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Credit card comparison made easy

Compare credit cards with bonus points, balance transfers, low rates and more from our database of 81 Australian providers.

Name Purchase rate p.a. Bonus points Points per $ spent Interest-free period Balance transfer rate p.a. Annual fee
Bankwest Breeze Classic Mastercard
Purchase rate p.a.
0% for 12 months, then 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 12 months with 2% balance transfer fee, then 12.99%
Annual fee
$49
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0% Interest Offers
Save with 0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months (with a 2% BT fee).
Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard
Purchase rate p.a.
26.99%
Bonus points
N/A
Points per $ spent
N/A
Interest-free period
Up to 55 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
Annual fee
$0
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0% Foreign Currency Conversion Fees
Save with 0% international transaction fees on purchases. Plus, complimentary Flight Delay Pass and global data roaming.
Coles No Annual Fee Mastercard
Flybuys
Purchase rate p.a.
0% for 6 months, then 19.99%
Bonus points
20,000
Points per $ spent
0.5
Interest-free period
Up to 55 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
19.99%
Annual fee
$0
Go to siteMore Info
20,000 Bonus Flybuys Points
Get 20,000 bonus Flybuys points (worth $100 Flybuys Dollars) and 0% interest on purchases for the first 6 months.
Kogan Money Card – Exclusive Offer
ExclusiveKogan Rewards Program
Purchase rate p.a.
20.99%
Bonus points
N/A
Points per $ spent
1
Interest-free period
Up to 55 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
0% for 18 months with 1% balance transfer fee, then 21.74%
Annual fee
$0
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0% Balance Transfer Offer
Get 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 18 months with a 1% balance transfer fee. Plus an ongoing $0 annual fee. Ends 30 November 2023.
Westpac Low Rate Card
Purchase rate p.a.
13.74%
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 28 months, then 21.49%
Annual fee
$59
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0% Balance Transfer Offer
Save with a 0% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for 28 months. Plus, a low 13.74% p.a. purchase interest rate.
Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard
Purchase rate p.a.
0% for 12 months, then 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 12 months with 2% balance transfer fee, then 12.99%
Annual fee
$69
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0% Interest Offers
Get 0% p.a. interest on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months (with a 2% BT fee). Plus 0% foreign fees and complimentary overseas travel insurance.
NAB Low Rate Credit Card
Purchase rate p.a.
12.49%
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 28 months with 2% balance transfer fee, then 21.74%
Annual fee
$0 first year ($59 after)
Go to siteMore Info
0% Balance Transfer Offer
Get a 0% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for the first 28 months (with a 2% BT fee). Plus, save with a $0 first-year annual fee.
Qantas American Express Ultimate Card
Qantas Frequent Flyer
Purchase rate p.a.
23.99%
Bonus points
60,000
Points per $ spent
1.25
Interest-free period
Up to 44 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
Annual fee
$450
Go to siteMore Info
60,000 bonus Qantas Points
Get 60,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months. Plus, a yearly $450 Travel Credit.
Westpac Low Rate Card - Cashback Offer
Purchase rate p.a.
13.74%
Bonus points
N/A
Points per $ spent
N/A
Interest-free period
Up to 55 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
Annual fee
$59
Go to siteMore Info
Up to $350 Cashback
A no-frills card offering up to $350 cashback: $50 each month you make at least $1,000 of eligible purchases for the first 7 months.
American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card
Qantas Business Rewards
Purchase rate p.a.
0%
Bonus points
100,000
Points per $ spent
1.25
Interest-free period
Up to 51 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
Annual fee
$450
Go to siteMore Info
100,000 Bonus Qantas Points Offer
ABN holders w/ $75k revenue. Earn 100,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $3,000 in the first 2 months.
Qantas Premier Platinum
Qantas Frequent Flyer
Purchase rate p.a.
19.99%
Bonus points
80,000
Points per $ spent
1
Interest-free period
Up to 55 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
0% for 12 months, then 21.99%
Annual fee
$349 first year ($399 after)
Go to siteMore Info
Up to 80,000 Bonus Points
Earn up to 80,000 bonus Qantas Points. Plus, save with a reduced first-year annual fee and 0% p.a. for 12 months on balance transfers.
American Express Velocity Platinum Card
Velocity 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.
Annual fee
$375
Go to siteMore Info
60,000 Bonus Velocity Points
Get 60,000 bonus Velocity Points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months. Plus a return domestic flight each year.
St.George Vertigo Card - Cashback Offer
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.
6.99% for 12 months, then 21.49%
Annual fee
$55
Go to siteMore Info
Up to $400 Cashback Offer
Get up to $400 cashback at eligible supermarkets and petrol stations in the first 180 days. Plus, a low interest rate for purchases.
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Showing 13 of 30 results

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

My top tip for comparing credit cards is to decide what's most important to you at the beginning. Is it a low interest rate? Low annual fee? Big bonus points offer? Maybe a balance transfer deal? For instance, I pay my balance in full each month and never pay interest, so I ignore the interest rates and don’t look at balance transfer offers. Knowing exactly what you want from your card helps you effectively compare and find the right card for you.

What types of credit cards are there?

Every credit card is slightly different and you should find one that has features that matter to you. There are 5 primary types of credit cards. Here is a quick explanation of each one. Below, we go into more detail and highlight our current top picks.

Card typePrincipal useProsCons
Balance transferbalance transfer iconPay off existing debt with no / low interestSave money on interest and pay down debt fasterMinimal perks and no interest-free days on new purchases
Rewards / frequent flyerrewards iconEarn points on your spendingGet rewarded for money you’d spend anywayHigh interest rates & annual fees
No annual feecover iconCredit without an upfront costCosts nothing if you pay it off in full or don’t use it at allMinimal perks and higher interest rates
Low ratelow rate iconPay off purchases over time while paying less interestSaves you money if you carry a balance from month to monthMinimal perks
Businessbusiness iconManaging cash flow and separating spendingOffer distinct features for business (like accounting feeds)Stricter eligibility requirements

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.

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

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%. 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 (if you get a card) is to have a plan for paying it off and using the benefits.

How to compare credit cards

Here's a breakdown of features and charges you should know about.

Fee or featureWhat is it?What you should know
Annual feeThe amount you'll have to pay each year just to use the card.Higher annual fees usually mean more perks and rewards.
Purchase interest rateThe amount of interest you'll pay if you don’t pay your card off in full.The lower the interest rate, the less you’ll pay in potential interest.
p.a.This abbreviation of “per annum” is used for credit card interest rates, because the annual (or yearly) value is shown.As an example, the interest you’d be charged over 12 months would be about 20% of your balance on a credit card with a 20% p.a. interest rate.
Interest-free periodThe amount of time you'll get before you're charged interest on your purchases.More days give you more time to pay off your balance so you won’t be charged interest.
Balance transfer rateThe interest rate you’ll pay if you transfer a balance from another card.The lower the interest rate, the better. Most introductory offers are for 0% p.a. on your balance, but you may pay a one-time fee.
Cash advance rateThe higher interest rate you’ll pay if you take cash out or make an equivalent transaction.Avoid cash advances unless it's an emergency.
Foreign transaction feeThe fee you'll be charged on purchases made in a foreign currency overseas or online.There are plenty of cards on the market with 0% foreign fees.
Rewards programOffers points and perks that you can earn for your spending.Common features include points, insurance, lounge passes and premium services.
Minimum repaymentThe lowest amount you need to pay by the due date to keep your account in good standing.You can always (and should try to) pay more than the minimum amount. But paying less can lead to late payment fees and hurt your credit score.
Credit card networkThe payment system that processes all your credit card transactions. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club are the key credit card networks in Australia.Banks and brands partner with Mastercard and Visa, so you'll see their logos on your cards. American Express issues cards and has its own network for processing payments. Diners Club has more limited availability.

What's happening in credit cards in November?

Demand for credit cards is rising, with new data from credit reporting body Equifax showing a 6.9% increase in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year.

Equifax's Kevin James, said: “Cost of living pressures are impacting household budgets, with consumers using unsecured credit to help them manage expenses... However, using unsecured credit to make ends meet is not a viable long-term strategy for consumers who are feeling financial strain and can create bad debt cycles if they can't keep up with repayments."

If you're paying interest on a credit card right now, switching to one with a 0% balance transfer offer or a lower interest rate could make a big difference to your costs.

This month, American Express is also running its annual Shop Small campaign, giving card members a way to win a share in 10 million points and support small businesses.

Updated by Finder's credit card senior writer Amy Bradney-George on 2 November 2023.

Should I get a credit card?

For many Australians, using a credit card is an everyday part of life. But not everyone needs a credit card.

In fact, Finder research has found that 72% of Australians could manage their money without a credit card. So they don't technically need a card but still choose have one for different reasons, including:

  • For emergencies
  • To earn rewards or frequent flyer points (which are not offered by most other accounts)
  • To make big purchases
  • To build credit history
  • To pay off debt and/or get a balance transfer

Some people also like the security of knowing that a credit card uses the bank's money, especially when it comes to fraud. It means you're not directly out-of-pocket when suspicious transactions are investigated.

On the other hand, you don’t want to take on debt you don't need, especially if you're paying interest on it.

There are also some people who might be more susceptible to credit card debt. For example, people who tend to impulse shop could end up with a big balance and interest charges, which can take years to pay off.

Bottom line? You should weigh up the pros and cons of getting a credit card based on what you would use it for and how you'd pay it off. That way, you can decide if it's worth it for you – and see if there's a card you want.

Did you know? 2022 Finder research shows credit card loyalty could cost the average cardholder $153 a year. It pays to compare, and to switch when you find a better offer.

How to use a credit card (and avoid debt)

A credit card is convenient, but it also comes with a risk of debt. Here are 4 tips to help you stay on top of payments and make the most of your credit card.

  • 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 – or as much as possible – 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.

Have questions about credit cards? We have answers

Why you can trust Finder's credit card experts

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97 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    COLLEENNovember 14, 2023

    Do you think I can get a credit card on a 550 credit score.

      AvatarFinder
      AmyNovember 15, 2023Finder

      Hi Colleen,
      Your credit score is just one of the factors credit card providers consider when you apply for a credit card. Your level of income, regular household expenses and any existing debts are some of the other details they will review when you apply. You can also check the eligibility criteria for a credit card you’re interested in applying for, or contact the provider to discuss your application. If you want to increase your chance of approval Finder also has a guide with credit card application tips that may be helpful

    Default Gravatar
    AdrianNovember 13, 2023

    What is the best rewards business card for low FX rates or no fees? We are a small business that use alot of subscriptions overseas to the US.

      AvatarFinder
      AmyNovember 14, 2023Finder

      Hi Adrian,
      The ANZ Business Black Credit Card was named Best Business Rewards Credit Card 2023 and the NAB Qantas Business Signature was named Best Business Frequent Flyer Credit Card in the 2023 Finder Credit Card Awards. But while both of these cards earn points per $1, they also both have international transaction fees. This is relatively common for business credit cards but you may still want to compare others to see if there’s one with more features suited to your business.

      You could also consider an expense management card that has no FX fees, such as those offered by Archa, Cape or Volopay (which offers a multi-currency facility). Not all of these accounts offer access to credit or a rewards program, so you’ll need to decide if they’re suitable. I hope this helps.

    Default Gravatar
    IanNovember 12, 2023

    Hi, I am wondering if I can search credit cards for those that do not charge a foreign currency transaction fee as I will be heading overseas in December. Your assistance will be appreciated. Ian

      AvatarFinder
      AmyNovember 13, 2023Finder

      Hi Ian,
      Yes, Finder has a whole guide to credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, including a table where you can compare cards side-by-side. It also has insights on how this feature works and what else to consider when you’re choosing a card for travel or online shopping with businesses that are based overseas. I hope this helps.

    Default Gravatar
    NishaSeptember 1, 2023

    I need a credit card for shopping online from outside Australia. I would like to know which card suits my needs best. I need a card with no international transaction fees plus rewards.

    Default Gravatar
    JimboJuly 6, 2023

    The address on my driver’s licence is different to the address where I’m staying. Will that mean my credit card application will be rejected?

      AvatarFinder
      ElizabethJuly 13, 2023Finder

      Hi Jimbo,

      Thanks for your question.

      Banks and credit card companies ask for certain documents like your driver’s licence to be able to verify your identity (a process known as KYC, or Know Your Customer). As long as your driver’s licence matches up with the other documents you provide on your application you will be able to be verified.

      I hope this helps,

      Elizabeth

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