Compare debit cards
Compare Australian debit cards with $0 account fees, cash bonus offers, contactless payment options, mobile budgeting tools and free ATMs.
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Why compare debit cards?
Debit cards are no longer just a way to access your cash day-to-day, and they're not all the same. Some debit cards offer money-saving cashback deals, some allow you to hold multiple different currencies at once and many offer digital payment options.
If you haven't compared your debit card in a while, you could be missing out on a range of money-saving benefits.
What is a debit card and what does it allow you to do?
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, make purchases and manage your money. The debit card is linked to your transaction account and the terms and conditions associated with your account explains how you can spend your money.Your debit card is linked to your everyday bank account and can be used to make withdrawals from ATMs, EFTPOS, payWave or PayPass.
How do I compare debit cards?
When you are looking for a new debit card, keep an eye on the following feature:
- No monthly fees. You can compare no-fee bank accounts here to ensure you don't get charged for having a debit card.
- Third party logo. Having either Visa or Mastercard stamped on the card will increase the flexibility and benefits in spending that a debit card provides.
- One or multiple ATM networks for free. This is linked to the bank you choose, but you will want to find a debit card that has access to a large number of ATMs for free. Bankwest and Commonwealth Bank's ATM network is currently the largest in Australia.
- Contactless technology. Some debit cards enable you to make purchases using Near Field Communication (NFC) without having to swipe your card or enter a pin. Called tap & go, the feature lets you pay for items, usually costing $100 or less, by holding your card to a reader.
- Fraud protection. You need to protect your debit card from theft and improper use. Make sure you have a unique PIN number set and keep your debit card safe.
- Other security measures. Check what security features your bank provides with your debit card. Your debit card should have secure PIN and chip technology. Also, check to see if you are responsible for unauthorised charges.
- Debit cards for students. As a student, you can receive a range of benefits from your debit card, including no monthly fee.
How is a debit card different from a credit card?
A debit card works similarly to a credit card, except that you’re using your own money instead of the banks' money, which means you don't need to worry about interest payments. With a debit card, you're using your money in real time.Debit cards are a good way to take advantage of the accessibility of a credit card, without having to pay any interest on the amount spent, or worry about your credit rating. It is also a good strategy to prevent you from racking up debt, as a debit card only allows you to spend the money you have in the account at the time of purchase.
A credit card, in comparison, will allow you to make purchases and send you a bill at the end of the month for you to pay back.
Can I choose my own PIN for my debit card?
What bank accounts can I link to my debit card?
You can link almost any everyday transaction account to a debit card. The account needs to have an Australian BSB and account number and the account must be in the same name as what's on the card. It can also be a joint account if desired.
How do I get a debit card?
Do you compare joint accounts?
Yes, our joint bank accounts page lets you compare different types of joint bank accounts.
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 usually 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.
Can I use my debit card when I have no money in my account?
If you have an overdraft attached to your account, you will be able to use your debit card when your balance is $0. However, this will attract interest and a hefty fee. It's important to always ensure you have enough money in your account for automatic payments, such as your phone bill, as if the issuer tries to deduct the money from your account and it's empty, you will likely be charged a penalty.
What is a cash back debit card?
Some debit cards offer cash back on Visa payWave or Mastercard PayPass purchases under $100 in Australia. You normally need to make a minimum deposit, usually $1,000 or $2,000, into your transaction account every month to get the cash back reward on eligible purchases. In the case of joint accounts, either account holder can make the deposit requirements for the cash back to apply.
How do I know if my debit card has PayPass or payWave?
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 are foreign transaction fees and which banks do not charge these?
Foreign transaction fees are applied when you use your debit card to make purchases overseas, or online with a website that doesn't accept Australian dollars. It's a fee charged for having to convert the currency, and it's usually around 3% of the value of the transaction. Currently, the Citibank Plus transaction account and the Macquarie Bank Platinum Transaction account do not charge this fee.
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.
Debit card fraud: is your money at risk?
What is debit card fraud?
When someone else obtains your card details and makes transactions on your card without you knowing. If you report a fraudulent transaction on your card, your bank should deactivate your card to prevent the person from making anymore transactions.
You should always check your debit card statement to make sure all the transactions listed are legitimate. This will help you identify any unusual activity.
Lost or stolen cards
If your card is lost or stolen, let your bank know straight away, even if your overseas. In most cases, you can get a replacement card as soon as possible and your bank can stop all transactions on your account.
Can I get a refund on fraudulent transactions?
This depends on your bank and the situation. Many of the bigger banks offer a 100% money-back guarantee on fraudulent transactions if you comply with the card's conditions of use. For more information, speak to your financial institution.
What are the advantages of using a debit card?
- You have easy access to cash. Your debit card allows you to withdraw money from your account without having to go to a bank.
- You can make purchases overseas or at local shops. With a debit card you don’t need to carry cash in order to make purchases.
- You can shop online. If your debit card has a credit card logo, you can use it to make purchases online.
What are the drawbacks of using a debit card?
- There are usually monthly fees. Read the terms and conditions carefully to discover if your bank charges fees for using your debit card.
- You have to use an ATM in your network. Banks have their own network of ATMs and using your debit card outside of the network could result in added charges to your account.
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 and being charged dishonour fees. If you are not keeping careful track of the money available in your bank account, you may accidentally go over the limit which could result in bank fees.
- Ensuring it doesn't get lost or stolen. If your debit card is lost or stolen and because your debit card is linked to your transaction account, you could have your funds withdrawn without your permission. Luckily, banks today have technology to identify unusual transactions and will typically notify you of the transaction.
What should I do if I’ve noticed my Visa or Mastercard accounts are displayed incorrectly online?
First check your recent receipts and transactions made by any of your additional cardholders. If there is still a discrepancy, contact your bank immediately in case someone is using your account fraudulently.
Why do banks approve transactions when I don’t have sufficient funds? Is there any way to stop this?
This could be the result of a direct debit that posts at the same time as a purchase or credits to the account not clearing as quickly as you thought. You can avoid paying overdrawn account fees by applying for an overdraft account.
I've tried to withdraw cash from my account using an ATM but it's miscalculated the money. What should I do?
If this occurs, try to contact your bank as soon as possible to notify them of the problem. They should be able to get in touch with the branch who takes care of the ATM and sort it out.
Common questions about debit cards
- Typically, you will need to link your savings account to the transaction account that your debit card is linked to. In most cases you will need to transfer the money into your transaction account first before you can use the debit card to withdraw it.
- Notify the bank immediately so that they can put a stop on the card. They will then issue a new one as a replacement.
- Yes, you can ask for additional cards (typically up to two cards) for family members or business associates, but as the primary account holder you will still be responsible for any actions taken using those cards.
- You can use most debit cards overseas, but be mindful that fees and charges can apply so check the Product Disclosure Statement.
- Australian minors who have a transaction account in their name can still get a debit card, but it may not be a Mastercard or Visa.
Alison Banney is the banking and investments editor at Finder. She has written about finance for over 8 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 including BCU, Greater Bank and Gateway Credit Union. 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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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
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
Do any debit cards offer membership to rewards programs?
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
do you offer the cards for people out AU?
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
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
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
Are there any banks issuing access cards for everyday transactions that do not have the PayWave or contactless pay attached? I have been burnt already by Pay N Go type card and it’s very inconvenient. I don’t want it but my current bank said it can’t issue any card now without this as it’s set by Visa!
Hi Mary!
Mastercard Paypass and Visa Paywave is an in-built credit and debit card technology that lets you make contactless payments. You can tap your card against the contactless reader and purchases under $100 are processed in seconds. There’s no need to enter your PIN. This also helps prevent card fraud.
It will be hard pressed to find a debit card that is not contactless. However, there may be travel cards that don’t have this feature. You can find them in our page that lists travel money cards. This page also includes the full-guide about how this may be an alternative.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan