From 0% interest offers to bonus points, $0 fees and extras, compare Australian credit cards side by side to find the right card for you.
Looking for the best credit card in Australia? With so many different credit cards and spending styles, there isn't one best credit card that works for everyone. But you can find the right credit card for you by thinking about the features you want, your spending habits and your financial history. Then you can use the tables on this page to compare credit cards with a range of different features and find one that suits your needs.
* The offers compared on this page are chosen from a range of products finder.com.au has access to and are not representative of all the products available in the market. Products are displayed in no particular order or ranking. The use of the 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.
Exclusive to finder.com.au - 0% Balance Transfer Offer
NAB Low Fee Platinum Card - Exclusive Offer
0% p.a. for 25 months
on balance transfers
Exclusive to finder.com.au
Eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply
Exclusive to finder.com.au - 0% Balance Transfer Offer
The NAB Low Fee Platinum Card features a range of platinum benefits and a long-term balance transfer offer exclusive to finder.com.au.
- 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 25 months on a new NAB Low Fee Platinum Card. BT reverts to cash advance rate thereafter.
- No balance transfer fee when BT requested upon application.
- Receive seven complimentary insurance covers when you make an eligible purchase. Plus, access to the 24/7 NAB Concierge Service.
- Request an additional cardholder at no extra cost.
- Must apply through finder.com.au to take advantage of this offer. Offer may be withdrawn at any time.
Compare some of the best credit cards
* The offers compared on this page are chosen from a range of products finder.com.au has access to and are not representative of all the products available in the market. Products are displayed in no particular order or ranking. The use of the 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.
Compare the best credit cards ending soon
- St.George Amplify Signature - Qantas. Earn points and fly further with this frequent flyer credit card.
- Qantas American Express Ultimate Card. Get a generous bonus points offer when you meet the spend requirement.
- Exclusive to finder.com.au - NAB Low Fee Platinum credit card offer. This exclusive finder.com.au credit card offer gives you a long-term balance transfer with no balance transfer fee.
VIDEO: How to choose the best credit card
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 gold, 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 this guide to discover the types of cards available, who they're suited to and how to find the ideal one for you.
What type of credit card are you looking for?
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? If you have an existing credit, store or charge card debt that's being charged interest, a balance transfer credit card can help you save money and pay off the debt faster.
How can I find the best balance transfer credit card?
- Compare balance transfer offers. Most balance transfer cards offer an introductory 0% interest rate, so you’ll need to look at how many months this rate applies and what interest rate is charged at the end of the introductory period.
- Check for fees. As well as the annual fee, check to see if a one-off balance transfer fee will apply.
finder.com.au’s pick for balance transfers: NAB Low Fee Platinum - Exclusive Offer
This NAB Low Fee Platinum Card - Exclusive Offer gives you 0% p.a. interest on balance transfers for 25 months when you apply through finder.com.au and request a balance transfer at the time of your application. At the end of the introductory period, any remaining balance from your transfer will attract the cash advance interest rate. Please note that minimum payments are still required.
Interested in other offers? Compare more balance transfer credit cards now.
Frequent flyer credit cards
- What are they? Frequent flyer credit cards give you a way to earn points on your everyday purchases, either directly or by transferring card reward points to your chosen airline loyalty program.
- Who are these cards suited to? If you’re a frequent flyer member and pay the balance off your credit card each month, this type of card will help you earn more frequent flyer points.
How can I find the best frequent flyer credit card?
- What frequent flyer program/s do you want to earn points for? As well as Qantas Frequent Flyer and Velocity Frequent Flyer credit cards, you can look at other cards that allow you to transfer credit card reward points to partnered frequent flyer programs, such as American Express Membership Rewards or Westpac Altitude Rewards cards.
- Compare the earn rate. This refers to 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 you based on your usual spending.
- Other valuable features. Are there any bonus points on offer, complimentary insurance, airport lounge passes or an annual fee waiver?
finder.com.au’s pick for Qantas Points: St.George Amplify Signature - Qantas
The St.George Amplify Signature offers a bonus 90,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply by 26 September 2018 and spend $4,000 on eligible purchases in the first 90 days. You can also take advantage of 0.75 Qantas Points per $1 spent, complimentary insurance and airport lounge passes.
finder.com.au’s pick for Velocity Points: Virgin Australia Velocity Flyer - Bonus points offer
This Velocity Frequent Flyer credit card offers up to 60,000 bonus Velocity Points in the first 3 months when you apply by 30 April 2018 and meet the spend requirement. This offer also gives you a reduced annual fee of $64 in the first year ($129 p.a. thereafter), plus you’ll earn up to 0.66 Velocity Points per $1 spent on all eligible purchases you make with the Virgin Australia Velocity Flyer.
Check out more bonus point offers and compare other frequent flyer cards now.
Rewards credit cards
- What are they? These credit cards give you points for your everyday spending, which you can then use to redeem rewards such as travel, frequent flyer points, merchandise and gift cards.
- Who are these cards suited to? If you often pay with a credit card and want to get more value from your account, a rewards credit card offers flexible points without tying you to a single frequent flyer program.
How can I find the best rewards credit card for me?
- What rewards do you want? Each rewards program offers a range of ways you can use points with different partners, ranging from travel booking services to frequent flyer programs, department stores and online reward centres. Make sure the one you choose offers rewards you’ll actually use.
- Compare earn rates and point caps. Look at how many points you’ll earn per $1 spent and whether there is a monthly or yearly points cap that could limit your rewards.
- Look at bonus points, perks and fees. Bonus point offers can give you extra value when you first get a card, while other perks such as complimentary travel insurance or airport lounge passes offer value when you travel. Also check the card’s annual fee to work out if the value of rewards and perks will outweigh it.
Want to earn more points per $1 spent? Compare a range of reward credit cards now.
finder.com.au’s pick for credit card rewards: Citi Platinum card
The Citi Platinum card offers you a bonus 100,000 points when you apply by 30 June 2018 and spend $3,000 on eligible transactions within the first 90 days from card approval. You’ll also earn 1 point per $1 spent on eligible purchases. Capped at $10,000 on eligible domestic spend. Uncapped on eligible international spend. Points can be used for travel, shopping or transferred to your Velocity Frequent Flyer, Emirates Skywards or Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer account.
Want to earn more points per $1 spent? Compare a range of rewards credit cards now.
0% foreign transaction fee credit cards
- What are they? These cards don’t charge a transaction fee when you make payments overseas or online with a retailer that’s based overseas. In comparison, most other cards charge a foreign transaction fee of around 2% to 3% each time you make a payment overseas.
- Who are these cards suited to? If you travel a lot or shop at online stores that are based overseas, a 0% foreign transaction fee credit card can help you save on costs.
How can I find the best 0% foreign transaction fee credit card for me?
- Compare the rates and fees. While these cards give you 0% overseas transaction fees, make sure you also look at the annual fee and interest rates that apply so you can decide if the $0 foreign transaction fee is worth it.
- Are there other travel benefits? Some of these cards offer extras such as complimentary international travel insurance, airport lounge passes or rewards that can help you save even more on your trip.
finder.com.au’s pick for no foreign transaction fees: Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard
As well as 0% foreign transaction fees, the Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard offers a low standard variable interest rate of 12.99% p.a. for purchases and complimentary international travel insurance. It also has a relatively competitive annual fee of $99 p.a..
Check out other 0% foreign transaction fee credit cards, including options with $0 annual fee and rewards.
Cards with low or 0% purchase rates
- What are they? These credit cards offer a lower ongoing, variable interest rate on purchases when compared to other cards.
- Who are these cards suited to? If you plan on paying off purchases over time and want to keep your interest charges to a minimum, a low rate credit card could be a good option.
How can I find the best low rate credit card for me?
- Compare the interest rates. The lower the purchase rate, the better. Remember to look at the standard rate charged for purchases, as well as any introductory interest rate offers. Also check the cash advance rate and when that will apply.
- Look at fees and other features. Weigh the card’s annual fee against the potential savings you’ll get from the low purchase rate and consider any other perks such as complimentary insurance or concierge services.
finder.com.au’s pick for low rate: NAB Low Rate Platinum card
The NAB Low Rate Platinum card offers 0% on purchases for the first 9 months before reverting to a standard variable purchase rate of 13.99% p.a. It also comes with complimentary travel insurance, purchase insurance and a personal concierge service.
Compare more low rate credit cards to find one that’s right for you.
No annual fee credit cards
- What are they? These cards charge no annual fee.
- Who are these credit cards suited to? If you regularly pay off your balance each month, a $0 annual fee card will keep your costs to a minimum. This type of card is also practical if you rarely pay with plastic as the maintenance fees won’t burn a hole in your pocket while you’re not using it.
How can I find the right low or no annual fee credit card?
- Compare the annual fee details. Some $0 annual fees will last for life but others only apply for a promotional period, such as the first year.
- Interest rates. You should also check the interest rates and ensure that the interest costs won’t outweigh the low-fee benefit if you’re planning to carry a balance.
finder.com.au’s pick for no annual fee: American Express Essential
The American Express Essential credit card has a $0 annual fee for life and earns up to 1 Membership Rewards point per $1 spent on eligible purchases, which you can redeem for rewards such as travel, merchandise and gift cards. It also offers an introductory balance transfer rate of 0% p.a. for the first 12 months, with a one-time 3% balance transfer fee. This rate will revert to the standard purchase rate of 14.99% p.a. at the end of the introductory period.
Want to save on card costs? Compare other cards with no annual fees.
Student credit cards
- What are they? Low-cost credit card options that are available for students who need a convenient line of credit.
- Who are these credit cards suited to? Students who are looking for affordable credit card options and who may not qualify for other cards. They're also a good way to build credit history and learn the responsibilities of debt.
Which student credit card is right for me?
- Are you eligible? Like most credit cards, these products have minimum income, employment and residency criteria you have to meet 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. Although you should aim to pay your balance in full each month, you need to consider the interest rate that will apply to your purchases. You should also compare the annual fee and foreign transaction fees if you plan to use the card overseas.
finder.com.au’s pick for students: ANZ Low Rate card
The ANZ Low Rate credit card has a low 12.49% p.a. purchase rate and competitive $58 p.a. annual fee. It also has a low minimum income of $15,000, which could be suitable if you have a part time or casual job while you’re studying.
Want to compare other cards you might be eligible for? See our guide to student credit cards for more.
Business credit cards
- What are they? A business credit card can offer a convenient line of credit to help manage fluctuations in cash flow. You can also easily manage employee spending by requesting additional cards and linking it with your accounting software. Some cards also allow you to earn reward points on eligible business purchases.
- Who are these cards suited to? Depending on the card, they are suited to sole traders, small-to-medium businesses and corporate entities. You must have an ABN to apply.
How can I find the best credit card for my business?
- Consider the card features. Some business credit cards are linked to rewards or frequent flyer programs, offer complimentary insurance or can be linked with your business’s accounting software.
- Assess the costs. If cash flow issues mean you won’t always pay your card in full by the end of the statement period, consider a card with a 0% or low purchase rate. Otherwise, you may want to consider a card with a low annual fee.
finder.com.au’s pick for businesses: American Express Business Explorer credit card
The American Express Business Explorer credit card offers new cardholders 100,000 bonus Membership Rewards when you apply by 2 July 2018, receive approval and spend $3,000 in the first three months. It has an annual fee of $395 which can be tax deductible if you use the card purely for business purchases. The card also comes with complimentary insurances and two entries to the American Express Lounge per calendar year.
Compare other credit cards suited to business card holders.
Credit cards with contactless mobile payments
- What are they? These cards are linked to mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay, allowing you to tap and pay with your smartphone at the checkout.
- Who are these cards suited to? Cardholders who want to cut their time at the checkout and spend without their card.
Some banks have their own mobile wallets and others are partnered with Apple Pay, Samsung Pay or Google Pay. Check out our comparison of cards with contactless payments to weigh up your options.
finder.com.au’s pick for mobile wallets: American Express Explorer card
Not only is the Amex Explorer card one of the few that’s linked with Samsung Pay, Google Pay and Apple Pay, it also comes with $500 worth of smartphone screen insurance each year. This will come in handy if you drop your phone on the go and need to send it in for repairs.
What’s next?
Get more value from a credit card by comparing the latest offers and applying now. Or leave a question for us below if you want to know more!
Hi finder,can you please list some credit cards that are for low annual incomes as a disability support pension from center link please..Alex
Hi Alex,
Thanks for reaching out. Here is a link of a side by side comparison between credit cards for low annual incomes.
In addition, this link will show the list of providers that accept retired and pensioner applicants, as well as the documents you’ll need to improve your chances of approval.
Best Regards,
Joanne
Currently have ANZ Visa Platinum Rewards Card & ANZ Rewards Amex Card. Recieve 1 point & 2 point respectively per $1.00 spend. Pay approx. $189.00 per annum fee. Had these cards for many years & do all my other banking with ANZ. Effective 5/8/17 ANZ have cancelled the Amex card & reduced points to 1 point to max $2k spend & 0.5 points over $2k respectively. Effectively reducing points entitlement by approx. 54%. Also use travel insurance benefit included with card. Am now retired & spend approx $3 – $5k per month on cards. Any idea on best replacement card for me as I intend to cancel my ANZ cards with ANZ?
Hello George,
Thank you for sending your inquiry. :)
You can visit this compiled list of rewards changes that card issuers has implemented this year, to guide you.
Also, you may visit this page for cards with travel insurance benefit. Please take note of their terms such as pre-existing conditions by reviewing their covers with the bank and/or their partnered insurer.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Please suggest a Master card or Visa with benefits and option for 4 or more additional card holders at no extra costs
Hi John,
Thank you for contacting finder. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.
You may refer to this page for credit cards that offer free additional cardholders. You may review and compare the offers available on the table. Once you have selected one, you may proceed by clicking the green “Go to Site” button.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Danielle
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 verification 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
I have the same problem and your reply was not helpful. It means going through all the banks to check whether or not they have these draconian measures to only call a mobile in the country where the bank operates from.
The question was which ones don’t use this sytem, or provide an email. The answer to that question would be useful to travellers.
Hi Fango,
Thanks for your comment and honest feedback.
Sorry of the delayed reply. I understand that it could cause hassle sometimes that we have to go through some kind of verification every time we use our credit card to make online transactions. One of these measures is through sending you a one-time text message code verification to your mobile phone. As for which banks that don’t have this kind of verification/security system, that I may not sure of. Most credit cards nowadays come with a fraud protection guarantee to keep your account safe from unauthorised transactions.
So, if you are traveling overseas, it would be best that you keep your credit card company informed before leaving that you’ll be using your card outside Australia. This way, they could advise which verification system is best for you when you travel. Also, most banks have this online banking feature which is very convenient to use for your online transactions in case you’re overseas.
Cheers,
May