How to avoid fees with your Westpac Credit Card

Bank fees can add up to a lot of money if you’re not careful. However, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce your Westpac credit card repayments and save the amount of money you pay in fees.

Best Low Fee Westpac Credit Card

The Westpac Low Rate Credit Card is a great credit card with a low interest rate on purchases and on balance transfers. Take advantage of this great offer from Westpac today.

• $45 annual fee
• 13.24% p.a. on purchases
• 1.99% p.a. for 9 months on balance transfers
• Cash Advance Rate of 21.24%

Click here to read the Westpac Low Rate Card terms and conditions

Reducing Your Westpac Credit Card Fees

There are plenty of ways you can reduce your Westpac credit card fees and reduce the amount of money you pay in bank fees and credit card fees.

The key to reducing the amount you pay in Westpac credit card fees is to understand how and when you can get charged.

Over Limit Fees

If you spend more than your available credit limit, then your account will become overdrawn. You will be charged an overdrawn fee of $9 if your credit card account goes over the approved credit limit.

It’s important to keep an eye on your available balance and know when it’s getting close to the credit limit. Log into your online banking account and make a habit of checking your balance regularly so you know when you’re getting close to your credit limit.

This is especially true if you know your statement is due soon, as your monthly interest amount is automatically set to capitalise onto your credit balance. This means your interest charge will be added to your outstanding balance and could accidentally take your account balance over your credit limit if you’re not careful.

Missed Payment Fees

If you miss a repayment or make your repayment after the due date shown on your statement, then you could be charged a $9 missed payment fee.

The key to reducing the amount of fees you pay is to make sure your payment is always on or before the due date. Keep in mind that if you make your payment via BPAY, it can sometimes take up to two working days to arrive in your creditor’s account.

If you use BPAY, then make your payment a little before the due date to make sure it arrives before your due date. Another way to keep on top of your credit card payments is to make a payment each time you receive your pay.

If you’re paid weekly or fortnightly, then make a payment every time you receive your salary. This way you’ll always know you’ve made a payment before the due date, so you’ll avoid those missed payment fees.

Direct Debit Dishonour Fees

If you have direct debit payments for other accounts coming out of your credit card and the payment is dishonoured, then Westpac will charge you a $9 direct debit dishonour fee.

Remember that for a credit card account to dishonour a direct debit payment, it must have gone over the available credit limit. This could potentially mean you will also be charged an over-limit fee of $9 as well as the direct debit dishonour fee.

Make it a habit to log into your online banking account and check your available balance regularly. Deposit funds into your credit card account whenever you can to keep the balance well below the limit level and you’ll be sure to avoid paying those Westpac credit card fees.

• Comparison of Top 10 Credit Card Offers

Editor's Choice: Our Top Credit Cards

Credit Card	Card Details	Interest Rate (p.a.)	Cash Advance Rate (p.a.)	Balance Transfer Rate (p.a.)	Annual fee	Interest free days (up to)
HSBC Credit Card	Editor's Choice: 0% for 6 months Balance Transfer & No Annual Fee Featuring a $0 annual fee for life, and 0% p.a. balance transfer for 6 months, the HSBC Credit Card was voted the Best Transactor Credit Card for 2010.	16.99%	20.75%	0% for 6 months	$0	55
Suncorp Clear Options Standard Visa Card	A great 12 month balance transfer offer, combined with a low annual fee and a good interest rate on purchases.	12.24%	17.99%	1.9% for 12 months	$39	0