Defence Bank Foundation Visa Credit Card

Pauline Hatch

Pauline is a personal finance expert at CreditCard.com.au, with 9 years in money, budgeting and property reporting under her belt. Ask Pauline a Question about this card.

The Defence Bank Foundation Credit Card

Offering an enticing 3.99% p.a. on purchases for six months, the Defence Bank Foundation Credit Card is an award-winning card that keeps costs low over the long term as well, with a low ongoing purchase rate and a low annual fee. Cardholders can also benefit from up to 55 days interest free on purchases when they pay off their balance by the due date each month.

What we love...

Allowing cardholders to save on interest with an ever-so appealing purchase offer, the Defence Bank Foundation Credit Card is currently offering 3.99% p.a. on purchases for six months. This offer is available to new cardholders only, with the intro rate applicable for the first six months, after which, any balance left unpaid will revert to the card’s standard purchase rate.

Which brings us to the card’s low rate status. Defence Bank is a mutual organisation, which means it is owned by its members, not external shareholders. This allows the bank to provide lower rates on its credit cards, helping cardholders to save on interest if they carry a balance. While bigger banks may have ‘low rate’ cards, this card from Defence Bank has a rate that rivals most of the big bank offerings.

With that low rate, the Defence Bank Foundation Credit Card may appeal to cardholders who carry a balance, but it also has something to offer those who clear their balance month to month. As long as you pay off your balance by the due date each month, you can take advantage of up to 55 days interest free on purchases.

And its annual fee? While some low rate cards may have higher annual fees, this card does not. Thanks to its mutual status, Defence Bank can keep costs low for cardholders across the board, providing a low annual fee as well as a low interest rate on this card.

Best of all, this low cost card isn’t just for Australian Defence Force employees. Despite its name, Defence Bank has membership open to all Australians, so you can take advantage of all this card has to offer even if you’ve never set foot on a military base. Simply join online, then utilise the card’s fast application process to become Defence Bank’s newest member.

What’s not so great...

With a low cost card such as the Defence Bank Foundation Credit Card, you are paying a tiny annual fee and a super low interest rate. While this allows you to keep costs low, it doesn’t provide much incentive for the bank to offer much in the way of features. Banks don’t offer fancy features and rewards for free, so they are usually found on cards with higher annual fees and interest rates.

If all you want is a basic, low cost option, this card could be for you. However, if you want more extras, or if you want to earn rewards on your card spending, you may need to check out what’s on offer elsewhere.

Why should you choose this card?

The Defence Bank Foundation Credit Card is an award-winning credit card. Not only has it been recognised by Canstar as a five-star option offering outstanding value, it was also awarded two Mozo Experts Choice Awards in 2014 in the categories ‘Low Rate Credit Card’ and ‘Balance Transfer Credit Card’.

Half of the annual $45 card fee is donated to the Defence Bank Foundation - a charity whose sole beneficiary is Defence Community Dogs. The Community Dogs’ program changes lives through assistance dogs at no cost to veterans. Under the program, rescue dogs are trained in correctional facilities before being presented to veterans - providing a second chance for the dogs, inmates and veterans.

Enjoying recognition within the industry for its low cost status, this card could be an excellent option for anyone who wants to save on interest as they carry a balance month to month, while also paying out a low annual fee. As a money-saver, it could also work well for cardholders who clear their balance each month, to take advantage of the card’s interest free feature.

Alongside its great 3.99% p.a. purchase offer, the card provides all the accessibility and security you would expect from a modern credit card. This includes contactless payment technology from Visa payWave, and 24/7 fraud protection monitoring looking out for suspicious activity on the card.

Overall Rating

An award-winning low cost card, the Defence Bank Foundation Credit Card has 3.99% p.a. on purchases for six months, plus a low ongoing purchase rate and annual fee.