Compare debit cards

Looking for a new debit card? We can help. Use our table to compare Australian debit cards with $0 account fees, bonus offers, contactless payment options, mobile budgeting tools and free ATMs.

Updated Dec 2, 2021. What changed?

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Name	Contactless Payments	Instant Payments	ATM Withdrawal Fee	Monthly account fee
HSBC Everyday Global Account Finder Award	Google Pay, Apple Pay	N/A	$0	$0	Earn 2% cashback on tap and pay purchases. T&Cs apply. Enjoy no minimum ongoing balance or transaction requirements and the flexibility to hold up to 10 currencies. Apple Pay and Google Pay available.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Macquarie Transaction Account	Apple Pay, Google Pay	PayID	$0	$0	Earn a variable base rate of 1.5% p.a. on your transaction account balance with no conditions to meet. $0 account keeping fees. This interest-earning transaction account charges no account fees, no international fees and gives refunds on all Australian ATM fees.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Virgin Money Go Account	Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay	Osko, PayID	$0	$0	Special offer: Get 5k bonus Virgin Money Points when you open a new account, for a limited time only. $0 monthly account fee. A transaction account that gives you Virgin Money Points on your everyday spend, access to perks and rewards. Plus, earn a competitive bonus interest rate on your Virgin Money Boost savings account.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Westpac Choice	Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay, Digital Card	Osko, PayID	$0	$5	Use your Westpac Digital Card in the Westpac App to make contactless purchases 24/7 with no physical card. No monthly account keeping fee for customers under 30 or if you meet the deposit conditions. Shop safely online with Westpac Digital Card. Your 3-digit security number refreshes every 24 hours to keep your details safe.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
MyState Bank Glide Account	Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay	Osko, PayID	$0	$0	Simplify your everyday banking with these sleek digital features. $0 monthly account fee. Choose the way you pay with access to Google, Samsung and Apple Pay plus Fitbit Pay and Garmin Pay. Send and receive money in less than 60 seconds with PayID.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Westpac Choice Student	Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay	Osko, PayID	$0	$0	$0 account keeping fee for students and customers under 30 Make purchases 24/7 using your Westpac Digital Card in the Westpac App. Students will pay no monthly account keeping fee with no deposit conditions to meet. Pay with your phone or wearable device anywhere and anytime, and access cash without your debit card using Cardless Cash.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Citi Global Currency Account	Apple Pay, Samsung Pay	Osko, PayID	$0	$0	Earn up to 1.2% p.a. interest on your AUD balance. $0 monthly account fee. Enjoy one linked debit card to hold up to 10 currencies and receive foreign currencies for free.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Up Everyday Account	Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay	Osko, PayID	$0	$0	A transaction account designed for your smartphone with spending categorisation and a round-up feature to help you save. No international transaction fees and no ATM fees in Australia.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

Compare up to 4 providers

What is a debit card?

When you open an Australian bank account, the bank will issue you a debit card to use as a way to access your money. You can use your debit card to get cash out at ATMs, make purchases in stores and online and manage your money via the linked mobile banking app or Internet banking.

Your debit card is different to a credit card

A debit card is linked to your transaction account, so the money available to spend using your debit card is only what you have in your bank account. A credit card is borrowed money from the bank, which you need to pay back in full each month or you'll be charged interest on the money. With a debit card, you aren't charged interest on the money because it's not borrowed money - it's your money. This is a great way to ensure you're not overspending and racking up a bill, but it also means that once your bank account is empty, you won't be bale to use your debit card for purchases. Note that because it's debit, not credit, your debit card usage will not show up on your credit file and count towards your credit score.

Your debit card is different to a pre-paid card

Debit cards are also different to pre-paid cards. While both cards allow you to only spend your own money (unlike a credit card), a pre-paid card isn't necessarily linked to a bank account. A debit card will allow you to spend the entire amount that is in your bank account, but a pre-paid card will only allow you to spend the amount that you've proactively loaded onto the card. Some companies that aren't banks offer pre-paid spending cards, as you can't offer a debit card without a full banking licence. Because debit cards are offered by licensed banks, the money in your account up to the value of $250,000 is guaranteed by the government. Pre-paid cards, however, have no such guarantee.

How to compare debit cards

At Finder, we've been comparing debit cards for more than a decade. While most debit cards are fairly similar, we've learned that there are a few key things to look out for when choosing your own card.

No monthly fees. Debit cards are attached to a bank account, and sometimes that bank account has monthly fees. There are plenty of fee-free bank accounts on the market today, so don't get stuck paying for fees you don't need to.
Third party logo. Having either a Visa or Mastercard debit card with the logo stamped on the card will increase the flexibility and benefits, as these two card suppliers are supported all around the world.
One or multiple ATM networks for free. This is linked to the bank you choose, but if you withdraw cash a lot you'll probably want to find a debit card that has free access to a large number of ATMs. Bankwest and Commonwealth Bank's ATM network is currently the largest in Australia.
Contactless technology. Most new debit cards today enable you to make tap-and-go purchases without having to swipe your card or enter a pin. The feature lets you pay for items, usually costing $100 or less, by holding your card to a reader.
Colours and designs. Most debit cards will come in one colour depending on the bank account you choose, but some will offer a choice of a range of colours. If this is important to you, check if your bank offers this option when choosing your debit card.
Special offers. Some bank accounts have special offers like a cash bonus when you open an account, a cashback offer when you shop or the ability to earn points and discounts.
No international fees. If you travel a lot (or if you often shop from overseas retailers), look for a debit card with no international transaction fees.

How to get a debit card

It's easy to get a new debit card, and the whole process can be done online in a matter of minutes.

1. Compare debit cards. Use our table above to pick a debit card that suits you.

2. Open a bank account. when you've picked one, open a transaction account by filling in the online application form (you'll need some ID, so have this handy).

3. Receive your debit card. Your debit card will be sent to you in the mail, usually 3-5 days after your account is opened.

Benefits of using a debit card

Debit cards come with many benefits. Some of the benefits are:

Debit cards can be used all over the world
Debit cards can be used to make purchases in stores, shops and online
Debit cards allow you to quickly access cash from ATMs or withdraw cash from supermarkets
Debit cards allow you to spend your own money, so there are no interest charges to pay
Debit cards can come with minimal fees and charges, if you make sure to compare

What are the dangers of using a debit card?

As a link to your personal or business funds, you should be careful in the way that you use your debit card. Some things to avoid are:

Overdrawing too much money. If your bank account has an overdraft feature, it means you can continue to make purchases when your account balance is below zero. However, there are often high fees for this. If you don't want this feature, you can ask your bank to cancel it.
Ensuring it doesn't get lost or stolen. If your debit card is lost or stolen, someone is easily able to make purchases using the card as you aren't required to show ID or sign. Because your debit card is linked to your transaction account, you could have all your money withdrawn which can be difficult to get back.

Can I choose my own PIN for my debit card?

Yes, in fact, most banks require that you change your PIN regularly for security reasons. When you receive your debit card in the mail, your bank will provide you with a pre-selected PIN and instructions on how to change it.

What bank accounts can I link to my debit card?

The bank account and debit card come as a pair. You can't link a debit card issued by one bank to a bank account with another bank.

Do you compare joint debit cards?

Yes, our joint bank accounts page lets you compare bank accounts that can be opened in two or more names. You'll each get your own debit card, linked to the same account.

What does it mean if I overdraw on my debit card?

Overdrawing usually occurs when you've used your debit card when your transaction account balance is zero, which brings your account into a negative balance. If you have an overdraft attached to your account, this balance starts to attract interest. It's important to try and avoid overdrawing your account because the fees can be high, usually up to $20. It's not very common for your bank accout to get overdrawn though, as most will just decline when you've ran out of money.

How do I know if my debit card has tap-and-go functionality?

Take a look at your debit card and see if it has the payWave or PayPass symbol on the front. If it doesn't you can call your bank to get a new card.

What is the CVV number on my debit card?

The Card Verification Value (CVV) is a three digit number found on the back of your debit card. On American Express debit cards, the CVV is four digits. This number is used to verify your debit card and helps to reduce fraud, by proving to the merchant that you have the physical debit card with you when making a purchase online or over the phone.

What should I do if my debit card is hacked?

If you notice some unusual purchases on your debit card that weren't you, the first thing to do is contact your bank and freeze your card. This guide can help if your bank account has been hacked.

Thank you for your feedback!

Alison Banney

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Alison Banney is the banking and superannuation editor at Finder. She has written about finance for almost 10 years, with her work featured on sites including Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine and Dynamic Business. She has previously worked at Westpac, and has written for several other major banks and super funds. Alison has a Bachelor of Communications from Newcastle University, with a double major in Journalism and Public Relations. She has ASIC RG146 compliance certificates for Financial Advice, Securities and Managed Investments and Superannuation. Outside of Finder, you’ll likely find her somewhere near the ocean.

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20 Responses

MargaretNovember 25, 2021
I have put an incorrect figure into my debit card number. How do I correct it
Thank you
Reply
- finder Customer Care
  AlisonDecember 4, 2021Staff
  Hi Margaret,
  Is this in reference to an application? You can resubmit your details or reach out to the provider directly to advise them of the needed correction.
  Thanks,
  Alison
  Reply
BrianJuly 26, 2019
My partner and I each have two private accounts, one with a debit card facility, and we share a joint account which also has a debit card facility. We are looking for a provider that will allow us to open five more joint accounts with debit card facilities for each. At the moment, our provider only allows a single joint account with a debit facility. Do you know of a provider where we can have more than one joint account with debit cards?
Kind Regards,
Brian
Reply
- finder Customer Care
  JeniJuly 27, 2019Staff
  Hi Brian,
  Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
  You may refer to our list of joint bank accounts. These accounts are all able to be opened in more than one name. You can use our comparison table to help you find the account that suits you. It is still best for you to contact your preferred bank to check if you can open up to 5 joint accounts with a debit card facility. When you are ready, please click on the ‘Go to site’ button to proceed with your online application. Please make sure that you’ve read the relevant T&Cs or PDS of this account to help consider whether the product is right for you.
  I hope this helps.
  Thank you and have a wonderful day!
  Cheers,
  Jeni
  Reply
RowanMay 10, 2019
Do any debit cards offer membership to rewards programs?
Reply
- finder Customer Care
  MaiMay 11, 2019Staff
  Hi Rowan,
  Thank you for reaching out.
  Yes, there are bank accounts and debit cards that offer a rewards program depending on the type of rewards you feel will be beneficial for you. There are rewards such as points to dollar ratio, bonus points, cashback offers, and prizes.
  You can head to our list of rewards debit cards to compare your options. Please use our comparison table to help you find the card that suits you. When you are ready, press the ‘Go to site’ button to apply.
  Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. You can also contact the provider if you have specific questions.
  Hope this helps! 😊
  Kind Regards,
  Mai
  Reply
AhmedJune 29, 2018
do you offer the cards for people out AU?
Reply
- JoelJune 29, 2018
  Hi Ahmed,
  Thanks for leaving a question on finder.
  finder caters to users who live in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK and USA. If you are not from these countries, unfortunately, you will have to check with your local banks to see what offers they have available for you.
  Cheers,
  Joel
  Reply
ManuelaJuly 24, 2017
hi
Is there a debit/master card where I can have multi cards (a card for my partner and myself) and can earn Qantas points or rewards points?
Thanks
Reply
- DanielleJuly 27, 2017
  Hi there!
  Thank you for contacting Finder.
  Regarding your question, thankfully there. We have a list of credit cards with free additional cardholders. Please go to that page and you’ll find credit cards that will also allow you to earn Qantas Points and/or other rewards points.
  I recommend that you check the details of the credit card you’re interested in, its eligibility criteria as well as the Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions before you apply.
  Also if you can, contact first the issuing bank and discuss your options and chances of approval before you send anything final for your application. Just apply for one credit card at a time and ensure your eligibility before submitting your final application. This way you can avoid credit enquiries on your file.
  I hope this helps.
  Cheers,
  Danielle
  Reply