08 July 2003 12:00am

National Australia Bank have paid Westpac a favour and copied the introductory rate on credit cards of 4.9 per cent instigated by Westpac two months ago as one of the gimmicks for the launch of the Virgin credit card.

National's rate of 4.9 per cent applies for the first six months, but is only available on a variation on the bank's normal Visa cards that is tied to the Rugby World Cup. The card may appeal to rugby enthusiasts, and the card's design includes the picture and signature of former Australian rugby captain John Eales.

The John Eales Visa card is mostly...