to make comments, you’re trying to tell me I can’t do the very things you do. What is that word for that? I don’t like to repeat myself… But I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt, perhaps your mind isn’t as capable as it once was. Here is what I said:
        
        It seems foolish and hypocritical to me.
        
        Let’s come back to that definition of recommend, break it down, and go to the Oxford Learners Dictionary, perhaps you’ll have some positive outcomes if I dumb it down a bit
        
        put forward - 1) to suggest something for discussion
        you brought up the card first
        approval - 1) the feeling that somebody/something is good or acceptable; a positive opinion of somebody/something
        you said how great it was, even linked to website with the benefits
        
        And
        
        being suitable for a particular purpose or role
        QUOTE: “It has everything the Bendigo bank ready credit card offers”
        
        It appears that in the context of your comments, you were recommending it.
        
        When I saw your recommendation, I looked into it. Its benefits aren’t quite as wide as the ones I currently enjoy. The point cap, dollar spent to point ratio, and points required for gift card redemption are worse than my current card, so yes I agree, it won’t suit every OzB user. This isn’t an unwarranted complaint about the card you spruiked, it’s simply a cold hard fact.
        
        Even if I ignore the textbook definition of recommend, and concede that you didn’t recommend it, why did you have a go at Russ for simply highlighting the additional requirements?
        
        now pls butt out
        
        I’m sorry but I won’t comply with your irrational demands.
        
        Please, will you graciously accept this “neg” from me?
whatsavage on 06/12/2023 - 16:53

+1

Going to the US next year, trying to find options to avoid having a bunch of cash on me. This seems reasonable to me? I was also looking at a Wise card. Anyone have advice on the most affordable/safe way to spend/convert ~10k?
- E5TOQUE on 06/12/2023 - 16:55
  
  +10
  
  Everyone is different.
  
  I personally see credit cards as a good backup payment method and for when deposits are needed on things (Hotels, Car Rentals)
  Then your own cash is free to spend on the day to day stuff.
  
  Bendigo Bank owns UP Bank. UP Bank has native integration with Wise.
  
  Maybe have something like this?
  
  UP Bank (Debit)
  
  Wise (Backup Debit)
  
  Bendigo Bank (Credit)
  - edumacation on 06/12/2023 - 16:57
    
    what about 28 degrees?
    - E5TOQUE on 06/12/2023 - 17:00
      
      +4
      
      This Bendigo Bank ready card seems to be the better offering for me personally.
      Everyone will value stuff differently.
      
      They haven't had a data breach (yet) haha.
      
      Lower credit limit requirements
      
      Joint accounts
      
      Insurance/ Extended Warranty, etc.
      
      If you were lucky enough to be on the original 28 Degrees card from years and years ago, they have this special purchase protection thing that no one else offers anymore. But you miss out on the other features listed above.
      - jv on 06/12/2023 - 18:04
        
        +1
        
        @E5TOQUE: I prefer the frequent cashbacks, free international data roaming and free lounge access at airports with the 28 degrees card…
        
        For Insurance/ Extended Warranty I use my free Amex and CBA Mastercard…
        
        33725 on 06/12/2023 - 18:49
        
        +1
        
        @jv: How do you get free lounge access with the 28 degrees card? I thought only for flight delay
        
        jv on 06/12/2023 - 18:50
        
        +18
        
        @33725:
        
        How do you get free lounge access ? I thought only for flight delay
        
        Just fly Jetstar….
        
        ozbmm on 05/06/2024 - 19:37
        
        @jv: What’s the free Amex and CBA card that offers travel insurance?
        
        jv on 05/06/2024 - 19:59
        
        @ozbmm: Both my cards offer free insurance. They always have.
        
        HeWhoKnows on 08/06/2024 - 19:33
        
        @jv: There dont appear to be any ZERO annual fee Amex cards that include Free Travel insurance.
        The Bendigo Ready Credit card has trumped them all
        
        jv on 09/06/2024 - 19:52
        
        @HeWhoKnows:
        
        There dont appear to be any ZERO annual fee Amex cards that include Free Travel insurance.
        
        Mine does…
        
        Free lounge access too…
        
        ozbmm on 10/06/2024 - 21:06
        
        @jv: What’s the card please?
        
        HeWhoKnows on 12/06/2024 - 20:02
        
        @jv: Definitely NO Travel Insurance with a FREE Amex card in thier current offerings.
        And thats all that counts here.
        
        See here:
        https://www.americanexpress.com/au/credit-cards/no-annual-fe…
        
        Dont know which card you have or how much you pay for it.
        And you wont provide the information - people have asked.
        
        The Commonwealth Bank granted me a Free Amex Gold credit card some 30 years ago which came with free travel insuarnce.
        But these are long gone now so no point in mentioning it
        
        jv on 12/06/2024 - 20:07
        
        @HeWhoKnows:
        
        Definitely NO Travel Insurance with a FREE Amex card in thier current offerings.
        
        It's not a current offering, I've had it for decades.
        Gold Card and free…. and award points…. and insurance…. and discount offers…. and free additional cards…
        
        HeWhoKnows on 12/06/2024 - 20:15
        
        @jv: Exactly
        
        No point in even mentioning it other than a personal brag.
        As I said, I had the same card - decades ago!
        No point mentioning it here
        
        We comment here to help others mate.
        And as far as that is concerned the Bendigo Bank Ready Credit card is the CLEAR WINNER today!
        
        YesPleaseThankYou on 12/06/2024 - 20:16
        
        @jv: So, what's the product name? Why the secrecy?
        
        jv on 12/06/2024 - 20:27
        
        @YesPleaseThankYou:
        
        So, what's the product name?
        
        Amex Gold Card
        
        Why the secrecy?
        
        No secrecy
      - jackystudio on 06/12/2023 - 20:46
        
        @E5TOQUE: Does Bendigo charge insurance premium base on closing balance?
      - HeWhoKnows on 18/07/2024 - 16:45
        
        @E5TOQUE: Heads up with Bendigo Bank after applying for thier Ready Credit card.
        Youd think its a relatively straight forward process…..
        But not with Bendigo Bank!
        
        Ive recently discovered, upon applying for the card, that they have an extraordinarily painful application process.
        Much more detailed and complicated than other banks.
        They want to know absolutely everything about you and want copies of all your documents.
        Seriously its overkill to the max.
        
        Bendigo Bank treat a simple credit card application with $3,000 credit limit same as a $2M loan.
        
        Just saying - might put some people off
    - ignited141 on 06/12/2023 - 18:28
      
      @edumacation did you end up doing any further comparison?
      - edumacation on 06/12/2023 - 21:07
        
        @ignited141: Nah I didn't, I was trying to remember the issues with 28Degree recently but E5TOQUE reminded me about the info leak recently.
    - paloverde88 on 05/06/2024 - 16:48
      
      there's also CBA Catch 22
  - dbnewman89 on 06/12/2023 - 20:01
    
    +4
    
    I've blown through about $40k on travel recently and my loadout is:
    
    Up Bank
    
    Macquarie Bank (Platinum Debit Card)
    
    Bendigo Bank (Ready Credit Card)
    
    All fee-free, mastercard rate.
    - Mugsy on 07/12/2023 - 16:47
      
      Good setup. Though, I would add a VISA card to your line up still depending on where you're going. My folks have spent the past year traveling every second month through Asia and they've come across a few establishments that only accept VISA.
      - dbnewman89 on 07/12/2023 - 21:25
        
        @Mugsy: It's actually a struggle to find one these days, Visa just don't have options when it comes to fee-free, I think HSBC Everyday Global is likely the best, but the only other options really are Ubank (NAB backed) or Suncorp (Dogshit)
        
        Mugsy on 08/12/2023 - 13:37
        
        @dbnewman89: I'm guessing you weren't a Citibank Plus holder and won't be getting the modified NAB classic debit card?
        
        Yeah, Ubank is a popular option for fee free travel VISA debit cards. The new SpendME debit card from ME Bank looks good on paper for travel too (I only have legacy ME Bank transaction accounts so cannot comment on the new one). Suncorp's one looked OK on paper but I didn't order a card when I got my loan… if it's crap then I'll take your word for it).
        
        HSBC I use and so does my Dad. It's great domestically for the 2% cashback. Dad uses it when his Mac debit cards have issues overseas and the HSBC hasn't failed him during these times. But for the 10 currencies that you can load on the card, HSBC will use their own exchange rate rather than the VISA exchange rate IIRC. Just something to be wary of and thus why a different bank's international fee free VISA debit card may be better.
        
        1bargain on 08/12/2023 - 14:52
        
        @Mugsy: I only opened the Citi Plus in May and used it once overseas. What do you think of the transitioned Citibank-NAB account? Is it still as good if using in Japan later?
        
        Mugsy on 08/12/2023 - 15:30
        
        +1
        
        @1bargain: General international fee free debit card advice for travel…
        
        Have at least two cards from two banks, one MasterCard and one Visa.
        
        Use MasterCard first as it generally has better exchange rates.
        
        I use Macquarie for the MasterCard.
        
        For Japan, get cash out from the 711 7Bank ATM between 7am and 7pm. Supposedly it's free free between those times.
        
        YesPleaseThankYou on 30/12/2023 - 19:47
        
        @Mugsy:
        
        Use MasterCard first as it generally has better exchange rates
        
        I always understood that Mastercard cards first convert your purchase into USD then into AUD. As such you are paying double conversion fees, albeit small.
        
        Butterfly Gocha on 05/06/2024 - 23:18
        
        @Mugsy: when you say cash out, do you mean you load the card with money before withdrawing? i recall i used to be able to use the 28 degrees above my credit limit where i would deposit money in and when i withdrew it at an ATM it was not charging cash advance interest rates?
        
        Russ on 12/09/2024 - 18:03
        
        @Mugsy:
        
        For Japan, get cash out from the 711 7Bank ATM between 7am and 7pm. Supposedly it's free free between those times.
        
        I can confirm this worked in October 2023, using Up Bank card. I withdrew cash eight times during my holiday, and was never charged a fee. Earliest time was 8:03am, latest was 5:43pm.
        
        dbnewman89 on 08/12/2023 - 19:45
        
        @Mugsy: I actually closed my citi account when I opened my Macquarie one lol, heard about the NAB takeover and noped out of it.
        
        Mugsy on 09/12/2023 - 16:16
        
        +1
        
        @dbnewman89: Yeah, I was gonna do the same thing but Citi disabled their account closure function on web banking… and I didn't want to wait on the phone .
        
        Lucky for me I guess as I later found out that with NAB's banking app, you can deposit cheques with it. Saves me opening a standard NAB debit card.
        
        But for yourself, for fee free options, I would choose either Ubank, ME Bank (especially if you have a use for their HomeME savings account) or HSBC (for their 2% domestic card tap cashback). The VISA is just there as a precaution in case MasterCard isn't accepted anyway. You'd want to use the MasterCard more.
        
        YesPleaseThankYou on 30/12/2023 - 19:49
        
        @Mugsy:
        
        Citi disabled their account closure function on web banking
        
        I used the Citi web banking account closure request just last week. The account was closed within a few hours.
        
        I don't think the function ever got removed—it's just awkward to find.
    - HeWhoKnows on 08/06/2024 - 19:35
      
      Yes Mastercard Ive found that has a great exchange rate.
      Well above the cash exchange rate.
      
      And when you get fee free foreign transactions/purchases its hard to beat
      Such as with MAQ Debit card and Bendigo Ready Credit card
  - virhlpool on 05/06/2024 - 18:52
    
    I have an impression that currency conversion that debit cards use are more favourable than the credit cards i.e. credit cards try to rip off more (or have more margins, in a nicer language). Is it right? OR do they all use the same conversion rate?
  - eathb on 06/06/2024 - 08:55
    
    Thx
  - HeWhoKnows on 18/07/2024 - 16:46
    
    +1
    
    Heads up with Bendigo Bank after applying for thier Ready Credit card.
    Youd think its a relatively straight forward process…..
    But not with Bendigo Bank!
    
    Ive recently discovered, upon applying for the card, that they have an extraordinarily painful application process.
    Much more detailed and complicated than other banks.
    They want to know absolutely everything about you and want copies of all your documents.
    Seriously its overkill to the max.
    
    Bendigo Bank treat a simple credit card application with $3,000 credit limit same as a $2M loan.
    
    Just saying - might put some people off
    - HeWhoKnows on 29/10/2024 - 18:10
      
      For those that have the Bendogo Bank Ready Credit Mastercard and what to set up automatic direct debit payments on the due date, here is the form you need to complete
      (Unfortunately some Bendigo branches dont even know this exists).
      
      https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/137118/116888/direct_d…
      
      But it needs to be taken to a Bendigo Bank branch for processing.
      They check everything at the branch before submitting it for processing
- 1st-Amendment on 06/12/2023 - 17:06
  
  The US is very cash-centric, their banking systems are straight out of the 1980's. It will be hard to go fully cashless there like we do here
  
  Anyone have advice on the most affordable/safe way to spend/convert ~10k?
  
  Travel Money card works for me. Load up when you think the exchange rate is decent, then use it like an EFTPOS card in the US. As per above, I usually have to withdraw cash once there.
  
  I'm with CBA so have the travel money card linked to my account and can transfer to and from it on the fly using the app with whatever the current exchange rate is. Makes it very easy.
  - tangobox on 07/12/2023 - 09:45
    
    +6
    
    This is bad advice imho. If you could reliably time forex in your favour you wouldn't be posting on here. And Travel Money cards are terrible. Dud exchange rate, weird loading mechanism. Also why do you bank with CBA?
    - 1st-Amendment on 07/12/2023 - 13:52
      
      weird loading mechanism
      
      On mine it is in the app the same as my regular accounts, so loading is as simple as transfer from one account to another.
      Generally when I know I'm traveling I keep an eye on the exchange rate and wait for a bump in the market in my favour then xfer. Sure it's not reliable, but it works more times than not as is the case with my USD at present. When in hit 75c it was a high point so jumped in, and since then the dollar dropped to almost 60c (slowly creeping back up now) so it turned out very good for me since I'm traveling again next month.
      If I relied just on a credit/debit card at time of purchase I'd be at the mercy of the spot rate which is an even bigger gamble IMO since you have to execute at the point in time. The flexibility of choosing when to exchange is an advantage IMO
      
      Also why do you bank with CBA?
      
      That's where my money is… it does what I need it to do… I know how it works… and moving is too much risk/effort.
      
      I also have an NAB account and an UP account but found them not as good for me.
- bigbadboogieman on 06/12/2023 - 17:06
  
  +1
  
  Used Bendigo in US quite extensively and can confirm it's good as long as you don't need cash because of Cash Withdrawal fee. Used ING back when they had international ATM fee rebates. I had gotten Bendigo when they had the 16 months interest free on purchases promo then maxed it out while travelling in the US while keeping equivalent cash aside in Offset.
- this is us on 06/12/2023 - 17:18
  
  +1
  
  I've been using Wise for years all around the world and I have no reason to complain. It's so easy to use and convert currencies, always with reduced fees and best rates compared to MC/Visa/AMEX usual rates.
  - YesPleaseThankYou on 30/12/2023 - 19:52
    
    One issue with Wise is that it is not part of the Financial Claims Scheme in Australia, refer https://www.apra.gov.au/financial-claims-scheme-0
    
    If Wise ever went bust, you would lose your money. Of course, you can limit any potential loss by not keeping a lot of money with Wise.
    - OzFrugie on 11/01/2024 - 12:22
      
      Same as revolut i guess?
- Doesnotcompute on 06/12/2023 - 17:40
  
  +5
  
  I would have recommended getting a citibank plus transaction account as no international transaction fees and there are many citibank ATMs in the US to also withdraw cash and avoid ATM fees. However unsure if this product will exist in the near future - ive recieved comms from NAB about my citi plus account being converted to a NAB account..not sure if ill be maintaining this citi perk.
  
  Otherwise Ing transaction account also has no international fees, however you must meet the monthly criteria. Not sure if there are ING atms in the US to avoid atm fees when you deicde to withdraw cash.. but sure that wouldnt be too hard for you to find out.
  
  Note these are both transaction accounts so no need for credit application.
  - bigbadboogieman on 06/12/2023 - 18:03
    
    +1
    
    ING got rid of the international ATM fee rebates. That's was a deal breaker for me so in the process of closing down ING and moving elsewhere.
    - Doesnotcompute on 06/12/2023 - 18:43
      
      Were these rebates when withdrawing from non-ing atm? Surely ING doesnt charge an atm fee if withdrawing from an ING atm?
      - JohnSy on 06/12/2023 - 19:41
        
        +2
        
        @Doesnotcompute: The rebates were for all ATM fees. It basically meant you could withdraw $20 in foreign currency whilst overseas and not have to factor in a $10 ATM fee etc.
      - bigbadboogieman on 06/12/2023 - 21:25
        
        +1
        
        @Doesnotcompute: ING doesn't have ATMs in AU or US. These were from all non-ING ATMs (local and international). They still do local ATM rebates if you meet their eligibility criteria each month.
  - twiz911 on 06/12/2023 - 19:53
    
    -1
    
    We've been converted to NAB Classic Banking accounts which have no such perks :(
    - StingyGeek on 06/12/2023 - 20:22
      
      +6
      
      The NAB card that is being issued specifically to replace existing Citibank Plus cards, still has zero account fee, zero forex fee, and zero foreign ATM fees. This differs from anyone applying for a new 'regular' NAB Classic Banking account.
      - aidenh37 on 07/12/2023 - 12:24
        
        @StingyGeek: And for new customers the Platinum debit card exists.
      - Fexofenadine on 07/12/2023 - 14:07
        
        @StingyGeek: Thank you. I couldn't find any confirmation that the rate is still the base rate (I guess Visa's instead of Mastercard's?), has anyone been able to find this or ask NAB?
      - tangobox on 10/12/2023 - 17:25
        
        @StingyGeek: To clarify, do you mean 'zero foreign ATM fees' like ING used to do, where they'd actually cover any ATM operator charges?
  - 1bargain on 06/12/2023 - 21:20
    
    From what I read with the new Nab Classic Account I think they might maintain the same benefits as the Citi Plus. I’ve only joined Citi in May for travel in September so when looking at the 2 accounts, they both seem similar (no fees, no international fees…)
    Has anyone looked into the details of the transfer? I feel like it’s being grandfathered but the info is not very easy to find regarding the international fees.
    - jiulun on 07/12/2023 - 09:18
      
      +1
      
      https://www.nab.com.au/personal/accounts/transaction-account…
  - marko62 on 07/12/2023 - 05:30
    
    I have just recently closed my Citibank account due to the fact they kept refusing to authorise transactions. I even rang them before I went on a cruise and they still didn't authorise the holding deposit for the ship.
  - Jared17 on 07/12/2023 - 09:45
    
    I have been notified my Citibank transaction and savings accounts will be moved to nab by Feb next year. New nab accounts already set up and waiting.
    
    Looks like confirmed my Citibank card won't be working at that time. Shame as I found it very useful when I was overseas
- twistedbow on 06/12/2023 - 18:12
  
  +2
  
  I recently came back from 3 week trip to US (LA and Vegas) and I say safest way to spend that much money is with credit card. Only time I really had to use cash was gambling and tipping at buffet. You can tip using your credit card at restaurants so cash is not needed. However, do take some cash for emergency just in case you go somewhere that do not accept credit card. As for getting USD, you can purchase via fx exchange in oz before you leave (auspost has bad fx rate) or just take a debit card with no fx fee and international atm fee (you may be charged atm fee by US banks) and take money out there.
- Gavman on 06/12/2023 - 18:45
  
  +2
  
  Too bad Citi bank Debit card wound up… that card would been perfect.. you can use it overseas, even withdraw ur own cash for free from citibank ATMs in USA.. no fees, no conversion fees but NAB bought them and are in process of closing those accounts