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.
Exclusive to finder.com.au - NAB Credit Card 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 - NAB Credit Card Offer
The NAB Low Fee Platinum Card features a range of platinum benefits and a long-term, no fee 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. Reverts to cash advance rate (currently 21.74% p.a.)
- No balance transfer fee
- Receive seven complimentary insurance covers including overseas travel insurance, plus, access to the 24/7 NAB Concierge Service.
- Must apply through finder.com.au to take advantage of this offer. BT must be requested upon application.
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
- Westpac Low Rate Card. A long term balance transfer card with a low annual fee.
- 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.
- American Express Velocity Platinum Card. Earn points, get status credits, lounge passes and a bonus points offer.
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: Westpac Low Rate
When you apply for the Westpac Low Rate by 23 October 2018 and request a balance transfer at the time of application, you can take advantage of 0% p.a. interest on your debt for the first 24 months. A one-time 1% balance transfer fee applies. At the end of the promotional period, the variable cash advance rate applies to any remaining debt from the transfer. Plus, receive a $0 annual fee for the first year.
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
If you apply for the St.George Amplify Signature - Qantas card by and spend $4,000 on eligible purchases using your card within the first 90 days from approval, you’ll score 80,000 bonus Qantas Points! When you apply online by this offer end date, you’ll also save with a discounted annual fee of $179 in the first year (reverts to $279 p.a. thereafter).
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 31 October 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.
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: 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard
As well as 0% foreign transaction fees, the 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard also comes with $0 annual fee, up to 55 interest-free days and $0 ATM withdrawal fees. You can also take advantage of the Mastercard concierge service for anything from restaurant reservations to hotel bookings.
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.
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: Citi Simplicity card
The Citi Simplicity Card boasts no annual fee for life. You can also save with 0% p.a. for 6 months on balance transfers. A a one-time balance transfer fee applies. At the end of the promotional period, any remaining balances will attract the cash advance rate.
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: NAB Rewards Business Signature card
The NAB Rewards Business Signature card offers new cardholders 100,000 bonus NAB Rewards points when they apply and spend $4,000 in the first 60 days. You’ll also continue to earn NAB Rewards on eligible purchases, which you can redeem for travel with Webjet, gift cards and frequent flyer points with Velocity, Asia Miles or Air New Zealand Airpoints. This card also offers complimentary insurance and a personal concierge service with an annual fee of $175 per card.
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 I’m looking for a card that has no annual fee or low rate with free travel insurance, zero international purchase fees and cash advances and frequent flyer points or credits
Hi Steve,
Thanks for your inquiry and for visiting finder.
It would be nice to have all these features offered into one card.
We have a comprehensive page that carefully explains how to choose the best credit card for you. Ultimately, you’d need to choose one based on what your lifestyle leads.
If you are an avid shopper, a rewards card may be good for you. If you travel a lot, you may choose a frequent flyer credit card or you may opt for a No foreign fees credit card that you can use for purchases online and when you travel
The information above shows the best credit cards in Australia. Feel free to use the table and toggle through the features to see which card will work best for you.
As a friendly reminder, review the eligibility criteria of the card. Read up on the terms and conditions before applying and contact the bank should you need any clarifications about the card.
Hope this helps! Feel free to message us again for further assistance.
Regards,
Nikki
Which card is the best option for an age pensioner with no other form of income and has the lowest income required?
Hi Ian,
Thank you for getting in touch with finder.
Some seniors would get a credit card as their back-up source of funding or regularly using it to get more rewards. Indeed, there are a wide range of credit cards to choose from. Please see this PAGE as your guide in choosing a credit card that suits your needs as an age pensioner. Since you mentioned the low income requirement, as per this LINK the minimum income requirement usually starts at $15,000 p.a. and ends at $30,000 p.a. for a low income product.
I hope this helps.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other enquiries.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
Please tell me what is the best cc for no
Hi Michelle,
Thank you for leaving a question.
Though we cannot provide you the best credit card for now. There are several factors that are needed to check what card is best for you. A couple of example are listed below:
1. It depends on your buying habits as well as that you will use the credit card for when it comes to purchases.
2. Are you looking for a balance transfer card that may provide you with low interest rates?
3. Are you looking for a 0% interest free period card?
4. Are you looking for credit cards that offer frequent flyer points?
These are just some examples of what would make your choice in choosing a credit card. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
We want the best card for low interest and we don’t need reward points.
Hi Margaret,
Thank you for your comment.
You can compare low-interest rate credit cards on this page. These cards can let you pay less interest on purchases and most of these cards have low annual fees. After comparing, when you’re ready to apply, just click the Go to Site button of your preferred card.
Please make sure though to read the eligibility criteria, features and details of the card, as well as the relevant PDS/ T&Cs of the card before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
Hi Carole,
Thanks for your message and for visiting finder – the leading comparison website & general information service built to give you advice in your buying decision needs. How are you doing today?
Here is the card with no annual fee and 0% foreign fees.
As for the credit limit, this would depend on the bank’s approval.
Hope this helps! Feel free to message us anytime should you have further questions.
Cheers,
Nikki
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