$0 Annual Fee

There isn't one best credit card on the market. And all credit cards can't be compared equally. So our experts have chosen a top pick for each type of credit card offer that appeals to a wide variety of people in Australia.
The top picks were updated by our team of credit card experts and reviewed by senior writer Amy Bradney-George on 4 December 2023.
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To determine the top picks for different credit card categories, Finder’s experts examine over 250 cards in our database every month. We narrow it down to cards available through Finder and analyse them based on the rates, fees, offer details and other factors specific to the category.
In addition to the factors listed, we may consider any additional features or introductory offers that are relevant and have the potential to offer additional value. All our top picks are from credit card brands Finder has a commercial partnership with and may not always be best for you. Based on your situation, you may find certain features to be more or less important, so compare your options before you apply.
A credit card can be a great tool to help you buy what you need, earn rewards, or pay off other debt. But credit cards aren't right for everyone. If you're carrying a balance from month to month and paying interest, it might be worth comparing personal loans or even a buy now, pay later service for smaller purchases.
Alanna Glenn
Finder's lead publisher for money
The ideal credit card is different for everyone (which is why there's not a single "best" credit card). But there are a few things that have universal appeal, including:
There are hundreds of credit cards in Australia for both personal and business spending. These cards can be narrowed down into 5 main categories or "types". Different cards will work for different people. Here's how to find one based on your credit card habits:
If you use your card for everyday spending and want to be rewarded, you could check out frequent flyer, cashback or rewards credit cards that offer extra value per $1 spent. New cards usually offer thousands of bonus points as an incentive for new customers and sometimes discount the annual fee (which can be higher than on some no-frills cards). With these types of cards, always aim to pay off your balance in full every month.
This is one of the most common reasons Australians get a credit card, with Finder research showing 41% of Australians got their last credit card for emergencies. When that's the case, a no annual fee card costs you nothing to keep. And if you pay it off in full each month, it could cost you nothing at all.
Carrying a balance from month to month can be handy but also expensive, with the average credit card interest rate currently at 19.82% p.a. A card with a low interest rate (typically 8.99% - 14.99% p.a.) would save you money in the long run.
A balance transfer credit card can help you save money and simplify your payments by offering a low or 0% interest rate on debt you move to the new card. Balance transfers offers usually last 6-36 months, giving you some time to pay off your debt without having to pay interest. If you have a few debts, combining them can also help you save on rates and fees.
Some sole traders and small business owners will choose a personal credit card for their work spending. But business credit cards offer you more expense management tools and features such as detailed statement breakdowns, automatic feeds for accounting software and cards for employees. They're also more likely to offer rewards for spending with the ATO and other government bodies.
If you're not sure what some of the terms on this page mean, you can check out Finder's guide to credit cards for beginners to learn how they work. It also has a comparison of cards typically suited to new cardholders, including low rate, no annual fee and student credit cards.
Find out which brands took first place at the 2023 Finder Awards.
Every year the Finder Credit Card Awards celebrate Australia's top credit cards, with expert analysis on rates, fees and offers based on 12 months' worth of data. The awards cover categories including balance transfers, travel and frequent flyer rewards – with separate categories for cards that earn Qantas and Velocity Points.
As offers change frequently, these cards might not currently have the most competitive deals but you can use them as a benchmark against current offers.
Back to topLearn how to apply for a credit card when you're retired or on a pension and compare cards to find one that suits your needs.
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Find out what your credit card options are, whether you're employed casually or get Centrelink payments as your main source of income.
Want to factor the credit card provider into your comparison? Here are some details to help you get started.