Credit and Lending

The potential of four rate cuts is welcome news for millions of borrowers and business owners, but a double-edged sword for first homebuyers with property prices tipped to pick up further as a result. 

Consumer protections that apply to credit products such as hardship requests will now apply to BNPL providers such as Afterpay and Zip. 

When it comes to planning an overseas trip, deciding how you're going to access your money can seem overwhelming. Experts outline your options. 

Movie tickets, department store wares and flights are just some of the things people 'pay' for using credit card reward points But, rewards come with risks.

Another rate cut is likely to mean more competition and higher prices for housing. But home buyers are feeling the pressure for other reasons too.

Michael thought he would have to surrender his beloved cat when he was suddenly hit with a big emergency vet bill. Experts say many Australians are taking on debts through high-interest loan schemes or making the heartbreaking decision to euthanise their pets.

We explain the reasons for RBA governor Michele Bullock's change in plans around interest rates — and where the US fits in.

It’s the kind of unsolicited advice that pops up at family lunches and catch-ups with friends, but according to experts, it is not that simple. 

The Financial Counsellors Association of WA warns that private assistance services charging fees to lodge complaints with banks and the financial ombudsman on behalf of customers are not necessary.

Sydney fraudster Melissa Caddick left investors almost $24 million out of pocket through their self-managed superannuation funds before she disappeared in November 2020.

The financial regulator says household debt is already high and its "serviceability buffer" is appropriate. The Coalition says the high buffer is out of date and relaxing it would help more first home buyers into their own place. 

When the Reserve Bank cut the official cash rate last month, lenders reacted quickly, letting customers know home loan rates were dropping. But they've been slower to explain how the changes will affect savings rates. Here's what it could mean for you.

The big banks wasted no time in announcing they would cut rates for mortgage borrowers after the RBA reduced the cash rate on Tuesday. So why haven't the changes taken effect yet?

The RBA can't say so but it is entirely possible many mortgage borrowers won't have to hand over hundreds of dollars to their banks this year.

The banks are under no obligation to cut their interest rates if the RBA cuts the cash rate. However, given the cost of living is such a big issue at the moment, they would face significant backlash if they didn't pass savings on to customers. 

Not every person with a HECS debt will "suddenly" be approved for a home loan, the Australian Banking Association chief says. But some are hopeful the new rules will be enough to get them over the line.   

APRA will also clarify that property developers do not need to have sold all units off the plan to get a loan.

Cryptocurrencies are notoriously volatile and some economists say they have no intrinsic value, but that hasn't stopped some lenders from offering loans if Bitcoin or Ethereum are used as collateral.

Lyndon Allen Kingston headed credit union BCU between 2015 and 2017 when ASIC says he "betrayed his position" by committing financial crimes. 

A survey finds more than half of people aged 18 to 29 with a credit card sign up solely to earn travel rewards points, but 60 per cent are struggling to clear their debts each month.