webgum

Sorry if I'm asking a much repeated question - I've done a couple of searches and can't find what I'm looking for..........

Anyone out there with a Aussie Credit card who is a non-resident (ie. 457 visa holder). I keep looking at application forms for cards but they all demand that you tick a box saying you are a resident.

I bank with the National and haven't approached them yet as to waiving this bit of the form, but I am keen (obviously, in the bank-charge mad country) to get a good deal on my credit card.

Ideas or experiences please peeps!

Siren & Brian

I've done the research a little while ago and the ONLY (reputable) bank I found that gives credit to non PR people is Bank West

BUT...

You do need to be a resident (or a student I think). Sorry

I've not seen a single one that offers credit to a non-resident.


Siren

brisnick

i got one with the commonwealth bank when i was on a 457 back in 2002. they refused me at first because i was a non-resident, but i had a whinge and said that their form only asked if you were a permanent resident but didn't say you had to be. they then gave me the card :-)

webgum

Thanks - bugger!

Siren & Brian

Ooooh so maybe a good whinge will win you that card after all

Siren

webgum

I am the queen of moaners (hmm sounds a bit dodgy!) so maybe I'll try that tactic.

Mandyisere

I applied for a credit card within a couple of months of being on a 457 and got accepted immediately, this was with the Commonwealth, now I just need to pay it off.
Thanks
Mandy

webgum

Thanks Mandy, I don't suppose you remember any resident bit on the form. It seems to be a standard box. Do you bank with them as well?

Mandyisere

Yes I bank with them too and as I just shown them how long my visa was for and my credit card is due to expire that same month, they said if i get PR or an extension on the visa the card will just be extended to go along with it.
Mandy

webgum

Perfect - that's my monday morning job sorted out then. I'll just have to bin the cards with better rates.
Thanks for your help.

klmar

Is it possible to open an Aus bank account BEFORE ARRIVAL , if so with whom (preferably Melbourne based)??

andrew63

I am on a 457
Got a card from the National within a week of landing. No questions asked as they had my salary going in. Had a mortgage arranged too the week after.
Just applied for a Virgin card too (no annual fee) and simply ticked the perm resident bit. Just waiting now...............

Andrew

webgum

oh my cursor hovered over the resident box on the virgin one.. .... Should I shouldn't I - whats the worst they could do?

andrew63

I'll let you know!
They called me to verify "other" details without mentioning that and told me that the card will be ent out shortly.
That was about 10 days ago.
I'll let you know!

Andrew

hevs

Do a search for banking in Australia, its been done to death ABC diamond has all the details