• long running

Bendigo Bank - Ready Credit Card - $0 Annual Fee, 0% International Fee, Travel Insurance

2001
Bendigo Bank - Ready Credit Card - $0 Annual Fee, 0% International Fee, Travel Insurance
Go to Deal
E5TOQUE on 06/12/2023 - 16:40 bendigobank.com.au (12659 clicks)
Last edited 10/07/2024 - 22:35

Bendigo Bank Ready Credit Card

This is a repost from the original deal here:
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/742184/

Remember OzBargain has their Wiki here for all cards similar to Bendigo Bank's Ready Credit Card.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/wiki/cards_with_no_overseas_tra…

This card could be good for people looking to go on overseas holidays over the xmas/ new year period and beyond.
It has some advantages other cards don't have like a lower minimum credit limit, joint accounts and travel insurance.

Joint Accounts Available

Bendigo Bank support joint credit card holders.
Joint account means the credit facility is opened under two peoples names. Not many banks offer this on credit cards.
https://www.finder.com.au/joint-account-credit-cards

BSB/Account Number linked to the card

Which enables you to send fast payments directly onto the card. No need to send money in via BPAY.
Not all banks support sending fast payments via BSB/Account No, so you will need to check with your respective bank.

Other features

  • Uses the Mastercard Exchange Rate (https://www.mastercard.us/en-us/personal/get-support/convert…)
  • 0% International Fee
  • $0 Yearly Fee
  • Joint accounts available (you apparently need to go into a branch to set this up)
  • $0 Additional Card Holder Fee
  • 90 Days Travel Insurance (inc cancellation cover)
  • Extended Warranty on purchases
  • Purchase Protection on purchases
  • $3000 minimum credit limit

Bendigo Bank is also considered an 'ethical bank' with no investments in fossil fuel's according to Market Force:
https://www.marketforces.org.au/info/compare-bank-table/

Enjoy.

Financial Credit Card Insurance MasterCard Travel Insurance

Related Stores

Bendigo Bank
Bendigo Bank
MasterCard AU
MasterCard AU
Marketplace

Comments

      • Dr Phil on 14/06/2025 - 10:03

        If you have the Bankwest Zero Platinum card they dont charge an annual fee nor Forex fees so still a great card to use whilst overseas.
        Ive never had a problem using mine locally or ovreseas so highly recommended

    • AngryBlobFish on 04/12/2024 - 20:23

      I didn't have to go into a Branch at any point during my application process even though I was a new customer. It did however take 2.5 months for my application to be approved.

      • souths123 on 05/12/2024 - 07:30

        I wanted to open a savings account with them earlier this year but it said if not a current customer had to go in to open

  • burningrage on 04/12/2024 - 17:03

    Nearly 3 months application time, provisionally approved, only to be declined for really obscure reason (generic reasons). Meanwhile, I went to BankWest and that was approved and dusted within 1 week (3 days if using GPay).

  • Captain Hindsight on 04/12/2024 - 17:45
    +1

    Good luck with these guys, wait times terrible so if you’re travelling in next few months unlikely to get in time. Even a rejection takes months.

  • muwu on 04/12/2024 - 17:53

    Liked the look of this card when I did my DD last year but ended up with ING's Orange One

  • radicalvin on 04/12/2024 - 18:45

    It took me less than 3 days from application to approval. I was rejected online, so I booked a time in person with one of the branch. Make sure you have all your financial records in order, income and expenditure. Good luck 🙂

    • jaysee-teh on 04/12/2024 - 19:01

      you got rejected when you applied online, but then gets approved when you get assessed via branch ?

      • muwu on 04/12/2024 - 19:48

        Is that a question or a paraphrase?

        • jaysee-teh on 04/12/2024 - 20:27

          Question to confirm my understanding

      • radicalvin on 04/12/2024 - 20:45

        Yes that’s correct, they obviously use a conservative algorithm online which in most cases should work with no issues.

        I would still suggest to go in branch because your application can get expedited instead of waiting for the online queue

        • jaysee-teh on 04/12/2024 - 20:46

          Thank you for your confirmation

      • Dr Phil on 14/06/2025 - 10:04
        -1

        Yes! same story with me

    • burningrage on 04/12/2024 - 21:22

      Ooh. That's an idea.

  • KingJuf on 04/12/2024 - 19:02

    Had mine for around 6 months now, been pretty handy and managed to get it sorted quickly with a phone call for credit check processing. One thing that was annoying is I had to go into a branch and fill out a manual form to setup automatic direct debit. Felt like they definitely didn't want me to pay the full closing balance each month.

  • tc423 on 04/12/2024 - 19:16
    -2

    No points? What’s the point getting this card?

    • Emphasise on 04/12/2024 - 19:46
      +3

      No annual fee, free travel insurance, no international transaction fees, good card to have when traveling.

    • muwu on 04/12/2024 - 19:51

      ☝️

      And the no points (with its fees and minimum spends) can be considered one of the positives when you factor in the statistical increase in expendenditure the average person with such a CC incurs.

    • timhn on 04/12/2024 - 20:04

      What’s the point getting this card?

      This is the travel card. Apply and then put in drawer to keep for next trip overseas.

      Also this is the card to get for anyone within 6 months to their retirement.

      The BBS/account feature seems unique for a CC (also Osko-ready). Very handy for quicky top-up when you near credit limit but need to spend urgently.

  • mreddie on 04/12/2024 - 19:44
    +2

    This card sounds painful to apply for. What's the next best card, I have the Bankwest Zero currently.

    • drmarshall on 04/12/2024 - 20:32

      It is, I applied in October and have got nothing but we are working on it sms messages. I think that's the best according to the responses her for international rates and no fee.

      • applechewz on 05/12/2024 - 11:34

        I applied during the first week of October and received a call letting me know that they’re currently processing applications from the first week of September. They mentioned it will take another 2–3 weeks before they reach applications from October.

    • ippy on 04/12/2024 - 21:07

      get the bw platinum instead

  • BrownClown on 04/12/2024 - 21:12

    Long wait to get approved. Have been waiting since September after submitting all required docs. Comms from the bank have been decent with an occasional sms letting me know they haven’t forgotten me and I’m progressing through the queue.

  • donotuse on 04/12/2024 - 21:12
    +1

    The application process is more painful than applying for a Russian Permanent Residency.

  • Benzy on 04/12/2024 - 21:14

    I was planning to apply for this however I got Comm bank diamond and upgraded to ultimate to get the zero internation fees. Saves all the trouble going with this card.

    • fredblogs on 05/12/2024 - 00:11

      Thinking about doing that too, just a hassle to redo all my direct debits. Are you happy with the upgrade? Slightly less points though

      • Benzy on 05/12/2024 - 00:28

        Sorry just updated, 2 days ago. Not received card yet. So can't give you feedback.

        I already have Macquarie debit card and was looking for credit card with 0 transaction fees as had to cancel 28 degree due to monthly free.

        Thought about getting the Bendigo card but too much hassel based on comments here. Found the upgrade to the Comm Bank Ultimate card and upgrade was so easy (2 min switch in the banking website). It is the same card with 0 transaction fees so should be similar to Bendigo. Now I can only havevone card for my everyday use as well as for internation transaction.

        Let's see how it goes.

  • DontNeedThis on 04/12/2024 - 21:22
    +4

    I'm currently overseas and Commbank is ripping me off left and right. $22 for withdrawing $450 is insane. Not to mention all the exorbitant transaction fees.

    Commbank is the only bank I've ever been with. I'm switching to something else when I'm back.

    • montorola on 05/12/2024 - 10:45

      Commbank is the only bank I've ever been with

      My condolences.

    • hashtagbargain on 06/12/2024 - 00:56

      Same, had this happen last month. Complained to them and said these fees are unexpected and too high. Asked them to waive it and they complied as a once off!

      • DontNeedThis on 06/12/2024 - 02:50

        What do you mean they compiled as a once off?

        • hashtagbargain on 06/12/2024 - 09:22

          They were happy to do it once, but can't be guaranteed in the future.

    • Jared17 on 07/12/2024 - 02:44

      Never be loyal to any bank. They treat their customers like peasants to suck their life savings from. Unless you are that 1 percent. Then the bank will treat you like royalty cuz you are the one sucking the money out of the peasants.

      • DontNeedThis on 07/12/2024 - 02:47

        Unfortunately, in this case, I am the peasant.

    • Hvrd on 07/12/2024 - 12:44

      they prey on new immigrants, they make themselves out to be the bank of australia

  • indomatic on 04/12/2024 - 21:27
    +1

    Anyone know if you can open an individual account and then change it to a joint after the fact?

    Getting to a branch is just a bit of hassle atm.

  • goranoh on 04/12/2024 - 22:11

    For me the process for getting this card was straight forward I went to the bank they fill all the forms after 3 days I received a email that application is approved one week after that I get the card,I used overseas as well no fees,very happy with this card.

    • freeb1e4me on 05/12/2024 - 01:04
      +1

      Are you suggesting that applying in person is faster than online? Is that because you already bank with them so you didn’t need to supply documentation?

      • goranoh on 05/12/2024 - 16:30

        Correct if you applying in person is faster than Online and in the same time you will supply all the documents like I did and everything will be done in days.

        • freeb1e4me on 05/12/2024 - 18:20

          I’m surprised they didn’t tell you to apply online. Most banks try not to deal with customers if they don’t have to.

          What documentation did you have to supply?

  • Ave Maria on 05/12/2024 - 01:20

    I applied on 28th September, still waiting in the approval queue. Not likely to be buying Christmass presents or anything else with this card (it ain't arrving any time this year).

  • perthhunter on 05/12/2024 - 10:27

    not recommended - very slow and painful application process

  • montorola on 05/12/2024 - 10:46

    So I was approved for a 3k limit, but I'd like to raise it to something higher to prevent maxing out.

    Apparently you gotta go through the whole application process again!!

  • Silmo on 06/12/2024 - 10:46

    With all the benefit, this sounds like one of the best or if not the best credit cards for those who want to avoid yearly fees however, it requires 0% charge on international transactions.

    Tho, thanks to Ozbargain, we discovered that it's a pain to get the approval. Even for those who have high credit scores.

  • Ave Maria on 07/12/2024 - 11:37

    Do not do business with this sorry excuse of a bank. After 10 weeks of waiting, and providing all required documents from day 1 they rejected my application.
    In the mean time AMEX, COLES, VIRGIN, Bankwest accepted my application next day.

    "Thanks for applying for a Bendigo Ready Credit Card. Unfortunately, we can't approve your application as it did not meet our credit eligibility guidelines."

    • Nom on 08/12/2024 - 20:03

      Have you asked them exactly what the eligibility guidelines are ?
      "Secret" rules are infuriating !!

      • Ave Maria on 09/12/2024 - 01:18

        No need to ask. If you apply and get another credit card while waiting for Bendigo to look at your application, they will reject your applications as not meeting their credit eligibility guidelines when 10 weeks later they do an illion enquiry and find out you have obtained other credit cards. I know that because I checked my illion record and they made an enquiry on the 7/12/2024 (same day they rejected me) - that was Saturday! When I applied (28th September) I only had the Macquarie Black Card that I was planning to cancel as soon as I had another card to replace it with. While Bendigo was on the slow train, I appied and got apppoved for other cards next day. My advice is go for BankWest or Coles (MasterCard), VIRGIN (VISA) or even AMEX. It is not a crime to hold all 3 credit cards. I had and used them all in the past but chosen to just keep one 3 years ago & the reason I had to apply again. Unfortunately some banks will look at the sum of all your available credit lines (even if none is used) and rejections is the immediate outcome - easier to reject than follow up with the applicant to clarify.

        • YesPleaseThankYou on 09/12/2024 - 07:39

          Unfortunately some banks will look at the sum of all your available credit lines (even if none is used)

          I'm not sure you understand how credit assessment works.

          All credit providers will consider your total available credit, even if the balance is zero. This is because you have the credit available to you and you could use it at any time.

        • Nom on 09/12/2024 - 10:41

          While Bendigo was on the slow train, I appied and got apppoved for other cards next day.

          Right, so obviously your application was rejected - I think you need to go and read up about credit serviceability.

          Unfortunately some banks will look at the sum of all your available credit lines (even if none is used) and rejections is the immediate outcome

          Yes, that's what every bank does - that's how credit approval works 🤷🏼‍♂️

          They have various formulas and various levels of care between them, so the exact rejection level is different for every bank.

  • tqf8h on 08/12/2024 - 18:03

    Might apply for this card sometime next year, when the backlog will hopefully have cleared, and then I can close my 28 degrees. How long do you think that will take, for approval times to take about a week again?

    • Ave Maria on 09/12/2024 - 01:03
      -3

      Try 10 weeks plus, even next year. And likely to be rejected at the end if you already have other credit cards.

    • YesPleaseThankYou on 09/12/2024 - 07:41

      Why would you wait? What if the backlog is never cleared?

      Your 'logic' is hard to follow.

      • tqf8h on 09/12/2024 - 08:23

        I'll reduce my credit limit for my citibank card once the payall gets cancelled. There would be no need to keep a high limit on that card as I wouldn't really use it much. That will hopefully improve the chances of getting approval for this card

    • CodeXD on 09/12/2024 - 09:41
      +1

      Just apply for this card whenever you can. If you want to wait to close off an account then do it. No one can tell you how long it will take for approval in the future, only now.

  • applechewz on 10/12/2024 - 12:09

    Bendigo Bank CC finally approved!
    - Applied 4th October
    - Approved 10th December

    • timhn on 10/12/2024 - 22:45

      Add 2 weeks waiting for the physical card arrived - but good that you can add the digital card to your phone.

  • baagainboy on 13/12/2024 - 16:29

    Bendigo Bank CC approved.
    - Applied 12th September
    - Approved 3rd December

    Had to provide additional ATO paperwork as well. Card comes 1.5 weeks later.

    Looking at the travel insurance - I'm surprised that the coverage and benefits are quite reasonable.

  • crossgun on 15/12/2024 - 17:10
    +1

    Approval came through this morning - went from pending assessment to just straight full approval with nothing else queried or needed to provide.
    Originally applied on 12 Oct so it looks like the 2 month-ish turnaround is still the usual.

    • danzha on 15/12/2024 - 20:39

      Yep similar story here, 10 Oct - 14 Dec for me

    • hendyo on 19/12/2024 - 07:31

      Wow that's crazy, 2 whole month to assess a credit card application

  • Shonky on 02/01/2025 - 09:25
    +1

    Applied 1/11/24, received email approval and ability to add to Google Pay today. So 2 months including Christmas break. Too long really, fortunately I didn't need it for an upcoming trip or anything.

  • Dr Phil on 03/01/2025 - 11:20
    +6

    Be aware that for thier Complementary Travel Insurances
    As of 16 October 2024, Bendigo bank has placed limits on some unlimited expenses, reduced limits on others, removed some categories all together and redefined others, including adding or updating some exclusions

    The following benefits have been reduced
    Overseas medical and emergency assistance - previously UNLIMITED. now $20M
    Hospital cash allowance limited to $5,000pp
    Cancellation - previously UNLIMITED. now $50,000
    Additional expenses - previously UNLIMITED. now $30,000

    The following benefits have now been removed
    Loss of Income
    Assault requiring hospital admission
    Domestic pets
    Hijack
    Kidnap and Ransome
    Funeral expenses

    The following benefit added:
    Rental Vehicle excess up to $5,500

    The new (updated 16/10/24) Complimentary Insurance Policy Information Booklet can be downloaded here:
    https://www.bendigobank.com.au/globalassets/documents/disclo…

  • Piquant on 08/01/2025 - 10:44

    Applied 27 October. Rejected 30 December due to my "low credit rating".

  • Windows7forever on 30/01/2025 - 16:38

    Thanks

  • SlickMick on 08/02/2025 - 12:52

    I attempted 4 times to apply for this card. Every application took soooo long, and eventually ended in needing to ring to sort something out (which I didn't do).

    I ended up applying for a Bankwest Zero Platinum card and took ~ 10 minutes for application, plus an email to provide proof of income. Had an account within a day with cards on the way.
    My understanding is I am missing travel insurance, but I get that from Citibank. So figure I'm finally set for travel after cancelling 28 degrees. (Have Citibank, Up and Revolut for debit cards.)

    • tight-ass on 08/02/2025 - 14:35

      Did you receive any communications from Bendigo Bank with regards to the status of your application at all?

      I applied for one on the 22/1/25 and I received the following text message from them the very next day:

      "Hi, your Bendigo Bank credit card application has been received. An extraordinary number of applications have been submitted recently & assessment times are lengthy. If you have not uploaded the required income verification documentation, please follow the instructions on your application progression email or email your documents to ccpm@bendigoadelaide.com.au No SMS reply available."

      I also received a text message from them yesterday advising:

      "Hi, your recent Bendigo Bank credit card application is continuing to move upward in the queue. We will keep you informed of your progress. No SMS reply available.

      • SlickMick on 08/02/2025 - 15:35

        I never got that far.

        I remember what my problem was for the first 2 attempts: I saved my partial application with email and password, but used a long password.
        When I tried to get back in, I was told password can't be > 20 characters, truncating it didn't work, and no facility to change it.
        After spending another hour loading all the info, I forgot and used a long password again. So that one was def on me :(

        The next 2 attempts, I lost everything after timeouts when I didn't get all the info entered in time, and hadn't saved.
        So I guess you could say it was all user error, but I decided I didn't want to deal with a bank with such crappy systems.

        Bankwest was a breath of fresh air after that ordeal.

    • Dr Phil on 09/02/2025 - 18:34
      -1

      Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard is bare basics now as they have stripped out all the complimentary insurances
      But it still provides you with Fee-free foreign exchange transactions whereas many other cards charge 3%+
      And its much quicker and easier to apply for.

  • n14pulsarq on 18/02/2025 - 17:37

    Decided to apply to have another travel card. Filled out the online application on the 17th February sent all the requested information.

    Got a hoilday in June hopefully get it before then lol

    • timhn on 18/02/2025 - 22:06

      They are a tad faster now. Took them 7-8 to approved partner's application (but this was over the Xmas-NY period).

    • n14pulsarq on 14/03/2025 - 22:05

      Got an update today via sms

      "…application is continuing to progress in the queue, and is not far from assessment…"

  • darrellkan on 24/02/2025 - 16:52

    For me i applied on 9th Jan and got approval on 20th Feb, still took a while

  • Shadowstorm on 27/02/2025 - 20:06
    +1

    So applied 26/02 night and provided document today (27/02) through online link.
    Got approval message and login via email / text in couple of hours .

    Physical card apparently is on the way . Added via app to Apple Pay and it worked by arvo . Least to say impressive.

    • n14pulsarq on 01/03/2025 - 17:33

      Nice wish I could say the same, its been 2 weeks and beside the sms on the 18th Feb saying assessment is going to be about 30 days no movement.

      • tight-ass on 02/03/2025 - 01:59

        I lodged on the 22nd Jan and I'm still waiting.

        • tight-ass on 04/03/2025 - 07:56
          +1

          My application has just been approved.

  • freeb1e4me on 02/03/2025 - 00:12

    Does this card offer any lounge passes for delayed flights?

    • Shadowstorm on 02/03/2025 - 08:35

      Don’t believe so . There is a $ value limits etc but not lounge .

    • Dr Phil on 02/03/2025 - 14:53

      This Bendigo Ready Credit card is FREE mate.
      And it still includes complementary insurances
      Plus no foreign exchange fee either!

      You have to pay a BIG ANNUAL FEE if you want lounge passes as well ….
      These are only included with PREMIUM credit cards

      But for $199pa (1st year free) you get 2 Dragan pass lounge passes per year + rewards points + complimentary insurances with the HSBC Premier World Mastercard (if you qualify)

  • n14pulsarq on 20/03/2025 - 14:29

    "Congratulations! Your Bendigo Ready Credit Card application has been successful."

    Applied on the 17th Feb Approved 20th March so about a month. Now need to wait 10 days to get get card.

  • Chris T on 29/03/2025 - 15:14

    I'm considering applying for a joint account with my partner. One of us has regular employment income, which would be favourable for a credit card application. The other is retired with a relatively low income from investments, which would normally be unfavourable for a credit card application.

    Would we be wasting our time with a joint account application? The alternative would be for the employed one to apply, with the partner as an additional cardholder.

    • timhn on 30/03/2025 - 09:34

      Someone mentioned in this thread that they needed to go to branch to do that. But not sure if they misunderstood just for additional card holder (which also required a branch visit). I've never seen a credit card that can be apply as a joint account - happy to be correct.

      • tight-ass on 30/03/2025 - 12:12

        I can confirm as I went to my local Bendigo Branch this week to have my wife added as an additional card holder as it can only be done in a branch.

        The additional car holder needs to fill out some paperwork and you both need to sign it. They also need to sight the additional card holders ID (drivers licence). The additional car should arrive in a week or two and hopefully before our holiday.

    • Chris T on 30/03/2025 - 21:45

      We don't mind visiting a branch. I was hoping someone might have some insight on whether a joint application would be expected to be rejected considering that one of the two applicants has no employment income.

  • Hogg on 01/04/2025 - 16:59
    +3

    Just wanted to add that I've been using the Bendigo card for a while now and it's awesome. I love how calling Bendigo, you actually get someone in Australia.

  • timhn on 03/04/2025 - 20:43
    +1

    Anyone needed to apply for direct debit to pay for your credit card, you can get the electronic form now - instead make a trip to the branch.

    I sent an message using the app to requested them to send me the Direct Debit Authority form to my email account. I was surprise that, instead send a PDF file, they actually sent a link to the electronic version. Only have to enter the account to debit from, electronic sign and submit. Big change from last year that people had go and do this at their local branch.

    Send email to them then they will call back few days later to confirm - so don't ignore the call from Bendigo Bank - that the caller ID came up on my phone.

    • silverstone2023 on 03/04/2025 - 20:53

      Thanks for the info.

      Do you know if the direct debit will be done on the statement due date or is it a fixed date each month?

      • timhn on 03/04/2025 - 21:00

        There are options Weekly, Monthly and Fortnightly. The form is preselected Monthly for me. I was told by other member that they will debit on the due date.

  • Unified on 02/06/2025 - 11:32

    Is this still an OzBargain's favourite Cc as about to cancel my 28degree which attracts now a monthly fee and I will be charged shortly?

    • CodeXD on 02/06/2025 - 13:19
      +2

      Call them up and ask if they can waive the monthly fee. I've received several emails from 28D saying they will waive it but I've already cancelled.

      • Unified on 02/06/2025 - 13:51

        Thanks and they will not do that, already checked. Also, the Travel Insurance is an attaractive benefit, I am towards the Bendigo Cc unless anyone has any experience where not that effective.

    • lanceteer on 04/06/2025 - 16:53

      This is definitely OzBargain's and Whirlpool's current favourite international spending credit card. No other card has the combination of no annual fee, fee-free foreign transactions, and complementary travel insurance.

    • eecan on 04/06/2025 - 17:56

      If you have price protection I'd hold on to the card until I hit the limit. If you don't then yeah no value in the 28 degrees card.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join