Bankwest credit cards

You can apply for a Bankwest credit card by visiting a branch, calling Bankwest’s customer service number, or online. Each card has specific approval criteria, but you’ll need to be at least 18 years old and pass the required credit checks to open any Bankwest card account.

You’ll also need to provide:

• personal details. This includes your name, address, contact details, date of birth and place of work;
• employment information. You may need to provide payslips and contact details of your employer;
• valid ID. While a licence or passport is ideal, Bankwest can also prove your identity through birth certificates, government-issued cards or utility bills;
• proof of income. Bankwest will need to know your income, such as how much you earn from your job, the pension, assets, rental properties or superannuation funds; and
• any debts. Whether you’ve had a credit card in the past or owe money in other ways, Bankwest will need to know these details.

It can take between three and 21 business days for your Bankwest credit card to be approved, although you’ll usually be advised of a specific timeframe when applying for the card. It then takes up to 10 working days to receive your card once your application is approved.

Unless Bankwest states otherwise for a specific product, you’ll usually be charged an annual fee for holding a Bankwest credit card. This fee is charged each year on the date you activated the card and can vary in price, depending on the card you take out.

Yes, you can add an additional three people to your Bankwest credit card account, providing they’re over the age of 16. Each cardholder needs to fill in an application form and either return it to a Bankwest branch or mail it to them in the post.

If these additional cardholders aren’t already Bankwest customers, they’ll need to verify their identity at a branch or by visiting an Australia Post store.

All Bankwest credit card accounts can be accessed online or through a mobile app to make using your credit card even easier. This allows you to track your spending, view your transaction history, make payments, view your current balance and more in one location.

Of course, you’ll also be able to manage your card by popping into a branch or calling the customer service number.

You can close your credit card online, through the app, by calling Bankwest, or by visiting your nearest branch. You’ll need to repay any balances in full to close your account and ensure any direct debits are cancelled or redirected to another account or card.

Keep in mind you can still incur account charges if you don’t close your account correctly and will still receive statements until all balances are paid.

People have different financial needs and reasons for wanting a credit card. Because of this, there’s no single Bankwest credit card that’s best for all customers. Instead, it’s important to assess your circumstances and reasons for wanting a credit card, then find one that best caters to these needs.

Consider asking the following questions when comparing cards:

• What’s the interest rate like on purchases?
• Are there any promotional periods I can take advantage of?
• What perks are on offer?
• Are there annual fees or other charges I need to be aware of?