Banks don’t tend to give customers something for nothing, so when they offer no annual fee credit cards I’m tempted to ask, ‘what’s the catch?’

So to see if there is one, I’ve had a closer look at a couple of the current top-rated no annual fee credit cards compared with their fee paying equivalents:

1. HSBC Credit Card

This card offers interest free purchases of up to 55 days for 17.99% per annum compared with the HSBC Classic Card rate of 20.50%; both charge 21.99% for cash advances. read more..

Are you looking for a simple new credit card you can use for everyday purchases? Are you tired of paying high interest on your current balance, and looking for a better card that can help you save as much money as possible? Then a no frills credit card might be just what you’re looking for. And if that’s the case, you should check out the Aussie MasterCard.

You can find out more about the Aussie credit card below. If it sounds like the deal you’ve been looking for, just click the link below to apply online today. read more..

Do you travel out of the country often? Do you need platinum spending power and a credit card that helps you pay for your trips? Then you might love the HSBC Platinum Qantas credit card. Not only can you earn frequent flyer points to fly with Qantas by using your card at home, but you can earn even more points by using your card when you travel overseas!

Learn more about the HSBC Platinum Qantas credit card and use the link below to apply online today if it sounds like a good fit for you. read more..

When comparing credit cards it is always a good idea to look beyond the big banks and established providers for new offers that may be at the top of the game.

Woolworths may be a familiar name for grocery shopping, but with two credit card offers on the table it is also fast becoming a familiar and popular credit card choice. read more..

HSBC has announced the appointment of David Walker as its new executive in charge of credit cards management. Mr. Walker joined HSBC in 1995 from NAB and has held multiple management positions, including strategy and operations for global investments, mortgage management, and a regional sales and service position.

Also at this time, Alice Del Vecchio is taking the reins of the mortgage division, having held a similar position with Aussie Group after serving various positions with Westpac. Ms. Del Vecchio has two decades of financial banking and services experience.

Credit cards and mortgages are two sectors of consumer lending HSBC seeks to grow, and Mr. Walker and Ms. Del Vecchio are central elements to the bank’s strategy, said Graham Heunis, head of HSBC Australia’s personal financial services division.

“HSBC’s retail banking strategy is focused on bringing the best of HSBC’s international products and services to the Australian market and establishing main-bank relationships with customers holding multiple products,” said Mr. Heunis. “Credit cards and mortgages are central to this strategy.

He continued, “We are growing our credit cards business in Australia directly, as well as through third-party retail alliances. HSBC’s credit card receivables increased by 18.5% in the first half of 2010, double the rate of the overall credit card market, and we are focused on continuing this growth. Our advantage in this sector comes from the Group’s global experience and scale in credit cards (100 million customers worldwide) which allow us to drive efficiencies through common systems and propositions.”

Mr. Walker’s predecessor in the credit cards management role was Keith Lewis, who will now manage sales and services for the personal financial services division.

Source: http://www.hsbc.com.au