Bank First is a customer-owned financial institution that's based in Victoria but open to anyone over the age of 18. It offers a Visa Classic and Visa Platinum credit card, both with low variable interest rates, contactless payment options and security features to help keep your account safe.
Both Bank First credit cards offer variable interest rates that are competitive with other low rate credit cards. With the Visa Classic, you get a 12.54% p.a. variable rate for purchases, cash advances and balance transfers – plus no annual fee. With the Visa Platinum, you get a 11.49% p.a. variable rate and pay an annual fee of $99. These cards also offer interest-free days on purchases, but only if you pay your balance in full by the due date on each statement.
Platinum credit cards
The Bank First Visa Platinum combines a low rate with platinum perks, including complimentary travel insurance and a platinum concierge service you can use to save time on tasks such as making restaurant reservations, booking events, planning trips or getting gifts for loved ones. But, considering some other platinum credit cards offer other premium perks, make sure you weigh these features against the cost of the annual fee to help decide if it's worth it.
The benefits of a credit card with Bank First
Customer-owned bank
Bank First is owned by its customers, which means any profits made are put towards projects and initiatives that benefit customers, rather than shareholders. This structure can lead to more competitive accounts, as well as ethical and community initiatives, which customers can also have a say in.
Mobile wallets
If you have a mobile phone or device with Apple Pay or Google Pay, you can add a Bank First Visa credit card and make contactless payments straight from your phone.
Visa benefits
You can use the Bank First Visa Classic and Visa Platinum credit cards to pay in person, online or over the phone with any business that takes Visa cards. When you shop online, you'll also get Visa Secure protection to help verify your purchases at participating merchants. Plus, you can access exclusive deals on shopping, dining, entertainment and travel through Visa Offers + Perks.
Account management
You can check your balance and manage your account through Bank First's internet banking or mobile app. You can also visit a branch or call 1300 654 822.
How to apply
You can apply for a credit card from Bank First by filling in a secure application form on the bank's website. Before you get started, make sure you meet the following eligibility criteria and have all the documents and details you need to complete the application.
Eligibility criteria
Australian residency status. You must reside in Australia.
Credit history. You must not have a history of defaults, bankruptcy, judgements or legal actions for the recovery of debt.
Age. You must be at least 18 years of age.
Documents and details
Personal details. This includes your full name, date of birth, phone number, residential address and email address. You also need to provide a valid form of ID, such as your driver's licence, passport or Medicare number.
Employment details. As well as your salary, you need to share details of your occupation, length of employment and your employer's contact details. You may also need to provide recent payslips or tax assessment notices to help verify these details.
Financial details. This covers any other forms of income, as well as savings, investments and other assets. You also need to provide details of existing cards, loans, debts and other liabilities, as well as your share of regular household expenses such as rent or mortgage payments and bills.
If you have any questions about the application or want to follow up once you've submitted it, you can contact Bank First by calling 1300 654 822, emailing info@bankfirst.com.au or visiting a branch.
Credit card brands similar to Bank First
If you want a credit card from a customer-owned bank or one based in Victoria, here are 3 other credit card providers you could compare with Bank First:
Bank First is a mutual bank that's owned by its customers and is part of the Victoria Teachers Limited group (ABN 44 087 651 769). Its AFSL/Australian Credit Licence Number is 240 960 and it was previously known as Victoria Teachers Mutual Bank.
If you get the Bank First Visa Platinum credit card, you'll automatically get cover for international trips of up to 4 months when you book a ticket with a fixed return date before you leave Australia. This cover is also available to your spouse and any dependants travelling with you.
There is no specific spend requirement with your card and you don't need to activate the insurance as long as you meet the requirements. But you should read the insurance booklet to check that the cover is suitable for your trip. If you have questions about the insurance, contact the provider Allianz Global Assistance on 1800 754 190.
Call 1300 654 822 to report your card as lost or stolen. If you're overseas, call +61 3 9834 8560 or report the card through the Visa website. You can also use the Bank First mobile app to report a lost or stolen card and have the option of pre-ordering a new card.
Amy Bradney-George was the senior writer for credit cards at Finder, and editorial lead for Finder Green. She has over 16 years of editorial experience and has been featured in publications including ABC News, Money Magazine and The Sydney Morning Herald. See full bio
Amy's expertise
Amy has written 588 Finder guides across topics including:
Is there a maximum amount I can put on the credit card in one day?
Finder
AmyMay 11, 2023Finder
Hi Wendy,
The card’s available credit limit is the maximum amount you could spend in one day. You can check this limit through Internet or phone banking. It’s also included on each credit card statement.
Some cards also have separate limits for ATM withdrawals, cash advance transactions or other specific transactions. I couldn’t see any details about this on the Bank First website but if you have further questions you can contact the bank on 1300 654 104. I hope that helps.
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Is there a maximum amount I can put on the credit card in one day?
Hi Wendy,
The card’s available credit limit is the maximum amount you could spend in one day. You can check this limit through Internet or phone banking. It’s also included on each credit card statement.
Some cards also have separate limits for ATM withdrawals, cash advance transactions or other specific transactions. I couldn’t see any details about this on the Bank First website but if you have further questions you can contact the bank on 1300 654 104. I hope that helps.