Q Card

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The Q Card offers a range of interest-free deals and payment holidays at thousands of retailers around New Zealand. The Q Card credit card has a minimum of 3 months no payments and no interest* on purchases made at thousands of select retailers but be warned it charges a very high interest of 28.50% p.a at the end of any interest free period. There is also a $50 annual fee and a $55 establishment fee on your first purchase using Long Term Finance then the establishment fee reduces to $35 for subsequent Long Term Finance Purchases.

Note: New applications are no longer accepted for Q Card but according to the provider they have combined all the best bits of Q Card and Mastercard to create the Q Mastercard credit card which you can apply for.

An alternative to this credit card is the Amex Airpoints credit card which also charges no annual fee, allows you to earn Airpoint rewards on purchases and charges no interest for the first 6 months. Alternatively you can compare all interest free credit cards on our website to find the right interest free credit card in NZ for you.

Key Features

Purchase Rate: 28.50% p.a. plus 0% interest for 3 months on purchases made from select stores
Cash Advance Rate: Unknown
Balance Transfer: Unknown
Annual Fee: $50 account fee (Long Term Finance: $55 establishment fee on your first purchase using Long Term Finance. The establishment fee reduces to $35 for subsequent Long Term Finance Purchases).
Interest Free Days: 3 months
Minimum Repayment: If your closing balance on your statement is $10 or more, then $10 or an amount calculated as 3% of the closing balance (whichever is greater).
Card Reward Details:
Credit Limit:
Other Fees:

IMPORTANT NOTE: please review the credit card details on the provider's website again before applying.

Q Card Review

Pros and Cons

We've compiled below the pros and cons of the Q Card to help you decide.

Pros

3 months zero interest and zero payment
No Annual Fee

Cons

Very High Interest Rate
No reward points
Limited Benefits

What we like about the Q Card credit card

Interest-Free Periods

One of the standout features of the Q Card is its interest-free periods. You can make purchases and enjoy a set period where no interest is charged, which can be incredibly beneficial for managing your finances. This allows you to spread out payments without the burden of accumulating interest.

Flexible Payment Options

Flexibility is another key benefit of the Q Card. You have the option to choose from various payment plans that suit your financial situation. Whether you prefer to pay off your balance in full each month or spread payments over a longer period, the Q Card provides the flexibility to manage your payments in a way that works best for you.

Drawbacks of the Q Card

Very High-Interest Rates After Interest-Free Period

One of the main drawbacks of the Q Card is the high-interest rates that apply once the interest-free period ends. If you do not pay off your balance within the interest-free timeframe, you could face significant interest charges. This can make it more expensive than other credit options if you carry a balance.

Limited Acceptance

The Q Card is not as widely accepted as traditional credit cards. It is primarily used at participating retailers, which can limit your purchasing options. This means you may need to carry an additional credit card for use at non-participating stores.

Potential for Overspending

The ease of using the Q Card and the allure of interest-free periods can lead to overspending. It is easy to accumulate debt if you are not careful with your spending habits. Always keep track of your purchases and ensure you can pay off your balance to avoid falling into a debt trap.

Is the Q Card Right for You?

Ideal Candidates for the Q Card

The Q Card is best suited for individuals who frequently make large purchases and can take advantage of interest-free periods. If you are someone who enjoys shopping at stores that accept Q Card and can manage your finances well, this card could be a good fit for you. Additionally, those who prefer flexible payment options and want to earn rewards or cashback may find the Q Card beneficial.

When to Consider Other Options

While the Q Card has its perks, it may not be the best choice for everyone. If you often carry a balance on your credit card, the high-interest rates after the interest-free period could be a drawback. In such cases, a low-rate credit card might be more suitable. Also, if you prefer a card that is widely accepted, you might want to consider other options.

Assessing Your Financial Situation

Before applying for the Q Card, it's essential to evaluate your financial situation. Ask yourself the following questions:

Can you pay off your balance within the interest-free period?
Do you shop frequently at stores that accept Q Card?
Are you disciplined enough to avoid overspending?

By answering these questions, you can determine if the Q Card aligns with your financial goals and habits.

How to Apply for the Q Card

Application Process

Applying for a Q Card is straightforward. Begin by visiting the official Q Card website. There, you will find an online application form. Fill out the form with your personal details, including your name, address, and contact information. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid delays.

Approval Criteria

Your application will be assessed based on several factors. These include your credit history, current financial situation, and employment status. A good credit score increases your chances of approval. Additionally, having a stable income and minimal existing debt will work in your favour.

Tips for a Successful Application

To improve your chances of a successful application, consider the following tips:

Check Your Credit Score: Ensure your credit score is in good shape before applying.
Gather Necessary Documents: Have your identification, proof of income, and any other required documents ready.
Be Honest: Provide truthful and accurate information on your application.
Review Before Submitting: Double-check all details to ensure there are no errors.

By following these steps, you can streamline the application process and increase your likelihood of approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age to apply for a Q Card?

You need to be at least 18 years old to apply for a Q Card.

Can I apply for a Q Card if I'm not a New Zealand resident?

No, you must be a New Zealand resident to be eligible for a Q Card.

How long is the interest-free period for the Q Card?

The interest-free period varies, but it can be up to 12 months for certain purchases.

Are there any rewards or cashback offers with the Q Card?

Yes, the Q Card offers various rewards and cashback deals, depending on the promotions available at the time.

What happens if I don't pay off my balance during the interest-free period?

If you don't pay off your balance during the interest-free period, high-interest rates will apply to the remaining balance.

Is the Q Card widely accepted?

The Q Card is not as widely accepted as regular credit cards, so you should check with the retailer before making a purchase.

Eligibility Requirements:

Your eligibility for this card would generally depend on a few criteria listed below. When you apply for a credit card, the credit card provider might ask you a few questions about the following criterias to determine your eligibility.

Income
Expenses
Debts
Assets
Savings
Investments

Documents:

In general the following documents are usually required for credit card applications.

Proof of Income

One of the following:

your most recent payslip or salary notice
copies of bank statements that show your pay or salary deposits
a letter from your employer confirming your income
an Inland Revenue Department (IRD) “summary of earnings” notice.

If you’re self-employed, you must supply:

signed financial statements for the past two years
a signed personal Statement of Financial Position
your personal tax return.

Proof of Identity:

A copy of one or two items from List 1. If you provide only one item from List 1, you must also provide one item from List 2.

List 1:

Current passport
New Zealand drivers licence
18+ card
Photo Credit Card

List 2:

Most recent bank statement
Debit card
Credit card
Community services card
Club or society card.

Are you interested in a No annual fee credit card? Compare ALL no annual credit cards on our No fee credit cards page.

Are you interested in an interest free credit card? Compare ALL interest free credit cards on our Interest free credit cards page.

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What is the best credit card in New Zealand?

We've been asked this question a lot so we have compiled our pick of the best credit card in NZ but keep in mind that the best credit card for you depends on your personal circumstance and needs. To find the best credit card for you, we recommend that you compare all credit cards in NZ on our website or narrow down your search by popular credit card types as shown below. Use the top menu of the page to select more credit card types.