How do I get a credit card in Australia?

You need to apply for a credit card before you can start using one. This is usually a simple process you can do online in a few steps: Compare credit cards from different providers to find one you want Check that you meet the eligibility requirements (e.g. being over the age of 18 and earning income) Complete the application, including supporting documentation (e.g. your driver's licence details, payslips etc) Before you apply it's important to think about how a credit card fits in with your financial situation. It may be helpful to use a repayment calculator to estimate potential costs and budget for repayments if you don't think you'll pay off what you spend each month. Also keep in mind that lenders check your credit report and score when you apply. So if you want to check these details before that, you can get a free copy of your report and score through Finder.

How to use a credit card (and avoid debt)

A credit card is convenient, but it comes with a risk of debt. Here are 4 tips to help you stay on top of payments. Ask for a credit limit you can manage. Credit card companies must determine your limit based on what you could "reasonably" afford to pay off over 3 years. But if the credit limit you're offered is higher than what you need, you can request a lower limit so you have more control. Pay more than the minimum. Only paying the minimum amount listed on your credit card statement can lead to years of debt and interest charges. So, aim to pay off the total balance by the statement's due date. Plan repayments. Set a monthly calendar reminder for the payment due date, or set up automated payments. Finder's credit card repayment calculator can also help you budget. Get help if you need it. If you’re struggling with your credit card, call your bank or provider to see what support is available. You can also get free financial advice by calling the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 .

What will getting a credit card do to my credit score?

Applying for a credit card impacts your credit score as each application is recorded on your credit file. Multiple applications in a short period can lower your score and missed repayments also negatively affect it. But regular payments and responsible use of a credit card can raise your credit score. It's all in how you use the card.

Can I get a credit card if I have a bad credit history?

Yes, but it’s typically more difficult. It's a good idea to provide as much detail as possible on the application to show you can manage the account. You could also chat to your current bank before applying so they can guide you. If you can't get a credit card, an unsecured personal loan could be another option.

How do credit cards compare to buy now pay later services?

The discussion around credit cards vs Afterpay has been going on for years, but both cards and buy now pay later (BNPL) services have different features. Here's a basic breakdown: Credit cards: You can use a credit card almost everywhere: shops, cafes, online. They just need to accept the type of card you have (Amex, Mastercard, Visa). If you don't pay off your balance in full each month, you'll be charged interest. When you apply, the bank will check your credit score to decide what limit to give you. Buy now pay later: Most BNPL services let you buy items from partnered stores, then pay them off in fixed instalments over a few weeks or months. They don't typically charge interest but may have other fees, especially for late payments. Your credit history isn't usually checked when you apply and your limit will increase with responsible use.

What credit card options are available for people under 18?

Although you can't apply for a credit card in your name while you're under 18, you can consider the following options: Ask to be an additional cardholder on your parents' credit card. If you're at least 16 years of age, your parents may add you as a supplementary cardholder to their credit card account. This means that you will receive a credit card linked to their account, and they will remain legally responsible for all the expenses. Get a prepaid credit card. A prepaid credit card lets you preload the card with money. This means it's technically not a "credit" card because you are responsible for providing the money you spend, but it can be a useful pay-as-you-go option. With a prepaid card, you won't fall into debt, and can usually shop anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted (including online). Use a debit card. A debit card is similar to a prepaid card, except it is linked to a bank account. When you use this type of card, you are spending money that you have in the account and don't have to keep loading money like you would with a prepaid card. Most debit cards can be used for contactless payments and mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay, if you're set up with one of those accounts. Focus on savings. The importance of saving throughout your life is often underrated. Learning to save should be a critical focus, especially before you get a credit card. This will ensure you have funds that you can use when necessary and also prevent unmanageable credit card debt in the future. Before applying for a credit card, make sure that you've researched your chosen card and understood the terms, conditions and eligibility requirements. Rather than thinking of these requirements as restrictive, understand that credit card application requirements help uphold responsible lending practises and protect consumers.

What is the most accepted credit card in Australia?

Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards in Australia . They can be used for both domestic and international purchases, offering broad merchant acceptance and lower fees for use compared to other networks like American Express .

Credit card comparison Australia

Compare these credit card brands & more

1 - 12 of 250

Product	Purchase rate p.a.	Bonus points	Points per $ spent	Interest-free period	Balance transfer rate p.a.	Annual fee
Qantas Premier Platinum Qantas Frequent Flyer	Purchase rate p.a. 20.99%	Bonus points 90,000	Points per $ spent 1	Interest-free period Up to 44 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. N/A	Annual fee $349 first year ($399 after)	Earn up to 90,000 bonus Qantas Points when you meet the minimum spend requirement. Plus, save with a reduced first-year annual fee.	Go to site More info Compare	loading Fetching your data...
American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card Finder AwardQantas Business Rewards	Purchase rate p.a. 0%	Bonus points 150,000	Points per $ spent 1.25	Interest-free period Up to 51 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. N/A	Annual fee $225 first year ($450 after)	Limited-time offer: Earn 150,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months. Plus, a half off annual fee in the first year. ABN holders w/ $75k revenue.	Go to site More info Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard Finder Award	Purchase rate p.a. 12.99%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 24 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 12.99%	Annual fee $59	Get 0% p.a. interest on balance transfers for 24 months (with a 3% balance transfer fee). Plus 0% foreign fees and complimentary overseas travel insurance.	Go to site More info Compare	loading Fetching your data...
American Express Velocity Platinum Card Most LovedVelocity Frequent Flyer	Purchase rate p.a. 23.99%	Bonus points 60,000	Points per $ spent 1.25	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. N/A	Annual fee $440	Enjoy 60,000 bonus Velocity Points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months. Plus, up to 100 bonus Status Credits and up to 2.25 Velocity Points per $1 spent.	Go to site More info Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Virgin Australia Velocity Flyer Card - Balance Transfer Offer Velocity Frequent Flyer	Purchase rate p.a. 20.74%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent 0.66	Interest-free period Up to 44 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 24 months with 1% balance transfer fee, then 20.99%	Annual fee $149	Get 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 24 months (with 1% BT fee) and $129 Virgin Australia Gift Voucher.	Go to site More info Compare	loading Fetching your data...
St.George Vertigo Card Finder Award	Purchase rate p.a. 13.99%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 24 months with 2% balance transfer fee, then 21.99%	Annual fee $55	Get a 0% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for 24 months (with a one-time 2% balance transfer fee).	Go to site More info Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Coles No Annual Fee Mastercard Flybuys	Purchase rate p.a. 20.74%	Bonus points 10,000	Points per $ spent 0.5	Interest-free period Up to 44 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. N/A	Annual fee $0	Get 10,000 bonus Flybuys points (worth $50 Flybuys dollars) when you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months.	Go to site More info Compare	loading Fetching your data...
American Express Explorer Credit Card Most LovedMembership Rewards	Purchase rate p.a. 23.99%	Bonus points 95,000	Points per $ spent 2	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. N/A	Annual fee $395	Limited-time offer. Get 75,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points and 20,000 points when you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months. Ends 27 May 2025.	Go to site More info Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Citi Clear Card - Limited Time Offer	Purchase rate p.a. 14.99%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Interest-free period Up to 44 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 20 months with 2% balance transfer fee, then 22.24%	Annual fee $149	Offers 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 20 months with a one-time 2% balance transfer fee. Plus, get $10 cashback per month with BINGE.*	Go to site More info Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Qantas American Express Ultimate Card Finder AwardQantas Frequent Flyer	Purchase rate p.a. 23.99%	Bonus points 50,000	Points per $ spent 1.25	Interest-free period Up to 44 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. N/A	Annual fee $450	Get a yearly $450 Travel Credit and 50,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months.	Go to site More info Compare	loading Fetching your data...
NAB Rewards Platinum Card – Velocity Points Most LovedVelocity Frequent Flyer	Purchase rate p.a. 20.99%	Bonus points 80,000	Points per $ spent 1	Interest-free period Up to 44 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 12 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 21.74%	Annual fee $95 first year ($195 after)	Get up to 80,000 bonus Velocity Points: 60,000 points when you spend $1,000 in the first 60 days and 20,000 after 12 months. Ends 31 July 2025.	Go to site More info Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Westpac Altitude Velocity Black Finder AwardVelocity Frequent Flyer	Purchase rate p.a. 20.99%	Bonus points 120,000	Points per $ spent 0.75	Interest-free period Up to 45 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. N/A	Annual fee $370	Up to 120,000 bonus Velocity Points (90,000 points in year 1 when you spend $6,000 in the first 120 days & 30,000 after the first eligible spend in year 2).	Go to site More info Compare	loading Fetching your data...

Find some of the terms in this table confusing? Jump down to our glossary to learn about key features and how to compare credit cards.

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As seen on

What is a credit card?

A credit card lets you spend money that you can pay back over time, usually with interest.

Unlike a debit card – where you need money in the bank – a credit card gives you a set amount you can spend (or borrow), known as your credit limit. You also get regular statements (usually monthly) and need to make repayments by the due date on them.

In Australia, you must be at least 18 years old to apply for a credit card in your name.

Want more details? Check out Finder's guide to how credit cards work.

Our expert says

"When comparing credit cards, decide what's most important to you. Is it a low interest rate? Low annual fee? Bonus frequent flyer points? Maybe a balance transfer deal? For instance, I pay my balance in full each month, so I ignore the interest rates and don’t look at balance transfer offers. Instead, I aim to find cards with a great points earning rate. Knowing exactly what you want, makes it easier to find the right card for you."

Sarah Megginson

Personal finance expert + media spokesperson

What types of credit cards are there?

There are 5 main types of credit cards. Every card is slightly different, so you should compare credit cards to find the best credit card that has the features that matter to you.

Card type	Principal use	Pros	Cons
Balance transfer	Pay off existing debt with no / low interest	Save money on interest and pay down debt faster	Minimal perks and no interest-free days on new purchases
Rewards	Earn points on your spending	Get rewarded for money you’d spend anyway	High interest rates & annual fees
No annual fee	Credit without an upfront cost	Costs nothing if you pay it off in full or don’t use it at all	Minimal perks and higher interest rates
Low rate	Pay off purchases over time while paying less interest	Saves you money if you carry a balance from month to month	Minimal perks
Business	Managing cash flow and separating spending	Offer distinct features for business (like accounting feeds)	Stricter eligibility requirements

Credit card guides and resources

Hospital cover

New to credit cards?

Hospital cover tiers

Applying & credit score

Dental cover

Popular types of cards

Understanding tax

Managing your card

Comparison and deals

Comparisons & deals

How to compare credit cards

Here's a breakdown of features and charges you should look at when doing a credit card comparison.

Find the right type of card. Want Qantas Points? Get a frequent flyer card that lets you earn points when you spend. Need a simple, cheap card for everyday spending? Look at low rate or no annual fee cards.
Look at the purchase rate. Credit cards charge high interest rates. But only if you don't pay the card off on time.
Don't forget the annual fee. Most cards charge a yearly fee. It can be as low as $50 or as high as $400 for a fancy card with lots of perks and benefits. There are some cards with annual fees that cost over $1,000!
Count your interest free days. One of the best features of a credit card, interest-free days let you buy something today and pay no interest for up to 55 days. How it actually works in practice is a little complicated though.
Look at all the perks and benefits the card offers. Some credit cards give you reward or frequent flyer points, purchase protection or complimentary travel insurance, cashback on your spending or other rewards. The more perks a card offers the higher the annual fee. So if you don't use them, you're wasting money.

Credit cards 101

There are lots of confusing terms in credit card land. Here's a quick explainer:

Balance transfer rate. The interest rate you'll pay if you transfer a balance from one card to another. Most introductory offers are for 0% p.a. on your balance, but you may pay a one-time fee.
Cash advances. Try not to withdraw cash from an ATM or use your card to gamble or buy foreign currencies. These transactions are considered cash advances and they come with a fee plus a higher interest rate (which you get charged immediately).
Credit card network. The payment system that processes all your credit card transactions. In Australia most cards are either Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
Foreign transaction fees. This is the fee you'll be charged on purchases made in a foreign currency overseas or online. Some cards have 0% foreign fees.
Minimum repayment. You can repay all your card spending each month. Or you can pay it off slowly (and get charged interest). The minimum repayment is the lowest amount you must pay by the due date. Miss this, and you'll get charged a fee.

Finder survey: How old are Australians when they get their first credit card?

Response
18-22	31.63%
23-27	28.21%
I’ve never had a credit card	14.73%
28-32	12.94%
33-40	8%
41-50	2.7%
50+	1.8%

Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1113 Australians, December 2023

Expert insight: Why credit card records matter

"Maintaining these records helps you track your spending, verify transactions, and catch any errors or fraudulent activities promptly. They are also useful for budgeting, filing taxes, and providing proof of purchase or payment if disputes arise. Keeping organised and accessible records of your statements, whether in digital or paper form, ensures you have a comprehensive financial history that can be referenced whenever necessary."

Angel Zhong

Professor, RMIT

Pros & cons of credit cards

Pros

Flexibility. If you have a big purchase to make, a credit card can be a financial "buffer" – letting you buy it and then repay it over time. If it’s used wisely, it can be interest free.
Convenience. Credit cards allow you to buy what you need, when you need it. You can use them to shop in-store, online and overseas, with security features to protect against fraud.
Rewards. Everyone loves perks. A credit card can help you get frequent flyer points, cashback on your groceries, flight upgrades or even gift cards.

Cons

Debt. Credit card interest adds up quickly if you don't pay your balance on time, which could cost you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars and take a long time to pay back.
Can be expensive. The average interest rate for an Australian credit card is around 20%, RBA stats show. In comparison, the average interest rate for a variable rate personal loan is 14.41%.
Sneaky fees and surcharges. Some businesses add a surcharge to credit card payments, which can be 1–2% of the total purchase cost.

Bottom line? Credit cards have a mix of great perks and understandable risks. A good rule of thumb is to compare credit cards to ensure you get one with the features you need, while having a plan for paying it off and using the benefits.

What's happening in credit cards in April 2025?

EXPERTREVIEW

By Finder's money editor, Richard Whitten.

Australians spent $437.04 billion on their credit cards in the last 12 months, according to the latest figures. The average Australian credit card balance is $3,408 per card, which is $174 more than the previous month.

But the average credit card balance for people getting charged interest (cards that aren't repaid in full each month) is lower but rising, at $1,640.

In terms of credit card offers, the top balance transfer credit card this month based on Finder Scores is the Virgin Australia Velocity Flyer Card - Balance Transfer Offer. The top scoring frequent flyer credit card this month is the American Express Velocity Platinum Card, which has a hefty bonus Velocity Points offer.

Did you know? Finder research shows the average Australian with a credit card could save $222 over 32 months by switching cards.

Have questions about credit cards? We have answers

You need to apply for a credit card before you can start using one. This is usually a simple process you can do online in a few steps:
1. Compare credit cards from different providers to find one you want
2. Check that you meet the eligibility requirements (e.g. being over the age of 18 and earning income)
3. Complete the application, including supporting documentation (e.g. your driver's licence details, payslips etc)
Before you apply it's important to think about how a credit card fits in with your financial situation. It may be helpful to use a repayment calculator to estimate potential costs and budget for repayments if you don't think you'll pay off what you spend each month.
Also keep in mind that lenders check your credit report and score when you apply. So if you want to check these details before that, you can get a free copy of your report and score through Finder.
A credit card is convenient, but it comes with a risk of debt. Here are 4 tips to help you stay on top of payments.
- Ask for a credit limit you can manage. Credit card companies must determine your limit based on what you could "reasonably" afford to pay off over 3 years. But if the credit limit you're offered is higher than what you need, you can request a lower limit so you have more control.
- Pay more than the minimum. Only paying the minimum amount listed on your credit card statement can lead to years of debt and interest charges. So, aim to pay off the total balance by the statement's due date.
- Plan repayments. Set a monthly calendar reminder for the payment due date, or set up automated payments. Finder's credit card repayment calculator can also help you budget.
- Get help if you need it. If you’re struggling with your credit card, call your bank or provider to see what support is available. You can also get free financial advice by calling the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.
Applying for a credit card impacts your credit score as each application is recorded on your credit file. Multiple applications in a short period can lower your score and missed repayments also negatively affect it. But regular payments and responsible use of a credit card can raise your credit score. It's all in how you use the card.
The discussion around credit cards vs Afterpay has been going on for years, but both cards and buy now pay later (BNPL) services have different features. Here's a basic breakdown:
- Credit cards: You can use a credit card almost everywhere: shops, cafes, online. They just need to accept the type of card you have (Amex, Mastercard, Visa). If you don't pay off your balance in full each month, you'll be charged interest. When you apply, the bank will check your credit score to decide what limit to give you.
- Buy now pay later: Most BNPL services let you buy items from partnered stores, then pay them off in fixed instalments over a few weeks or months. They don't typically charge interest but may have other fees, especially for late payments. Your credit history isn't usually checked when you apply and your limit will increase with responsible use.
Although you can't apply for a credit card in your name while you're under 18, you can consider the following options:
- Ask to be an additional cardholder on your parents' credit card. If you're at least 16 years of age, your parents may add you as a supplementary cardholder to their credit card account. This means that you will receive a credit card linked to their account, and they will remain legally responsible for all the expenses.
- Get a prepaid credit card. A prepaid credit card lets you preload the card with money. This means it's technically not a "credit" card because you are responsible for providing the money you spend, but it can be a useful pay-as-you-go option. With a prepaid card, you won't fall into debt, and can usually shop anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted (including online).
- Use a debit card. A debit card is similar to a prepaid card, except it is linked to a bank account. When you use this type of card, you are spending money that you have in the account and don't have to keep loading money like you would with a prepaid card. Most debit cards can be used for contactless payments and mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay, if you're set up with one of those accounts.
- Focus on savings. The importance of saving throughout your life is often underrated. Learning to save should be a critical focus, especially before you get a credit card. This will ensure you have funds that you can use when necessary and also prevent unmanageable credit card debt in the future.
Before applying for a credit card, make sure that you've researched your chosen card and understood the terms, conditions and eligibility requirements. Rather than thinking of these requirements as restrictive, understand that credit card application requirements help uphold responsible lending practises and protect consumers.
Credit Card Finder® is a free, Australian-owned service that you can use to compare over 260 credit card offers from banks, credit unions and other financial institutions. We've been around since 2006 and keep a database of virtually every credit card on the market.
Our comparison tables are free to use and we link you directly to the lender's secure application page. We make money from featured partners but editorial opinions are our own.

Why you can trust our credit card experts

Obsessed with perks - we nerd out over points, rates & prizes - our editors spend hours (ok, days) crunching 250+ cards every single month. We even give them a simple score out of 10 if you just want the easy life.

No two cards the same - different cards are great for different things (and some are just junk). That's why we track and score every type of card from balance tranfers to rewards, cashback to low interest - so you don't waste a cent.

No BS - We're not owned by a bank, we don't have a call centre. Our only mission is to match you with the card of your dreams. Whether it's your first card, or you're a points ninja - we got you.

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Thank you for your feedback!

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Sarah Megginson as part of our fact-checking process.

Written by

Richard Whitten

Money Editor

Richard Whitten is Finder’s Money Editor, with over seven years of experience in home loans, property and personal finance. His insights appear in top media outlets like Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine, and the Herald Sun, and he frequently offers expert commentary on television and radio, helping Australians navigate mortgages and property ownership. Richard holds multiple industry certifications, including a Certificate IV in Mortgage Broking (RG 206) and Tier 1 and Tier 2 certifications (RG 146), as well as a Graduate Certificate in Communications from Deakin University. See full bio

Richard's expertise

Richard has written 608 Finder guides across topics including:

Home loans
Property
Personal finance
Money-saving tips

Co-written by

Amy Bradney-George

Journalist

Amy is an experienced journalist with over 16 years of experience, contributing to major publications like Money Magazine, The Sydney Morning Herald, and ABC News Australia. Specialising in personal finance, she frequently appeared in media outlets and on radio. Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Drama from Griffith University and earned RG146 certifications in Tier 1 Generic Knowledge and Tier 2 General Advice Deposit Products, ensuring her expertise is grounded in current financial regulations. Amy was Finder's Senior Writer for Credit Cards from 2016 to 2024. See full bio

Amy's expertise

Amy has written 543 Finder guides across topics including:

Credit cards
Frequent flyer
Credit score
BNPL
Money management
Sustainability

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125 Responses

AnnMay 2, 2025

We are looking for a joint credit card. What are our options or is there a better way?

Finder

SarahMay 2, 2025Finder

Hi Ann,

Yes there’s a number of cards you can get as a joint account holder, check out some options here. Another option is to have one primary card holder, and get a secondary card for the additional person. Hope this helps!

CesarDecember 2, 2024

Looking for small amount credit card

Finder

RichardDecember 3, 2024Finder

Hello Cesar,

You might want to look at a low rate credit card. Many of these cards are available with credit limits as low as $500 or $1,000.

GARDENNovember 30, 2024

How to benefit when my primary physical address business and operation are in South Africa

Finder

AngusDecember 2, 2024Finder

Hi, Cards offered from Australia won’t be available for South Africa – you’ll need to look elsewhere.

DouglasNovember 17, 2024

What amount is given with good credit score of 887

Finder

RichardNovember 18, 2024Finder

Hi Douglas,

It really depends on multiple factors, not just your credit score. Your income, monthly spending and other debts you have all affect your approved credit limit.

DanielleOctober 5, 2024

A card that dosnt have large fees

Finder

RichardOctober 7, 2024Finder

Hi Danielle,

Check out low rate credit cards or a no annual fee credit card.

Credit card comparison Australia