Getting started
To apply for a credit card over the phone or at one of our branches it will help to be prepared with the following information:
- Information about your income & regular expenses (e.g. rent, general living expenses, insurance etc.).
- Information about any assets you own (e.g. value of any cars, deposit accounts, properties, etc.).
- The details of any loans, other credit cards or amounts you owe.
To finalise your loan you will also need to provide:
- Photo identification or suitable secondary identification documents.
- Proof of your income (a pay slip or tax return).
If you have any questions, or would like to speak to a lending specialist to apply please call us on 1300 228 228, or visit your local branch.
With the BCU Rewards Credit Card you will earn cash back each time you use your BCU Rewards Credit Card for eligible transactions, whether in Australia or in any other country.
The cash back you will earn is calculated at 0.66% for each Australian dollar charged to your BCU Rewards Credit Card for eligible transactions, including foreign currency transactions when converted into Australian dollars and charged to your Rewards Credit Card.
You can apply for a credit card with BCU Bank to pay out an existing credit card with another bank or lender. This could help you better manage your repayments if you're moving to a lower interest rate.
You can apply over the phone or at your local branch.
It can be easier to manage multiple balances from other bank or store cards by combining them into one. You'll then only have one statement and one monthly payment due.
When consolidating debts it's worth considering whether a credit card or a personal loan is the most suitable product for you.
If you'd like to speak with a lending specialist to discuss your needs, please call us on 1300 228 228.
Whether you should apply for a personal loan or a credit card really depends on the why you need the money.
A credit card is a great way to make everyday purchases (interest-free, if you clear your balance every month) and manage your cash flow. But it may not be the best option if you’re making a larger purchase that will take a longer time to pay off, as the interest rate on a credit card is usually higher than an interest rate on a personal loan.
So, if you’re buying a car, boat, or caravan, or if you’re looking to pay off, refinance or consolidate existing debts, a personal loan might be a better choice.
If you’re unsure which option is right for you, speak with one of our lending specialists by calling 1300 228 228 or visit your local branch.
Card use & repayments
The quickest way to report your card as lost or stolen is via the BCU Bank app or internet banking.
To report your card as lost or stolen:
- Log in to internet banking or the mobile app, and go to Manage Cards.
- Select the card you need to report as lost or stolen and follow the prompts to cancel your card.
If you have an eligible card, you can reorder a new card at the same time which can then be added to your digital wallet. You'll be able to use this until your new card arrives in the mail.
Alternatively you can call us on 1300 228 228 or visit your local branch and we'll be happy to help.
Outside business hours?
To report a card as lost or stolen outside of business hours, please call 1800 648 027, or if you're overseas call +61 2 8299 9101.
To make the most of the interest-free period, wait for the start of the statement period to make any large purchases.
For example: $3,000 for flights to Europe
- If you buy the flights on the 1st of the month, you will have the full interest free period to clear the amount.
- If you buy the flights on the 30th of the month, you only have 21 days to clear the amount before we apply interest.
How the interest free period works:
You will be charged interest if you:
- do not make the repayment during the repayment period,
- have completed a cash advance or bank transfer, or
- did not pay out the entire balance.
Being a few cents short or paying even a day late will make a difference. To regain your interest free period, you need to:
- clear the entire balance for two consecutive months, and
- not complete any cash advances or bank transfers.
Interest will be calculated on any unpaid credit card balance between the due date and the end of the next month’s payment cycle (14th of the month).
Example:
First statement period 1st June to 30th June with balance and payment due 21st July:
If you pay the balance one day late or you don't clear the full balance, you will lose the interest free period. Paying two consecutive statement period balances in full and on time will restore the interest-free period.
For the next statement period 1st July to 31st July with payment due on 21st August:
Interest will be charged on the 31st July. It will continue to accrue from the 31st until you pay the amount due.
If you make a payment in full and on time for the next statement period 1st August to 31st August, the interest-free period will restart. The interest-free period will apply for the next statement period starting 1st September.
To avoid paying interest on your credit card purchases, you'll need to pay off the balance each month. That is the total amount owing at the end of the month, in full by the 21st of the following month. This gives you up to 52 days interest-free for purchases made from the 1st of the previous month to the 21st of the current month. You can find the balance owing on your monthly statement.
How the interest free period works:
You can use card controls in internet banking or the BCU Bank app to block international ATM, in-store, payWave and online purchases.
Go to Manage cards, select your card, and choose Card controls. Then simply update the international setting.
The currency that your transaction is processed in determines whether the transaction is categorised as an international transaction. For example, a withdrawal from a cash machine in Fiji would be classed as an international ATM transaction, as you withdraw the funds in Fijian dollar.
Yes, you can withdraw cash using your credit card.
Be mindful that there is a cash advance fee per withdrawal, there is no interest-free period on cash advance transactions, and the interest rate is higher than on a purchase transaction.
Your BCU Bank credit card can be used anywhere overseas that accepts Visa - that’s over 40 million merchants and 2.5 million ATMs globally.
Your transaction will be charged at the Australian dollar equivalent of the foreign currency amount. The exchange rate will be determined by Visa from the range of rates available in wholesale currency markets on the processing date, or the government mandated rate that is in effect at that time.
Important! You must notify us if you're travelling overseas to ensure the security of your card. You can let us know in the mobile app by going to 'Overseas travel' from the main menu. Alternatively, you can send us a secure message from internet banking, or call 1300 228 228 and one of our friendly team will be happy to assist.
You can complete any of the following transactions:
Eligible for interest-free period:
- BPAY
- In-store or online purchases
Not eligible for interest-free period:
These transactions will attract a higher interest rate, and possible fees. You will also lose your interest-free period until paid in full.
- ATM withdrawal/cash advance
- Bank transfer
When making repayments, any cash advance or bank transfer balance will clear first. This is because they incur a higher interest rate.
The repayment period is from the 1st to the 21st of the month to clear the entire balance owing.
If you make a payment before the repayment period, it will reduce the amount owing but won’t count as a repayment. You will still need to make a payment once the payment period commences.
Your credit card statement cycle is a calendar month from the 1st to the last day of the month. You will receive your statement on the last day of the month with payment due on the 21st of the following month.
The minimum repayment due on your credit card is 3% of your outstanding balance as at the last day of the month or $10.00, whichever is the greater.
The actual amount due and the due date will be displayed on your credit card statement which can be viewed as an eStatement in internet banking, and can also be found in the BCU mobile app.
Annual credit card fees are charged at the end of the month of account opening, then every year each anniversary at the end of the month.
It's easy to set up a credit card payment reminder alert in the mobile app. Go to Settings > Alerts > Push notifications.
First, tap on the cog icon top right of the screen and make sure you have push notifications switched on, then on the General alerts screen select Payment due.
All purchases made on your card in foreign currency whether online or in person will be converted into Australian currency. We will use an exchange rate selected by Visa from the range of rates available in wholesale currency markets on the processing date, or the government mandated rate that is in effect at that time.
For more information please refer to the Credit Card Conditions of Use.
If you’re having trouble meeting your next home loan, personal loan or credit card repayment please call us on 1300 228 228 or visit your nearest branch during business hours and we’ll connect you with a team member who can help.
We’ll work with you to come to an agreement based on your personal circumstances and may be able to offer you financial hardship assistance during this period.
Manage my credit card
You can request to reduce your credit card limit by completing our online form.
Alternatively, you can request a decrease in internet banking or our mobile app. Go to Manage Cards > Select your card > Reduce limit and follow the prompts.
You can request to cancel your credit card limit and close your account by completing our online form.
Alternatively, you can request to cancel your credit card limit in internet banking or our mobile app. Go to Manage Cards > Select your card > Cancel card and follow the prompts
When your card is due to expire, we'll automatically send you a replacement card close to the expiration date of your existing card.
If you haven't received your replacement card within 2 weeks of the expiry date, please call 1300 228 228 or visit your local branch and one of our friendly team will be happy to assist.
If you're applying for a new Visa Credit card or have an existing Visa Credit card with us, you can apply to add an additional card holder to your account following the steps below.
1. Confirm membership - an additional card holder must be a member with BCU Bank.
You can become a member by opening a deposit account online or by visiting a branch. If applying online you will need to provide one of the following identification documents - Australian passport, driver's licence - so that we can verify your identity.
2. Complete and sign additional cardholder form - the account holder will need to complete and sign. The additional card holder must also sign the form.
Download Credit Card Additional Cardholder Request form - PDF (90 kB)
3. Return the signed form - you can return the form to a BCU Bank branch, or if you cannot get to a branch during business hours, you can return the document via Secure Mail in Internet Banking.
4. Account authority - we’ll process your request as quickly as possible, set up the account authority for the additional card holder, and advise when your additional card is on it’s way.
If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 1300 228 228.
Important information
- The additional cardholder must be over 16 years of age and will be authorised to operate on your card account at no additional charge.
- If the nominated additional cardholder is not an existing member of P&N Bank, we will need to confirm their identity, and they will be required to become a member of P&N Bank.
- All transactions on your card account authorised by the additional cardholder will be treated as having been authorised by you. You will be responsible for these transactions.
- An additional cardholder may complete card and over the counter transactions, and may access the account via Internet Banking. An additional cardholder may access financial information about the account, including transaction information, account balance, available credit limit and minimum monthly repayments.
Remember, although additional cardholders can charge purchases to your P&N Bank Visa Credit card account, as the main account holder you're responsible for meeting the repayment obligations.
You can change your card PIN in the mobile app or internet banking.
- In internet banking go to Services > Manage Cards.
- In the mobile app go to Manage Cards, then follow the on screen prompts.
Alternatively, if you have forgotten your existing PIN, please visit your local branch with your identification, and one of our friendly team will be happy to assist.
You can use card controls in internet banking and the mobile app to block certain types of card transactions, and help keep your card safe.
- In internet banking go to Services > Manage Cards.
- In the mobile app go to Manage Cards then follow the on screen prompts.
You can block the following card transactions for both Australian and international transactions:
- In-store purchases – where you physically use your card and enter your PIN.
- ATM withdrawals – cash withdrawals made with your card and PIN at an ATM.
- Tap and go – purchases made by tapping your card at a point of sale terminal. Also known as payWave or contactless payments.
- Online purchases – purchases made online or over the phone using your card details.
- Digital wallet – card purchases made using a digital wallet such as Apple Pay, Google Pay™ or Samsung Pay, at a point of sale terminal, app or website.
To block a transaction type, slide the control to the left (grey). To allow the transaction type, slide the control to the right (green).
If you don't have access to internet banking, call us on 1300 228 228 or visit your local branch and we'll be happy to help.
If you've misplaced your card, or left it somewhere by mistake, you can place a temporary lock on your card while you look for it.
The temporary lock can be applied in internet banking or the mobile app, and will restrict all transactions on your card except for regular recurring withdrawals such as direct debits, and digital wallet transactions.
- In internet banking go to Services > Manage Cards.
- In the mobile app go to Manage Cards from the main menu.
To put a temporary lock on your card choose your card and tap or click the lock icon.
Alternatively you can contact us on 1300 228 228, use webchat, or visit your local branch and we can put a lock on your card for you.
Credit reporting
Your credit report shows how many times you’ve applied for credit and which loans you've opened. It outlines your history of making repayments, any defaults, and how much debt you currently have. This is very important information as it tells the new credit provider how you’ve treated those debts, which gives an indication about how you’re likely to treat the new debt.
It includes information that is needed to identify you - your name; birth date; and recent addresses; current or last known employer’s name and driver’s licence number (if you have one).
Your credit report helps us determine your suitability for credit (loan) products, like home loans, personal loans or credit cards. When you apply for a home loan, personal loan or credit card with us we will check your credit report. We will also record your application for credit.
You can access your own credit report using the credit reporting bodies outlined on the CreditSmart website.
Your credit score is a summary of your credit report. It’s a number that indicates how healthy your credit report is – generally, the higher the number, the better you’re managing your credit. Your credit score can change as well, and under Comprehensive Credit Reporting (CCR), things like on-time repayments will positively affect your score.
There are a number of ways to find out your credit score, however the score that matters for your next credit application may depend on which reporting body the credit provider uses.
You can find out more about obtaining your credit score on the CreditSmart website.
Comprehensive credit reporting (CCR) was introduced in Australia to provide a more complete picture of your credit history.
Under CCR, financial institutions are sharing additional information which forms part of your credit report, providing a more in-depth view of your credit history. This information includes the type of accounts you hold, when they were opened, your credit limit(s), and up to 24 months of your repayment history – including payments made on time.
If you make your repayments on time, your credit score will reflect your good payment behaviour. This means lenders may look at this information more favourably if you have requested credit. If you’ve had difficulty in the past making repayments on time, but are now back on track, this will be considered in your loan application and may impact your ability to obtain credit.
In Australia, everyone has the right to one free credit report per year from each of the three main credit reporting bodies. These reports include the information that credit providers see when you apply for a loan or credit, so it’s important to check each report for any errors.
It's worthwhile getting a copy of your credit report before you apply to borrow money or buy something on credit, if you're eligible to. Checking your own credit report has no impact on your credit report or credit score when viewed by a credit provider.
You can access your credit report from the following organisations:
If you want to access your credit report more than once per year you can also choose to pay for an additional one from some of these organisations.
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