- 0% on purchases for up to 18 months from account opening. Reverts to 11.99% p.a.
- 13.99% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers
- $45 annual fee
- Up to 55 days interest free on purchases
- Free additional cardholders
- 24/7 fraud monitoring and no liability for unauthorised transactions
- Eligible with Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, and Garmin Pay
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Bendigo Bank Credit Cards
Discontinued: Bendigo Bank Low Rate Credit Card
Updated 24 November 2022
This card is no longer available for application. This information has been left for those who still have the card or were previously interested
Save on interest costs with Bendigo Bank Low Rate credit card’s introductory offers - 0% p.a. on purchases for up to 18 months from account opening, reverts to 11.99% p.a. Plus, enjoy a low ongoing annual fee of $45, up to 55 days interest-free on purchases, and $0 fees for additional cardholders. This is a no-frills card that focuses on providing offers and benefits while keeping your card costs worry-free.
Purchase Rate (p.a)
0% p.a.
for up to 18 months. Reverts to 11.99% p.a.
Balance Transfer (p.a)
N/A
Annual Fee (p.a)
$45
Pros and cons
- No rewards program
Creditcard.com.au review
Editor Review
Discontinued: Bendigo Bank Low Rate Credit Card
Pauline Hatch
Pauline is a personal finance expert at CreditCard.com.au, with 8 years in money, budgeting and property reporting under her belt. Ask Pauline a Question about this card.
The Bendigo Bank Low Rate Credit Card
If you happen to be one of those cardholders who value saving money, the Bendigo Bank Low Rate Credit Card may just be for you. As you’ll find with most low interest, low fee cards, this Bendigo Bank offering is not exactly overflowing with features. But, what this card lacks in extras it makes up for in money smarts, allowing you to save not just on annual fees but on interest too.
What we love…
In this section, we usually review the card’s awesome introductory offers, its incredible rewards program or its exceptional extras. The Bendigo Bank Low Rate Credit Card currently offers 0% p.a. on purchases for up to 18 months from account opening allowing you to save on both existing and future interest costs.
What’s even better is that the introductory rate reverts to a low standard purchase rate of 11.99% p.a. So while it's important to clear both balances before the offer period ends, in case you really won’t be able to pay it all off the fees won’t sting as much compared to other cards that have higher revert rate. Plus, it offers up to 55 days interest-free on purchases too.
If you simply want a card that can save you money on annual fees and interest, then you really could learn to love this card. Well, perhaps not love, but you may develop a fondness for it, at least.
The Bendigo Bank Low Rate Credit Card has a nice low annual fee, so even if you don’t use it that often, it won’t break the bank keeping it in your wallet. This can be a refreshing change from certain other cards with awesome introductory offers, incredible rewards and exceptional extras.
Similarly, while most feature-packed credit cards tend to charge higher rates of interest on purchases and cash advances, the Bendigo Bank Low Rate Credit Card has a nice low interest rate on both.
What’s not so great…
When it comes to low-cost cards, we try not to complain too much. So, it doesn’t have heaps of extras, but, if you’re not looking for extras – or you don’t want to pay for them – then a simple, low-cost card could be the perfect alternative.
As long as you apply knowing that this is a money-saver and not a perk-provider, then there’s not much to complain about. Treat this card right – by paying off the balance each month and avoiding unnecessary fees – and it should treat you right in return.
Why should you choose this card?
You should choose this card if you want access to credit, but you don’t want to pay over the odds for the privilege. If you’re new to credit or you’re not great at clearing your balance each month, this could be a card that allows you to find your feet and get on the right track.
As we said, there isn’t much in the way of extras on this card, but that’s not to say it doesn’t have any features to offer. In terms of security, the card offers 24/7 fraud monitoring and no liability for unauthorised transactions. It also offers additional protection with Mastercard SecureCode.
You can save even more money, with no fees for additional cardholders, and you can save time at the checkout with Tap & Go contactless payments for purchases under $100. You can personalise your card with an image of your choice (for an extra $10), and you can also enjoy access to Mastercard Priceless Cities exclusive experiences and special offers.
Overall Rating
A simple, low-cost card offering a low annual fee and low interest, perfect for cardholders who don’t want expensive, unnecessary extras. Take advantage of the 0% p.a. on purchases for up to 18 months.
User reviews
Rates and fees
Interest rates
Purchase rate 11.99% p.a.
Introductory purchase rate 0% p.a. for up to 18 months
Cash advance rate 13.99% p.a.
Interest free period on purchases up to 55 days
Credit limits
Minimum credit limit $500
Maximum credit limit N/A
Fees & repayments
Annual fee $45 p.a.
Additional cardholder fee $0 p.a.
Foreign transaction fee 3%
Minimum repayment $10 or 3%, whichever is greater
Cash advance fee $3.00 or 3% of the transaction amount, whichever is greater
Late payment fee $15
Additional features
Complimentary insurance
International Travel Insurance No
Flight Inconvenience Insurance No
Transit Accident Insurance No
Smartphone Screen Insurance No
Purchase Protection Insurance No
Extended Warranty Insurance No
Rental Vehicle Excess In Australia Insurance No
Extras
Eligible with Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay
Overview
Discontinued: Bendigo Bank Low Rate Credit Card
The Bendigo Bank Low Rate Credit Card is a low interest credit card that’s designed for those who want to get the job done with a few frills. This card combines a low purchase rate and cash advance rate with a low annual fee, and still leaves you the chance to add a family member or your spouse as an additional cardholder. For those who pay their balance in full each month, there is also the interest-free period to take advantage of. With this card, you get up to 55 days to pay off purchases. The minimum for repayments is 3% of the balance due or $10, whichever is greater.
^ Ineligible purchases include cash advances, interest charges, credit fees and charges, disputed transactions, foreign exchange purchases, travelers cheques, credit card payments, gambling chip purchases, payments to the Australian Taxation Office, bill payments using BPAY® or utility bills paid over the counter at any financial institution or Post Office and any transactions, payments or purchases that are disputed, fraudulent, unauthorised, refunded or reimbursed. A direct debit will be classified as a cash advance if you have provided the debiting merchant with your BSB and account number.
* Balance transfer limit Approved credit limitless all fees.
Key features
- 0% on purchases for up to 18 months from account opening. Reverts to 11.99% p.a.
- 13.99% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers
- $45 annual fee
- Up to 55 days interest free on purchases
- Free additional cardholders
- Eligible with Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay and Garmin Pay
Minimum criteria to apply for this card
-
Be over 18 years old
-
Good Credit and have not applied for multiple credit cards recently
-
You must be an Australian citizen or have applied for permanent residency with visa subclasses 188, 489, 491, 494 and 482 (short term stream not included), and with minimum 12 months remaining.
You have your personal details ready to complete the online application
Pauline is a personal finance expert at CreditCard.com.au, with 8 years in money, budgeting and property reporting under her belt. Pauline is passionate about seeing Aussies win by making their money – and their credit cards – work smarter, harder and bigger
Recently Asked Questions
Something you need to know about this card? Ask our credit card expert a question.
Ask a question59 questions (showing the latest 10 Q&As)
I'm wondering if I take this credit card out, could I draw cash out to the total limit with that cash withdrawal being intrest free for a 20 month period? Or is the intrest free period on applicable on purchasing transactions only?
Hi Lily, good question! The current 0% p.a. promotions are both for purchases and balance transfers only. However, you can still use the Bendigo Bank Low Rate card to withdraw cash but please note that you will cop a 13.99% p.a. Interest on the cash amount advanced.
I am interested in using the interest free 20 month towards a real estate investment. Does the interest free purchase on this still apply?
Hi Matt, real estate transactions are handled through PEXA, which is Australia's property transaction network. The 20 months interest free offer on this card is for retail transactions. Hope this has helped.
How long does the application process take for this card?
Hi Creina, the application process time actually varies but generally, it takes about 5-7 business days for you to receive your card in the mail. This will vary if Bendigo bank requests further information about your application.
I want to apply for a credit card in my name. I only earn 26000 a yaer even though my husband earns 200K can i still apply? or do i earn too little
Hi Kirsty, There’s a wide range of credit cards out there and each has their own eligibility requirements. A good place to start would be to check our comparison tool to compare credit cards that have lower income requirements. If you’d like to dig further, we also wrote this piece that could help you: Everything You Need To Know About Low Income Credit Cards. Hope this helps!
Hi
I would like to know the minimum allowed on this card and maximum spend that may be approved?
Hi Nashlie, you may be approved as low as $500. Please note that the approved credit limit will depend on factors like your credit score, ability to pay, your debts, your income and other information banks keep close to their chest..
Can you please guide me which card is good to apply for balance transfer? My rating is 800+. All minimum payments are on time. N looking for bal transfer upto 16k?
Hi Lucky, although we don’t recommend one card over another, there are a number of credit cards that offer balance transfers. You can use our comparison tool to see all credit cards we have access to that offer balance transfers. You can enter your current balance and see the savings from a new card with our tool. You can then click the “heart” Save Card button and then compare your saved cards side by side.
I have one default (optus) listed on my credit file. This was originally for $1100 but owing approx $800. This was a mob plan I took out for my son who lost his job due to covid and didn't tell me he wasn't paying the bill. My responsibility as account in my name so I have to wear that. However, how will that impact on an application for a credit card. I would prefer not to apply if it is going to be a definite no.
Hi Gary, sorry to hear about your default. The bad news is that this will stay on your file for the next 5 years, and will drag your credit score down. Credit cards are reserved for those with good credit files, so any application may hurt your chances further down the road There are steps you can take to continue to build your credit score for when the default is lifted.
What are the chances of getting a credit card on a carer pension and low credit score but no defaults
Hi Tracy, thanks for your question! Credit card companies reserve their products to those with excellent credit histories and scores. However, you can work towards improving your credit score and file with patience and persistence. If you’d like to learn more about the application requirements for getting a credit card on a pension, we’ve written this guide to help. Let us know is we can help with anything else!
What are eligible purchases low rate card interest free 18 mnths
Hi Steve, eligible purchases are your daily transactions like payments towards your groceries, car’s petrol, restaurants just to name a few..
I would like to apply for credit card for the first time. I have debit account from bendigo since 2017 w recently have 20k in it . I'm Australian and im stucked overseas w no job since pandemic, is it possible to be approved of credit card it's my first time
Hi Roxy, unfortunately credit card companies require you to have an income to be able to service the debt on the card. If you have a proof of income this may be acceptable by the bank. You can call Bendigo on +61 3 5445 0666 to chat to the team about your options. Best of luck!
Can my partner and I apply for a joint application where both of us are liable for the card?
Hi Stephanie, thanks for writing. It is very rare where joint credit cards are requested and applied for but yes, you may do so. Provided that both you and your partner will apply together and have each other’s consent. We have written an article for things to keep in mind in getting a joint credit card. I also suggest reaching out to the bank directly at 1300 236 344 to get more information about their joint credit card application.
Can a retiree get a credit card? If so, which is the best one and what are the income requirements.
Hi Martin, there is no one best card. What will work for you will be different to the next person. You’ll need to ask yourself how you’re going to use the card and what perks and benefits you want from it. Applying as a retiree you might have to provide more detailed information, and prove that you have a sustainable income to service the line of credit. In some cases, calling your main bank to chat through options can provide you with more clarity.
When you balance transfer are you still able to purchase on the card at the same time & if so would you still get the interest free periods that the card offers? Also are you able to use it for thing's like Power bills?
Hi Katrina, thanks for your message. With this card if you have a balance transfer and make a purchase, that purchase will accrue interest immediately. If your power provider allows you to make credit card payments, then you should be able to use this card. If you’d like to learn more, you can read our guide to BPAY payments and credit cards.
we would like to apply for a zero transfer credit card in joint names, therefore, taking into consideration both of our incomes, are we able to do this online?
Hi Megan, thanks for your question! We’ve prepared a guide on joint credit card applications, but with your unique situation, we suggest giving the bank a call to discuss your options.
So talk me thru the 2% balance transfer fee (which seems to contradict the no transfer fee...)
Hi Kathy, this card charges a 2% balance transfer fee (nowhere does it say that it doesn't charge a balance transfer fee). The Bendigo Bank Low Rate First card has an offer with no balance transfer fee right now but it's only 0% p.a. for 6 months instead of 24. The 2% is charged as a one-off percentage of your total balance transferred and added to the amount. For example, if you transfer a $3,000 balance, the fee is $60. I hope that helps.
Is their a certain amount of income needed to get aBendigo Bank Low rate credit card
Hi Catherine, Bendigo Bank doesn't list a minimum income requirement for this card. The eligibility criteria are that you are: An individual, not a company, An Australian citizen or Permanent resident, Over the age of 18 years and Not currently bankrupt or insolvent. Your income will be assessed against your expenses and liabilities during your application and will factor into the approval decision.
How does balance transfers work? paying my other credit card off with Nab with this one? do i get a period of interest free?
Hi Charmaine, this card has no special balance transfer offer. Suggest you look at the St George Vertigo. It has 0% for 24 months on balance transfer and no annual fee for the 1st year.
I am interested in your low rate credit card. It says in the documentation that there is 0% interest on purchases for 15 months but it also says up to 55 days interest free on purchases. If we get a credit card and put a lump sum on it straight away, will have 55 days or 15 months interest free?
Hi Jillian, the up to 55 days interest free is only relevant after the 0% for 15 months intro period ends. Bottom line, if you make a big purchase on day 1. Then you would have nearly 15 months to pay it off with no interest. You will still need to make minimum payments during the interest free period.
Hello,
I can show income since 1st July, 2020 as a sole trader. Is this long enough to apply for a card. With what I am making I am on track for an income of over $50000 for this financial year. Should I wait longer or could I apply now.
Hi Gayle, I would suggest you wait until you have 1 year of trading under your belt. It would be better if you can do a tax return for the business first. Then apply.
Creditcard.com.au Visitor
28 January 2013Great low rate low fee card. Purchases and cash advances both have same super low rate and you don’t pay a high annual fee just to use a credit card. Perfect.
Recommends this card