Fees fading for international banking

Some of Australia’s major financial institutions are taking steps towards improving their international services for travellers, eliminating or reducing some of the fees that typically apply to overseas transactions, or for sending money overseas.

ACCC recommends new protections for car buyers

After 18 months of research, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released its recommendations for future changes and regulations for Australia’s car retailing industry, to help protect Aussie car buyers.

RBA looks at more affordable electronic payments

Despite changes to interchange fee regulations earlier this year, small businesses and Australian consumers are still paying more for the convenience of electronic payments, according to the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), indicating that some acquiring banks are yet to pass on their savings on interchange costs.

End of year vacancies rise

Australia’s national vacancy rate increased slightly in November, with further rises forecast for December due to seasonality, according to SQM Research.

Government lays down law on digital currency

With the popularity of bitcoin and similar blockchain-based virtual currencies currently booming around the world, the Australian government has passed new legislation extending anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations to digital currency exchanges.

Bank customers prefer solving problems face to face

While Aussies are happy to do their banking digitally, it takes a conversation, preferably in person, to answer tricky question and resolve problems, according to a new study.

Prepare for buyer's remorse this Christmas

Over two thirds of Australians suffer from ‘post-purchase blues’ following impulse buys in the lead-up to the Christmas season, according to new research from AMP.

First Home Super Saver Scheme on the way

The Australian senate has passed legislation for the First Home Super Saver Scheme, as part of the federal government’s efforts to provide relief for the nation's housing affordability crisis.

What is a balloon payment?

Despite how it sounds, balloon payments have nothing to do with buying inflatable novelties, and everything to do with car loans and vehicle finance.

Dodging the crowds, What are Australia's busiest Christmas shopping days?

Australians are planning to spend around $11 billion this Christmas, with new research from the Commonwealth Bank putting each person’s average spend at around $593.