Minimum income requirements for credit cards

Most credit cards don't list a minimum income requirement in order to qualify. Of those cards that do specify a minimum, the median in Finder's database is $35,000 a year.

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Amy Bradney-George

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Richard Whitten

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Key takeaways

  • The minimum income required to get a credit card can be as low as $20,000 a year. The median minimum income requirement for a credit card in Finder's database is $35,000 a year.
  • But most credit cards in Finder's database don't specify a required minimum income.
  • You can still be rejected even if you earn above the minimum income requirement, for example if you spend too much or have a poor credit score.

What are credit card minimum income requirements?

If a credit card has a minimum income requirement of $35,000 then that's the minimum amount you need to earn in a year if you want to get the credit card.

The minimum income is based on your pre-tax income.

If you apply for a credit card with an income requirement that is higher than what you earn, your application will be rejected.

Examples of different credit card minimum income requirements

  • The Westpac Lite Card requires a minimum income of $30,000.
  • The Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard requires a minimum income of $35,000.
  • The Virgin Australia Velocity High Flyer Card requires a minimum income of $75,000.
  • The ING Orange One Low Rate requires a minimum income of $36,000.

How can I find the income requirement for a credit card?

If a credit card has a minimum income requirement, you'll see it on the credit card provider's website and on the application page (before you apply).

What if there's no income requirement listed?

Credit card providers don't legally need to list a minimum income requirement, as your annual earnings are only one of the factors used to assess your application. Other factors include your:

  • Employment status
  • Assets and savings
  • Existing debts
  • Your regular expenses.

If you can't find an income requirement, check if you meet the card's other eligibility requirements. You could also try contacting the card company and asking about your eligibility.

The minimum credit limit is also a useful guide

While credit limits are subject to approval, having enough income to service the minimum limit on a card does give you an idea of how appropriate it could be for your circumstances.

If you could only afford to spend $100 a month repaying your card debt, then a credit card with a minimum limit of $6,000 would not be appropriate. If you spent $6,000 on the card and repaid $100 a month it would take over 5 years to pay off the entire balance. And that's not including interest charges.

You'd be better off looking at a card with a $1,000 credit limit. You could pay that off in 10 months (not including interest).

Want to know if you can get approved for a credit card?

Get your credit score via the Finder app and take advantage of our Chance of Approval* feature. Pop in your phone number below to get your download link.

*Finder's Chance of Approval feature provides an indication only. It is not a guarantee of approval. Applications for credit products are always subject to the lender's T&CS and application and lending criteria.

Why do some cards have higher income requirements than others?

Cards with more perks, points and features often have higher credit limits and are aimed at customers with more spending power. These cards have higher minimum income requirements because they're not budget cards, and people with low incomes won't be able to pay them back if they spend too much.

Low rate, low fee cards with fewer perks have lower minimum incomes.

Minimum income is not the only eligibility factor

When you apply for a credit card the card company also looks at:

  • Your spending. You have to provide information about your current income, spending habits and existing debts. These details help issuers determine your eligibility and can include details of regular household bills, loan repayments or even buy now pay later accounts.
  • Your credit score. Your credit history or credit score has details of your current and previous loans, cards and other accounts (such as utilities). Generally, you need to have at least a "Good" credit rating to apply for a credit card. If you don't know what your credit score is, you can get a copy of your credit report for free through Finder.
  • Your residency status. While credit card issuers generally prefer people who are citizens or permanent residents of Australia, there are some credit cards available for people with temporary residency status. These cards may have higher minimum income requirements to help meet lending standards.
  • Your employment status. Credit card issuers typically prefer people to have full-time employment. But you could still be eligible for some cards if you work part-time or casually, are self-employed, are a student or if you have a pension. Usually, you'll just be asked for supporting documentation that's specific to your situation.
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Journalist
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Amy is an experienced journalist with over 16 years of experience, contributing to major publications like Money Magazine, The Sydney Morning Herald, and ABC News Australia. Specialising in personal finance, she frequently appeared in media outlets and on radio. Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Drama from Griffith University and earned RG146 certifications in Tier 1 Generic Knowledge and Tier 2 General Advice Deposit Products, ensuring her expertise is grounded in current financial regulations. Amy was Finder's Senior Writer for Credit Cards from 2016 to 2024. See full bio

Amy's expertise
Amy has written 425 Finder guides across topics including:
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Senior Money Editor

Richard Whitten is Finder’s Senior Money Editor, with over eight years of experience in home loans, property, credit cards and personal finance. His insights appear in top media outlets like Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine, and the Herald Sun, and he frequently offers expert commentary on television and radio, helping Australians navigate mortgages and property ownership. Richard started his career in education and textbook publishing in South Korea. He holds multiple industry certifications, including a Certificate IV in Mortgage Broking (RG 206) and Tier 1 and Tier 2 certifications (RG 146), as well as a Bachelor of Education from the University of Sydney and a Graduate Certificate in Communications from Deakin University. See full bio

Richard's expertise
Richard has written 764 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Home loans
  • Credit cards
  • Personal finance
  • Money-saving tips
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50 Responses

    Cindy's avatar
    CindyNovember 16, 2014

    I am stay at home Mom I have a child with Autism we get SSD and I get child support but it’s only 6600 a year. Is there a credit card I can apply for.

      Elizabeth Barry's headshotFinder
      ElizabethNovember 17, 2014Finder

      Hi Cindy,

      Thanks for your question.

      Unfortunately I’m unaware of any cards with a minimum income requirement below $15,000. If you’re looking to get a card for the convenient shopping/spending benefits, you might want to consider a prepaid credit card. These cards don’t have a minimum income requirement, and usually only require that you verify your identity in order to be approved.

      I hope this has helped.

      Thanks,

      Elizabeth

    anne's avatar
    anneOctober 30, 2014

    My husband applied for a capital one venture card. We have excellent credit but his income the past few years has gone down to $25k. (we are homeowners and have savings and no debt beside a car and house) He was turned down. How much is he needing to earn before he will be accepted, and how soon before I can apply? thank you.

      Elizabeth Barry's headshotFinder
      ElizabethOctober 30, 2014Finder

      Hi Anne,

      Thanks for your question.

      I’m not too familiar with credit cards available on the US market, but there appears to be no pre-determined minimum income when it comes to the Capital One Venture Card. It seems that Capital One use a range of lending criteria, including your credit score, to determine your eligibility for the card. You may be able to get more detailed information from Capital One directly.

      I hope this has helped.

      Thanks,

      Elizabeth

    Howie's avatar
    HowieAugust 5, 2014

    how much should I say I earn for a crate and barrel credit card

      Shirley Liu's headshotFinder
      ShirleyAugust 6, 2014Finder

      Hi Howie,

      Each credit card has its own minimum income criteria.

      When you click through our reviews, if you scroll to the bottom it will state what minimum income is required.

      All the best,
      Shirley

    santosh's avatar
    santoshJune 4, 2014

    Hello Sir/Madam,
    I working in mnc company ctc is 19k and take home is 16k i wanted to take credit card . how to avail it. any one suggest me which to take & how to take.

      Shirley Liu's headshotFinder
      ShirleyJune 6, 2014Finder

      Hi Santosh,

      Thanks for your question.

      Please see the reference page on low-income credit cards.

      Cheers,
      Shirley

    Rita's avatar
    RitaMay 26, 2014

    Hi i am rita
    I am only earn 1500 can i get a credit card

      Shirley Liu's headshotFinder
      ShirleyMay 28, 2014Finder

      Hi Rita.

      Thanks for your question.

      Is that on a per month basis? You may want to have a look at our low income credit cards page to compare options for you.

      Cheers,
      Shirley

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