Best Credit Card Choice for an International Student?

[Deactivated] on 02/10/2018 - 20:58

Hi everyone, I am planning to apply for a credit card and was wondering which bank would be best for me as a student. I dont know if i can even get a credit card as my expenditure is quite high relative to my income. I work part time at woolworths and earn from 450-550 depending on how much i work in a week.
I did not want to open a credit card account but some weeks it get very difficult, for example, this week, i just got paid and paid rent and now have $34 until next tuesday.
My rent is about $400 per week including all bills and i do spend quite a bit when i have some saved up.
I dont know much about credit card at all except that everyone told me not to get it. I am 22 by the way, an international student.
I dont plan on spending too much from there, just sometimes like now and will most likely pay off as soon as i get paid the next week as i cant have debt building up on top of my regular expense.

My first instinct was to go with commonwealth or macquarie as i have accounts with both atm, and i get paid into my commonwealth account, if that matters.

Thank you!

Financial Credit Card

closed Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2018 - 21:24
    +19

    Don't get one. You don't need the credit history and you don't want a credit card debt.

    • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2018 - 21:29

      even if i only use money from it in case of emergency like right now? Like I said, I have $34 in my account now and i have to live off this until next tuesday, which might be a bit difficult considering if nothing else, i will need to buy fuel some time this week. Apart from my part time job, I do photography as well but not always do i have clients and getting clients from airtasker is a hit or miss. I had a huge sum saved up until last week when i bought a new old car and spent all my emergency savings getting it serviced.
      So my main intention with the credit card would be to buy fuel during weeks like this and thats pretty much it. food and others, i can get by. i save up for bills and such beforehand so i probably wouldnt require to pay from there.

      • HighAndDry on 03/10/2018 - 16:28
        +9

        i save up for bills and such beforehand

        Obviously didn't save up for rent.

        Look - everything about this screams that you can't or don't budget. A credit card will just mean credit card debt, because a credit card is not a source of income. You don't just have a cashflow problem, you have a "too much spending not enough income" problem.

        • JoJoker on 04/10/2018 - 10:06
          +1

          It could also mean that he works hours in accordance with his student visa restrictions – less work during the semester, more hours between semesters.

          Most international students work casual jobs. Smoothing out income that isn't consistent can be a good use for a credit card as long as they forecast future earnings and budget accordingly.

          • HighAndDry on 04/10/2018 - 10:06

            @JoJoker: OP can't budget for rent!

            Otherwise I agree completely - CCs are great for cashflow issues and smoothing income.

  • Randxyz123 on 02/10/2018 - 21:33

    Commbank has a student credit card option I think.

    Unless you really need one I wouldn't do it though. I can see what you mean that you can't really do much with $34 you just need to be really careful. Maybe you need to look at another job or a cheaper house. As it seems you are earning $450 a week and then blowing it on rent.

    • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2018 - 21:39

      that pretty much sums it up. My rent is 360 per week but then theres phone and internet which is about 120 and electricity about 300 every three months, sums up to about $400 per week. Im reluctant to give up the place because I have been here for a while and as far as rent in the eastern sububrs go, this is very cheap.
      I usually just about get by most weeks with my pay. When i have bills coming up, i just work a bit more (i still have a 20 hour student visa limit) and spend less to save up. For the past few weeks, i wasnt too careful about how i spent money (spent a lot buying ozbargain things) so it kind of added up. I will recover as soon as i get paid next tuesday and i probably wouldnt even think about a credit card until i get reckless like this again and end up with less than $50 for the week.
      I thought about CC many times before (when i got into situations like this) but then i just had a hard week and recovered after and forgot about it.
      But i figured if it isnt a huge problem down the line and would help me get out of situations like this, i should consider getting one and hence i asked here.

      • trex on 02/10/2018 - 22:05
        +2

        With a credit card, there's high tendency to spend more than what you can afford. With $34 in your account, do you think it is wise to get a credit card? If you go over, interest charges can be very expensive.

        Rent is basically money down the drain as you don't get any long term benefit from it. If I were in you, I would look to reduce my rent by renting a room instead of a unit to myself and save as much as I can.

        • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2018 - 23:34

          what do you mean if i go over? is it the time taken to pay back the amount i take from the account? well i am not sure, but i would only use it when i need it. i only thought about getting CC because i was trying to plan out my week, and i have 1/4th tank in my car. i have to go to uni on thursday and work on fri/sat/sun. uni is about an hour drive and work about 10 minutes, it will be impossible to finish the week with the fuel that i have. i can probably still manage but itll be JUST about getting by, if i could borrow even $50 from somewhere, i would not have to worry. I dont want to borrow from anyone, therefore, CC.

          • onevstheworld on 03/10/2018 - 00:03
            +7

            @[Deactivated]: The catch is everyone starts off well intentioned like yourself, but many, many of these people still get trapped in debt despite having bigger and more consistent incomes.

            I understand your current financial situation is frustrating, but given the uncertainty of your work, it only takes an unlucky month or 2 to trap you in debt.

            • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2018 - 00:08

              @onevstheworld: what if i go for it now, use 100 dollars, pay off the next week and dont touch it until say, 2 months later when i get into a position like this or i find a crazy bargain for christmas and end up buying it with my credit card. and then i take 2/3 weeks to pay it off. and then i start earning enough from photography so i dont require CC anymore, can i just close that account and be done with it? or just you know, forget i have it until i absolutely cannot do without it?
              would the interest rate still mess me up? im just trying to understand the core basics of CC

              • onevstheworld on 03/10/2018 - 00:27

                @[Deactivated]: That could work for you. If you are disciplined with your money, yes… it can be a very useful buffer for you.

                The point is, you have to use it with care.

                • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2018 - 00:44

                  @onevstheworld: well that is my intention with it for now. I understand how scary it can be so i will be extra cautious with it. Which bank would you recommend i go with? I have an online account with macquarie and commonwealth and i work at woolies (because i saw a while ago some deal on woolies CC).

                  • cwongtech on 03/10/2018 - 00:53

                    @[Deactivated]:

                    then i take 2/3 weeks to pay it off

                    It's usually two-three weeks from statement closing date to full payment required (to not be charged interest).
                    Say for example, my credit card bill comes in on the 30th of every month (lets say July)
                    Payment is required on the 15th of the next month (August) for all purchases up to 30th of the previous month (July).
                    Purchases made from 1st of August until the 31st of August are then required to be paid off by the 15th of September.
                    So and and so forth.

              • HighAndDry on 03/10/2018 - 16:29

                @[Deactivated]: If you couldn't even budget for rent, you're not going to be able to budget to pay off your CC every month.

          • matt_will_fix_it on 03/10/2018 - 10:34

            @[Deactivated]: How did you get to uni before buying the car? Don't fill up the car and take public transport.

            • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2018 - 16:20

              @matt_will_fix_it: i used to go to unsw before so it was a 10 minute bus ride from here but then switched to WSU and by bus it takes about $11 everyday each way. Ends up being cheaper by car.

  • cypher67 on 02/10/2018 - 21:35
    +4

    Can you please explain why your rent is $400 a week?

    • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2018 - 21:40

      i live in eastlakes in a 2 bedroom unit by myself. the rent is 360 because the unit is quite old and broken down but not totally trashed. My phone bill is 63 and internet is 60. usually my electricity is around 290-300 every 3 months

      • brokenglish on 02/10/2018 - 22:36
        +10

        You need to move, $360pw to stay in an old unit is very very expensive.
        At $400pw I can easily find a newly built 3BR apartment with FTTP NBN that is also very close to everything (supermarket, train station, shopping mall, etc.)
        Why is your phone bill $63? When I was a student I used amaysim $10/month with free calls & text and I am still using this.
        Your electricity is way too expensive for a student.

        • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2018 - 22:49

          this is area is genenrally considered quite expensive because its about 6km from city and has a lot of nearby beaches. my neighbors pay upwards of $450 in same sized unit but renovated. I looked for studio units in my area but they are about the same price as well and more trashed actually. And I really dont want to share with anyone. phone bill is for a plan with phone included. electricity is still quite conservative considering im very aware of what electronics i have on and generally for an old unit with old water heaters and such, it isnt too bad.
          But of course, all of these add up significantly and im lucky to have a $100 after paying for everything in my account for spending or saving.

          • brokenglish on 02/10/2018 - 22:53
            +12

            @[Deactivated]: LOL I would be very happy to give you a credit card if I am a bank.
            You're the perfect target market for this.

            • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2018 - 22:55

              @brokenglish: pardon my ignorance but why is that? im still very lost in the world of CC. every time i ask someone about it, all they say is DONT GET IT.

              • HighAndDry on 03/10/2018 - 16:30
                +12

                @[Deactivated]: Because, to put it bluntly, YOU SUCK WITH MONEY. Why the hell are you in a TWO bedroom apartment, near beaches in a good suburb, WHEN YOU DON"T HAVE MONEY FOR FOOD?

            • cypher67 on 02/10/2018 - 22:56

              @brokenglish: Depends if he is a flight risk, bank obviously want you paying on the interest but its a pure lose if they don't pay it back at all.

            • emoticon on 04/10/2018 - 11:51

              @brokenglish: Rule of Acquisition #22: A wise man can hear profit in the wind.

          • cypher67 on 02/10/2018 - 22:55
            +5

            @[Deactivated]: We all want independence etc but at this stage of your life, you are living pay by pay and you really should find somewhere cheaper or a shared house. Whilst in Uni I payed $150 and that included my share of electricity and internet etc. I know your thread was about getting a credit card, but you really need to start looking into your lifestyle choice and building up some buffer on the bank balance so you don't need a credit card.

            • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2018 - 23:03

              @cypher67: my plan was to pay bills and rent from my day job and save from my photography business. but i have not been able to advertise too well and have earned about $1,0000 from it only since i started doing it officially from January of this year. I was hopeful that i would have a steady income from photography but getting clients have been very difficult. pay is good when i get clients but getting them is where i am struggling.

          • ThePasserby on 03/10/2018 - 12:42

            @[Deactivated]: Do you turn off the water heater when you are not about to go for a shower?

            • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2018 - 16:20

              @ThePasserby: im not even sure i can do that? its all tucked away under the sink

        • Thrawn on 02/10/2018 - 23:03

          $360pw is very cheap for Sydney for a 2-bedder. But it still doesn't make sense if you're scraping by. I know a Macquarie Bank employee living in a shared 2-bed apartment in the same suburb. Macbank is reknown as the "Millionaire's Factory".. so you get the idea.

          Electricity is about right for a 2-bed. $60/week for internet is ridiculous.. should be $70/month max and even that is probably not justifiable unless you're a serious internet videos addict.

          • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2018 - 23:30

            @Thrawn: oh nah its 60 per month so its usually $123 per month for internet and phone bills together with optus. if i take all my bills and then its about 400 weekly all combined.
            i would not mind staying in a smaller place as long as i dont have to share but in my area, even studio units have the same rent so figured its best if i can try to earn money with my extra bed room without getting a flat mate. I had one for about 3 weeks and he was happy to pay $250/week but had to move because he was going to uni in macquarie. current plan is to make it into a full time studio and earn about that much per week to offset not having a flat mate.

            • Tnetennba on 03/10/2018 - 12:16
              +6

              @[Deactivated]: Something you don't want to hear.. you need to stop looking in your area and move somewhere much cheaper. You cannot afford that much rent on your income. Full stop. You might not like it, but you might have to either get someone else into your current place and halve your rent, or move into a share house. I hardly see any other option. Living alone in your situation is a luxury.

              A credit card is not a solution to your current problem. Lowering your massive rent is the main thing.

              Stop reading between the lines, people are telling you not to get a credit card and the moment someone says "it could help but try moving first" the only thing you take away from that is "which bank should I go with?"

              • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2018 - 16:21
                +3

                @Tnetennba: i understand and i have decided against getting a CC.

            • HighAndDry on 03/10/2018 - 16:31
              +3

              @[Deactivated]: You have a lot of PLANS to make income. But not actually a lot of income. Stop spending as though you're making a lot of income.

        • heyitsmeguys on 04/10/2018 - 13:25

          clearly you're not familiar with Sydney, Eastern Suburbs area. $360 for a 2 bedder is actually very cheap.

      • bazingaa on 02/10/2018 - 22:45
        +1

        Why do you need 2 bedrooms? Isn't it more viable to more move to a shared house to save money on rent? Also you can save on mobile by switching to a cheaper option

        • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2018 - 22:59

          i shopped around for a mobile plan and this was a pretty cheap option when i got it last year in april with iphone 7. it had 25% off friends and family discount from optus and my brother works there. if i got the same plan without the phone it would have been around $35-$40.
          i still live in this unit because i am unable to live in a shared place. my work is about 5 minutes drive from home and theres a shopping mall with woolies 5 mins walk from home. city is close and loads of beaches nearby. I dont mind staying in a smaller place if i can find it in my area, but even studio units in my area start from 350-380 and theyre in worse condition than my current place.

          • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2018 - 00:14
            +5

            @[Deactivated]:

            in april with iphone 7.

            A student doesn't need an iPhone 7. An outright purchase of a basic smart phone on a belong $10/month plan may have been more suitable.

            • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2018 - 00:17
              -5

              @[Deactivated]: that is true, however i was looking at used iphone 6s at that time and this came out to be cheaper than those.

          • HighAndDry on 03/10/2018 - 16:32
            +3

            @[Deactivated]:

            i am unable to live in a shared place

            bullsh*t.

      • Randxyz123 on 02/10/2018 - 23:28

        Ok… put the other room on flatmates.

        I don’t know Sydney and I know it’s expensive but what you’re doing sounds a bit shit and depressing.

        Unfortunately the banks will prey on you. They’ll offer you deals and try and lure you in.

        The way banks make money is by people not paying their card on time and having to pay interest.

        Seriously I recommend you move or just get a flat mate. It’ll be annoying but you’ll save $180 a week that you can save or put towards a trip.

        As for getting your photography business going, make a new post where I’m sure people will be able to offer some tips.

        • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2018 - 23:43

          I had a flatmate and he paid $250 per week for three weeks before he moved. It was like getting free money from nowhere and i loved it buttt i really did not like sharing one bit. HAH..it is pretty depressing. I feel like i would much rather go through this pain and live by myself than have to suffer having a flatmate but be financially free, if that makes sense? I just have a lot of issues with sharing. I dont know, but it is a very difficult concept for most people to understand. I just cannot do it.
          I have been living alone like this since July last year, and i have had many weeks like this week, i even had weeks where i didnt even have enough to pay rent, so had to wait and then pay off together. I had weeks when i had $2 after paying rent for the whole week ahead, but i got by. So it isnt something i havent been able to do. As to why i do it, well, i would love to find a cheaper smaller place but there are simply none in my area. So i thought about offsetting my expense by earning more from photography but unfortunately that hasnt gone too well. But i am still trying.
          So until i can figure out my business to make enough to not have to worry, i thought id have a CC so i could use it in case of emergencies like this. I have family living here but I HATE asking for help and id much rather deal with it all by myself.

          • Ghosteye on 03/10/2018 - 11:00

            @[Deactivated]: If you want more money in your bank, you are going to need to make some sacrifices.

            Your Uni lifestyle isn't going to last forever, so why not just hunker down and not dig yourself a convenient yet dangerous hole with a cc?

          • Randxyz123 on 03/10/2018 - 13:34

            @[Deactivated]: Yes flatmates are annoying. From Leaving dishes everywhere to being loud and in your face when you want some me time. Living alone is much better…However from what you’ve described your lifestyle at the moment is not sustainable. $34 is not enough to live on. It’s not enough if you are sick and have to stay home from work and don’t get paid,

            Does your brother live with friends ? Can you eat at his place or other family members’ place to save some $?

            Do you absolutely need a car ?

            This thread is going way off topic but you need to cull what you don’t need and stay the hell off eBay and don’t buy stuff you don’t need.

            • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2018 - 16:24

              @Randxyz123: i do need a car because i work night shifts and there arent any transport available at that time. My siblings live far away so it isnt viable to go there for meals. I save plenty on food as i buy my grocery for less than half price from my shop. think all discounted woolies item, only cheaper and only for employees. I spend $5 on meat and that usually buys me 2/3 kilos of chicken or beef mince and more than good enough to last a long while

          • HighAndDry on 03/10/2018 - 16:33
            +5

            @[Deactivated]:

            but there are simply none in my area.

            What about not in your area? You obviously have a car. There's public transport. You don't have enough for food and you're caring about living close to the beach. WTF.

  • Nutrino on 02/10/2018 - 21:38

    Please explain how you "spend quite a bit"?

    • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2018 - 21:41

      most of the time i have about 100-150 left in my account after paying rent and if there isnt any bills coming up, i spend it extras like bargains on ebay and so on. otherwise i keep it all and only spend on essentials like food and transport.

  • Ughhh on 02/10/2018 - 21:56
    +4

    Low income + unstable casual job + no savings + International student who could run away…

    Your best bet is with your existing bank, for a student cc. Don't bother with platinum etc type of cards.

    • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2018 - 22:50

      whats the catch with credit cards? why is it something everyone suggests against? for example, if i do acquire one, i would probably only use it in case of emergencies such as this, fuel up for a 100 bucks or so and then i will probably pay off the next time i get paid so in a week or two, what could potentially still hurt me in the long run?

      • cwongtech on 02/10/2018 - 23:55

        whats the catch with credit cards? why is it something everyone suggests against? for example, if i do acquire one, i would probably only use it in case of emergencies such as this, fuel up for a 100 bucks or so and then i will probably pay off the next time i get paid so in a week or two, what could potentially still hurt me in the long run?

        If you think you will be able to pay off the $100 amount within a month or so, credit cards are very useful to bridge the gap between current expenditure and different paycycles (for example, companies will do weekly, fortnightly and monthly pay cycles).
        The long run is the annual fee.
        If used correctly credit cards can be very useful. However they are extremely easy to abuse.

        • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2018 - 00:05

          i get paid weekly, and usually when i have weeks like this, i pretty much always recover by the next. I just make sure i work all of my 20 hours i can and go over. Internet and phone bills arent always due and rent is due fortnightly so when i get paid next week, I will keep part of the money for rent and spend what i have for phone and internet bill and whatever else i have is for fuel and such. the week after, i will have my rent due but no other bills so it would be more than fine for the next few.
          The only time i get into situations like this is when i spend a bit too much during the no bill weeks and when they are due i kind of have just about enough to pay those and not much left, that why i wanted the credit card.

      • Ughhh on 03/10/2018 - 09:42
        +1

        My comment wasn't based on whats the catch, but rather your chance of being approved by a bank.

        CC are basically seen and calculated like a loan. Just because you apply, doesn't mean the bank has to give it to you.

        Applying for cards which you have no chance of getting will further prevent you from getting a card.

        • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2018 - 16:25

          thanks for letting me know, i didnt know the differences and actually did not understand them. at the momemnt, i have decided agaisnt getting a CC

      • HighAndDry on 03/10/2018 - 16:34

        if i do acquire one, i would probably only use it in case of emergencies such as this

        You think this, but hahahahahahahahaha. Good luck.

  • Yoo on 02/10/2018 - 22:05

    Your rent is way too high! Just imagine you don't get your 20 hours shift for a week or 2 and you can't pay your rent anymore. I used to be an international student and I was struggling with just $200 rent already. You can get a credit card from CBA but you just gonna put yourself in a bad situation if you don't manage better your money.

    • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2018 - 22:54

      had those times last year when i was a casual and during christmas time, all my shifts got cancelled and it was a nightmare, some weeks i got about a $100. i couldnt pay rent or spend on anything else. but thankfully my landlord is nice enough, so once i had worked enough to get that much, i paid it off at once.
      I am planning on really focusing on my photography business so i can make more stable income from it. right now, its very quiet. i have turned my second bedroom into a photography studio and hoping to make enough money from there as if i have a flatmate.

      • Yoo on 02/10/2018 - 23:18

        That's sounds good. Good luck with that! Do you have any website/fb page? Maybe we can give it a like :)

        • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2018 - 23:26

          i do have an incomplete website and fb and insta pages that i havent updated in a very long time, and i wonder why i havent been getting clients. All the clients i have had so far either came from gumtree or jobs i got from airtasker.

          https://www.instagram.com/cfaraphotos/

          https://www.facebook.com/cFaraPhotos/

          Thanks for the kind words, i really appreciate it!

          I have been quite busy with day job and assignments but i plan on really focusing on this from next week or so. maybe design some business cards, make some fliers and stick it to mall boards.

  • cwongtech on 02/10/2018 - 23:49

    I dont know much about credit card at all except that everyone told me not to get it. I am 22 by the way, an international student.

    A credit card can be a very powerful financial tool if used properly (it's $100-$400 for a short term loan to the value of your credit card limit)
    It can also be a very crippling tool for those who do not manage finances well.
    If you pay off the closing balance in full every statement, you do not get charged interest.

    My phone bill is 63 and internet is 60.

    Together phone and internet is $123.
    If you are living alone, is there any reason why you cannot combine both?
    I.e. large data plan on a sim card and mobile hotspot to provide internet to your computer?

    Can you provide details on your phone and internet arrangement so we may assist in reducing your monthly spend on this?
    I'm guessing you are on a contract for a phone included as well, how many months you are in on your contract (if applicable), and how your current internet arrangement is setup.
    $35 a month for 30GB with unlimited calls text and some international minutes

    You can use discounted egift cards as well to reduce grocery spending and travel costs.
    Pretty effortless method to reduce necessary spending.

    • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2018 - 00:00

      How long do I have until I have to pay it back? Like I said, I only plan on using it in case of emergency. So i most likely wont go over $100 or so and pay off in 1 or 2 weeks.

      I use about 50-60GB internet from my ADSL line and have 10GB for phone that i use when im out and also for GPS.
      I never actually thought about getting a larger package and combining it both, and i figured since i have quite a few devices here and there, doing hotspot may not workout too well.
      My phone plan also inlcludes 300 min international call but i barely ever use more than 100 of it.

      I did use wish gift cards before but then i stopped because more often than not, i cannot buy the $50 egift out right and my food shopping expense is very low, and as a woolies team member, i get 5% off anyway and i usually spend $5-$10 depending on how much i need to stock up and how much my bank account allows me.

      I do try to save up a lot here and there (thanks to ozbargain) but I also do end up spending A LOT of money (thanks to ozbargain)

      • cwongtech on 03/10/2018 - 00:22

        I use about 50-60GB internet from my ADSL line and have 10GB for phone that i use when im out and also for GPS.

        So on average around 80GB at most.
        If you can find a cheap old phone, combine with a cheap Xiaomi Wifi Amplifier, you can reduce your
        For the effort of activating a few sim cards per month.
        My family is running off cheap kogan sim cards because the internet speed from our ADSL2+ is so bad and undstable.
        Literally it's old phone permanently powered, Xiaomi Wifi amplifier (bought for $9), and a promotion kogan sim ($1-$5) for 32GB.

        How long until your visa runs out? (Scope of how long you will be staying in Australia)

        • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2018 - 00:28
          1. isnt there any issue if i keep on activating sims on sims on sims on my name?
          • mysterytal on 03/10/2018 - 00:38

            @[Deactivated]: No problem at all.

            You can have as many services as you want.

            There's a limit of 5 active services without providing full identification documents but provide the documents and you can have more.

            • cwongtech on 03/10/2018 - 00:48
              +2

              @mysterytal:

              There's a limit of 5 active services without providing full identification documents but provide the documents and you can have more.

              I always tick "No I do not have more than 5" :)
              No issues.
              I must have at least 20 depleted sims under my name by now..

  • onevstheworld on 02/10/2018 - 23:56

    I'm going to agree with everyone else and say your rent is way too high, and it doesn't sound like you get any financial support from parents. A rule of thumb is your housing should not make up more than 30% of income… above that, it's officially considered mortgage/rent stress.

    I wish you well for your photography venture, but a flatmate is a more reliable way to reduce expenditure… also means you don't have to take a 2nd job to distract you from studies.

    • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2018 - 00:01

      well, my parents are paying for my tuition. I am expected to slowly save and help out but with my current earning, that has not been possible and of course it doesnt go well with them either.

      • onevstheworld on 03/10/2018 - 00:21
        +1

        Then you owe it to them to give your studies the best effort you can… not take a 2nd or 3rd job. After all, it's easier to save a dollar than it is to earn one.

  • Iam12 on 03/10/2018 - 06:30
    +4

    I always think these threads can't be real and are just a troll trying to rile people up but apparently its as real as they come.

    Some weeks you're saving $50 from your payslip and you want to get a credit card? That's not including travel to & from school, unexpected costs etc? At 22 years old?

    • HighAndDry on 03/10/2018 - 16:38
      +4

      Also has parents paying for his tuition but wants to go with his photography "business". Also staying in a 2-bedroom apartment close to beaches because they "can't share"… or apparently live anywhere else. Also can't budget for rent, but is convinced they can pay back the credit card every month.

      Hahahahahahahahahaha. Looking forward to many more entertaining threads from OP.

  • lunartemis on 03/10/2018 - 06:58
    +1

    I was an international student about 15 years ago and not sure if the rules have changed since then but i had to indicate if I was a permanent resident of Australia or not in all the credit card application forms I looked at.

    The only reason I user my CC is if I have enough in my savings and want to delay the payment so it accumulates as much interests without spending it and then pay it off.

    • malich on 03/10/2018 - 11:03
      +2

      Yep, pretty unlikely to get approved for any credit as an international student.

  • spacemansam on 03/10/2018 - 07:05

    If you are living expenses are that high for a student with a variable income…I probably wouldn't rush into getting a credit card.

    Consider reducing your living expenses first? Live slightly further out for cheaper rent? Compare electricity prices? Cheaper internet? I live 12km from Melbourne in a 3BR house with my husband and my electricity is $150 a quarter and home phone/internet is $50 for500GB

    You need to consider the long game….is your current situation sustainable? If not, you may be living above your means.

    I know you say this is an 'emergency only' card, but the fact you only have $34 in your account now tells me that 'emergencies' are likely to come often. This may potentially pile up and become bigger than Ben Hur. Everyone on this thread is just concerned for you cause you sound like exactly what a credit card company would love! Please just be careful!

    • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2018 - 16:30
      +1

      Yes, that is the fear. I used to be in situations like this a lot more often last year especially around this time when my shifts started to drop due to slowness at work, i work at an online warehouse and how much work we do depends on how much people order from woolies online. But in the past 6 months or so, this has happened only once. because i had some emergency savings from photography and wasnt in a spot where i needed to borrow money to get by for the week.
      I will try to see if theres a way to reduce my regular bills, its something i didnt think too much about, thought they were the normal bills i had to pay. Other than that, moving would mean i would have to change my job and my current work is quite flexible, its a 24/7 store and for a student that is a very big deal. I get a lot of extra pay due to penalty rates for the night.
      Thanks a lot for the advice!

  • ClawShrimp on 03/10/2018 - 07:36
    +4

    A few things not adding up here.

    Your living expenses, e.g. rent, phone, internet, and electricity, are all higher than they should be. Electrity I cannot comment on specifically, but the other three are all choices you’ve made that weren’t fiscally responsible. There are plenty of cheaper internet and phone plans (with handset) out there, and the area you’re renting in is clearly beyond your means.

    You also say you earn between $450 and $550 from your regular job at Woolworths, and suplement this income with photography. Assuming you’re being paid close to minimum wage, it sounds like you’re already working your maximum 40 hours per fortnight at Woolworths. Did you know that your photography work also counts towards this limit too? Be very careful, because the last thing you want is to lose your visa and receive a 3 year ban from Australia.

    My advice? Move house and downgrade your phone and internet plans (or consolidate the two). And DON’T get a credit card. You will regret it.

    If you can’t afford to save, you won’t be able to afford credit card repayments. It’s that simple.

  • Baysew on 03/10/2018 - 09:57
    +4

    It is unlikely that you will be approved, as a non-permanent resident.

    Credit cards for temporary residents

    • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2018 - 16:33

      hmm that doesnt look too good for me, but i have decided against getting one so it is fine i suppose

      • HighAndDry on 03/10/2018 - 16:39
        +2

        Oh thank god. That should bring your 'average good decisions per week' up at least.

  • Ace26 on 03/10/2018 - 12:05

    Don't do it. Summer break is coming up. Work more and save more (when 20 hour limit doesn't apply). There are plenty of casual jobs to be had. Aim to have 2-3k buffer in the bank to ride out the next demister or until next summer break.

    Also see if you can move closer to uni and save some money on rent. Lastly if required dump the car and use public transport.

    Trust ozb, this is how everyone gets into the debt trap.

    • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2018 - 16:34

      yep, thats why i thought to ask here before diving in. what kind of jobs would you recommend for a short period of time? i was under the impression that most companies dont hire too many people because its just a pain to train them and for them to leave after 2 months because obviously when my 20 hour restriction comes back on, i cant have 2 jobs.

  • Flanders on 03/10/2018 - 12:21
    +8

    and i do spend quite a bit when i have some saved up.

    This is your REAL issue. When you have money saved up, you spend big, instead of thinking, well my rent is due next week, maybe I should this extra $$ for a rainy day etc.
    I would suggest start a 2nd bank account, when you have a bit extra saved up, put some into separate account for when you are having a bad week, you can withdraw some (not all) from your rainy day fund (second account) .
    Also, when you get paid and have some extra $$ "saved up" it is good to think rationally and realistically, I remind myself "Im not rich, this money has to last me" instead of how many others think , ie 'Im rich today, cos I just got paid and have ×$$ in my pocket etc …. Then those ppl always are the ones telling me they are broke a few days later.
    For example, I have a fixed income of about the same as yourself $450 per week, I know that my rent is about $120 week, electric and essentials like detergent, toothpaste, toilet paper,petrol etc maybe add to $50 week, $450-$120-$50= $280 left for a week. $280 divided by 7days of the week, means I have roughly $40 each day, to spend on food and whatever else I want. I dont think, wow I've paid my bills, I have $280 left, and then just blow the $$ in couple of days. I spend equally on all days basically and 'payday' is not important to me in my spending pattern. It is just another day.
    1 way I found which really seemed to help me, when I had bad spending habbits like you seem to have, is I used willpower and forced myself to not spend on 'payday' . Then when I would wake up the day after payday, I would still have 100% of my pay for that week/fortnight :) . I was splurging a 'payday' so just waiting till 1 day after to begin spending, helped me considerably .

    • codinghelloworld on 03/10/2018 - 13:39

      You clearly finish 'Barefoot investor', don't you :D

  • enzioFirenze on 03/10/2018 - 12:22
    +2

    you said your uni is like 1hr drive away? So I'm assuming it's either USyd Lidcomb campus, MQ or UWS? in that case, why don't you move somewhere closer to the uni? Eastern suburbs are very expensive

  • potm on 03/10/2018 - 12:53
    +2

    Struggling to meet your expenses is not a good reason to get a credit card! You will likely end up spending more and incurring interest.
    Only think about credit cards once you have your finances under control and can use them as a tool to benefit you instead of the bank.

  • onevstheworld on 03/10/2018 - 12:59
    +4

    You need to re-prioritize:
    0. Don't apply for a CC… from Baysew's link, you probably don't qualify anyway, and a rejection makes your credit score worse.
    1. Make sure you cover essential living expenses first - this is power, water, food and shelter… nothing more. Phone, internet, car and Eastern suburb beaches are not essential.
    2. Make sure you do well in your studies - this is the whole point of you coming to Aus, and is your gateway to greater earning potential… f- it up and you'll waste the money your parents are investing in you, and potentially screwing up the rest of your life. Do your parents have the financial ability to keep you in uni if you are held back a year? I've seen it personally with family and friends who were bright, but completely wasted their potential and money. (If you can't tell, I'm particularly bitter about this point)
    3. Reduce your unnecessary expenses - get a prepaid phone instead of a plan, you don't seem to use up your quotas anyway. You can potentially get rid of internet and use your uni network whenever you need more connectivity than your phone provides.
    4. Move closer to your uni and get a job nearby there, then get rid of your car. Why do you need to live near the beaches? I initially assumed you went to UNSW (thus living nearby there), but clearly you don't, and an hour's drive to uni is ridiculous. Driving 10 minutes to work is just as ridiculous… that's bike-able or bus-able. You're ignoring all the other expenses that comes with a car…. rego, insurance, parking, tolls, maintenance, depreciation. Train/bus/Uber/Goget/Car-next-door when you need to go further away.
    5. Share a house with others - suck it up. You may not be comfortable with this, but that is exactly the reason to do it… learning to interact/negotiate/communicate with others is essential in this day and age when computers can do all the analytical work. Plus, being outside your comfort zone is a great way to learn any skill in life. To make it easier on yourself, share with friends instead of strangers. This is coming from someone who's shared with anywhere between 2-6 people during my uni and early working life… it's not that bad, and you'll likely end up with friends for life.
    6. If photography is your passion and you feel it will materially contribute to your income, by all means, go ahead. But don't let it interfere with your main purpose (education). Also, I assume you're being paid in cash… be careful of that… ATO frowns on undeclared income, and I'm not sure how this works with student visas.
    7. OzBargain isn't a saving strategy. By paying $8 instead of $10 on something that isn't essential, you're still less $8. Cheap is still expensive if you can't afford it.

    /end rant

    (Bonus 8.) There are some really good books that have changed my philosophy on money for the better… the Millionaire Next Door (Thomas Stanley) and Rich Dad, Poor Dad (Robert Kiyosaki) are the ones I can personally recommend.

  • codinghelloworld on 03/10/2018 - 13:31
    +1

    I know my answer is not specified for CC, the question you ask, but in short, I would say: NEVER GET IT. That's the trap from the bank try to get people in debt and pay huge interest rate. That's the subject you will not never be taught at school, the life will teach you that subject desperately.

    My advice here: cut off your expense.
    - Move to shared room. If you would like to have privacy, rent a private room, about $180-220 in Redfern, including electric bills. You don't have to worry about paying bills anymore. Also for internet, shared room has free internet, too.
    - Phone: as someone said, amaysim 10$ unlimited calls and texts, this plan is targeted budget persons.
    - Car: which university you are studying, it should have bus system for students. As a student, I not recommend you to have a car. Why? Rego, insurance, maintenance will eat up your savings.
    - You want to go to the beach? how many times you go to the beach each week, you spend most time in Uni, most time to study in Lib, most time to self study in your room. You can take the bus or train to go to the beach on weekends.

    In short, Never get CC, cut off your expense.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2018 - 15:36
    +1

    when i was a student, i always thought those who were paying $400/wk rent were rich kids.

    i was sharing a room with 2 other mates to keep my rent share down to $100/wk.

    even after working for many years and married and have a portfolio of properties, i still wouldnt pay $400/wk just for 1 person right now..

    learn to live consevatively as a student or you will end up in a repetitive cycle of money issues.

  • HighAndDry on 03/10/2018 - 16:27
    +1

    I did not want to open a credit card account but some weeks it get very difficult, for example, this week, i just got paid and paid rent and now have $34 until next tuesday.

    A credit card won't solve this problem - especially if you have high expenditure relative to income, you'll just find yourself in a lot of debt. Work on budgeting skills first, then worry about credit.

  • Fier2 on 03/10/2018 - 16:47

    You shouldn t apply for a credit card as it look like you have some serious problem with budgeting. First, you should reduce you rent by either do a share house or find a housemate tosplit the bill. Second, you should choose between internet at home or mobile phone. And stop thinking that because mum and dad are paying tuition you should overspending

  • d39833 on 03/10/2018 - 17:31
    +1

    I earn 150+ and still spend $150 for rent, $30 for phone, $25 for internet and drive a 6k Honda.
    Your spending way too much! I share my apartment btw

  • KBZ on 03/10/2018 - 17:39

    Your parents pay for your education and youre doing a disservice to them and yourself living on the edge like you do.
    You have a huge luxury living near a beach in a unit all to yourself. Doesnt make any sense as a uni student at all.

  • leoorange3107 on 03/10/2018 - 20:29

    Rent one of your room out to get extra income

  • jimbobaus on 03/10/2018 - 22:00

    Putting aside all the comments above.
    You are not a perm resident, you are ineligible for a credit card.

  • burningrage on 03/10/2018 - 22:19

    Not true. I had one with NAB when I was international student.

  • darecool on 03/10/2018 - 23:59
    +1

    I used to live in eastern suburb when i was international student earning about how much you are on now, sometimes less. But I had housemates and able to push my rent to $200/week plus bills (extra $10 per week). I bought $500 phone outright through savings and use $30 prepaid sim card per month. Always cooked at home, meals at less than $5 per serving.

    Now I am earning six digits and still have housemates (though paying more in rent as I rent newer apt). Would never pay as much as you do.

    My point is renting without contributing housemate is a complete luxury. You can literally save $200/week by not doing anything. Just keep to your room, I used to eat in front of my computer watching movies. It was a struggle but I am proud that I could survived that and I was happy then. It is all life skills

  • Sofie519 on 04/10/2018 - 02:35
    +1

    The reason why most users are warning you against getting a credit card, is that you are more likely to fall into a debt spiral than be able to have the financial discipline to be able to keep everything under control. Most people apply for the credit card with better intentions than yours, and think they have things under control before they even realise they are already in a debt spiral. You are merely chapter one of the same 'drowning in debt' story.

    If you had a flatmate for 3 weeks, paying you $250 pw, then if you were prudent, you should currently have $750 in savings for such a rainy day. I can only assume you spent it on things you would not normally spend it on (e.g. a car that you didnt need). Transport costs of $11 each way for a bus ride, isn't more expensive than going by car, since you dont need to pay rego/CTP/Running/Maintenance & repair cost.

    In truth, you have already proven your lack of financial control, purely based on you inability to match expenses to income. On average, your rent takes up 80% of your income. Leaving you with about of $100pw (plus what you get from photography) to go towards everything else, including your new-used car. Living in a 2 bedroom unit, and not renting the spare bedroom out because you "don't like sharing" sounds like a major first world problem. $63 for mobile & $60 for internet per month, your finances are already out of control without the unplanned expenditures.

    If you claim you will only use the credit card to be used only in emergencies, let me tell you, fuel isn't an emergency (carpool, get a bike, scooter, or walk), online shopping & Christmas bargains are also not an emergency. You obviously already have the features of a compulsive spender, currently being kept in check by your lack of cashflow. Getting a credit card would simply be financial suicide for you. What makes you think that you wouldn't spend the entire credit card balance, over time, on things you dont need, falling into the credit trap of forever repaying the minimum monthly repayment at 20%interest, until even that becomes impossible.

    If you have plans to turn your 2nd bedroom into a studio to earn the $250pw, then stay on that path. People tend to be far more resourceful when push to their limits. As you said there has been times when you got by the rest of a week with $2, so technically your $34 should last you 17weeks, so what's the rush to get a Credit Card if not to plunge yourself in unnecessary debt.

  • kaleidoscope on 04/10/2018 - 07:07

    Cut down on expenses than accumulating debt… start wth the rent. $400 pw is far too much for a student to afford with such an income. Get a housemate to share other bedroom or move elsewhere.
    You should keep aside atleast 2-3 months rent for a difficult period than living on the edge like this. Trust me, I’ve known people who live like this and the end result always is massive cc debt.

  • scynaz on 04/10/2018 - 09:04

    You'll get rejected for a credit card with that balances, that level of expenses and no steady income.

    Just get one from your home country, maybe additional card for parents' account or something for emergencies.

    That said I'd guess you don't want your family to know you're broke.

    Credit cards can tide you over gaps of about a month but you really need self discipline or you're in a deepening financial hole.

    Know yourself. Most people can't pull off that level of self control in the system we live in and constant enticements to spend money.

    If you get one don't spend money you haven't at least invoiced already, use it to tide over payment delays.

    Bank debit cards can be used for everything even hiring cars.

    And for heaven's sake move out of that overpriced oversized dump of an apartment you're wasting money and time.

  • Zonty on 04/10/2018 - 10:07

    I would apply any credit card no annual fees, with rewards points. There are few like coles master card, and Woolworth Visa card. But check others by using Canstar credit card comparison website. Will give you best option which will suit you.
    But, i am not sure, you are 18 or not( for better credit card application) I applied during my university time and got one,but there were rejections too. Always, fix date due date in mind. Pay off closing balance earlier then due date. You will never have problem. Good luck.
    Never applied credit card, if you are unable pay closing balance.
    credit card good because, you not using own money it's stays In saving account(earn interest) and you keep earning reward pts. When it's due, simply BPay them from saving ac.
    Also, wanted let you know there is few saving accounts which give you bonus interest for new customers. When I opened account the customer service agent told me, when time is expired come back at branch and will renew bonus interest rate ( not sure he is right or not). Give shot.

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