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🧪How we chose these cards
For our Top Picks, we compared hundreds of credit cards from Finder partners in October 2020. Keep in mind that our top picks may not always be the best for you, and you're encouraged to compare for yourself to find one that works for you. Read our full methodology here to find out more.
What is the best credit card in Australia? With so many products available, there isn't one card that is right for every person. But thinking about the features you want, your spending habits and your financial history will help you to compare your options.
Check out some of the best* credit cards
The best credit card for you is the one that gives you the features you need, perks you want and rates and fees you can afford.
What is the best credit card for me?
To choose the right credit card, you need to look at how you plan to use it, your current financial situation and your future goals. That way you can compare different features and benefits based on your circumstances.
For example, if you want a credit card that offers rewards and perks, look at frequent flyer cards or at platinum and black options. If you want a card to help you manage your expenses, compare 0% purchase, balance transfer or low rate cards. You can use these guides to discover the types of cards available, who they're suited to and how to find the ideal one for you.
Types of credit cards
While there are many types of credit cards available, they can generally be grouped into four main categories: balance transfer, rewards, low rate and no annual fee.
0% balance transfer credit cards
- What are they? You can use a balance transfer credit card to pay off existing debt faster with a low or 0% interest rate for an introductory period.
- Who are these cards suited to? People who have an existing credit, store or charge card debt and are paying interest at a higher rate than necessary. People with existing personal loan debt can also compare a limited number of credit cards that offer balance transfers for this type of debt.
How can I find the best balance transfer credit card?
- Compare balance transfer offers. Most offers give you a 0% interest rate on balance transfers for an introductory period, so you'll need to look at how many months this rate applies and what interest rate is charged at the end of it.
- Check for fees. As well as the annual fee, check to see if a one-time balance transfer fee will apply and make sure it doesn't outweigh the potential savings. You can find out more about balance transfer fees in this guide.
Frequent flyer and rewards credit cards
- What are they? Frequent flyer and rewards credit cards give you a way to earn points on your everyday purchases, which you can then redeem for travel, merchandise, experiences and more. There are also some cards that offer cashback rewards.
- Who are these cards suited to? Frequent flyers, rewards members or anyone who pays off the balance of their credit card each month and wants to earn points for their spending.
How can I find the best frequent flyer credit or rewards card?
- Choose the program you want to earn points through. As well as Qantas Frequent Flyer and Velocity Frequent Flyer credit cards, you can look at cards that earn bank or credit card rewards points, such as American Express Membership Rewards or Westpac Altitude Rewards cards.
- Compare the earn rate. This is the number of points you earn per $1 spent on eligible purchases. Check if there's a cap on how many points you can earn each month or each year and whether that will limit your points potential.
- Look at other valuable features. Are there any bonus points on offer, complimentary insurance covers, status credits, airport lounge passes or an annual fee waiver?
Low rate credit cards
- What are they? These credit cards offer a low interest rate on purchases, typically ranging from 8.99% p.a. to 14.99% p.a. In comparison, some other cards have purchase rates around 18-22% p.a. There are also cards that offer an introductory 0% p.a. interest rate for purchases.
- Who are these cards suited to? People who have big purchases they want to pay off over time, or who don't usually pay off their card in full each month.
How can I find the best low rate credit card?
- Compare the interest rates. With any 0% purchase rate offers, check the interest rate that applies at the end of the introductory period to avoid higher costs down the track. If you want a long-term option, a card with a low ongoing variable interest rate could be more suitable.
- Look at fees and other features. For cards that charge an annual fee, weigh this cost against the potential savings you'll get from the low purchase rate to decide if it is worth it. Also check for any other features you think you'll use regularly, such as mobile wallet functionality or platinum perks.
Citi Rewards Card - Exclusive Balance Transfer Offer
Finder ExclusiveSave on interest with 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 30 months with no balance transfer fee. Plus, a $49 first-year annual fee and Citi Rewards.
Low fee credit cards
- What are they? These credit cards offer a low annual fee or a $0 annual fee for the first year, or for life. Low fee cards also tend to offer fewer extra features than other cards.
- Who are these cards suited to? People who don't use credit cards very often, want to keep one for emergencies or like to keep it simple.
How can I find the best low fee credit card?
- Compare the interest rates. Low fee and no annual fee cards have interest rates that typically range from 8.99% p.a. up to 21.99% p.a. Make sure you weigh up the potential savings you'll get from the annual fee versus interest charges if you carry a balance. This will help you find a card with a mix of low-cost features that work for you.
- Look at other features. While low fee and no annual fee cards often have basic features, there are some cards that offer modest rewards, insurance covers and travel perks.
What do I need to know to find the best credit card deals?
There's a difference between the best credit card deal and the best credit card deal for you. While it's easy to be lured by the promise of low rates and fees, bonus points and exclusive offers, the ongoing features are just as important. Comparing the following features will help you find the right credit card for your needs now and in the future.
- Promotional periods. Whether it's a low rate balance transfer offer, 0% purchases or a waived annual fee, these credit card offers usually last for a limited time. This means you need to apply before the promotion ends. Also keep in mind that most introductory periods begin as soon as the card is approved or activated – so you need to take advantage of an offer immediately and know when it ends to get the most value out of it.
- Revert rates. If you get a 0% balance transfer or purchase rate card, a higher interest rate will apply at the end of the promotional period. So, say you had a 0% balance transfer credit card for 12 months. After a year, the balance transfer rate would return to the standard balance transfer rate for that card, which could be as much as 22% p.a. or higher.
- Standard costs. As well as the introductory offer or exclusive deal, pay attention to standard costs such as the annual fee, purchase rate, cash advance rate and foreign currency conversion fee. This will help you make sure the value of the offer isn't balanced out by ongoing card costs.
- Rewards programs. If you're comparing rewards credit cards, consider how many points you can earn per dollar, how much you'll actually spend every month, what transactions are eligible to earn points, how you can redeem rewards and whether there are any limitations (such as point caps or point expiry).
- Perks. Check out details for any complimentary extras such as travel insurance, airline lounge passes or concierge services. If you use these features, they can add to the potential value of the card.
What’s next?
Get more value from a credit card by comparing the latest offers and applying now. Or get in touch with our customer service team if you want to know more.
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