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      <guid isPermaLink="false">14388</guid>
      <link>https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/latest-news/articles/financial-wellbeing-for-shift-workers/</link>
      <category>All</category>
      <title>Financial wellbeing for shift workers</title>
      <description>&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;How to manage money on a changing roster&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Shift work can make everyday money management harder. When your roster changes, your income, expenses, energy levels and routines can change too.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;For many QBANK Members working in police, emergency services, government and frontline roles, rotating rosters are part of the job. Overtime, penalty rates and allowances can help boost income, but they can also make it harder to plan ahead.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;A simple money plan can help you stay in control, protect your essentials and make the most of extra income when it arrives.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Why shift workers need a different kind of budget&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;A standard monthly budget does not always suit shift work.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;If your pay changes from fortnight to fortnight, it can be hard to know what you can safely spend. Some months may include overtime, higher allowances or extra shifts. Other months may be quieter because of leave, illness, family commitments, fatigue or roster changes.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Shift work can also affect spending habits. After a run of long shifts or nights, it can be harder to cook, compare bills, complete life admin or make clear money decisions. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/resources-and-publications/video-and-audio/managing-shift-work-and-workplace-fatigue"&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="none"&gt;Safe Work Australia&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt; notes that shift work, irregular hours and long working hours can affect health, safety and wellbeing. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/safety-and-prevention/mental-health/Psychosocial-hazards/fatigue"&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="none"&gt;WorkSafe QLD&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt; also describes fatigue as mental or physical exhaustion that can affect concentration, judgement and decision-making.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;The goal is not to create a perfect budget. It is to create one that still works when life is busy, tiring or unpredictable.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;Start with your base income&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A helpful first step is to build your budget around your &lt;strong&gt;base income&lt;/strong&gt;, not your best pay. For many shift workers, income can move up and down depending on overtime, penalty rates, allowances or roster changes. Planning from your most reliable income helps you understand what you can comfortably afford, even during quieter pay cycles.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Your base income should ideally cover your everyday essentials, including housing, utilities, insurance, groceries, transport, childcare or school costs, minimum repayments and regular health expenses. If these costs depend on overtime, it may only take one roster change or unexpected event to put pressure on your budget.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Once your essentials are covered by your base income, any additional money from overtime or allowances can be used more intentionally. MoneySmart’s budget planner can help you organise expenses across different payment frequencies, including weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly and annual costs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Give overtime a job before it arrives&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Overtime can be a useful financial boost, but it is easy for extra income to disappear into everyday spending. One way to avoid this is to decide what your overtime will do before it lands in your account.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;You might choose to split a higher pay across a few priorities, such as:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Future bills:&lt;/strong&gt; annual insurance, registration, school costs or rates&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Emergency savings:&lt;/strong&gt; money for unexpected expenses&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Debt reduction:&lt;/strong&gt; extra repayments, where suitable&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Planned spending:&lt;/strong&gt; holidays, family needs or home improvements&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Longer-term goals:&lt;/strong&gt; super, investing or career transition planning&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Even a simple rule can help. For example, you may decide to save a set percentage of each overtime payment and leave the rest for everyday spending or recovery costs after a demanding roster period.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;The key is to be aware of locking yourself into fixed repayments or lifestyle costs that only work if overtime continues. Overtime may not always be available, and your ability or desire to work extra shifts may change over time.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Build a buffer for quieter pay cycles&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;An emergency fund can give shift workers more breathing room. If saving several months of expenses feels unrealistic, start smaller and build gradually.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;A staged approach may help:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Stage 1:&lt;/strong&gt; Save one week of essential expenses&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Stage 2:&lt;/strong&gt; Build to one full pay cycle&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Stage 3:&lt;/strong&gt; Build to one month of essential expenses&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Stage 4:&lt;/strong&gt; Keep building if your income or roster is uncertain&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;This buffer can help cover unexpected costs such as car repairs, medical expenses, school needs or a period of reduced overtime. It can also reduce the pressure to make financial decisions when you are tired, stressed or short on time.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Financial stress can affect wellbeing. The &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/topic-areas/other-mental-health-reports/financial-stress"&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="none"&gt;Australian Institute of Health and Welfare&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt; reports that financial stress and mental health can influence each other. Having money set aside will not remove every pressure, but it can reduce the impact of surprises.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Check what overtime means for super&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;It is worth checking how your pay is treated for super, especially if overtime makes up a regular part of your income.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Depending on your employment arrangement, overtime may not always count towards employer super contributions. Rules can vary based on awards, enterprise agreements, contracts and how ordinary hours are defined. If you regularly work overtime, review your payslip and check with your payroll team, employer or super fund if you are unsure.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Some Members may also consider making extra super contributions during higher-income periods. The ATO explains that &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/super-for-individuals-and-families/super/growing-and-keeping-track-of-your-super/how-to-save-more-in-your-super/salary-sacrificing-super"&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="none"&gt;salary sacrifice&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt; arrangements can allow some salary or wages to be paid into super before tax. However, contribution caps, tax rules and personal circumstances matter. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Before making changes, seek professional advice.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Prepare early for career transitions&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;For police, emergency services and frontline workers, career transitions can be both financial and personal.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;You may be planning for retirement, moving into a different role, reducing hours, recovering from injury or considering life after service. The &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/education-services/national-emergency-worker-support-service/explore-our-resources/life-after-the-emergency-services/"&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="none"&gt;Black Dog Institute&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt; notes that emergency service workers can face unique challenges when leaving service, including changes to identity, purpose, social connection and financial confidence.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;If a transition may be ahead, start by asking:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;What would my income look like without overtime?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Could I meet essential costs if my hours changed?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Do I understand my leave, super and insurance arrangements?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Are my debts manageable on a lower income?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;What support networks will I have outside work?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Planning early gives you more choices and more time to adjust.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Some next steps&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Use your base income to check whether your essential expenses are covered.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Decide how you will use your next overtime payment or higher pay.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Start a small emergency buffer, even if it begins with one week of expenses.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Review your payslip and super arrangements if you regularly work overtime.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Seek qualified advice before making tax, super, salary sacrifice or retirement decisions.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="TextRun SCXW181036332 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"&gt;&lt;span class="NormalTextRun SCXW181036332 BCX8"&gt;Need Help &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span class="TextRun SCXW181036332 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"&gt;&lt;span class="NormalTextRun SCXW181036332 BCX8"&gt;looking &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="NormalTextRun SCXW181036332 BCX8"&gt;at &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="NormalTextRun SCXW181036332 BCX8"&gt;your budget?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="NormalTextRun SCXW181036332 BCX8"&gt; Check out the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.qbank.com.au/tools-services/calculators/budget-planner-calculator/" target="_blank" class="Hyperlink SCXW181036332 BCX8"&gt;&lt;span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW181036332 BCX8" data-contrast="none"&gt;&lt;span class="NormalTextRun SCXW181036332 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink"&gt;Budget Planner Calculator&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span class="TextRun SCXW181036332 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"&gt;&lt;span class="NormalTextRun SCXW181036332 BCX8"&gt; on our website&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="NormalTextRun SCXW181036332 BCX8"&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="LineBreakBlob BlobObject DragDrop SCXW181036332 BCX8"&gt;&lt;span class="SCXW181036332 BCX8"&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="TextRun SCXW102717774 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"&gt;&lt;span class="NormalTextRun SCXW102717774 BCX8"&gt;General advice disclaimer:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span class="TextRun SCXW102717774 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"&gt;&lt;span class="NormalTextRun SCXW102717774 BCX8"&gt; This article provides general information only and does not take your personal circumstances, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="NormalTextRun SCXW102717774 BCX8"&gt;objectives&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="NormalTextRun SCXW102717774 BCX8"&gt; or financial situation into account. Before making decisions about budgeting, tax, super, salary sacrifice, lending or retirement, consider seeking advice from a qualified financial adviser, accountant, your super &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="NormalTextRun SCXW102717774 BCX8"&gt;fund&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="NormalTextRun SCXW102717774 BCX8"&gt; or another appropriately qualified professional.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="EOP Selected SCXW102717774 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br class="SCXW181036332 BCX8" /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW181036332 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="EOP Selected SCXW181036332 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 13:25:05 +1000</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2026-09-23T13:25:05+10:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">14390</guid>
      <link>https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/latest-news/articles/understanding-your-credit-score/</link>
      <category>All</category>
      <title>Understanding your credit score</title>
      <description>&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What it is and why it matters&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you're planning to buy a home, refinance a loan, or simply want to stay on top of your finances, understanding your credit score is a good place to start.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A credit score is a number that helps lenders assess how you've managed credit in the past. While it's only one factor considered when applying for finance, a strong credit score may improve your chances of approval and access to more competitive lending options.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What is a credit score?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A credit score is a numerical summary based on information contained in your credit report. Lenders may use this information when assessing applications for loans, credit cards and other forms of credit.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In Australia, credit scores are calculated by credit reporting bodies such as Equifax and Experian. Each provider uses its own scoring model, so your score may vary between providers.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Generally, a higher score suggests lower lending risk, while a lower score indicates a greater level of risk to lenders.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What information affects your credit score?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Several factors may influence your credit score, including:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Whether you have made repayments on time&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The number of credit applications you've made&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The types of credit accounts you hold&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Defaults and other negative credit events&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Your overall credit history and how long you've managed credit responsibly&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Under Australia's comprehensive credit reporting system, positive repayment history may also be included in your credit report, helping lenders gain a more complete picture of your credit behaviour.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What doesn't affect your credit score?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;There are a few common misconceptions about credit scores.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Generally, your income, savings balance, employment status and personal assets are not included in your credit report and are not used to calculate your credit score. Lenders may still consider these factors separately when assessing a loan application.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;&lt;strong&gt;How can I check my credit score?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The good news is that checking your own credit score does not harm your credit rating.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Australians can access their credit report and, in many cases, their credit score for free through credit reporting bodies.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You can obtain a free credit report from a credit reporting body such as:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Equifax&lt;/strong&gt; – &lt;a href="https://www.equifax.com.au/personal/products/equifax-free-credit-report"&gt;equifax.com.au&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Experian&lt;/strong&gt; – &lt;a href="https://www.experian.com.au/consumer/"&gt;experian.com.au&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;ASIC's &lt;a href="https://moneysmart.gov.au/managing-debt/credit-scores-and-credit-reports"&gt;Moneysmart website&lt;/a&gt; recommends checking your credit report at least annually to ensure the information is accurate and up to date.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What should I look for in my credit report?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;When reviewing your credit report, check that:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Your personal details are correct&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Credit accounts listed belong to you&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Credit enquiries are legitimate&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Repayment history information is accurate&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;There are no unexpected defaults or adverse listings&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you notice incorrect information, you can request a correction through the credit reporting body or your credit provider. Credit reporting bodies are required to investigate and correct inaccurate information where appropriate.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Simple ways to maintain a healthy credit score&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;While there's no quick fix, these habits may help support good credit health over time:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Pay bills and loan repayments on time&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Only apply for credit when you need it&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Avoid submitting multiple credit applications within a short period&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Review your credit report regularly&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Contact your lender early if you're experiencing financial difficulty&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The bottom line&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Your credit score is an important part of your financial profile, but it doesn't tell the whole story. Understanding what's on your credit report, checking it regularly, and maintaining healthy financial habits can help you stay informed and prepared for future borrowing needs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A few minutes spent reviewing your credit report today could help avoid surprises when you're ready to apply for your next loan.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Want to know where your money goes?&lt;/strong&gt; Understanding your credit score is just one part of your financial profile. Use our &lt;a href="https://www.qbank.com.au/tools-services/calculators/budget-planner-calculator/"&gt;Budget Planner Calculator&lt;/a&gt; to get a clearer view of your income, expenses and savings goals.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2026 14:45:12 +1000</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2026-09-21T14:45:12+10:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">14381</guid>
      <link>https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/latest-news/articles/accessing-your-qbank-accounts/</link>
      <category>All</category>
      <category>Important Information</category>
      <title>Accessing your QBANK accounts</title>
      <description>&lt;h3&gt;Banking your way&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;For many Australians, the way they bank has changed significantly over the past decade. While digital banking continues to grow in popularity, we know that many Members still value having access to cash, in-person services and convenient ways to manage their everyday banking.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At QBANK, we believe banking should be simple and accessible. That's why we offer a range of options to help you access your accounts, make payments and manage your money with confidence.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;Banking in person&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you prefer face-to-face service, you can visit the QBANK Brisbane branch at Level 1, 231 North Quay, Brisbane, during business hours.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For day-to-day cash needs, your QBANK Visa Debit Card or Credit Card can be used at ATMs across Australia. QBANK ATMs and many major bank ATMs generally do not charge a withdrawal fee, although fees may apply at some third-party operators, so it's always worth checking before completing a transaction.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Bank@Post: Access your money closer to home&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;One option many Members may not be aware of is &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.qbank.com.au/banking-accounts/ways-to-bank/bank-post/"&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="none"&gt;Bank@Post&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Bank@Post allows eligible customers from participating financial institutions to complete basic banking transactions at participating Australia Post outlets. With thousands of locations across Australia, it provides a convenient alternative for Members who prefer to bank in person or need access to cash closer to home. Australia Post describes Bank@Post as a way for Australians to deposit cash, withdraw funds and check balances through its extensive Post Office network.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;QBANK Members can use their active QBANK Visa Debit Card at participating Bank@Post locations to:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Withdraw cash&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Deposit cash&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You will need to present your Visa card for all transactions.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For Members living in regional areas, travelling, or those who would rather conduct banking in person, Bank@Post can be a practical option for managing everyday banking needs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;To find your nearest participating outlet, visit the Australia Post website and search for Bank@Post locations.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Banking from home or on the go&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Many Members enjoy the convenience of managing their finances from wherever they are.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;QBANK &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href="https://services.qbank.com.au/home/signon/login.aspx"&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="none"&gt;Internet Banking&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt; and the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.qbank.com.au/banking-accounts/ways-to-bank/the-qbank-app/"&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="none"&gt;QBANK App&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt; provide secure access to your accounts 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can check balances, review transactions, transfer money between accounts and make payments without needing to visit a branch.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;You can also pay friends and family using PayID or transfer funds using a BSB and account number.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;For Members who use smartphones or smartwatches, eligible QBANK cards can be added to a digital wallet such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, making everyday purchases quick and convenient.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;International money transfers can also be arranged through Internet Banking using QBANK's foreign exchange partner, Convera.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Paying for everyday expenses&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Your QBANK accounts can also help streamline regular payments and everyday spending.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;If you're making a purchase in store, many retailers offer cash out with an EFTPOS transaction, allowing you to access cash while you shop.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;For bills and recurring payments, BPAY and direct debits remain convenient options for managing expenses such as utilities, insurance premiums, subscriptions and other household costs.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Setting up regular payments can help reduce paperwork, save time and ensure important bills are paid on schedule.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;Choosing the option that works for you&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;QBANK offers flexibility, allowing you to choose how you access and manage your money.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you're withdrawing cash via Bank@Post, checking your balance online, paying with your phone or visiting our branch, we're here to support your banking needs every step of the way.&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Need Help?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Contact us on&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;13 77 28&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Monday to Friday 8:45am to 4:30pm, to&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;speak with our friendly Member Service team. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 09:35:31 +1000</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2026-09-18T09:35:31+10:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">14383</guid>
      <link>https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/latest-news/articles/important-updates-to-our-general-information-terms-conditions-on-16-september-2026/</link>
      <category>Important Information</category>
      <title>Important updates to our General Information Terms &amp; Conditions on 16 September 2026</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;From 16 September 2026, we’re making some minor changes to our General Information Terms and Conditions due to the introduction of our Intro Saver product.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;While these updates may not affect the way you use your accounts with us, we encourage you to take some time to read the &lt;a href="https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.qbank.com.au%2Freusable-documents%2Fdisclosure-documents%2Fgeneral-info-terms-and-conditions%2F&amp;amp;data=05%7C02%7Cmarketing%40qbank.com.au%7C3b974a8a7b6e4dede2f908df137a8654%7C442375cea8e3416193a2cb1110460e6f%7C0%7C0%7C639251089140233144%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;amp;sdata=YNfxRyDCvpIebAkG2tQ8S6MjCZgDS110S0JuE29i1Ow%3D&amp;amp;reserved=0"&gt;terms and conditions&lt;/a&gt; to help you understand how the changes could impact you. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you have any questions relating to our General Information Terms and Conditions, please feel free contact our Member Service Team via &lt;a href="mailto:info@qbank.com.au"&gt;info@qbank.com.au&lt;/a&gt; or 13 77 28, Monday to Friday, 8:45am – 4:30pm&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:49:19 +1000</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2026-09-16T08:49:19+10:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">14356</guid>
      <link>https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/latest-news/articles/important-updates-to-our-general-information-terms-conditions-on-26-august-2026/</link>
      <category>Important Information</category>
      <title>Important updates to our General Information Terms &amp; Conditions on 26 August 2026</title>
      <description>&lt;p dir="auto"&gt;From 26 August 2026, we’re making some minor changes to our General Information Terms and Conditions due to the grandfathering of several legacy products. These products include the Junior Saver, Teen On Call and Christmas Club accounts.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p dir="auto"&gt;While these updates may not affect the way you use your accounts with us, we encourage you to take some time to read the &lt;a href="/reusable-documents/disclosure-documents/general-info-terms-and-conditions/" title="General Info Terms and Conditions"&gt;terms and conditions&lt;/a&gt; to help you understand how the changes could impact you. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p dir="auto"&gt;If you have any questions relating to our General Information Terms and Conditions, please feel free contact our Member Service Team via &lt;a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="mailto:info@qbank.com.au" target="_blank"&gt;info@qbank.com.au&lt;/a&gt; or 13 77 28, Monday to Friday, 8:45am – 4:30pm.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p dir="auto"&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2026 14:28:46 +1000</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2026-08-26T14:28:46+10:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">14296</guid>
      <link>https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/latest-news/articles/member-update-board-in-focus/</link>
      <title>Member Update - Board in Focus</title>
      <description>&lt;h3&gt;Message from our Chair &lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This message is to inform Members of significant changes to the QBANK Board of Directors. Over the last 10 years, QBANK has benefited greatly from the stability of a Board that was clear in its direction and unwavering in its Member focus.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;During that time, QBANK’s headline achievements include:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Nearly doubling in asset size, from $680 million to almost $1.2 billion, a critical growth performance in the scale game of retail banking&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Rapidly advancing our technological capability through a multi-year strategic investment program that step-changed efficiency, security and Member experience&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Maintaining a high-performance, Australia-based call centre while most banks offshored their contact centres and constructively made it almost impossible to speak to a real person&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Investing in a Relationship Manager capability that took QBANK out of the South-East corner and made us truly state-wide, while delivering financial literacy programs to thousands of members every single year&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Systematically increasing our bond engagement from our Queensland Police origins to the wider First Responder, Health, Justice, Corrections and Queensland Government services&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Seamlessly modernizing our brand from the 20&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; century Queensland Police Credit Union to the 21&lt;sup&gt;st&lt;/sup&gt; century QBANK&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;As a summary of performance, driving Member satisfaction (measured by Net Promoter Score) from +14 (slightly ahead of the majors) to a world class score of +55, ranking QBANK in the top echelons of customer satisfaction in Australia&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;These achievements are just the highlights. And all were achieved through the tenure of three separate CEO’s and disruptions as seismic as COVID and runaway cost-of-everything&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;As proud as we are of these achievements, we all know the time for change has come, the time for a renewed Board to steward QBANK through the next stage in its distinguished history. As several Director retirements loom, your Board is undertaking a process to ensure the good work continues and QBANK will remain strong and relevant for future generations of Members&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Make-Up of the QBANK Board&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At the 2023 AGM, Members approved a change to QBANK’s Constitution. The maximum number of Board-appointed Directors was increased from two to three and the number of Member-elected Directors was correspondingly reduced from five to four. The change allowed the Board to more directly address skill gaps and deliver a collective Board capability that is more consistent with the demands and complexities of modern bank governance. This 2023 change came into effect with the passing of Ian Leavers APM in November 2025&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div class="border-box-outline"&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img style="float: right;" src="https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/media/4931/derek-weatherley_small.jpg?width=198&amp;amp;height=266&amp;amp;mode=max" alt="" width="198" height="266" data-udi="umb://media/ceae09af1a05424fb1bb5a08c88d3537" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;New Director&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Derek Weatherley was appointed as a Director on 14 April 2026. Derek brings significant senior executive and Board experience relevant to governing a mutual bank, and most recently served as CEO of Indue Ltd. We warmly welcome Derek to the Board&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;While all decisions will be with the Board of the day, Derek possesses the skills and experience to be considered as a future Chair of the Board&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Future Director Changes and Opportunities&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2026 AGM&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In November 2026, having served 12 years, Directors Andy Henderson and Dan Keating will retire from the Board, creating two vacancies. The Board welcomes nominations from suitably qualified Members committed to the purpose and future of QBANK&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2027 AGM&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In November 2027, having served 14 years, Directors Ray Brownhill and Paul Wilson will retire, creating two casual vacancies. Per the Constitution, these two casual vacancies will be filled by two Board appointments, serving the balance of those Director terms, expiring at the 2028 AGM&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;It is also planned that, having served 11 years as Chair, Daryll Morton will vacate the role ahead of retirement from the Board in 2028. Daryll Morton will be succeeded by a Board appointment&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2028 AGM&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In November 2028, the two Director positions vacated by Ray Brownhill and Paul Wilson in November 2027 will be open for nominations from suitably qualified Members committed to the purpose and future of QBANK&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div style="background-color: #e2dfd7; padding: 20px;"&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;How to become a Director&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The composition of the Board and the process for becoming a Director are governed by QBANK’s Constitution, and legal and regulatory requirements, including APRA Prudential Standards, Board-level selection processes and, for elected Directors, a Member voting process. Detailed information about eligibility, time commitments, fit and proper requirements, Directors’ duties and how to nominate as a candidate for election can be found on QBANK’s website &lt;a href="/about-us/corporate/call-for-director-nominations/" title="Call for Director Nominations"&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:00:48 +1000</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2026-06-09T17:00:48+10:00</a10:updated>
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    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">14295</guid>
      <link>https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/latest-news/articles/thinking-electric-or-hybrid-a-simple-guide-for-queensland-drivers/</link>
      <category>All</category>
      <title>Thinking Electric or Hybrid? A Simple Guide for Queensland Drivers</title>
      <description>&lt;h3&gt;Thinking about an electric or hybrid car?&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;With cost-of-living pressures and fuel price swings, more Members are looking at electric and hybrid vehicles. If you’re considering a change, it helps to understand how each option works in practice. This article covers the key differences, what to weigh up, and what’s changed in Queensland.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;Why more Members are exploring alternatives&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For many Queensland drivers, fuel costs have become less predictable over time. Prices can shift quickly, making it harder to manage weekly budgets with confidence.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Electric and hybrid vehicles are increasingly part of the conversation because they offer a different way to think about running costs. In particular, charging at home can feel more consistent and easier to plan for, especially if most driving is local.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;That said, these vehicles may not be the right fit for everyone. The value depends on how you drive, where you can charge, and what matters most to you financially.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Understanding your options&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;When people refer to an “electric car”, they are often talking about three different types of vehicles. Each comes with its own trade-offs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A fully electric vehicle (EV) runs entirely on electricity. There is no petrol tank, and the vehicle is charged either at home or at public charging stations. Many drivers who have access to home charging find this suits a routine of shorter, predictable trips.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) combines the two systems. It can run on electricity for shorter journeys, then switch to petrol for longer distances. This can offer flexibility for drivers who want to reduce fuel use without relying entirely on charging infrastructure.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A hybrid vehicle, which does not need to be plugged in, uses a petrol engine supported by an electric motor. The battery charges itself while you drive. For many people, this is a straightforward way to improve fuel efficiency without changing everyday habits.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;What’s driving interest in these vehicles&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For most Members, the decision is less about the technology itself and more about how it fits into daily life.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Some are drawn to the potential for more predictable running costs, particularly when charging at home. Others are interested in the simpler mechanical design of EVs, which have fewer moving parts than traditional petrol engines and may reduce some maintenance needs over time.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;There is also a wider range of vehicles available than in the past. As more models enter the market, Members have more opportunity to compare features, price points and suitability for their own needs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;What to consider before making the switch&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;While there are clear benefits, it is important to take a balanced view and look at the full cost of ownership.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The upfront cost remains a key factor. Electric vehicles and some plug-in hybrids can cost more to purchase than comparable petrol cars. For that reason, it helps to look beyond the purchase price and consider how long you plan to keep the vehicle, along with ongoing costs such as energy, servicing and insurance.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Charging is another important consideration. Charging at home is typically the most cost-effective option and often the most convenient. Public fast charging can be useful, particularly for longer trips, but relying on it regularly may increase running costs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Insurance and repairs can also vary. In some cases, EVs may cost more to insure due to repair complexity and specialised parts. Battery warranties are worth reviewing closely, as coverage and conditions differ between manufacturers.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;What’s changed in Queensland&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Queensland Electric Super Highway now connects major routes and regional areas, with over 50 fast-charging locations across the state. This has made longer journeys in electric vehicles more practical than they were a few years ago, although planning ahead is still recommended. A &lt;a href="https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/queensland-electric-super-highway-map" title="Queensland Electric Super Highway map"&gt;map of the Highway can be found online&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;Choosing what fits your routine&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The most useful starting point is your own driving pattern.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If your travel is mostly short and predictable, and you have access to home charging, an EV may suit your day-to-day needs. If you regularly take longer trips but still want the option to drive on electricity during the week, a plug-in hybrid can offer a balance between flexibility and reduced fuel use.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For those who prefer not to change how they refuel or recharge, a hybrid is often the simplest transition. It delivers improved fuel efficiency without requiring new habits.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;There is no single best option. The right choice is the one that aligns with how you already live and drive.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;How QBANK can help&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;QBANK offers a &lt;a href="https://www.qbank.com.au/loans-credit-cards/vehicle-loans" title="Car Loans"&gt;Green Car Loan&lt;/a&gt; for Members purchasing or refinancing an eligible &lt;strong&gt;EV or plug‑in hybrid (PHEV)&lt;/strong&gt;. Applying online can take as little as 20 minutes. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Need Help?&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;Contact QBANK’s Car Loan Specialists for assistance today on &lt;strong&gt;13 77 28&lt;/strong&gt;. You can also view our dedicated page on &lt;a href="https://www.qbank.com.au/loans-credit-cards/vehicle-loans" title="Car Loans"&gt;Car Loans&lt;/a&gt; for more information and to apply online.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider your own circumstances before making decisions about purchasing or financing a vehicle. Information correct as at May 2026.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:49:23 +1000</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2026-06-02T15:49:23+10:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">14276</guid>
      <link>https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/latest-news/articles/a-simple-tax-time-checklist/</link>
      <category>All</category>
      <category>Important Information</category>
      <title>A Simple Tax Time Checklist</title>
      <description>&lt;h3&gt;EOFY is your cue to reset your budget and get tax ready. Learn what records to keep and what deductions you may be able to claim, the ATO way.&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;With a bit of planning, tax time can be smooth sailing. This article will walk you through some of the basics to get you started. From what documents to gather, finding out what deductions you're entitled to, as well as some simple tools to stay on top of it all.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;1. Understanding Your Tax Obligations&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Before diving into paperwork, it’s important to understand what’s expected of you.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key Dates for Queensland (and Australia-wide)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;1 July&lt;/strong&gt; – Start of the financial year and the earliest you can begin lodging your tax return.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;31 October&lt;/strong&gt; – Deadline for lodging your return if you’re doing it yourself.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you’re using a registered tax agent, you may have an extended deadline, but you must register with the agent by &lt;strong&gt;31 October&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Where to Get Reliable Info&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The &lt;a href="https://www.ato.gov.au"&gt;Australian Taxation Office&lt;/a&gt; (ATO) is your best resource for official, up-to-date information on tax obligations, deductions, and forms.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;2. Gathering Necessary Documents&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Being organised early saves a mountain of headaches. Here’s what you’ll need:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Tax File Number (TFN)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Your TFN is your personal reference number for the tax system. Make sure you have it handy, it’s required for lodging your return.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Income Statements&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Employer-issued income summaries&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Payslips (if you’re reconciling earnings)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Centrelink or government payments&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Investment income (dividends, interest)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Expense Receipts&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Depending on your eligibility you may be able to claim deductions on:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Work-related expenses (uniforms, tools, work-from-home costs)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Car, transport and travel expenses you incur in the course of your work&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Education or training related to your job&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Gifts and donations&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For more information, the ATO has a page dedicated to &lt;a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/income-deductions-offsets-and-records/deductions-you-can-claim"&gt;deductions you can claim&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Tip: Store receipts digitally as they come in, using a receipt-tracking app (more on this below).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Bank Statements&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Bank statements help verify:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Income deposits&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Expense claims&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Investment income&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Health Cover Documentation&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you have private health insurance, your insurer will send you an annual statement. You’ll need it to calculate:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Medicare Levy Surcharge&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Rebate entitlements&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;3. Using Technology to Simplify Tax Time&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Gone are the days of overflowing manila folders. You can use apps to track your expenses:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/online-services/online-services-for-individuals-and-sole-traders/ato-app/using-mydeductions/mydeductions?=redirected_myDeductions"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ATO myDeductions App&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; – Free and secure for tracking expenses and receipts&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;4. Seeking Professional Help&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;While DIY can work for many, there are times it pays to bring in the professionals.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;When to Consider Hiring a Tax Professional&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;You own a business or investment property.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;You’ve had significant life changes (e.g., inheritance, divorce, new job).&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Your finances are complex or involve multiple income streams.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;You aren’t sure about what you can and can’t deduct.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Choosing the Right Accountant&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Look for registered tax agents via the &lt;a href="https://www.tpb.gov.au/"&gt;Tax Practitioners Board&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Read reviews and ask for recommendations.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ensure they understand your specific circumstances and tax jurisdiction.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Is It Worth It?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A good tax agent can help you understand your obligations and identify your eligibility for deductions.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Important update: Budget changes and investment property rules&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Recent Federal Budget announcements include proposed changes relating to capital gains tax (CGT) and negative gearing. These may be relevant for Members with investment properties or other investments. As details and timing can change, it’s important to rely on current, official guidance. You can find the latest information on the &lt;a href="https://www.ato.gov.au" title="ATO"&gt;ATO&lt;/a&gt; website, or consider a registered tax professional to help you understand how any changes may apply to your individual circumstances.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;5. Staying Organised Throughout the Year&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Avoid the last-minute panic next year by staying on top of things year-round.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Simple Tips for Staying Organised&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Store all your digital receipts and documents in one place.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Label emails and files by category: “Income”, “Deductions”, “Health”, etc.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Use folders in your inbox to automatically sort ATO and bank emails.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Set Regular Checkpoints&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Monthly: Review income and expenses.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Quarterly: Back up key documents.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Annually: Schedule a financial review in early June to prep for EOFY.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Set Reminders for Key Dates&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Pop these into your calendar:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;1 July – Tax time opens&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;31 October – Lodgement deadline for individuals lodging directly.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;6. Wrapping It Up&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Tax time doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding your obligations, getting organised early, and using the right tools (and people), you can turn tax season into just another item on your to-do list.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Here's a quick recap:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Know your key dates and tax types&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Gather all income and deduction documents&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Take advantage of tech and tools&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Don’t hesitate to call in the professionals&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Stay organised all year round&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Important:&lt;/strong&gt; This information is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not tax, financial or legal advice. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your circumstances and seek professional advice from a registered tax agent or financial adviser where appropriate. Information current as at May 2026.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:25:28 +1000</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2026-06-02T15:25:28+10:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">14294</guid>
      <link>https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/latest-news/articles/how-to-avoid-marketplace-scams-in-australia/</link>
      <category>All</category>
      <title>How to Avoid Marketplace Scams in Australia</title>
      <description>&lt;h3&gt;How to Avoid Marketplace Scams in Australia&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and eBay have become popular platforms for Australians looking to buy and sell second-hand goods. While these platforms offer convenience, they also attract scammers looking to exploit unsuspecting users.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;With online shopping scams on the rise, it's more important than ever to learn how to protect yourself. This guide will help you stay safe when shopping online, especially on peer-to-peer platforms like Facebook Marketplace.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;According to the &lt;strong&gt;ACCC’s National Anti‑Scam Centre and Scamwatch data&lt;/strong&gt;, Australians lost about &lt;strong&gt;$2.18 billion to scams in 2025&lt;/strong&gt;, with many of those involving online marketplace fraud. Scammers take advantage of the casual nature of peer-to-peer selling platforms, using fake profiles, counterfeit receipts, and phishing links to steal money or personal details.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you’re buying a used iPhone or selling furniture, knowing the warning signs can help you avoid becoming a victim of online fraud.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;Common Facebook Marketplace Scams to Watch Out For&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;1. Fake Listings and Too-Good-to-Be-True Prices&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;br /&gt;Scammers often lure buyers with items listed far below market value. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2. Fake Payment Confirmations&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;br /&gt;Sellers are sometimes tricked by buyers who send fake bank transfer receipts or screenshots, claiming payment has been made. Always check your bank account directly to confirm cleared funds.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;3. Overpayment Scams&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;br /&gt;The scammer sends a fake overpayment and asks for a refund of the difference. After the refund is sent, the original payment bounces or is reversed.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;4. Impersonation of Delivery Services&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;br /&gt;Some scammers pretend to be from Australia Post or a courier service. They’ll send a fake delivery link asking for personal details or payment info.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;5. Phishing Links and Fraudulent Messages&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;br /&gt;Scammers may send links via Messenger or SMS directing you to fake login pages to steal your credentials or personal information.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;Top 8 Tips to Avoid Online Marketplace Scams&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;1. Meet in a Safe, Public Location&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;br /&gt;When possible, meet the buyer or seller in person. Choose public, well-lit places. Many police stations now offer safe exchange zones.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2. Use Secure Payment Methods&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;br /&gt;Stick to PayID, bank transfers, or cash when meeting face-to-face. Avoid sending money before seeing the item or using payment platforms that offer little buyer protection.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;3. Verify Buyer and Seller Profiles&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;br /&gt;Check for signs of fake profiles such as newly created accounts, stock images, or suspicious messaging. A genuine user will usually have a history of past activity.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;4. Avoid Upfront Payments&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;br /&gt;Scammers often request full payment before delivery. Always inspect the item first, especially for high-value products like electronics, vehicles, or appliances.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;5. Never Share Personal or Financial Information&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;br /&gt;Don’t give out your bank details, driver’s licence, passport, or other personal information to strangers online.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;6. Be Wary of High-Pressure Tactics&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;br /&gt;If someone is rushing you to make a decision or threatening to sell to someone else, it may be a scam. Trust your instincts and take your time.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;7. Report Suspicious Behaviour&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;br /&gt;Report scams directly through Facebook Marketplace or the platform you’re using. You can also file a report at &lt;a href="https://www.scamwatch.gov.au" title="scamwatch.gov.au"&gt;Scamwatch.gov.au&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;8. Stay Informed About the Latest Scams&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;br /&gt;Follow reliable sources like the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) or your bank’s fraud alerts to stay up to date on the latest scams and tactics.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;What to Do if You’ve Been Scammed&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you believe you’ve been scammed on Facebook Marketplace or another platform, contact your bank immediately. Prompt action can help prevent further loss and may increase the chances of recovering funds.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You should also:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Report the scam to Scamwatch&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Notify the platform where the scam occurred&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Consider contacting IDCARE if your identity details have been compromised&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;Helpful Resources for Online Shopping Safety&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.scamwatch.gov.au" title="Scamwatch"&gt;Scamwatch&lt;/a&gt; – Report a Scam&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.cyber.gov.au/" title="ACSC"&gt;Australian Cyber Security Centre&lt;/a&gt; – Scam Alerts&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.esafety.gov.au" title="eSafety"&gt;eSafety&lt;/a&gt; – Online Marketplace Tips&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;Stay Safe and Shop Smart&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;While Facebook Marketplace scams and other online shopping scams are becoming more common in Australia, knowing what to look out for can make all the difference. Use these tips to help protect your money, your identity, and your peace of mind.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Need Help?&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;br /&gt;Contact us on &lt;strong&gt;13 77 28 &lt;/strong&gt;Monday to Friday 8:45am to 4:30pm. &lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:42:04 +1000</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2026-06-02T14:42:04+10:00</a10:updated>
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    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">14279</guid>
      <link>https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/latest-news/articles/interest-rate-change-announcement-8-may-2026/</link>
      <title>Interest Rate Change Announcement - 8 May 2026</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Following the decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia to increase the official cash rate, QBANK will increase interest rates on all existing variable rate home loans for owner occupiers and investors by 0.25% per annum. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The variable home loan interest rate increase will be effective from 22 May 2026.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;QBANK Members with a variable rate home loan will receive a notice in the mail over the coming weeks confirming their new rate and repayment requirements.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;QBANK will also be increasing interest rates on a range of deposit products from 12 May 2026. Depositors are encouraged to check the QBANK website on the effective date for updated interest rates.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As a Member-owned bank, QBANK is committed to balancing the interests of borrowers and depositors and ensuring the Bank’s financial sustainability.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;For further information please call 13 77 28 or email &lt;a href="mailto:info@qbank.com.au"&gt;info@qbank.com.au&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 16:33:28 +1000</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2026-05-08T16:33:28+10:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">14272</guid>
      <link>https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/latest-news/articles/understanding-your-home-loan/</link>
      <category>All</category>
      <category>Home Loans</category>
      <title>Understanding Your Home Loan</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Understanding your home loan starts with a few simple terms. Read on for clear, practical answers to the 10 questions Members ask most:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;What is LVR and why does it matter?&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;LVR (Loan‑to‑Value Ratio) is the loan amount expressed as a percentage of the property’s value. For example, borrowing $400,000 for a $500,000 home gives an LVR of 80%. Lenders use LVR to assess risk, a higher LVR usually means higher risk for the lender and may result in extra costs or conditions.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A common practical effect of a higher LVR is Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI): if the LVR is above about 80%, many lenders require you to cover the cost of LMI, which protects them if you default on the loan. Reducing your LVR by saving a larger deposit or using guarantors where appropriate can help lower costs and may provide access to other loan options.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;What is a conveyancer and when should I engage them?&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A conveyancer (or solicitor who does conveyancing) handles the legal and administrative steps when buying or selling property. They review and prepare contracts, check title and encumbrances, arrange settlement, and ensure legal compliance with state law. Using a licensed conveyancer can reduce legal risk and help avoid costly mistakes.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You’ll typically engage a conveyancer once you sign a contract of sale.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;How construction loans work?&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A construction loan is designed for building or major renovations and releases funds to the builder in stages (known as drawdowns) as work is completed, rather than as a single lump sum. During the construction phase, the loan is typically interest only on the amounts drawn, and the lender may require progress inspections before each drawdown is paid.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As construction funds are released progressively, it’s important to budget for contingencies, understand the drawdown schedule, and meet the lender’s valuation and progress requirements. Once construction is complete, the loan usually converts to a standard principal and interest home loan.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;What a comparison rate represents?&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A comparison rate is a single annual percentage that combines the advertised interest rate with most ongoing fees and charges to give a clearer picture of the loan’s likely cost. It’s designed to help you compare loans, but it’s based on a standard loan amount and term, so it’s an estimate rather than your exact rate.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Always consider both the headline interest rate and the comparison rate. As the comparison rate may not include all fees (such as upfront fees, redraw fees, or government charges), a personalised cost estimate can help you understand the total cost of the loan.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Offset vs redraw?&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;An offset account is an account linked to your home loan; the balance offsets the loan balance when interest is calculated (meaning money in the offset reduces interest charged) while remaining accessible like a normal bank account.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A redraw facility lets you withdraw extra repayments you’ve made into the loan; those extra repayments reduce interest while they remain in the loan.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;When interest only repayments may apply?&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Interest only repayments mean you pay just the interest on your home loan for a set period (typically 1–5 years), so the loan balance doesn’t reduce during that time. This can lower repayments in the short term and may suit investors. Once the interest only period ends, repayments increase because you begin paying both principal and interest.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Lenders will assess whether you can afford these higher repayments later, as interest only loans generally carry higher long term risk.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;What is a split loan?&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A split loan divides your home loan into two or more parts, with each part managed separately. For example, you might fix part of your loan to lock in repayments and protect against interest rate rises, while keeping the rest variable to allow flexibility and access to features like an offset account. This approach can help balance certainty and flexibility within the one loan.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You can choose how the loan is split based on your priorities. Keep in mind changes to a split loan are subject to the lender’s terms and may involve costs, particularly for fixed rate portions.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;What a top‑up means for Members?&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A top-up lets you increase your existing home loan so you can access additional funds using the equity you’ve built in your property. For example, many people use a top-up to fund renovations, with the extra borrowing added to their current loan and secured against their home. This can be a convenient way to renovate without taking out a separate loan.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Before applying for a top-up, it’s important to consider how much equity is available, whether fees or a property valuation may apply, and whether the additional borrowing could affect your loan’s interest rate, term, or features. You should also make sure the higher loan balance and repayments fit comfortably within your budget.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;What is stamp duty?&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Stamp duty (also known as transfer duty) is a state government tax you may need to pay when you buy property, including a home or land. The amount depends on the property’s value and your circumstances, such as whether you’re a first‑home buyer.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you’re buying in Queensland, you can estimate how much stamp duty may apply and check whether you’re eligible for any concessions by using the Queensland Revenue Office transfer duty estimator.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Because stamp duty can be a significant upfront cost when buying a home, many buyers save for it in addition to their deposit and allow for it in their overall purchase planning. Your conveyancer can confirm the exact amount payable for your property purchase.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Fixed vs variable rates, including what rate lock means?&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A fixed rate locks in your interest rate for a set term, giving you certainty that your repayments will stay the same and protecting you from interest rate rises. The trade-off is that you won’t benefit if market rates fall, and break costs may apply if you exit the loan early. A variable rate, on the other hand, can move up or down with market conditions and typically offers greater flexibility and features such as offset accounts and redraw.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A rate lock (or rate hold) is an agreement from a lender to guarantee a specific fixed rate for a short period between approval and settlement. It protects you from rate rises while your loan is finalised but may require a fee and usually has a time limit. Consider a rate lock if you expect rates to rise before settlement and want certainty.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Need Help?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;Contact QBANK’s Home Loan Specialists for assistance today on &lt;strong&gt;13 77 28&lt;/strong&gt;. You can also view our dedicated page on &lt;a href="/loans-credit-cards/home-loans/refinance/" title="Refinance"&gt;refinancing&lt;/a&gt; for more information and to apply online.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:37:45 +1100</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2026-03-31T16:37:45+11:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">14266</guid>
      <link>https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/latest-news/articles/interest-rate-change-announcement-20-march-2026/</link>
      <title>Interest Rate Change Announcement - 20 March 2026</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Following the decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia to increase the official cash rate, QBANK will increase interest rates on all variable rate home loans for owner occupiers and investors by 0.25% per annum.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The variable home loan interest rate increase will be effective from 30 March 2026.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;QBANK Members with a variable rate home loan will receive a notice in the mail over the coming weeks confirming their new rate and repayment requirements.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;QBANK will also be increasing interest rates on a range of deposit products from 24 March 2026. Depositors are encouraged to check the QBANK website on the effective date for updated interest rates.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As a Member-owned bank, QBANK is committed to balancing the interests of borrowers and depositors and ensuring the Bank’s financial sustainability.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For further information please call 13 77 28 or email &lt;a href="mailto:info@qbank.com.au"&gt;info@qbank.com.au&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:07:52 +1100</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2026-03-20T15:07:52+11:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">14229</guid>
      <link>https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/latest-news/articles/interest-rate-change-announcement-5-february-2026/</link>
      <title>Interest Rate Change Announcement - 5 February 2026</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Following the decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia to increase the official cash rate, QBANK will increase interest rates on all variable rate home loans for owner occupiers and investors by 0.25% per annum.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The variable home loan interest rate increase will be effective from 18 February 2026.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;QBANK Members with a variable rate home loan will receive a notice in the mail over the coming weeks confirming their new rate and repayment requirements.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;QBANK will also be increasing interest rates on a range of deposit products from 10 February 2026. Depositors are encouraged to check the QBANK website on the effective date for updated interest rates.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As a Member-owned bank, QBANK is committed to balancing the interests of borrowers and depositors and ensuring the Bank’s financial sustainability.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For further information please call 13 77 28 or email &lt;a href="mailto:info@qbank.com.au"&gt;info@qbank.com.au&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:22:57 +1100</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2026-02-05T17:22:57+11:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">14182</guid>
      <link>https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/latest-news/articles/vale-ian-leavers-apm/</link>
      <title>Vale Ian Leavers APM</title>
      <description>&lt;h4&gt;Vale Ian Leavers APM&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Non-Executive Director, QBANK&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img style="font-size: 18px; float: right;" src="https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/media/4822/ian-leavers_la.png?width=464&amp;amp;height=467&amp;amp;mode=max" alt="" width="464" height="467" data-udi="umb://media/bb813fa5b7fa4246ad0cab6312877aea" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On behalf of everyone at QBANK, I share our deep sadness at the passing of Ian Leavers APM.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Ian served as a Non-Executive Director for more than a decade. His leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the law enforcement community shaped QBANK in significant ways and strengthened our connection to the community we so proudly serve.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Ian’s 15 years of dedicated service to the Queensland Police Union of Employees is well known. What is less known is that he carried his commitment to policing into everything he did. Ian never stopped caring. And he never stopped advocating. His distinguished career in the Queensland Police Service spanned over 35 years, including his years leading the Queensland Police Union of Employees and the Police Federation of Australia.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In 2024, Ian’s achievements were further recognised by his appointment as Queensland’s first Cross-Border Commissioner, advocating for communities and businesses along the state’s borders. &lt;br /&gt;On behalf of the Board, I extend our deepest gratitude to Ian for his passion and unwavering commitment. In our daily maelstrom, it is easy to forget what difficult jobs are taken up by the men and women of our policing community. Ian committed his life to their welfare and he will not be forgotten.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Our thoughts are with Ian’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;— Daryll Morton, Chair of the QBANK Board&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:45:26 +1100</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2025-11-19T10:45:26+11:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">14144</guid>
      <link>https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/latest-news/articles/update-to-home-lending-fees-and-charges/</link>
      <category>Important Information</category>
      <title>Update to Home Lending Fees and Charges</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;From &lt;strong&gt;23 September 2025&lt;/strong&gt;, the &lt;em&gt;Top Up Contract Fee&lt;/em&gt; will be updated:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;New fee:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;$109.90&lt;/strong&gt; (previously $82.50)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This fee applies to each contract prepared for a loan top up or side loan.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Note:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ol style="list-style-type: lower-alpha;"&gt;
&lt;li&gt;This fee is charged when you access equity from your home loan, either by increasing your existing loan or setting up a new loan alongside an existing loan.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;If a valuation is required, a standard property valuation fee will be charged (per security) in addition to this fee.¹&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Where construction or renovation is involved, and QBANK is controlling the disbursement of loan funds, the Construction Settlement Fee and Progress Inspection Fees will also apply.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;One or more Title Search Fees may also apply.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;p class="fine-print"&gt;¹ &lt;em&gt;Additional costs for non-standard valuations and travel may apply. A non-standard valuation is considered as property that is valued greater than $1,000,000; property that is not in a metro or major regional centre; property that is deemed to be a specialised property by a QBANK panel valuer (assessed on a case-by-case basis); or property that is on acreage. Non-standard valuations can be priced on request. Please contact QBANK to arrange if required.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For further information about QBANK’s fees and charges &lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://qbank.com.au/tools-services/support-faqs/rates-fees/" target="_blank"&gt;click here.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Sep 2025 14:55:00 +1000</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2025-09-02T14:55:00+10:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">14138</guid>
      <link>https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/latest-news/articles/interest-rate-change-announcement-12-august-2025/</link>
      <title>Interest Rate Change Announcement - 12 August 2025</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Following the decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia to decrease the official cash rate, QBANK will &lt;span&gt;decrease&lt;/span&gt; interest rates on all variable rate home loans for owner occupiers and investors by &lt;span&gt;0.25%&lt;/span&gt; per annum.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The variable home loan interest rate &lt;span&gt;decrease&lt;/span&gt; will be effective from&lt;span&gt; Monday 1 September 2&lt;/span&gt;025. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;QBANK Members with a variable rate home loan will receive a notice in the mail over the coming weeks confirming their new rate and repayment requirements.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;QBANK will also be &lt;span&gt;decreasing&lt;/span&gt; interest rates on a range of deposit products. Depositors are encouraged to check the QBANK website on the effective date for updated interest rates.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As a Member-owned bank, QBANK is committed to balancing the interests of borrowers and depositors and ensuring the Bank’s financial sustainability.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;For further information please call 13 77 28 or email &lt;a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="mailto:info@qbank.com.au" target="_blank" title="mailto:info@qbank.com.au"&gt;info@qbank.com.au&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Aug 2025 11:57:38 +1000</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2025-08-12T11:57:38+10:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">14087</guid>
      <link>https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/latest-news/articles/qbank-apps-new-update/</link>
      <title>QBANK App's New Update</title>
      <description>&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;We've updated the QBANK App&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;A new update for the QBANK App is now available. This latest version includes new features designed to improve your app experience and security. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img style="float: right;" src="https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/media/4759/iphone-portrait-circle-2025.png?width=383&amp;amp;height=414&amp;amp;mode=max" alt="" width="383" height="414" data-udi="umb://media/7faef610772e4416a972aa50a6d63357" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&amp;quot;335552541&amp;quot;:1,&amp;quot;335559685&amp;quot;:720,&amp;quot;335559991&amp;quot;:360,&amp;quot;469769226&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;Symbol&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469769242&amp;quot;:[8226],&amp;quot;469777803&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;left&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777804&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777815&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;multilevel&amp;quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Account nicknames&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt; – Easily nickname your accounts to keep things clear and personal&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&amp;quot;335552541&amp;quot;:1,&amp;quot;335559685&amp;quot;:720,&amp;quot;335559991&amp;quot;:360,&amp;quot;469769226&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;Symbol&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469769242&amp;quot;:[8226],&amp;quot;469777803&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;left&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777804&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777815&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;multilevel&amp;quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Personalised account view&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt; – Reorder or hide bank accounts so your dashboard works the way you do&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&amp;quot;335552541&amp;quot;:1,&amp;quot;335559685&amp;quot;:720,&amp;quot;335559991&amp;quot;:360,&amp;quot;469769226&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;Symbol&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469769242&amp;quot;:[8226],&amp;quot;469777803&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;left&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777804&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777815&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;multilevel&amp;quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Smarter navigation&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt; – A refreshed tab-based layout puts key features right at your fingertips&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&amp;quot;335552541&amp;quot;:1,&amp;quot;335559685&amp;quot;:720,&amp;quot;335559991&amp;quot;:360,&amp;quot;469769226&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;Symbol&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469769242&amp;quot;:[8226],&amp;quot;469777803&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;left&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777804&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777815&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;multilevel&amp;quot;}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Customisable home screen&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt; – Add or remove widgets to tailor the app to your needs&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&amp;quot;335552541&amp;quot;:1,&amp;quot;335559685&amp;quot;:720,&amp;quot;335559991&amp;quot;:360,&amp;quot;469769226&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;Symbol&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469769242&amp;quot;:[8226],&amp;quot;469777803&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;left&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777804&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777815&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;multilevel&amp;quot;}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Enhanced widgets&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt; – Track Quick Balance, Debits &amp;amp; Credits Totals and Savings Goals &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h5 style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;span class="TextRun SCXW257778145 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"&gt;&lt;span class="NormalTextRun SCXW257778145 BCX8"&gt;You can download the latest version below:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="EOP SCXW257778145 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{&amp;quot;335551550&amp;quot;:2,&amp;quot;335551620&amp;quot;:2}"&gt;  &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h5&gt;
&lt;h5&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.qpcu.androidsmartapp&amp;amp;hl=en_AU" target="_blank" data-anchor="?id=com.qpcu.androidsmartapp&amp;amp;hl=en_AU"&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt;&lt;span class="EOP SCXW257778145 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{&amp;quot;335551550&amp;quot;:2,&amp;quot;335551620&amp;quot;:2}"&gt;&lt;img style="float: left;" src="https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/media/2705/google-play-png.jpg?width=176&amp;amp;height=55&amp;amp;mode=max" alt="" width="176" height="55" data-udi="umb://media/0155684ee7154385af8f586758e4fd7b" /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/h5&gt;
&lt;h5&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://apps.apple.com/au/app/qbank/id371931974" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt;&lt;span class="EOP SCXW257778145 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{&amp;quot;335551550&amp;quot;:2,&amp;quot;335551620&amp;quot;:2}"&gt;&lt;img style="float: left;" src="https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/media/2232/app-store.png?width=185&amp;amp;height=53&amp;amp;mode=max" alt="" width="185" height="53" data-udi="umb://media/c2fd70a6541945959b154e1dbc742c3c" /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/h5&gt;
&lt;h5&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt;&lt;span class="EOP SCXW257778145 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{&amp;quot;335551550&amp;quot;:2,&amp;quot;335551620&amp;quot;:2}"&gt;     &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h5&gt;
&lt;h5&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt;&lt;span class="EOP SCXW257778145 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{&amp;quot;335551550&amp;quot;:2,&amp;quot;335551620&amp;quot;:2}"&gt;   &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h5&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h5&gt;Need Help?  &lt;/h5&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Contact us on &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;13 77 28&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt; Monday to Friday 8:45am to 4:30pm, to speak with our friendly Member Service team.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="fine-print"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Important Information  &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="fine-print"&gt;&lt;em&gt;Apple, the Apple logo &amp;amp; iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc, registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="fine-print"&gt;&lt;em&gt;Google Play and Android are trademarks of Google Inc. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Aug 2025 10:02:29 +1000</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2025-08-11T10:02:29+10:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">14107</guid>
      <link>https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/latest-news/articles/refinancing-your-home-loan/</link>
      <category>All</category>
      <category>Home Loans</category>
      <title>Refinancing Your Home Loan</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;In today's competitive lending market, refinancing your home loan can offer several advantages. When thinking about ways to save money, reduce financial stress, and improve financial health, many Australians turn to refinancing their home loans.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;What is Home Loan Refinancing?&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Refinancing simply means switching your existing home loan to a new one, either with your current lender or a different bank. It involves paying off your existing mortgage and replacing it with a new loan that ideally has more favourable terms, such as lower interest rates or better repayment options.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Why Consider Refinancing?&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;h5&gt;1. Lower Interest Rates and Reduce Monthly Repayments&lt;/h5&gt;
&lt;p&gt;One of the biggest draws of refinancing is the potential to secure a lower interest rate. Even a slight reduction could translate to significant savings over the lifetime of your loan. With a lower interest rate, your monthly repayments could decrease, easing your monthly budget and providing more disposable income for essentials or savings.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h5&gt;2. Pay Off Your Loan Sooner&lt;/h5&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Alternatively, if you keep repayments at the same level after refinancing to a lower rate, you’ll effectively reduce the length of your loan term, becoming mortgage-free sooner and potentially save thousands of dollars in interest.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h5&gt;3. Access Home Equity&lt;/h5&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Refinancing could allow you to borrow additional funds by accessing your home equity, the difference between your property's current value and the remaining balance on your loan. This is often used to fund renovations, investments, or other significant purchases. Generally, only 80% of property value is accessible. While there may be exceptions, loans with a loan to value ratio (LVR) above 80% are often charged Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) to reduce risk to the lender. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h5&gt;4. Debt Consolidation&lt;/h5&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Refinancing can also be used to consolidate multiple debts, such as personal loans or credit cards, into a single, manageable repayment, potentially lowering your overall interest costs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;How Does Refinancing Work?&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;h5&gt;Step 1: Evaluate Your Current Loan&lt;/h5&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Begin by reviewing your existing mortgage terms, interest rate, and remaining balance. Compare these against current market rates to assess potential savings.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h5&gt;Step 2: Compare and Shop Around&lt;/h5&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Investigate loan options from various lenders. Consider interest rates, fees, loan term, repayment flexibility, and customer service quality. Online calculators can help estimate potential savings.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h5&gt;Step 3: Application Process&lt;/h5&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Once you've selected a lender, you'll need to apply, which involves submitting financial details such as income, assets, liabilities, and an estimate of the property's value. Approval typically requires a credit check and a formal property appraisal is undertaken by the lender.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h5&gt;Step 4: Loan Approval and Settlement&lt;/h5&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If approved, your new lender will send you a formal loan contract to sign, and coordinate with your current lender to settle the old loan. This usually takes a few weeks, and your new loan terms become active from settlement day.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Things to Consider Before Refinancing&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Fees and Costs:&lt;/strong&gt; Refinancing might involve application fees, valuation costs, discharge fees, a longer loan term or break fees. It's important to consider these and any other relevant costs when making your decision to refinance.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Loan Features:&lt;/strong&gt; Common considerations include the availability of offset accounts, redraw facilities, or repayment flexibility when choosing a new loan.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Timing and Your Financial Situation:&lt;/strong&gt; Refinancing may be beneficial if you can access a lower rate than your current loan or your financial situation has improved.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Is Refinancing Right for You?&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Refinancing can offer substantial financial benefits, but it's essential to approach it strategically. Evaluate your circumstances carefully, consult financial professionals, and choose the refinancing option that best aligns with your goals.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Need Help?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Contact QBANK’s Home Loan Specialists for assistance today on &lt;strong&gt;13 77 28.&lt;/strong&gt; You can also view our dedicated page on &lt;/em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.qbank.com.au/refinance"&gt;&lt;em&gt;refinancing&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt; for more information and to apply online.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 06 Aug 2025 15:43:34 +1000</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2025-08-06T15:43:34+10:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">14074</guid>
      <link>https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/latest-news/articles/australias-cheque-phase-out/</link>
      <category>All</category>
      <category>Important Information</category>
      <title>Australia's Cheque Phase-Out</title>
      <description>&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span class="TextRun SCXW253940659 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"&gt;&lt;span class="NormalTextRun SCXW253940659 BCX8"&gt;The&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="NormalTextRun SCXW253940659 BCX8"&gt; Transition to Digital Payments&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="EOP SCXW253940659 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Cheques have been a staple of Australian financial life for generations, providing a familiar way to pay bills, make purchases, and manage personal and business transactions. But the way we manage money is changing rapidly, prompting a planned transition away from cheques. Here’s what you need to know about why cheques are being phased out, what it means for you, and how you can smoothly transition to modern payment options.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Cheque usage in Australia has dropped by almost 90% in the last decade, with cheques now accounting for less than 0.2% of all transactions.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Why are cheques being phased out?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;We’ve already touched on the drastic decrease in cheque usage, but here are the other reasons:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&amp;quot;335552541&amp;quot;:1,&amp;quot;335559685&amp;quot;:720,&amp;quot;335559991&amp;quot;:360,&amp;quot;469769226&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;Symbol&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469769242&amp;quot;:[8226],&amp;quot;469777803&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;left&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777804&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777815&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;multilevel&amp;quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;High Cost and Complexity&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;: Maintaining cheque services involves significant processing costs, including printing, handling, mailing, and clearance, making them inefficient compared to digital payments.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&amp;quot;335552541&amp;quot;:1,&amp;quot;335559685&amp;quot;:720,&amp;quot;335559991&amp;quot;:360,&amp;quot;469769226&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;Symbol&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469769242&amp;quot;:[8226],&amp;quot;469777803&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;left&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777804&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777815&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;multilevel&amp;quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Security and Efficiency&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;: Digital payment methods are safer, faster, and easier to track, reducing the risk of fraud and errors.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;What this means for you&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;For many Australians, this change will go largely unnoticed, especially if you already use digital payments for everyday transactions. But if you still use cheques, it’s worth understanding how this shift might affect you and what your options are.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&amp;quot;335552541&amp;quot;:1,&amp;quot;335559685&amp;quot;:720,&amp;quot;335559991&amp;quot;:360,&amp;quot;469769226&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;Symbol&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469769242&amp;quot;:[8226],&amp;quot;469777803&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;left&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777804&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777815&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;multilevel&amp;quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Cheque Processing Will End&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;: Banks and businesses will gradually stop accepting or processing cheques.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&amp;quot;335552541&amp;quot;:1,&amp;quot;335559685&amp;quot;:720,&amp;quot;335559991&amp;quot;:360,&amp;quot;469769226&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;Symbol&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469769242&amp;quot;:[8226],&amp;quot;469777803&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;left&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777804&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777815&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;multilevel&amp;quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Digital Payment Adoption&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;: Members will be guided and supported to adopt digital payment alternatives.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&amp;quot;335552541&amp;quot;:1,&amp;quot;335559685&amp;quot;:720,&amp;quot;335559991&amp;quot;:360,&amp;quot;469769226&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;Symbol&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469769242&amp;quot;:[8226],&amp;quot;469777803&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;left&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777804&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777815&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;multilevel&amp;quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Support for Members&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;: QBANK is committed to helping everyone transition comfortably&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;, including support for vulnerable or elderly Members.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;What are the alternative payment methods?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Transitioning away from cheques is easier than you might think. Here are some alternatives available right now:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ol&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{&amp;quot;335552541&amp;quot;:1,&amp;quot;335559685&amp;quot;:720,&amp;quot;335559991&amp;quot;:360,&amp;quot;469769226&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;Symbol&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469769242&amp;quot;:[8226],&amp;quot;469777803&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;left&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777804&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777815&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;multilevel&amp;quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;What it is&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;: Direct transfer between bank accounts using BSB and account numbers.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{&amp;quot;335552541&amp;quot;:1,&amp;quot;335559685&amp;quot;:720,&amp;quot;335559991&amp;quot;:360,&amp;quot;469769226&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;Symbol&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469769242&amp;quot;:[8226],&amp;quot;469777803&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;left&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777804&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777815&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;multilevel&amp;quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Benefits&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;: Reliable, secure, fast, and easy to manage online or via the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.qbank.com.au/banking-accounts/ways-to-bank/the-qbank-app/"&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="none"&gt;QBANK app&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ol start="2"&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt; BPAY®&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{&amp;quot;335552541&amp;quot;:1,&amp;quot;335559685&amp;quot;:720,&amp;quot;335559991&amp;quot;:360,&amp;quot;469769226&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;Symbol&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469769242&amp;quot;:[8226],&amp;quot;469777803&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;left&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777804&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777815&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;multilevel&amp;quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;What it is&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;: A trusted method to pay bills through online banking platforms using biller codes and reference numbers.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{&amp;quot;335552541&amp;quot;:1,&amp;quot;335559685&amp;quot;:720,&amp;quot;335559991&amp;quot;:360,&amp;quot;469769226&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;Symbol&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469769242&amp;quot;:[8226],&amp;quot;469777803&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;left&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777804&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777815&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;multilevel&amp;quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Benefits&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;: Convenient, instant confirmation, widely accepted by utilities, councils, and service providers.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ol start="3"&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;&lt;strong&gt; PayID and Osko (&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.qbank.com.au/banking-accounts/ways-to-bank/new-payments-platform/"&gt;New Payments Platform&lt;/a&gt;)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{&amp;quot;335552541&amp;quot;:1,&amp;quot;335559685&amp;quot;:720,&amp;quot;335559991&amp;quot;:360,&amp;quot;469769226&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;Symbol&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469769242&amp;quot;:[8226],&amp;quot;469777803&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;left&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777804&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777815&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;multilevel&amp;quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;What it is&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;: Real-time payments using simple identifiers like email, phone number, or ABN.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{&amp;quot;335552541&amp;quot;:1,&amp;quot;335559685&amp;quot;:720,&amp;quot;335559991&amp;quot;:360,&amp;quot;469769226&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;Symbol&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469769242&amp;quot;:[8226],&amp;quot;469777803&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;left&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777804&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777815&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;multilevel&amp;quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Benefits&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;: Instant transfers available 24/7, secure, and easy to track.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ol start="4"&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.qbank.com.au/banking-accounts/ways-to-bank/direct-debits-recurring-payments/"&gt;Direct Debits&lt;/a&gt; and Scheduled Payments&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{&amp;quot;335552541&amp;quot;:1,&amp;quot;335559685&amp;quot;:720,&amp;quot;335559991&amp;quot;:360,&amp;quot;469769226&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;Symbol&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469769242&amp;quot;:[8226],&amp;quot;469777803&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;left&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777804&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777815&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;multilevel&amp;quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;What it is&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;: Automated recurring payments set up through your bank.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{&amp;quot;335552541&amp;quot;:1,&amp;quot;335559685&amp;quot;:720,&amp;quot;335559991&amp;quot;:360,&amp;quot;469769226&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;Symbol&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469769242&amp;quot;:[8226],&amp;quot;469777803&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;left&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777804&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777815&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;multilevel&amp;quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Benefits&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;: Ensures timely payments, reduces risk of missed or late fees, ideal for regular expenses such as rent, subscriptions, or repayments.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ol start="5"&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.qbank.com.au/banking-accounts/digital-wallets/digital-wallets/"&gt;Digital Wallets&lt;/a&gt; and Mobile Payments&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="7" data-list-defn-props="{&amp;quot;335552541&amp;quot;:1,&amp;quot;335559685&amp;quot;:720,&amp;quot;335559991&amp;quot;:360,&amp;quot;469769226&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;Symbol&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469769242&amp;quot;:[8226],&amp;quot;469777803&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;left&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777804&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777815&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;multilevel&amp;quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;What it is&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;: Smartphone-based payment solutions like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="7" data-list-defn-props="{&amp;quot;335552541&amp;quot;:1,&amp;quot;335559685&amp;quot;:720,&amp;quot;335559991&amp;quot;:360,&amp;quot;469769226&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;Symbol&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469769242&amp;quot;:[8226],&amp;quot;469777803&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;left&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777804&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;469777815&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;multilevel&amp;quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Benefits&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;: Convenient, secure, widely accepted, reducing the need to carry cards or cash.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;Need Help Transitioning?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-contrast="auto"&gt;We’re here to help you make the move comfortably and confidently. Contact us on &lt;strong&gt;13 77 28&lt;/strong&gt; Monday to Friday 8:45am to 4:30pm.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For more information please visit &lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://www.chequestransition.com.au/" target="_blank"&gt;https://www.chequestransition.com.au/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="fine-print"&gt;&lt;span data-ccp-props="{}"&gt;&lt;span class="TextRun SCXW52635698 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"&gt;&lt;span class="NormalTextRun SCXW52635698 BCX8"&gt;1 &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="TextRun SCXW52635698 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"&gt;&lt;span class="NormalTextRun SCXW52635698 BCX8"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Australian Government, Treasury. (2023, June 7)&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="TextRun SCXW52635698 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"&gt;&lt;span class="NormalTextRun SCXW52635698 BCX8"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;span class="TextRun SCXW52635698 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"&gt;&lt;span class="NormalTextRun SCXW52635698 BCX8"&gt;Modernising payments infrastructure by phasing out cheques&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;span class="TextRun SCXW52635698 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"&gt;&lt;span class="NormalTextRun SCXW52635698 BCX8"&gt; [Media release].  &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/jim-chalmers-2022/media-releases/modernising-payments-infrastructure-phasing-out-cheques" target="_blank" class="Hyperlink SCXW52635698 BCX8"&gt;&lt;span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW52635698 BCX8" data-contrast="none"&gt;&lt;span class="NormalTextRun SCXW52635698 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink"&gt;https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/jim-chalmers-2022/media-releases/modernising-payments-infrastructure-phasing-out-cheques&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW52635698 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="EOP SCXW52635698 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Jun 2025 14:04:41 +1000</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2025-06-27T14:04:41+10:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">13998</guid>
      <link>https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/latest-news/articles/getting-ready-for-tax-time-a-stress-free-guide-for-queenslanders/</link>
      <category>All</category>
      <category>Important Information</category>
      <title>Getting Ready for Tax Time: A Stress-Free Guide for Queenslanders</title>
      <description>&lt;h3&gt;Tax time doesn’t have to be the source of stress and late-night coffee-fuelled paperwork marathons.&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;With a bit of planning, tax time can be smooth sailing. This guide will walk you through some of the basics to get you started—from what documents to gather, finding out what deductions you're entitled to, as well as some simple tools to stay on top of it all.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Let’s take the stress out of tax season and help you get organised early.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;1. Understanding Your Tax Obligations&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Before diving into paperwork, it’s important to understand what’s expected of you.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key Dates for Queensland (and Australia-wide)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;1 July&lt;/strong&gt; – Start of the financial year and the earliest you can begin lodging your tax return.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;31 October&lt;/strong&gt; – Deadline for lodging your return if you’re doing it yourself.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you’re using a registered tax agent, you may have an extended deadline, but you must register with the agent by &lt;strong&gt;31 October&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Where to Get Reliable Info&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The &lt;a href="https://www.ato.gov.au"&gt;Australian Taxation Office&lt;/a&gt; (ATO) is your best resource for official, up-to-date information on tax obligations, deductions, and forms.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;2. Gathering Necessary Documents&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Being organised early saves a mountain of headaches. Here’s what you’ll need:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Tax File Number (TFN)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Your TFN is your personal reference number for the tax system. Make sure you have it handy—it’s required for lodging your return.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Income Statements&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Employer-issued income summaries&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Payslips (if you’re reconciling earnings)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Centrelink or government payments&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Investment income (dividends, interest)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Expense Receipts&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You may be able to claim deductions on:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Work-related expenses (uniforms, tools, work-from-home costs)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Car, transport and travel expenses you incur in the course of your work&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Education or training related to your job&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Gifts and donations&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For more information, the ATO has a page dedicated to &lt;a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/income-deductions-offsets-and-records/deductions-you-can-claim"&gt;deductions you can claim&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Tip: Store receipts digitally as they come in, using a receipt-tracking app (more on this below).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Bank Statements&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Bank statements help verify:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Income deposits&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Expense claims&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Investment income&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Health Cover Documentation&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you have &lt;strong&gt;private health insurance&lt;/strong&gt;, your insurer will send you an annual statement. You’ll need it to calculate:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Medicare Levy Surcharge&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Rebate entitlements&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;3. Using Technology to Simplify Tax Time&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Gone are the days of overflowing manila folders. You can use apps to track your expenses:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/online-services/online-services-for-individuals-and-sole-traders/ato-app/using-mydeductions/mydeductions?=redirected_myDeductions"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ATO myDeductions App&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; – Free and secure for tracking expenses and receipts&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;4. Seeking Professional Help&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;While DIY can work for many, there are times it pays to bring in the professionals.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;When to Consider Hiring a Tax Professional&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;You own a business or investment property.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;You’ve had significant life changes (e.g., inheritance, divorce, new job).&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Your finances are complex or involve multiple income streams.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;You aren’t sure about what you can and can’t deduct.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Choosing the Right Accountant&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Look for &lt;strong&gt;registered tax agents&lt;/strong&gt; via the &lt;a href="https://www.tpb.gov.au/"&gt;Tax Practitioners Board&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Read reviews and ask for recommendations.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ensure they understand Queensland-specific considerations.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Is It Worth It?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A good tax agent can often save you more than their fee in deductions. Plus, the peace of mind is priceless.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;5. Staying Organised Throughout the Year&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Avoid the last-minute panic next year by staying on top of things year-round.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Simple Tips for Staying Organised&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) for digital receipts and documents.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Label emails and files by category: “Income”, “Deductions”, “Health”, etc.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Use folders in your inbox to automatically sort ATO and bank emails.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Set Regular Checkpoints&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Monthly: Review income and expenses.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Quarterly: Back up key documents.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Annually: Schedule a financial review in early June to prep for EOFY.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Set Reminders for Key Dates&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Pop these into your calendar:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;1 July – Tax time opens&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;31 October – Lodgement deadline&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;28 days after the end of each quarter – BAS lodgement (for businesses)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;6. Wrapping It Up: Stress-Free and Sorted&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Tax time doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding your obligations, getting organised early, and using the right tools (and people), you can turn tax season into just another item on your to-do list.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Here's a quick recap:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Know your key dates and tax types&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Gather all income and deduction documents&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Take advantage of tech and tools&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Don’t hesitate to call in the professionals&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Stay organised all year round&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A little planning now means no more mid-year meltdowns.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 May 2025 14:41:28 +1000</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2025-05-27T14:41:28+10:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">13996</guid>
      <link>https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/latest-news/articles/interest-rate-change-announcement-21-may-2025/</link>
      <title>Interest Rate Change Announcement - 21 May 2025</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Following the decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia to decrease the official cash rate, QBANK will &lt;span&gt;decrease&lt;/span&gt; interest rates on all variable rate home loans for owner occupiers and investors by 0.25&lt;span&gt;%&lt;/span&gt; per annum.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The variable home loan interest rate &lt;span&gt;decrease&lt;/span&gt; will be effective from &lt;span&gt;6 June 2025&lt;/span&gt;. QBANK Members with a variable rate home loan will receive a notice in the mail over the coming weeks confirming their new rate and repayment requirements.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;QBANK will also be decreasing interest rates on a range of deposit products from 1 June 2025. Depositors are encouraged to check the QBANK website on the effective date for updated interest rates.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As a Member-owned bank, QBANK is committed to balancing the interests of borrowers and depositors and ensuring the Bank’s financial sustainability.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;For further information please call 13 77 28 or email &lt;a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="mailto:info@qbank.com.au" target="_blank" title="mailto:info@qbank.com.au"&gt;info@qbank.com.au&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 May 2025 11:43:52 +1000</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2025-05-21T11:43:52+10:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">13894</guid>
      <link>https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/latest-news/articles/important-updates-to-our-general-information-terms-conditions-on-2-june-2025/</link>
      <category>Important Information</category>
      <title>Important updates to our General Information Terms &amp; Conditions on 2 June 2025</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;From &lt;strong&gt;2 June 2025&lt;/strong&gt;, we’re making some changes to our &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/other-content/general-information-terms-conditions/" target="_blank" title="General Information Terms &amp;amp; Conditions"&gt;&lt;em&gt;General Information Terms and Conditions&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt; to introduce the &lt;em data-start="528" data-end="551"&gt;Confirmation of Payee&lt;/em&gt; service.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Starting &lt;strong&gt;2 June 2025&lt;/strong&gt;, QBANK will verify with the payer’s financial institution your account details when a payment is made to you. This means that the payer’s financial institution will use your account details for Confirmation of Payee, which includes the disclosure of your account name to the payer to confirm a match or close match of your account details, before a payment is made.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Later in 2025&lt;/strong&gt;, when you make a payment via online banking, we’ll show you if the recipient’s account details are a match, close match, or no match. This security change will help you know if you’re paying the right person and recognise potential scams before they impact you.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;We will be updating our&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;em&gt;General Information Terms and Conditions&lt;/em&gt; to reflect these changes which you &lt;a href="https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/latest-news/media/4679/gitc-update-02062025.pdf" title="GITC Update 02062025"&gt;view here&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h5&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;We’re here if you need us.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h5&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;If you have any questions relating to our &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/other-content/general-information-terms-conditions/" target="_blank" title="General Information Terms &amp;amp; Conditions"&gt;&lt;em&gt;General Information Terms and Conditions&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, please feel free to contact our Member Service Team via &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="mailto:info@qbank.com.au" target="_blank"&gt;info@qbank.com.au&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; or 13 77 28, Monday to Friday, 8:45am - 4:30pm. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 May 2025 16:30:00 +1000</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2025-05-12T16:30:00+10:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">13863</guid>
      <link>https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/latest-news/articles/expiry-of-bluey-rewarder-credit-card/</link>
      <category>All</category>
      <category>Savings</category>
      <title>Expiry of Bluey Rewarder Credit Card</title>
      <description>&lt;h4&gt;Expiry of Bluey Rewarder Credit Card&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We are contacting Members to let them know the Bluey Rewarder Credit Card (S26) will no longer be available. To continue using a credit card, your account will be substituted with the Bluey Credit Card (S25) account.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Impacted Members will be contacted directly by QBANK in two batches to advise them of key dates -&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/media/4653/bluey-rewarder-cc_batch-table.jpg?width=851&amp;amp;height=155&amp;amp;mode=max" alt="" width="851" height="155" data-udi="umb://media/d4d45910a62a4eb09e1760ae90fc2e84" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h5&gt;What does this mean for you?&lt;/h5&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;After &lt;strong&gt;16 May 2025&lt;/strong&gt; for batch one and &lt;strong&gt;15 August 2025&lt;/strong&gt; for batch two, your Bluey Rewarder Credit Card (S26) will no longer work for purchases and transactions.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;If you would like to close your Bluey Rewarder Credit Card account, you can &lt;a href="https://www.qbank.com.au/other-content/form-pages/reduce-credit-card-limit-or-cancel-credit-card/"&gt;submit a request online&lt;/a&gt; or contact our Member Service Team for a final payout figure on any outstanding balances. Requests to close your account must be made &lt;strong&gt;before 14 March 2025&lt;/strong&gt; for batch one and &lt;strong&gt;13 June 2025&lt;/strong&gt; for batch two, or the account will be substituted with the Bluey Credit Card (S25) account.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;From &lt;strong&gt;17 March 2025&lt;/strong&gt; for batch one and &lt;strong&gt;16 June 2025&lt;/strong&gt; for batch two, we will send you a new Bluey Credit Card (S25). Once your card arrives, simply call our Member Service Team to activate it. Once activated by our team, you will be able to make transactions on your new card.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;For any Additional Card Holders, you will also be sent a Bluey Credit Card (S25). You will need to activate your card too. However, please note that your card won’t be usable until the account owners activates their account and card first.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Your Bluey Credit Card (S25) will have a new card number and PIN. If you have any recurring payments linked to your Bluey Rewarder Card (S26), make sure to update your card details with your service provider to avoid any disruptions. We recommend doing this before &lt;strong&gt;5 May 2025&lt;/strong&gt; for batch one and &lt;strong&gt;4 August 2025&lt;/strong&gt; for batch two.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Your billing cycle will stay the same, with the cycle starting on the 19th of each month and closing on the 18th. Repayments will still be due by the 11th of the month.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;There are no changes to the fees and charges for your credit card and our &lt;em&gt;Personal Lending Fees and Charges&lt;/em&gt; schedule is available &lt;a href="https://www.qbank.com.au/tools-services/support-faqs/rates-fees/"&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;All other terms and conditions under the &lt;em&gt;Bluey Card Conditions of Use&lt;/em&gt; and your Credit Contract remain unchanged and continue to apply. You can review the &lt;em&gt;Bluey Card Conditions of Use&lt;/em&gt; available &lt;a href="https://www.qbank.com.au/loans-credit-cards/credit-cards/"&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Important timeline summary:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;13 March 2025 (batch one) / 12 June 2025 (batch two)&lt;/strong&gt; – Last day to request account closure.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;17 March 2025 – 7 April 2025 (batch one) / 16 June 2025 – 7 July 2025 (batch two)&lt;/strong&gt; – New Bluey Credit Card (S25) will be sent to you.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;5 May 2025 (batch one) / 4 August 2025 (batch two)&lt;/strong&gt; – Recommended deadline to update card details for recurring payments.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;16 May 2025 (batch one) / 15 August 2025 (batch two) &lt;/strong&gt;– Bluey Rewarder Credit Card facilities will close.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;To assist further we have included below a detailed timeline summary of the changes referenced above.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;We’re here to help&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If your Bluey Credit Card (S25) doesn’t arrive by &lt;strong&gt;30 April 2025&lt;/strong&gt; for batch one and &lt;strong&gt;31 July 2025&lt;/strong&gt; batch two, please contact our Member Service Team for a replacement.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you have any questions or need any help, please contact our Member Service Team at &lt;a href="mailto:info@qbank.com.au"&gt;info@qbank.com.au&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;strong&gt;13 77 28&lt;/strong&gt;, We’re available Monday to Friday, 8:45am - 4:30pm.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;img src="https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/media/4655/march-may-bluey-rewarder-cc-sub-summary_timeline.jpg" alt="March to May 2025 summary" data-udi="umb://media/110210a5a5214bedb455f20a39c9101c" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/media/4654/june-august-bluey-rewarder-cc-sub-summary_timeline.jpg" alt="June to August 2025 summary" data-udi="umb://media/fe245868b2a54064b3a1ce60e628131b" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Mar 2025 14:37:59 +1100</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2025-03-03T14:37:59+11:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">13860</guid>
      <link>https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/latest-news/articles/qbank-home-loan-interest-rate-and-interest-payment-changes/</link>
      <category>All</category>
      <category>Important Information</category>
      <title>QBANK Home Loan Interest Rate and Interest Payment Changes</title>
      <description>&lt;h3&gt;Interest Rate Changes&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Following the decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia to decrease the official cash rate, QBANK will decrease interest rates on all variable rate home loans for owner occupiers and investors by 0.25% per annum.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The variable home loan interest rate decrease will be effective from 11 March 2025.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;QBANK will also be decreasing interest rates on a range of deposit products from 1 March 2025.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As a Member-owned bank QBANK remains committed to maintaining the best interests of depositors and borrowers.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;QBANK Members with a variable rate home loan will receive a notice in the mail over the coming weeks confirming their new rate and repayment requirements.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For further information please call 13 77 28 or email &lt;a href="mailto:info@qbank.com.au"&gt;info@qbank.com.au&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Feb 2025 10:32:38 +1100</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2025-02-28T10:32:38+11:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">13806</guid>
      <link>https://qbankwebappfrontprod.azurewebsites.net/latest-news/articles/minor-updates-to-our-general-information-terms-conditions/</link>
      <category>Important Information</category>
      <title>Minor updates to our General Information Terms &amp; Conditions</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;From 5 February 2025, we’re making some minor changes to our&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;em&gt;General Information Terms and Conditions&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt;due to the introduction of Visa’s Account Funding Transfer payment method.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;While these updates may not affect the way you use your accounts with us, we encourage you to take some time to read the &lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://www.qbank.com.au/media/4600/05022025_qbank-gitc_a4.pdf" target="_blank"&gt;terms and conditions&lt;/a&gt; to help you understand how the changes could impact you. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; If you have any questions relating to our&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;em&gt;General Information Terms and Conditions&lt;/em&gt;, please feel free contact our Member Service Team via&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="mailto:info@qbank.com.au" target="_blank"&gt;info@qbank.com.au&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;or 13 77 28, Monday to Friday, 8:45am – 4:30pm.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 05 Feb 2025 14:44:17 +1100</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2025-02-05T14:44:17+11:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
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