Mark Bristow is RateCity's Home & Personal Finances Editor, and an experienced analyst, researcher, and producer. While primarily focused on Australian mortgage and home loan expertise, he has experience across energy, home and travel insurances. Mark has been a journalist and writer in the financial space for over ten years, previously researching and writing commercial real estate at CoreLogic. In the years since, Mark has worked for the Winning Group, Expedia, and has seen articles published at Lifehacker and Business Insider.
1039 articles written by Mark Bristow
What is a credit card revert rate?
When credit card debt starts accumulating, you could consider a balance transfer, where you roll your debt onto a card charging low or no interest during its introductory period so you can pay it off quicker. However, you’ll also need to consider the card’s revert interest rate in case you don’t pay off your debt during the introductory period.
Mark Bristow -
30 May, 2023 -
3 min read
What are the rewards of a gold credit card?
Not quite ready for a platinum account but want more rewards than your standard credit card? A gold credit card could be what you’re looking for.
Mark Bristow -
29 May, 2023 -
3 min read
What doesn’t affect your credit score?
You may be surprised by the information in your credit history that goes towards calculating your credit score. You may be even more surprised by what personal information about you does not affect your credit rating whatsoever.
Mark Bristow -
24 May, 2023 -
4 min read
Can you get a home loan when you’re being paid commissions?
Many Aussie salespeople earn a commission on the products or services they sell, which is calculated as a percentage of the total value of the sales. Commissions can vary for several reasons, such as changing seasonal demand for products or difficulties hitting sales targets.
Mark Bristow -
18 May, 2023 -
9 min read
Cost of living hits Buy Now Pay Later spending this Mother’s Day
While Australians traditionally go all-out splurging on gifts for Mum each Mother’s Day, this year we’ve had to tighten our belts, according to data from one of Australia’s Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) providers.
Mark Bristow -
16 May, 2023 -
3 min read
Some of the best home loans for investors and refinancers in May 2023
A significant number of Australian homeowners are facing the fixed rate cliff, where the record-low fixed rates from the pandemic are set to revert to significantly higher variable rates in 2023. Following the May 2023 meeting of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) where the cash rate was hiked to 3.85%, many borrowers may be searching for alternative home loans with increasing urgency.
Mark Bristow -
16 May, 2023 -
3 min read
Which banks have hiked term deposit and savings account rates in May 2023?
Many Australians were taken by surprise when the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) chose to raise the national cash rate by 25 points to 3.85% in May 2023, following a pause the month before.
Mark Bristow -
12 May, 2023 -
3 min read
The pros and cons of going with a broker
Brokers can be a fantastic resource. Brokers can provide tailored advice on your home loan options, based on your personal circumstances and your priorities which can vary from customer to customer.
Mark Bristow -
11 May, 2023 -
3 min read
Who is still offering low-rate home loans after the May 2023 rate hike?
After a brief pause in April, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has returned to raising rates, hiking the cash rate by 25 points to 3.85%. With additional rate hikes potentially required to bring Australia’s inflation back under control, many Australian homeowners may be keen to find what low-rate mortgage deals are available.
Mark Bristow -
09 May, 2023 -
3 min read
Some of the best home loans in May 2023
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raised the national cash rate to 3.85% at its May 2023 meeting. With home loan interest rates likely to be pushed upwards by this change, it’s essential to compare mortgage deals before signing on any dotted lines.
Mark Bristow -
02 May, 2023 -
3 min read