Having a trusted resource is invaluable when you’re deciding what credit card to carry. That’s where Bill Ryan Natividad and his team at Credit Card Compare come in.
As Head of Operations, Natividad oversees the site’s credit card rankings, reviews, and product updates to empower consumers to make informed decisions.
A proud University of Santo Tomas alumni with a BA in Economics, Natividad spent years honing his expertise in consumer lending at major banks like BDO and Citi before joining Credit Card Compare in 2018.
We sat down with him to get his insights into his daily routine, tips for maximising rewards, and more.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you ended up working in the credit card comparison industry?
I began my career as a Phone Officer and subsequently advanced to the position of Team Manager at Citi Australia, where I handled inquiries related to credit cards, loans, wealth accounts, and mortgages. In 2008, I transitioned to the Consumer Lending Group at BDO, where I was responsible for approving credit card and loan applications. After several years, I moved to the Marketing Team, where I managed campaigns focused on customer loyalty and rewards programs.
What drew you to join Credit Card Compare specifically after your experience at major banks like BDO and Citi?
Credit Card Compare has really helped me with my work/life balance because I can work remotely, which is something we have enjoyed since joining the team in 2018 — well before the pandemic ushered in remote work more widely. I like being able to spend more time with my family and avoid the daily traffic.
As Head of Operations, what are your main roles and responsibilities at Credit Card Compare?
My primary responsibility is to ensure the accuracy of the data on the site. Whenever a bank or issuer launches a new offer, I update the Credit Card Compare site accordingly. I meticulously monitor changes in interest rates, rewards, and fees. Additionally, I oversee the rankings of the cards by category based on our methodology and manage the on-site product reviews.
How does Credit Card Compare determine its credit card rankings and which factors are most important?
This is something we’ve doubled down on. We evaluate what each issuer offers for specific credit card features. We consider which cards provide the best balance transfer, signup bonus, rewards offer, etc. that users can benefit from.
What goes into conducting thorough credit card reviews for consumers?
Our goal is to present the facts clearly and concisely, allowing users to decide which option best suits their spending habits and lifestyle. Credit Card Compare compiles all the necessary information and evaluates the competition, saving our customers valuable time by eliminating the need to visit multiple websites. We do whatever we can so they can make an informed decision.
How often are credit card product details and information updated on the site?
With nearly 200 cards listed on the site and hundreds of data points to manage, updates occur daily. It keeps me very busy!
What are some of the biggest trends you’re seeing in the credit card space right now in terms of rewards programs, fees, interest rates, etc.?
Banks and issuers continuously compete with each other to attract new customers with enticing signup bonuses, offering options such as cashback or generous welcome bonus points. One of the biggest trends we see is the continued importance of rewards and loyalty. Banks want to be first in mind.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get their first credit card or build credit?
Start by living within your means. Make a budget so that you only ever spend what you can afford to repay in full when the statement comes in. This is the same whether you’re looking to earn rewards or just starting out with your first credit card. And before you apply, thoroughly check what the bank’s minimum criteria are. It’s different for each card, so don’t just assume you’ll get it.
Credit Card Compare provides resources for all Aussies, including the Filipino-Australian community. What are some unique financial considerations for this demographic?
Filipino-Australian students, professionals, and skilled workers are dispersed across Australia. At Credit Card Compare, we offer a diverse range of products tailored to individuals of all ethnicities, providing specific features aligned with their financial capacity. If you’re in Australia on a temporary visa, we make it easy to check what cards are available with a comparison of credit cards for temporary visa holders.
With over 400,000 individuals of Filipino ancestry in Australia, I trust they will appreciate how Credit Card Compare delivers accurate and valuable data through a straightforward and transparent approach.
What lessons from your Filipino upbringing and education have helped guide your career?
Filipinos are renowned for their diligence and resilience. Regardless of life’s challenges, we confront them directly and maintain an optimistic outlook. Throughout my career, I have encountered numerous obstacles and triumphs, emerging from each experience with greater resilience and strength.
What future innovations or changes can we expect to see from Credit Card Compare?
With the introduction of the Australian Credit Card Product Data API on our platform, the Credit Card Compare team is exploring additional avenues to enhance and contribute value to the credit card market.
We also just recently announced our intention to offer credit card comparison in the Indian market, which we see as being a huge opportunity given the population and economic growth there.
For more information on Bill Ryan and Credit Card Compare, visit www.creditcardcompare.com.au.
