Comparing credit cards lets you see a range of options side-by-side before you apply. This can help you find a credit card with the right balance of features, perks and fees to suit your needs.
Virgin Money Credit Card Offer
0% p.a. for 18 months on balance transfers
Ongoing $50 p.a. annual fee
Offer ends 30 September 2019
Eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply
Virgin Money Credit Card Offer
Receive up to 30,000 bonus Velocity Points when you meet the spend requirement. Plus, save with an ongoing $50 annual fee and a long-term balance transfer offer.
- $50 p.a. annual fee.
- 20.74% p.a. on purchases
- Cash advance rate of 20.99% p.a.
- Up to 44 days interest free
- Minimum income requirement of $35,000 p.a.
Compare credit cards
Rates last updated September 23rd, 2019
What types of credit cards can I compare?
Credit cards offer a wide range of features to suit different spending habits and goals. For example, if you want to pay off existing card debt, you could look at a card with a 0% balance transfer offer or if you want to be rewarded for your spending, you could look at reward and frequent flyer cards.
Once you know what you want from a credit card, you can focus your search by comparing credit cards in a specific category. Here are six of the most popular options.
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Balance transfer credit cards. These cards offer you a low or 0% promotional interest rate when you move your existing credit card debt onto the new account. This can help you save on interest charges and pay off the debt faster.
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Frequent flyer credit cards. Compare credit cards that offer thousands of bonus frequent flyer points through introductory offers, as well as points per $1 spent on your everyday, eligible purchases.
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Reward credit cards. Earn points for your spending and redeem them for travel, gift cards, merchandise and more with a reward credit card.
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Low rate credit cards. Designed to help you save on interest charges as you spend, these credit cards offer a lower standard variable interest rate for purchases compared to other options.
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No annual fee credit cards. Save on your ongoing card costs by getting a credit card that offers no annual fee for life or for the first year.
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0% purchase rate credit cards.These credit cards can help you save on new purchases by offering you a 0% interest rate for the first few months you have the card. After this introductory period ends, the card's standard interest rate applies to any balance from your purchases.
Other types of credit cards
Here are some of the other credit card categories you can consider when comparing different options.
If you're interested in comparing other credit card options, you can also check out our exclusive credit card deals for the latest introductory and sign-up offers that aren’t available anywhere else.
How to compare credit cards
No matter what type of credit card you’re looking for, it’s important to consider a range of factors so that you can get one that works for you. So, here are the key features you should look at when you compare credit cards.
Introductory offers
Credit cards often come with promotional features and perks for new customers, such as introductory 0% interest rates, bonus points or waived annual fees in the first year. These types of deals can give you more value when you first get a new card, as long as you meet the offer requirements.
Complimentary extras
Credit cards offer a wide range of complimentary features and benefits that you can use to get more value from the account.
These perks can add up to hundreds of dollars of extra value, but only if you use them. When you’re looking at the complimentary extras during your credit card comparison, be realistic about whether or not you will be able to get value from these features so that they offset the cost of any fees.
Rewards programs
If you want to earn rewards for your credit card spending, pay attention to the type of rewards program available. Some credit cards are linked to existing reward schemes, including Qantas Frequent Flyer, Velocity Frequent Flyer and the Coles flybuys program. Others have their own rewards programs, such as ANZ Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards.
As well as deciding which rewards program you want, think about how often you'll use the card and the amount of points you need to redeem rewards. This will help you compare different rewards credit cards so you can find one that works for you.
Rates and fees
Rates and fees help you work out the overall cost of each credit card you compare. Here are the key details to consider:
Credit card annual fees can range from $25 up to $700 or more. This fee is usually charged when you first activate your account, then once a year on the anniversary of your account activation. Remember some credit cards offer a $0 or lower annual fee in the first year, so check the ongoing features of the cards you compare to avoid any nasty surprises after the first year.
This is the interest rate that’s charged for most of the transactions you make using your credit card. Standard purchase rates typically range from around 10% p.a. to 22% p.a. (variable) depending on the card you choose. If you regularly pay your balance in full, the purchase rate may not be a major concern, but if you think you’ll carry a balance, then choosing a card with a lower interest rate will help keep the cost down.
Many credit cards offer you up to a certain number of interest-free days on purchases when you pay your account off in full by the due date on each statement. This feature can help you avoid interest charges during your statement period. But remember that this feature won’t be much use if you carry a balance from month to month.
- Cash advance rates and fees
If you use your credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM, buy gift cards, pay for gambling transactions or for any other payment classified as a “cash advance”, you'll be charged a cash advance fee worth around 2% to 3.5% of the transaction cost. You'll also usually pay a cash advance interest rate of around 19% p.a. to 22% p.a. (variable) from the date of the transaction.
While it’s a good idea to avoid making cash advances with a credit card, it’s important to consider this interest rate when you're comparing cards so that you know what the potential costs will be for these types of transactions.
The balance transfer interest rate applies to existing debts that you move onto your new card. When you first get the card, you'll usually get an introductory low or 0% balance transfer interest rate for a set number of months. When this introductory period ends, a higher standard balance transfer rate applies. It’s important to check both the introductory rate and the standard rate when you’re comparing balance transfer credit cards so that you're aware of the costs that may apply over the short-term and the long-term.
Balance transfer fees
Some credit cards charge a one-time processing fee for balance transfers. This fee could be between 1% and 3% of the total debt you want to move to a new card. As not all cards apply this charge, it’s important to consider it when comparing balance transfer offers to make sure you find an option that’s affordable for you.
- International transaction fees
Most credit cards apply a fee for transactions made in a foreign currency or with an overseas merchant. This fee usually adds 2% to 3.5% to international transactions. If you plan to travel with a credit card or want to use one to shop online with overseas retailers, it’s a good idea to look at cards that waive this cost or at least have a lower fee than other options you’re considering.
Credit cards may charge a range of other fees for different features and services, including:
- Additional cardholder fees
- Printed statement fees
- Optional rewards program enrolment (eg, for Qantas rewards)
- Emergency card replacement
Make sure you consider these charges and when they could apply, so that you know what other potential costs you may have to pay for the card you choose.
From low rate and balance transfer options to rewards credit cards, super-premium platinum and black cards or those with no fees, there are credit cards available to suit almost anyone’s needs. Now that you understand more about the different factors that need to be considered, you can start comparing credit cards and apply for one that really works for you.
Pictures: Shutterstock
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Sally McMullen is Finder's credit cards and frequent flyer editor by day and a music maven by night. Her byline can be spotted on Yahoo Finance, Dynamic Business, Financy and Mamamia as well as Music Feeds and Rolling Stone.
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Credit Cards Comparison
Rates last updated September 23rd, 2019
* The credit card offers compared on this page are chosen from a range of credit
cards 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 own
personal financial circumstances when comparing cards.
I just need a card to purchase something overseas because I don’t know how to bank online and I don’t trust it. I had use a card before that I bought from a petrol station. I forgot the name of the card. Can you help please thanks for your help?
Martina
Hi Martina,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
I’m afraid that I am unable to provide further info on that particular card you got from a petrol station however, you may go through this page about purchasing fuel voucher/gift card. You may also check out our guide to fuel cards to learn more about how these cards work and to compare your options.
If you consider getting a travel card, you may compare your options on this page. 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.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
Need. A credit card that will accept my 218 credit score
Hi Max,
Thank you for reaching out to finder.
A secured credit card requires a security deposit before you can begin making charges. That security deposit acts as your credit limit. Although that may sound like a debit card or prepaid card, the secured credit card will report your payment history to the credit bureaus, which debit and prepaid cards do not do. After a year or so of using a secured card, you may be able to upgrade to an unsecured account and get your deposit back. You may click the link below to be routed to our page on secured credit cards and how it would help you build back your credit. Hope this helps!
https://www.finder.com.au/secured-credit-cards
Cheers,
Reggie
Would it be possible to request a history of promotional deals, specifically those pertaining to interest free periods on purchases, that were available from the National Australia Bank (NAB) in March/April 2016?
Hi Marisa,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Yes, you may visit the nearest NAB office or call 13 22 65 to get a copy of your statement.
Hope this information helped.
Cheers,
Arnold
What card offers the most Qantas points for a new credit card?
Hi Richard,
Thanks for your inquiry.
You can check this page for Qantas Frequent Flyer Credit Cards comparison. You may click the name of your preferred card to know more details and you may click the green “Go to site” button to submit an online application through their official site.
Cheers,
Rench
Which credit cards offer ApplePay?
Hi DD,
Thanks for your question.
You can compare credit cards with Apple Pay on this page.
Cheers,
Anndy
I’m new to this whole credit card thing but I’m after basically a small credit card amount for personal and emergency use. I’m curious for your advice as to what would be the best one to start off with?
Cheers.
Hi Bec, thanks for your inquiry.
As a financial comparison service, we’re unable to recommend any specific product, service or strategy to our users as the ‘best’ option will always depend on the individual’s financial situation and needs. I would recommend you to compare different credit cards based on the offer provided and fees involved in conjunction with your financial situations and eligibility requirements.
You may also refer to our tips to consider when applying for your first credit card.
I hope this has helped.
Sharon
Hi. I am searching for the best credit card that has NO capped frequent flyer points per month and also does not reduce the number of points per month after a certain $ amount is reached. Any suggestions?. Both Citi Emirates card and Virgin money cards are capping in March and April 2016 and I need to find an un-capped and unlimited card. Prefer someone linked to Velocity but will take Qantas points if no other choice. Thanks. John
Hi John,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Please note that you’ve come through finder.com.au, an online comparison service and is not in the position to recommend specific issuers, products or services.
To compare credit cards with uncapped points and no expiry, please check this page.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Debbie
Does changing to a new credit card and transferring the balance reduce the interest rate?
Hi Wolfie, thanks for your inquiry!
Changing to a new balance transfer credit card can reduce the interest rate that you are currently paying. Please refer to the following link for 0% balance transfer credit cards.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Hi,
I am under 457 visa can i apply for a card that states not for temporary resident?
Many thanks
Kind regards,
Chris
Hi Chris, thanks for your inquiry!
For more information on which lenders/ banks provide credit card services for 457 Visa holders please see this page.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Considering a credit card; no other supplementary income – $1132 p/f. Child Support additional $399 a year. Low credit rating.
Have looked at lenders page providing information in regards to lenders who do accept centrelink as a form of income but so far I am not getting the answers I’m looking for. Only looking for a low limit so not to overspend, easy to keep track of for emergencies.
Hi Leah, thanks for your inquiry!
Generally with applying for a credit card, Centrelink benefits are handled on a case by case basis by banks/ lenders. The application requirements on each credit card provide an indicator to whether you are eligible to apply. For any further inquiries it is recommended to speak to the bank directly either through customer service centre or local branch. You may like to refer to the following link for more information on lenders who accept Centrelink benefits as a form of income and other loan options. Please also refer to this page for low interest rate credit cards.
Cheers,
Jonathan