Quick Quote
One simple enquiry form gives you fast access to quotes and rate comparisons from Australia's leading and best known debt consolidation specialists.
All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a specialist from our national broker referral panel. See our privacy statement for more details.
Knowledgebase
Equity:
The amount of (or that portion of) an asset actually owned. Equity is the difference between the market value and the current amount of money still owing on the loan. This is also referred to as the owner’s interest.
Debt Consolidation Australia :: Articles

Choosing the Right Bank

How do I choose the right bank for my savings or transactional account?

Choosing the Right Bank

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Financial institutions are located all around the world. If you are looking to open a bank account, whether that bank account is a transactional account or a savings account, you have a number of banking options.

In fact, you have so many options that choosing the right bank may seem like an overwhelming process.

To make that process easier, you will need to know what to look for in a bank.

Location is the key to many.

If you are interested in having easy access to a bank, you may want to consider doing business with a local bank or a national bank that has a local office in your area.

These banks are ideal for those with cheque accounts or debit cards.

You may find that using an ATM machine, other than the one provided at your bank, results in extra fees.

This is one of the many reasons why banking with a local institution is popular, because you will have easy access to your money.

Time to Refinance?
Image for Time to Refinance?If you are seeking lower rates, lower fees and more flexibility in your home loan. you are in luck! Our national panel of mortgage brokers is looking forward to an opportunity to assist you. Apply online for a free eligibility assessment and one of our broker network refinance specialists will get on the case to track down the best deal for your individual circumstances. Without any obligation and at no charge to you!

When finding the perfect bank for you to do business with, it is also important to determine what you want and need from a bank.

Whether you are interested in opening a savings account or a cheque account, it is important to examine the fees that each bank will charge.

If you are interested in opening a savings account for someone under the age of eighteen, you may find that you are able to receive a free account.

Adults, on the other hand, are often required to pay a monthly fee or maintain a certain balance in their account.

If you are interested in opening a cheque account, there are also a number of fees that you should be on the lookout for.

It is possible to obtain a free cheque account, but many of these accounts come with specific requirements.

You are likely to come across a number of financial institutions that require you to have a set amount of money in your account at all times.

It is also possible to find banks that grant you free cheques as long as you have your pay directly deposited into your account.

There are a large number of banks that will allow you to carry a debit card.

These debit cards can often be linked directly to a savings account or a cheque account.

It is important to determine if you will be charged for obtaining a debit card. Many banks charge an upfront fee, typically less than five dollars, for requesting a debit card.

A number of banks also change monthly fees for using a debit card.

The same can be said for cheques.

In addition to paying for new cheques, there are many financial institutions that charge their clients a set amount of money each time they want to write a cheque.

It is important to keep all of the above mentioned points in mind when searching for a bank.

In addition to determining the cost of banking with a specific institution, you are also encouraged to examine the level of service that you will receive.

You will want to do business with a bank that has a friendly and knowledgeable staff.

By visiting the bank or calling to speak with an employee, you can easily determine the level of service that you should expect to receive.

Choosing a bank is not a decision that should be made on a whim.

A bank is supposed to save you money, but without the proper amount of research it is possible to end up with one that costs you money.

Published: Wednesday, 25th Aug 2021
Author: 10


Debt Consolidation Articles

The Reality of Debt Consolidation: Does it Affect Your Ability to Borrow in Future?
The Reality of Debt Consolidation: Does it Affect Your Ability to Borrow in Future?
Welcome to a comprehensive guide aimed at dismantling the common myths that cloud the concepts of debt consolidation and debt reduction. Amidst widespread financial stress, debt consolidation emerges as a popular strategy for Australians in search of relief from their monetary burdens. - read more
The Importance of Emergency Funds in Your Monthly Budget
The Importance of Emergency Funds in Your Monthly Budget
When it comes to managing your finances, planning for the unexpected is a crucial part of staying on top of your budget. An emergency fund serves as your financial safety net, poised to offer support when unforeseen expenses arise. These funds are specifically set aside to cover unexpected costs, like medical emergencies, car repairs, or urgent home maintenance issues. - read more
Monitoring Your Progress: Tracking Financial Goals Post-Debt Consolidation
Monitoring Your Progress: Tracking Financial Goals Post-Debt Consolidation
Welcome to our blog, where we're dedicated to helping you make the most of your financial journey. Today, we're going to delve into an important aspect of financial health: tracking your progress after debt consolidation. - read more
The Beginner's Blueprint to Creating an Effective Family Budget
The Beginner's Blueprint to Creating an Effective Family Budget
In a world marked by economic uncertainties and the ever-mounting cost of living, the importance of a sound family budget cannot be overstated. Today's economic climate necessitates not just prudent but strategic financial planning. With the right budget in place, families can navigate the choppy waters of their finances, avoiding the all-too-common pitfalls of overspending and under-saving. - read more
How to Avoid Falling Back into Debt: Post-Consolidation Best Practices
How to Avoid Falling Back into Debt: Post-Consolidation Best Practices
Welcome to our guide on how to avoid falling back into debt after consolidating your debts. Debt consolidation can be a fantastic way to manage multiple financial obligations, combining them into a single, more manageable payment plan. But the journey doesn’t end there. - read more
Finance News

APRA's New Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans: What Borrowers Need to Know
APRA's New Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans: What Borrowers Need to Know
20 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will impose a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting such loans to 20% of new home lending. This measure applies to both owner-occupiers and investors, with an exemption for new housing developments. - read more
ASIC's Review of Debt Management Firms: Ensuring Consumer Protection
ASIC's Review of Debt Management Firms: Ensuring Consumer Protection
20 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has announced a comprehensive review of the debt management and credit repair sector, citing concerns about consumer protection, particularly for those facing financial difficulties. This initiative aims to assess how approximately 100 licensed businesses in the sector comply with legal requirements and to examine the range of business models used by these firms. - read more
Australia's AAA Credit Rating: A Testament to Economic Resilience
Australia's AAA Credit Rating: A Testament to Economic Resilience
20 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Australia has successfully retained its AAA credit rating, as affirmed by global ratings agency Fitch. This decision underscores the nation's strong institutions, effective policy framework, sound medium-term growth prospects, and high income per capita, even amid prevailing global economic uncertainties. - read more
APRA Implements Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans
APRA Implements Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans
12 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will impose a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting such loans to 20% of new home lending. This measure applies to both owner-occupiers and investors, with an exemption for new housing developments. - read more
Commonwealth Bank Highlights Concerns Over Surging Home Loan Demand
Commonwealth Bank Highlights Concerns Over Surging Home Loan Demand
12 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest lender, has raised concerns about the current high demand for home loans, which is contributing to escalating property prices. CEO Matt Comyn acknowledged that while the bank has benefited from the surge in housing credit, such high levels are unsustainable and could undermine long-term financial stability, housing equality, and market accessibility. He suggested that a more moderate pace of credit growth would be beneficial. - read more