Credit cards for people on Centrelink benefits
Minimum income requirements for credit cards can start from around $30,000, but a lot of banks don't state a minimum anymore. Centrelink payments can count as part of that income for many banks.
Compare other products
How we picked these
Key takeaways
- Banks often accept Centrelink payments as income towards the typical $30,000 minimum for a credit card.
- Improve your chances by checking eligibility, consolidating documents and ensuring a good credit score.
- Consider low rate or no annual fee cards; alternatives like NILs or Centrelink advances are available.
Do you need immediate help?
- If you want to speak to someone at Centrelink, call the employment services line on 132 850 or visit the Services Australia contact page for other support numbers.
- If you want to speak to someone about financial hardship, call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 or use the online chat service.
- If you need assistance with a no-interest loan, reach out to Good Shepherd to see if you're eligible. You could receive up to $2,000 to cover essential expenses or $3,000 for housing expenses.
Can I apply for a credit card if I’m receiving government assistance?
You need some form of regular income to get a credit card. This income could come from a mix of part-time or casual work and Centrelink payments.
But only some banks and credit card companies accept Centrelink payments as part of this income.
Eligible Centrelink payments can include:
- Austudy
- Carer's allowance
- Centrelink long-term pensions
- Parenting payments
- Foster care allowance
- Family tax benefit A and B
Some lenders, such as NAB, also accept child support payments, which are paid between separated parents rather than by Centrelink. Getting an application approved also depends on other factors, including your employment status, your credit history, expenses and other debts.
Which credit card companies accept Centrelink payments as income?
- Commonwealth Bank. CBA accepts most Centrelink benefit payments listed above, provided you can provide 3 months' worth of bank statements or transactions listing Centrelink payments.
- Westpac. According to Westpac's acceptable income documents for a credit card, government benefits and allowances can be accepted as income if you provide a letter from a government authority covering the last 2 months of income, or a Centrelink online statement showing your last 4 benefit payments.
- NAB. The bank says you can verify government allowances or child support payments via bank statements.
- ANZ. You will need bank statements showing Centrelink benefit payments over a consecutive 3 month period and a letter or statement from Centrelink.
Not sure if you're eligible? Contact the card provider
It's impossible to know if you'll get a credit card application approved until you submit one. And getting rejected can temporarily hurt your credit score.
So it's a good idea to call a bank or card provider before applying and asking specifically about your situation and the Centrelink benefits you receive.
How do I apply for a credit card if I have more than one source of income?
If you receive income from a few sources – such as child support payments, Family tax benefit A or B and a casual job – you should include details for all of them when you apply for a credit card.
Every card provider has a different application form, but you list your main source of income (such as a casual or part-time job) when asked to nominate your income. And if you receive a parenting payment from Centrelink you would list that under additional sources of income.
You'll probably need to provide documents to establish each source of income. This includes payslips or bank statements.
How can I increase my chances of credit card approval if I'm on Centrelink?
- Find a suitable card. If you have a low income, your best bet is something like a low rate credit card. These often have credit limits as low as $1,000.
- Check the eligibility requirements before applying. You need to be 18 or over, and there are also requirements like residency and minimum income. Minimum income requirements for credit cards can start from around $30,000, according to Finder's credit cards database. But a lot of banks don't state a minimum income anymore.
- Get your documents together. You'll be asked to provide proof of identification (such as your driver's licence or passport) and proof of income. This may include recent pay slips, bank statements and documents from Centrelink.
- Only apply for one card at a time. Every credit card application you make is listed on your credit report. Applying for too many credit cards in a short period of time can lower your credit score. So, aim to only apply for one card at a time. If your application is rejected, spend some time (usually at least 6 months) improving your credit score before you apply for another one.
- Check your credit score. You usually need to have a good credit score to get a credit card. Check your credit score for free through Finder.
Did you know?
Even if you're applying for a credit card that accepts proof of some Centrelink payments, including another source of income (such as pay from a casual job) can improve your chances of getting approved for a card.
What kind of credit card can I get?
Different types of credit cards can suit different needs. For instance:
- If you receive a relatively low income, consider a card with low minimum income requirements and a low minimum credit limit.
- If you'll only use a card for emergencies, a card with $0 annual fee won't burn a hole in your pocket while you're not using it.
- If you think you might not pay off the balance in full each month, consider a card with a low interest rate for purchases.
Our expert says: The easiest credit cards to get approval for
"Most banks offer a low rate credit card. These cards have purchase rates of around 15% or lower, annual fees under $100 and often have credit limits as low as $500 or $1,000. These are easier cards to get approved for, and are worth considering if you're on a low income. But you still need regular income and a good credit score too."
Alternatives to a credit card when you're on Centrelink
It can be difficult to get approved for a credit card when your main source of income is from JobSeeker or another Centrelink payment. But if you need access to funds, some other options to consider include:
- Personal loans. There are some personal loans with low income requirements. But as they may have higher interest rates and fees than other loans, make sure you consider the costs and compare options before deciding to apply.
- No interest loans. No Interest Loans (NILs) offer up to $2,000 for essential expenses or $3,000 for housing expenses, for people who earn less than $70,000 (or $100,000 as a couple). These loans are administered by Good Shepherd and are available through a range of non-profit community organisations around Australia.
- Centrelink advance payment. You can ask for a one-off or regular advance from Centrelink when you're recieving an eligible payment, including JobSeeker, Family Tax Benefit A, Age Pension, Carer Payment and Austudy. You can check if you're eligible and apply through MyGov, the Express Plus app, in a service centre or by calling 136 240.
More resources on Finder
Ask a question
18 Responses
More guides on Finder
-
Best international credit cards November 2026
Find credit cards that make international spending cheaper with 0% international transaction fees.
-
Buying gift cards with a credit card
Paying for gift cards is usually treated as a cash advance on your credit card, so what does that mean for your Christmas shopping budget?
-
Credit cards for pensioners and retirees
Learn how to apply for a credit card when you're retired or on a pension and compare cards to find one that suits your needs.
-
Instant approval credit cards
Compare credit cards that give you an outcome within 60 seconds of when you submit your application online and find out how to increase your chances of getting this type of "instant" credit card approval.
-
Cashback credit cards — up to $500 back
Get a percentage of your spend back, gift cards or vouchers with a cashback credit card. Find out more and compare current offers in our guide.
-
Best Qantas credit cards
Compare the best Qantas frequent flyer credit cards based on bonus point offers, points per $1 spent, rates, fees and other features so you can find a card that works for you.
-
How your credit card limit is calculated
Learn what information the bank uses to determine your credit limit and the steps you need to take before you request a limit increase.
-
Best Velocity credit cards
Check out bonus point offers and travel perks such as lounge access and complimentary insurance with these Velocity Frequent Flyer credit cards.
-
No international transaction fee credit cards
Find out how you can keep your overseas spending costs down by comparing credit cards with no foreign transaction fees and no currency conversion fees.
I’m a single mum of 2 young children on centerlink with bad credit I’m looking to get all my past and new debts rolled into one with a little cash left over to buy a cheap car. Where can I go
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for your inquiry.
There are a few options available to you. Perhaps you should try debt consolidation wherein all your loans will be combined into one. With minimized rates and fees, it’ll be easier for you to get rid of debt.
For more information, you can also see our balance transfer credit card comparison page.
Also, you might want to take a look at our bad credit car loans for more tips.
Make sure to compare your options while considering your own financial situation to find which alternative is of most value to you. Before applying, please also ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you.
I hope this helps.
Thanks,
Sally
I am looking to get a credit card. I am a single parent on center link benefits. my credit isn’t the best
Hi Tiffany,
Thanks for your inquiry.
You may find our guide to credit cards for single parents useful to know your chances of approval while receiving Centrelink benefits. You can also compare credit cards with low income requirements. Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Can single mother go for this loan
Hi Stacey,
Thanks for your question.
These are credit cards rather than loans, but you are still able to apply for them if you want to. If you’re interested in the cards on this page you can click the titles to read a review and check if you meet the eligibility criteria (minimum income, etc.) If you do, you can click the ‘go to site’ button to apply.
If you are looking for a loan rather than a credit card, you can find out more about loans for single parents.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
Hi, I am a single mum of one, & I receive $26,477.68 per year. Is there any credit card that I am eligible for? Thank you
Hi, Tamara.
You can check your eligibility for a product by having a look at the application requirements table at the bottom of each card’s review page. It will list a minimum income requirement and other criteria you have to meet in order to apply for a card. The fact that you’re a single mother shouldn’t matter.
Thanks for your question.
Is there a credit card provider available for a single mother on Centrelink benefit with child support? I have total benefits of approx $1400 per fortnight and feel a credit card would be beneficial to me. Thanks.
Hi Monique. Thanks for your question. Please refer to the minimum eligibility requirements at the bottom of the review page for each card. If you meet these requirements, you’re eligible to apply for the card. Centrelink payments and child support are considered an eligible form of income. I hope this helps. Jacob.