From 0% interest offers to $0 fees, rewards and extras, compare Australian credit cards side by side to find the right card for you.
St.George Credit Card Offer
The St.George Vertigo Visa comes with a low introductory rate of 0% p.a. for 14 months on balance transfers and an annual fee waiver for the first year.
- $0 p.a. annual fee for the first year ($55 p.a. thereafter) annual fee
- 13.24% p.a. on purchases
- 0% p.a. for 14 months on balance transfers
- Cash Advance Rate of 21.49% p.a.
- Up to 55 days interest free
Compare Best Credit Card Offers*
Rates last updated May 24th, 2017
* The offers compared on this page are chosen from a range of products finder.com.au has access to track details from and is not representative of all the products available in the market. Products are displayed in no particular order or ranking. The use of terms "Best" and "Top" are not product ratings and are subject to our disclaimer. You should consider seeking independent financial advice and consider your personal financial circumstances when comparing products.
What is the best credit card* for me?
To select the right credit card, you need to consider how you plan to use the card, your current financial situation and your future goals. This will allow you to compare the range of benefits and features available and choose the most suitable credit card based on your circumstances. But with so many options available, how do you know which card is best for you? Use this guide 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 to suit your needs
Best Low rate & Low Fee Credit Cards*
Best Balance transfer Credit Cards*
Best Business Credit Cards*
Best Frequent Flyer Points/ Travel and Rewards Credit Cards*
- I want more benefits and perks with a Gold/ Platinum/ Black credit card
- I want a credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Best Credit Cards with the latest features*
Balance transfer credit cards: Repay your debt with 0% interest
- What are they? Balance transfer credit cards let you pay off an existing debt from a credit, store or charge card with low or 0% interest for a set period. You can also consolidate other debts with some balance transfer cards, such as personal loans.
- Who are these credit cards suited to? If you have an existing credit card debt that's accumulating interest, a balance transfer deal can help you pay off that debt faster.
How can you find the right balance transfer credit card?
- How good is the balance transfer offer? Most current balance transfer offers feature 0% interest during the promotional period, so you'll want to compare other key features: how long the promotional period lasts, what the interest rate reverts to when that period ends, what the annual fee is and if a balance transfer fee is charged.
- What fees apply? As well as annual fees, check if there's a one-time balance transfer fee (usually a percentage of the total debt) for the card.
Compare Balance Transfer Credit Cards and repay your debt with 0% interest
Rates last updated May 24th, 2017
How balance transfer cards work and how best to use them
Best credit cards* for frequent flyer rewards:Â Redeem flights with your favourite airline, retail products, gifts, cashback and shopping vouchers.
- What are they? Frequent flyer credit cards help you earn frequent flyer points on everyday purchases, either directly or by transferring card reward points to your chosen airline loyalty program.
- Who should consider frequent flyer cards? Anyone who wants to maximise their frequent flyer points total to enjoy free flights and other benefits.
How can you find the right frequent flyer credit card?
- Which frequent flyer program is available? Some credit cards are tied directly to a specific airline rewards scheme, such as Qantas Frequent Flyer or Virgin Velocity. Others allow you to transfer credit card reward points to partner frequent flyer programs, such as American Express Membership Rewards or Westpac Altitude Rewards cards.
- Compare the earn rate. The earn rate is the number of points you earn per $1 spent. Also check whether there's a cap on how many points you can earn each month or each year.
- Other valuable features. What other features do you want from your card? Are there any bonus points on offer, complimentary insurance, airport lounge passes or an annual fee waiver?
Compare Frequent Flyer Credit Cards
Rates last updated May 24th, 2017
How to maximise your frequent flyer points with your credit card
Rewards credit cards: Earn more points per $1 spent and redeem with your favourite retailers, stores and airlines.
- What are they? Rewards credit cards offer reward points based on the amount you spend. You can redeem your points for shopping, travel, gift vouchers and many other rewards.
- Who are these cards suited to? Frequent credit card users who want to maximise points for everyday spending without being tied to a single airline rewards scheme.
Which rewards credit card is right for you?
- What kind of rewards do you want to redeem? Reward programs differ greatly in the variety of rewards they offer, from flights to shopping, gift cards and experiences. Make sure the rewards available are of interest to you.
- Compare point earnings and caps. Check how many points your card offers per $1 spent. Many rewards credit cards also have points caps that only allow you to earn a specified amount of points during a statement period, so check for this limitation too.
- Other features of the card. Check the other features of the card, such as complimentary insurances or balance transfer offers, as well as rates and fees.
Compare Rewards Credit Cards
Rates last updated May 24th, 2017
Discover your rewards credit card options
Low rate credit cards: Save money and pay less interest
- What are they? Low rate cards offer you the convenience of a credit card while keeping your interest charges to a minimum.
- Who are these credit cards suited to? People who are frequent credit card users who carry a balance and are looking to manage their expenses.
How can you find the right low rate credit card?
- Compare the interest rates. The lower the better. Compare balance transfer rates, purchase rates and cash advance rates to make sure the deal is right for you.
- Fees. Check what other fees apply, including annual fees, balance transfer fees and joining/membership fees for rewards programs. These can significantly increase the cost of the card.
Compare Low Rate Credit Cards
Low and no annual fee credit cards: More benefits, lower fees
- What are they? Low and no annual fee credit cards have a low annual fee, often $0. That gives you the convenience of a credit card without high costs.
- Who are these credit cards suited to? If you regularly pay off your balance each month, a low-fee card will be your cheapest option. Also suitable for people who use their card infrequently.
How can you find the right low and no annual fee credit cards?
- Compare fees and interest rates. The lower the fee, the better. Check whether the low fee applies throughout the life of the card or just for the first year. Also make sure to check the interest rate and ensure that interest costs won't outweigh the low-fee benefit.
- Combine with a balance transfer for more savings. If you have an existing credit card debt a balance transfer credit card can help you repay your debt with 0% interest. Remember you'll still need to pay off the debt before the 0% interest period expires.
Compare Low and No Annual Fee Cards
Choosing low and no annual fee cards
Gold, Platinum and Black credit cards: Spend big and enjoy perks
- What are they? Gold, Platinum and Black credit cards provide access to premium features such as concierges and complimentary insurance.
- Who are these cards suited to? These cards are designed for high earners and big spenders who want something extra for paying with plastic.
How can you find the right gold, platinum or black credit card?
- How much does the card cost? Because of their premium features, these cards typically have higher annual fees than other credit cards. To maximise the value you get from one of these cards, make sure you will regularly use the features it offers.
- What are the rates and limits? The purchase rate may not be as competitive on these premium cards. But if you want a very high spending limit, this type of card could be suited to your needs.
Compare Gold, Platinum and Black Credit Card Offers
Rates last updated May 24th, 2017
How to qualify for a black, gold or platinum card
Business credit cards: For managing your business' finances
- What are they? Business credit cards can give your business access to a convenient line of credit to help manage fluctuations in your cash flow. Additional cards and spending caps also mean you can manage your employees' spending.
- Who are these cards suited to? There are business credit cards for sole traders, small-to-medium businesses and corporate entities that provide access to credit to help manage finances.
Finding the *best credit cards for your business
- Consider the card features. You can opt for a card that earns your business rewards points, offers complimentary insurances or one that helps you save on your business purchases. Many business credit cards also offer integration with accounting software and include additional cards for employees.
- Assess the costs. If cash flow issues mean you won't always be able to pay off the card immediately, then seek a card with a low purchase rate. If your key requirement is being able to track and centralise business spending, look at other features such as annual fees.
Compare Business Credit Cards
Rates last updated May 24th, 2017
Explore your business credit card options
Student credit cards: Manage your expenses and buy what you need
- What are they? Low-cost credit card options that are available for students who need a convenient line of credit.
- Who are these cards suited to? Students who are looking for affordable credit card options, and who may not qualify for other cards. They're a good way to build credit history and understand the responsibilities of debt.
Which student card is right for you?
- Are you eligible? Even though they're called "student credit cards", these products still have minimum income, employment and residency criteria you must fulfill in order to be eligible. For example, most cards have a minimum income requirement of $15,000 p.a or will need a guarantor (such as a parent) to share the financial responsibilities of the card.
- Compare key features. Check what interest rate will apply to your purchases and whether or not you will be charged an annual fee. Also consider low foreign transaction fees if you plan to use the card overseas.
Compare Student Credit Cards
No foreign transaction fee credit cards: Pay overseas without the extra cost
- What are they? These credit cards are designed to make it more affordable to spend money overseas or online with international retailers. Unlike most debit and credit cards, they don't charge a foreign transaction fee every time you use your card to spend in an international currency.
- Who are these credit cards suited to? If you’re a frequent traveller, have a holiday coming up or regularly use your credit card for shopping with international stores online, a no foreign transaction fee card could be a smart way to avoid extra costs.
How can you find the right low or no foreign transaction fee card?
- Annual fee. You may be saving on foreign currency conversion fees, but you’ll want to make sure the annual fee doesn’t offset these savings. Currently, the annual fees for these cards sit between $0 p.a. and $270 p.a.
- Travel perks. If you’re looking to use your card overseas, see if you can get further savings with complimentary credit card travel insurance. The insurance covers and eligibility requirements differ across cards, so comparing options will help you make sure the cover is right for you. Other travel perks that could come with a no foreign transaction fee card include rewards programs and airport lounge access.
- Interest rates and fees. If you plan to use the card regularly, a card with a lower interest rate will reduce the cost of any balance you carry. Also check the rates and fees that may apply when you use your credit card at an ATM overseas.
Compare No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards
Rates last updated May 24th, 2017
Choosing frequent flyer credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Cards with contactless payments: Make payments easily without using your card
- What are they? Most credit cards now offer tap-and-go payments at the checkout. A growing number of options also link with Apple Pay and Android Pay so you can make payments from a compatible mobile phone or device.
- Who are these cards suited to? iPhone and Android users who want to cut their time at the checkout and increase the convenience of their credit card payments.
Apple Pay
How can you find the right credit card with Apple Pay?
- Provider. Of the big four banks, only ANZ currently offers Apple Pay enabled credit cards, though the rest are predicted to follow suit. See the complete list of participating financial institutions here. If your preferred bank hasn’t launched Apple Pay yet, it might be wiser to wait for it to adopt the technology rather than applying for the card now.
- Eligible devices. Apple Pay is only available on Apple devices. It is supported on newer model iPhones, iPads, the Apple Watch and Mac. If you’re on an older iPhone device which an older iOS variant, you’ll have to update if you want to access Apple Pay.
Android Pay
- Which mobile phones are compatible with Android Pay? Almost all Android smartphones with NFC (Near Field Communication) can take advantage of Android Pay. This includes the Samsung Galaxy S7, LG G5, Sony Xperia Z5, Nexus 6P or Samsung Galaxy S6, S7.
If you're still unsure check whether your current smartphone accepts Android Pay. - Which banks support Android Pay? Of the big four banks, ANZ and Westpac currently offer Android Pay. It is compatible with these 28 Australian financial institutions:
| Banks with Android Pay | ||
|---|---|---|
| ANZ (Visa, Credit & Debit) | Goulburn Murray Co-Op | Select Mutual |
| American Express (Cards issued by AMEX) | Holiday Coast | South West Co-Op |
| Bendigo Bank (Visa / MC, Credit / Debit) | Horizon | South West Slopes |
| Central West Credit Union | Intech | Sydney CU |
| Community Alliance Credit Union | Macquarie (Visa / MC, Credit / Debit) | Teachers Mutual Bank |
| Community First Credit Union | Maritime, Mining & Power | The Mac |
| Credit Union Australia | MyState Bank | Warwick CU |
| Credit Union SA | Northern Beaches | WAW CU |
| Defence Bank | Northern Inland | Woolworths Employees’ CU |
| Nexus Mutual | People’s Choice Credit Union | Wyong Shire |
| ENCOMPASS Ltd | Police Bank | Laboratories CU |
| Family First | Police Credit Union | People’s Choice CU |
| First Option | QT Mutual | |
| Goldfields Money | Queenslanders | |
Compare Credit Cards with Contactless Payments
Rates last updated May 24th, 2017
Rates last updated May 24th, 2017
Hi there,
Please can you provide me with a telephone number so that I may talk to someone re: choosing the right credit card balance transfer
I need to speak with a person
Thanks
Lizzy
Hi Lizzy,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Some credit cards have restrictions around which institutions you can balance transfer your debts from. This usually happens when credit card companies have financial ties to one another, or when both credit card companies are actually being financed by the same larger lending institution. You can check your options here.
I hope this information has helped.
cheers,
Harold
My husband is looking for a credit card to buy tools for his job but he is not sure which card to apply for.
Hi Chris,
Thank you for your question.
You might want to consider 0% purchase credit cards which allow you to make purchases and pay zero interest within the promotional period.
You can also opt for a credit card that comes with purchase insurance (provides coverage on new items you buy) or with extended warranty insurance (extends the cover of the manufacturer’s warranty).
I hope this has helped.
Best regards,
Liezl
What Credit Card does NOT have a dual verification by Mobile phone when accessing online transactions. I have a Citi Bank Credit Card that gets blocked out on a regular basis because I am travelling a lot internationally.
On a regular basis I get a message that a transaction is considered “suspicious” because I was unable to enter a verification code, sent to my mobile number. I was unable to do so because I am in another country with another pre-paid SIM card.
I am also unable to update my mobile number because by trying to do so, they will send again a verification code to my number in the previous country. In the previous country I can not update to my next number because I don’t know yet what that number is going to be, sending me in a catch22 situation. And, being unable to enter this code it is considered suspicious and my card is blocked again….. This is driving me absolutely to desperation.
I also have a Bank account in another country that has the option to log-in with 3 security questions when unable to verify by phone. That’s how it should be!
Hi Theo,
Thank you for your inquiry.
I’m not actually quite sure if there are credit cards that do not use dual verification through a mobile phone. Generally, credit card issuers nowadays are relying on multiple methods to provide security to cardholders, including sending a verification code to your mobile number so your online transaction will go through. If you can’t be reached through your mobile, you should be given another option where they can send the code to your email. Sending the code through your email may be the safest option especially if you’re travelling.
If you’d like to know if your credit card issuer would be able to send the security verificarion code to your email for your future online transactions, please contact them directly.
Cheers,
May
Which banks offer a card with multiple family member access?
Hi Rossco,
Thanks for your question.
You may want to check out this page to compare credit cards that offer free additional cardholders to your eligible family members.
Cheers,
Anndy
I am currently with ANZ Platinum card. With a extra card for my wife. The fees are over the top at approx $450. I want a card to pay bills, no overseas travel, a reasonable charge for me and my wife to have a card and possibly a point for every dollars spent for a frequent flyer account which I now have. Is there such a card?
Thanks George
Hi George,
Thank you for your inquiry.
As finder.com.au is a comparison website, we may not be able to recommend a specific card for you. Nonetheless, you may compare your credit card options on this page that allow you to earn frequent flyer points for every dollar spent. Although please note that the annual fee for some of these FF credit cards may not be that low. So it’s best that you check first the features of the card before applying.
Hope this could help.
Cheers,
May
when they are talking about “eligible spend” what exactly are they referring to?
And what wouldn’t be classified as an eligible spend?
Hi Lauren,
Thanks for your question.
Eligible spend refers to regular purchases for products or services made using your card. However, there are exclusions to it such as balance transfers and cash advances, depending on the card you are holding.
Please refer to the terms and conditions of your card to know what items are not included as eligible spend or purchases.
Cheers,
Anndy
Which credit cards can be loaded with AU$ and then permit euros to be withdrawn in Europe? Of these, which is the best for the consumer?
Hi Ken, thanks for you question!
As finder.com.au is a comparative financial service, we can’t actually recommend one specific card to our users as the best option depends entirely on your own financial status, travel plans and spending habits.
Just to confirm, though, are you looking to find a prepaid credit card to be used in Europe? This is also known as a ‘prepaid travel card’ or ‘travel money card’ where you can preload foreign currency as well as Australian dollars onto a prepaid travel card to save on fees when making transactions abroad. This card works exactly the same way as a credit card. Only you’re spending your own money and not the banks’.
On this page, you can compare your prepaid credit card options. You can also find more information about travel money cards here.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
May
Why is American Express not accepted in some countries?
Is NAB Debit Card able to be used in all countries?
Hi Boyd, thanks for your questions!
Actually, AMEX is a generally or widely accepted card, however, there are just some merchants still refuse to accept AMEX cards because of their higher processing/merchant fees. Compared to Visa and MasterCard, AMEX charges higher credit card processing fees.
As for NAB debit card, yes, this card is also accepted overseas. You can use this card to withdraw cash from ATMs and make purchases over the counter wherever MasterCard is accepted. Fees and charges may apply, though.
I hope this has answered your question.
Cheers,
May
Hi finder.com.au,
Does closing my credit card have any negative impact on my credit score? Assuming that there aren’t any late or missed payments and everything is paid back in full.
Thanks
Hi Aran,
Thanks for your comment.
Closing your credit card properly will not negatively affect your credit rating. If you like to learn more what causes a bad credit rating, you can refer to this page.
Cheers,
Anndy
I clicked an advertisement banner saying something about a card (no name provided) with no annual fee, and something like 12 or 20 months interest free on purchases / balance transfers. I don’t see such a card anywhere. Can you please clarify that such a card exists? Otherwise I was directed here under false pretences using misleading information.
I’m after a card with no / low annual fee and no interest on purchases.
Thanks.
Hi Grant,
Thanks for reaching out.
As an online comparison website, we do feature various credit cards with different features and offers such as those having a low/no annual fee, 0% balance transfers and purchases, etc. However, we also always put labels/names on these products and even create review pages for each one to ensure that our users find the necessary information for comparing the available options and help them land with the most suitable card to their needs.
If a credit card with a low/no annual fee with 0% interest rate on purchases is what you’re after,
then you might find this 0% Purchase Credit Cards page useful.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Ally