Whether you want to switch from a big bank to a small one, or simply want to see how other providers match up, looking at different debit card providers is a great way to understand the benefits and limitations of these convenient financial tools.

While ANZ, the Commonwealth Bank, NAB and Westpac may be considered the Big Four Banks, there are a number of other banking institutions that offer debit cards, including MasterCard and Visa options.

Other Bank Debit Cards

Outside of the Big Banks there are a number of other banks that offer both standard and premium debit card options. Some, like those from St George or Suncorp, could be almost as familiar in the Australian debit card market, while others are internationally established banking institutions that may offer extra benefits.

Citibank debit cards, for example, allow cardholders to transfer money more quickly from an Australian Citibank account to an international one, while the ING Direct Everyday Orange Visa offers an interest free overdraft period.

For people who want the option of a business debit card it may also be worthwhile considering an offer that can be used as a personal or business card, like HSBC’s MasterCard. With all of these options available it is clear the Big Banks have some competition when it comes to different debit card options.

Credit Union Debit Cards

Outside of traditional banks are a number of different credit unions, including the Teacher’s Credit Union and Unicredit. Credit unions will often provide competitive alternatives to banks when it comes to loans, credit cards and savings accounts, but they can also offer competitive debit card deals.

The Unicredit Visa Access debit card, for example, does not have a set monthly fee, so it may be able to save you some money where other banks charge fees for this service.

Other Financial Service Debit Cards

While most debit cards are linked to transaction accounts, some lenders may also offer debit cards that use money from a loan or investment. A good example is the Bluestone MasterCard, which comes with many of the Bluestone Group mortgage options.

This kind of card is somewhere between a traditional debit card and credit card, allowing cardholders to use money from the mortgage amount, but pay it back at a significantly lower rate than they would be able to with a normal credit card.

It would be ideal for people who already have a traditional debit card option but do not want to fall into credit card debt while trying to pay off their home loan.

While it is easy to fall into the habit of only looking at what you know, there are many more debit card options than those from the Big Four Banks. Comparing different debit card providers will help you make the right decision for your banking and everyday needs so that you can manage your finances as easily as possible.