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St.George Vertigo MasterCard – low balance transfer & purchases offer

Posted May 3rd, 2008 and last modified May 18th, 2012

St.George Vertigo Find out more about the St.George VertigoApply now for a St.George Vertigo Find out more about the St.George Vertigo
What happens when I click Apply Now?
  • Clicking Apply will take you to your Online Application on the bank's website. You do not need to be an existing customer of this bank to apply.
  • Your application will typically take you no more than 10-15 minutes to complete
  • Once approved, you will receive your credit card in the mail within 1-2 weeks
Click here to start your application >>
Pros
  • Low interest rate on balance transfers and purchases
  • Consistently one of the best value credit cards in Australia
  • Reverts to low purchase rate at the end of the balance transfer period
Cons
  • No rewards program
Overall

Overall, if you're after a consistent credit card offer that is going to be competitive in the Australian market, the St.George Vertigo MasterCard is worth your consideration when comparing low interest credit cards

The St.George Vertigo MasterCard has been awarded a prestigious 5 Star rating from Cannex and is also a multi-award winning credit card account. It’s easy to see why this credit card is a favourite with customers around Australia.


The ideal credit card for Australian’s who love shopping with a low rate on purchases.

  • Regularly Awarded Australia’s cheapest Balance Transfer Credit Card by Money Magazine.
  • Up to 55 interest free days on purchases*
  • Low annual fee
  • An additional card for a friend or family member, with all transactions on one statement
  • Linked access to your other St.George accounts, for the ease of one card banking

 

St.George Vertigo MasterCard Credit Card Review

The recent release of the St.George Vertigo Low rate Credit Card offers a solid development in the credit card market. The card has a number of strengths and its users have been pressed to find any major faults in the product. The basic interest rate is generous at and the card has been awarded Australia’s cheapest credit card award by Money magazine.

The annual fee, at is also fair.

The interest free period of 55 days is also the selling point of the card – make all your repayments on time in the 55 day period, and you’ve only paid for the whole year.

There is also a system of linked access to other St.George accounts and a discount incentive system with other St.George products.

Customers reviewing the card have always stated that the card is very functional and have been impressed by its major selling features.

In addition to this, the customer service which accompanies the card also often gets a wrap. The card activation, internet and phone service are all quick convenient and user-friendly.

St.George are really standing out with this offer in the Australian credit card market. You can too.

Take note that a good credit history and rating are required for balance transfer and application approval for the St.George Vertigo.

St.George Vertigo MasterCard Benefits

  • Find it difficult to pay off your high interest credit cards in full each month. This lower interest will save you money in the long term. Make sure to take the annual fee into account as well.
  • Bundle your credit card and store card balances and transfer them over to a new Vertigo and repay on the balance.

Award Winning St.George Vertigo MasterCard

Cannex Award

Canstar Cannex star ratings are designed to help consumers compare financial products based on interest rates charged and features available. Each financial product, including credit cards, is reviewed by financial analysts and then given a rating.

A 5 star rating is the highest award rating offered and is given only to those financial products that offer outstanding value for the type of product offered.

The St.George Vertigo MasterCard was awarded a Cannex 5 star rating for exceptional value in a credit card. This should help customers to understand that this credit card offers low rates and great value, which should help you if you’re comparing more than one credit card offer.

Money Magazine Awards

Money Magazine has a long history of providing credible, independent and easy-to-understand financial advice and guidance for readers. They regularly provide reviews and feature articles designed to help readers save money and source the best possible financial products.

Each year, the expert financial staff at Money Magazine compares thousands of financial products against each other to try and determine the best possible value for each type of banking product.

When a clear winner stands out above the crowd, Money Magazine will award the bank offering this product with a prestigious award. These awards are designed to help customers compare different financial products easily and locate the best possible products for them.

In 2007, the St.George Vertigo MasterCard was given the award for being Australia’s Cheapest Credit Card. In 2009, the St.George Vertigo credit card was once again given a Money Magazine award, this time for Australia’s Cheapest Balance Transfer Credit Card.

For customers looking for great value, but not wanting to go through all the fine print for lots of different credit card products and offerings, using these awards and comparison systems can help to understand exactly what you’re getting.

With so many awards and high ratings applied to this account, it’s easy to see why the St.George Vertigo MasterCard credit card is a clear favourite with customers around Australia.

Using a St.George balance transfer to get out of credit debt is an excellent choice. It allows you to move the balance from your old cards to St.George and spend much less on interest fees. This can save you loads of cash and helps you get out of debt.

A St.George balance transfer is one of the most convenient ways to get out of credit card debt. When you transfer a balance you move the debt from one credit card to a new credit card so that you pay a lower interest rate. Many options are available for balance transfer interest rates and terms. St.George offers several options depending on the amount you need to transfer and the length of time you need to repay that debt. No matter what you choose, you will wind up saving a lot of money on interest as well as having a winning credit card in your wallet.

There are two ways to make a St.George balance transfer. The first, for new applicants is to make your balance transfer request when you apply for the new card. Your transfer period, the amount of time your balance will gain only the introductory low rate, begins as soon as the account is opened. If you are already a St.George customer you can request a balance transfer as long as you meet the minimum requirements for the transaction. This request can be made by mail or online. It takes up to 14 days for your request to be processed.

St.George balance transfer requirements

  • Balance transfers may only be made from another non-St.George credit card.
  • The transferring card must be issued from Australia.
  • A balance transfer must be at least $500 and not more then 95% of you available credit limit.
  • Balance transfers will not be granted for accounts that are not in good standing.
  • St.George will not close your previous credit cards. If you choose to close them you must arrange it with the issuer.

To make the most of these offers make sure you can pay off all of the transfer before the introductory rate expires and do not use your card for anything else until you have paid the balance transfer in full. This allow you to avoid an allocation of payments scheme, wherein credit card companies put all of your payment to the cheapest debt, leaving your purchases to collect interest until the lower interest balance transfer is repaid.

A St.George balance transfer is one of the few easy ways to get out of credit card debt. Once you cut the high cost of interest out of your budget you can make bigger payments to your debt, saving money and paying it off faster. Start saving money today by applying for a money saving balance transfer with St.George.

The St.George Vertigo balance transfer offer is extremely attractive for anyone paying high rates on credit cards or store cards. Before you submit your application to transfer your balances, it’s important to understand a little about how this account can benefit you.

St.George Balance Transfer FAQs

Q: What is a balance transfer?

A: A balance transfer is the term used for transferring your outstanding credit card or store card balances over to a St.George Vertigo MasterCard.

Q: Why should you transfer your other credit cards to St.George?

A: The St.George Vertigo MasterCard charges a far lower rate than the amount you’re likely to be paying on your existing accounts. When you consider the amount of interest you’re being charged, switching to an account that charges a promotional rate can save you a significant amount of money.

Q: How can transferring balances reduce debt levels?

A: The amount you currently pay on your outstanding credit cards is most likely just covering the interest costs you’re being charged. If you transfer your balances to the St.George Vertigo MasterCard, you’re charged less interest.

Not only can this reduce your monthly payments, but if you continue to repay your monthly bill at the same amount you were once paying on your old cards, you should find your balance dropping very quickly.

Q: What if you can’t pay off the balance by the time the promotional rate expires?

A: Once the promotional rate expires, the St.George Vertigo account reverts to one of the lowest standard rates available. At a low ongoing purchase rate this should still be far lower than the amount you’re paying on your outstanding accounts right now.

Q: How do you transfer your balances?

A: In order to apply for a St.George Vertigo MasterCard and benefit from the low promotional rate, simply submit your application for a new credit card.

Within the application is an option to request a balance transfer as part of the credit card application.

Q: How long does a balance transfer take?

A: In most cases, it should only take 14 days to transfer the balances from your old credit cards or store cards over to your new St.George Vertigo account. You will need to present some identification for yourself at a St.George branch and you’ll need to activate your new MasterCard in order for it to be opened fully.

Q: What if your old credit card shows missed payments and you’re drawn over the limit

A: In order to qualify for a St.George Vertigo balance transfer, you will need to spend a little time getting your old accounts in order. This simply means you should make sure the balance is below your available credit limit and that you’ve caught up any overdue payments.


Minimum Income$15,000
Minimum Age18 years of age
Available to Temporary ResidentsNo
Credit Rating RequirementGood
Min Credit Limit$500
Max Credit Limit$40,000
Annual Fee$55 p.a.
Minimum Repayment2.00%
Interest Charged FromPurchase Date
Late Payment Fee$9.00
Over Limit Fee$9.00
Overseas Emergency Replacement$52.50
Overseas ATM Balance check$3.90
Overseas ATM Withdrawal$2.00
Gambling Transactions AllowedNo
Gambling Transactions Interest Rate0.00%

Ask A Question About This Card

Please note: Question moderation is enabled and may delay your question.
There is no need to resubmit your question. Once approved, your question will be public and appear on this page.

Showing 55 Questions

  1. 1

    dear customer service
    i would like to know what is the interest rate applicable to outstanding balance after the 0% introductory period (ie 6 month)?

    a real example:
    i have a credit of A$ 30,500 with bank A. i apply for balance transfer of A$ 23,000 (from that bank to your bank), and currently i am paying bank A, a minimum payable repayment, do i have some credit for purchase on the vertigo credit account?

    does the balance transfer affect my other credit account in bank A?

    Regards and thanks for the prompt reply.

    reza

  2. 2

    Dear Reza,
    Thanks for your question. In terms of the interest rate after the balance transfer ends this would be the standard variable rate on purchases.
    Quote from St.George site: “On the date the special balance transfer rate period ends the interest rate on the outstanding transferred balances reverts to the standard variable rate applying to purchases.”

    In terms of what credit limit you would get with your new card I am not sure. You would need to speak with St.George about this.

    You will actually transfer the balance from Bank A to your new card therefore your other card will have a zero balance.

  3. 3

    [...] St.George Vertigo [...]

  4. 4

    [...] with a $59 annual fee and 4.99% on balance transfers up to 15 months.  This is a very good rate.  St.George Vertigo has a standard interest rate of 11.24% and a $55 annual fee with 2.99% on balance transfer as [...]

  5. 5

    If I get approved for say a balance transfer of $5000 & I have 9 months where I will be paying only 0.99% but suppose I manage to pay off my credit card in 3 months & then I use the credit card to make purchases, do I still get .99% interest for the remaining 6 months or does the interest jump to the purchase rate of 13.24%??

  6. 6

    Hi Victor

    Thanks for your comment.

    In the event that you did a balance transfer and repaid the balance within 3 months, and had not made any other purchases during this period of time, any new purchases made would be eligible for 55 interest free days from the purchase date, which would then be charged at the purchase rate.

    I strongly suggest you discuss with St.George how interest rates work and are calculated for their credit card accounts, and also discuss the matter of allocation of payments, as this does vary from bank to bank. It is also a very good idea to speak to your financial advisor before making any decision to apply for a credit card.

    Thanks again for your question.

    Cheers

    Jeremy

  7. 7

    I am not a Permanent Australian Resident but currently on a skills business visa;. Would I be considered for this offer?

  8. 8

    Hi Brian

    Thanks for your comment

    It may be worth considering speaking to a St.George customer service representative in one of their branches or over the phone. I have heard of some cases where they were able to get a credit card on a skills business Visa with Commonwealth Bank or Bankwest – you would need to visit one of their branches and take a copy of your Visa for them to review.

    They will be able to discuss your situation with you, before you decide to commit to any credit card application.

    Cheers

    Jeremy

  9. 9

    Hi, when the provider charges the annual fee is this deemed to be a purchase and therefore you have to pay off the full balance not to incur the full interest rate??

  10. 10

    Hi Shaun

    Thanks for your question – it’s actually a very interesting one!

    Yes you would need to pay the annual fee off to avoid purchase interest.

    Cheers

    Jeremy

  11. 11

    When making an overseas transaction (in another country)do you charge additional fees on top of the purchase? thanks

  12. 12

    Hi Margaret

    Thanks for your comment

    Foreign currency transaction fees will apply for any overseas transactions – 3% of the amount of each foreign currency transaction.

    Cheers

    Jeremy

  13. 13

    Am I able to balance transfer 2 balances from 2 different banks onto the 1 St.George card and receive the low interest rate?

  14. 14

    Hi Adam

    Yes it is possible to transfer multiple balances on to the 1 St.George Vertigo MasterCard

    Cheers

    Jeremy

  15. 15

    so I have a bank s.a. visa is this able to be used as a balance transfer with you.

  16. 16

    What is the maximum I can balance transfer? It says 95% of the available credit limit, what is the available credit limit on this card?

    Thank you…
    Jodie

  17. 17

    We have 2 different credit cards at 2 different banks, one where my husband is the primary card holder and the other where I am. Are we able to transfer both balances over to the one card or do we have to apply separately and get a card each?

  18. 18

    Hi Neisha

    Thanks for your question. You will be able to transfer both cards over to the one credit card. The St.George Vertigo MasterCard offers a joint application online.

    Cheers

    Jeremy

  19. 19

    Hi Rory

    You are unable to do a balance transfer from a BankSA credit card. You can only do a balance transfer from store cards and credit cards from banks other than BankSA, Bank of Melbourne or St.George

    Cheers

    Jeremy

  20. 20

    Hi Jodie

    Thanks for your comment

    There is no set limit for the St.George Vertigo MasterCard. Your credit application will determine the credit limit they assign to your account taking in to account your current debts, income, expenses, credit history etc.

    Cheers

    Jeremy

  21. 21

    Can i do a balance transfer from another banks credit card if i already have a St.George Credit card?

  22. 22

    Just wondering if you need to have a St.George bank account before you can apply for this card?

  23. 23

    I have two credit card accounts that I would like to merge.
    One with $7000 and the other with $5000.

    Is that possible and what are the terms?

  24. 24

    Am I able to transfer my balance from a current St.George credit card to the Vertigo? Or does it have to be from an outside bank to get the low balance transfer rate?

  25. 25

    Hi Michael,

    Yes you can still apply for a St.George Vertigo MasterCard even if you haven’t previously held an account with St.George. The St.George online application process will take you to a point where you will have to verify your income and personal details as a new customer. Hope this has helped. Cheers.

    Jeremy

  26. 26

    Hi, was going to apply for a St.George credit card but it says you have to go into a branch with ID. to finalise it but we don’t have any branches in TAS. What to do.
    Thanks

  27. 27

    what do you accept as proof of income?

  28. 28

    If I transfer my outstanding balance to your credit card and I have direct debits from that account which will also be transferred, how will the .99% interest be charged on those debits please?

  29. 29

    does the balance transfer amount depends on the credit limit they will apply to my application?

    For ex:

    I was approve for 15K but my existing debt on my current card is $20K will they approve my full balance transfer request?

  30. 30

    If I have a bank SA vertigo credit card $10,000 and HSB credit card $5,000 is it possible to do balance transfer with St.George vertigo for both accounts?

  31. 31

    I am able to transfer an amount I owe on a flexi-loan to one of your .99% interest for 12 month credit cards?

  32. 32

    I have very complicated circumstances. I own several properties and my income from rent is over $90000 and my income from wages is about the same. If I fill out online applications I tend to be rejected as I am “outside the box” so to speak. My credit rating is great but there are many credit enquiries as in the past 20 months I have purchased six investment properties and renovated them all. Is it possible to attend a branch with my details and apply that way rather than online?

  33. 33

    Hi Joseph,

    Thanks for the question. The amount you are able to transfer between cards depends on your upper credit limit. If you are approved for $15 thousand you will only be able to perform a balance transfer on 95% of that amount. Hope this helps.

    Cheers
    Jeremy

  34. 34

    Hi Tanya,

    Thanks for the question. The banks and other institutions use the balance transfer feature as a means of getting business from other lenders, this means that they do not offer balance transfers from existing customers’ credit card accounts. Cheers.

    Jeremy

  35. 35

    Is there a limit on the credit card? Could I transfer a $16,500 from another card. My income is approx $70K per annum.

  36. 36

    Hi Maureen,

    Thanks for the question. You are able to apply for this credit card either over the phone or in person. Cheers.

    Jeremy

  37. 37

    Hi,

    Thanks for your question. St.George and the other main banks do not offer balance transfers from a personal loan to a credit card. To find a better rate of interest on your personal loan, head to http://www.personalloanfinder.com.au/ and find a better comparative rate of interest between the different lenders personal loans. Hope this helps.

    Cheers
    Jeremy

  38. 38

    Hi Phil,

    Thanks for the question. If you transfer an outstanding balance from an old account the direct debit agreements will have to be rearranged with the new account. You will be charged the purchase rate of interest for the debit agreements. Hope this helps.

    Cheers
    Jeremy

  39. 39

    Hi Peter,

    It’s possible to consolidate debt from multiple credit cards to the St.George Vertigo Mastercard provided that the amount you are trying to transfer is under 95% of the maximum credit limit of your new account. Hope this helps. Thanks.

    Cheers,
    Jeremy

  40. 40

    Hi,

    Your income details are basically what you earn, your employers name and address and phone number. They will also ask you what you spend and what you owe and own too. They use this information to determine how much credit should be made available to you. Hope this helps.

    Cheers,
    Jeremy

  41. 41

    Hi Peter,

    Please contact St.George Customer care or you can call 133330 for your enquiries. Thanks.

    Cheers,
    Jeremy

  42. 42

    Hi,

    It has to be from an outside bank. Thanks for your question.

    Cheers,
    Jeremy

  43. 43

    Hi,

    The limit on the card will be determined by your personal financial situation. The amount you are able to perform a balance transfer on will depend on your credit limit. You can transfer a minimum of $500 and a maximum of 95% of your agreed credit limit. Thanks.

    Cheers
    Jeremy

  44. 44

    Hi for the period of 12 months at 0.99% are multiple balance transfers allowed? So if I transfer $1000 over initially, would it be ok to tranfer $3000 2 months later for example? As long as it falls within the 12 months obviously.

    Kind regards

    Sophie

  45. 45

    hi there,
    does this card allow balance transfers on personal loans or just credit card debt

  46. 46

    can you transfer personal loan amounts over and if so does it convert to the standard variable after the 12 months?

  47. 47

    Do I have to open a savings account as well as a credit account?

  48. 48

    Hi,

    No you don’t have to open a savings account in addition to a credit account. Thanks for your question.

    Cheers,
    Jeremy

  49. 49

    Hi,

    Thanks for the question. St.George don’t allow you to transfer personal loans to a credit card taking advantage of the low introductory rate of interest; however, Citibank and the cards it provides finance for like Virgin do allow you to do this. Hope this helps.

    Cheers,
    Jeremy

  50. 50

    Hi,

    Thanks for your question. You are not allowed to bring a personal loan to the St.George Vertigo MasterCard. Citibank are one institution that do allow this. A similar card to the St.George Vertigo MasterCard is the Citibank Clear Platinum found here – http://www.creditcardfinder.com.au/citibank-ready-credit-details-and-application.html. Thanks.

    Cheers
    Jeremy

  51. 51

    Hi Sophie,

    Thanks for your question. This is from our guide to transferring multiple credit cards with a balance transfer article found here – http://www.creditcardfinder.com.au/can-you-transfer-multiple-credit-cards-with-a-balance-transfer.html – Generally speaking most providers will allow you to transfer up to 95% of the maximum limit of the card. So as long as you don’t exceed the maximum credit limit, you should be able to put multiple debts in one balance transfer card. This is known as debt consolidation.” Check the article for further information.

    Cheers
    Jeremy

  52. 52

    After the 12 month period with .99% interest rate on balance transfers expires, is the balance transfer charged at the normal interest rate or at the cash advanced rate?

  53. 53

    Hi,

    Thanks for your question. In terms of the interest rate after the balance transfer ends this would be the standard variable rate on purchases. Quote from St.George site: “On the date the special balance transfer rate period ends the interest rate on the outstanding transferred balances reverts to the standard variable rate applying to purchases.”

    Cheers
    Jeremy

  54. 54

    Hi There
    Is it only possible to transfer the balance of credit and store cards, and not a personal loan in addition?

    Thanks

  55. 55

    Hi Rebecca,

    Thanks for the question. Citibank are one institution that allows you to transfer the balance of a personal loan to a Citibank credit card. They are one of only a few institutions to offer this. Cheers.

    Jeremy



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