Yes, you can get a credit card if you have a temporary resident visa. But most card companies want you to have a working or business visa (not a student visa) with at least 12 months before it expires, plus proof of employment.
You can apply for a credit card if you're a temporary resident or a recent immigrant. But your options vary depending on what type of visa you hold.
Some banks won't let people on student visas take out credit cards. You may need a visa that's valid for 12 months from when you apply.
You'll have a better chance getting approved for a low rate credit card with a low credit limit.
Which banks offer credit cards to temporary residents?
Here are some of the main banks and card companies that offer credit cards to temporary residents.
American Express. You'll need a long term visa (12 months or more). No student visas are accepted.
ANZ. You can get a credit card on a working or business visa as long as it has at least 12 months validity.
BankSA. You'll need an acceptable Australian visa with at least 12 months validity (this includes temporary residence visas), plus a fixed residential address in Australia.
Commonwealth Bank. You need to have the legal right to work in Australia with a visa that's valid for at least 6 months. The bank accepts a large list of work and business visas (including student visas) but not working holiday visas.
NAB. You'll need to be a permanent resident or on an acceptable temporary residency visa. Visitor, working holiday, student or bridging visas are not eligible.
St.George. You'll need an acceptable Australian visa with at least 12 months validity.
Westpac. You'll need an acceptable Australian visa with at least 12 months validity.
Eligibility requirements for getting a credit card as a temporary resident
Every bank and credit card company has its own criteria. But generally you should meet before applying for an Australian credit card as a temporary resident.
Age. You must be at least 18 years of age to apply for a credit card.
Employment. You need to be employed, and you may need to provide recent payslips as evidence. If you've started a new job then a signed contract of employment or a letter from your employer may be required.
Passport. You will have to supply your passport number and/or a certified copy of your passport for the application.
Visa status. You must have a valid, eligible visa. Depending on the credit card issuer, you may need to have a minimum amount of time left on the visa to apply (for example, 1 year before the visa expiry date). If you don't know if your visa is eligible, contact the bank or credit card brand directly for more details based on your situation.
Australian address. You must have a residential address in Australia to apply for a credit card.
Australian bank account. You must have applied or opened an Australian bank account to get a credit card.
You may need to visit a branch
Many Australian banks require first time customers living in Australia temporarily to apply for a bank account or credit card in person. This means you'll need to visit your nearest bank branch.
Our expert says
"Your eligibility for a credit card depends on your visa type, employment status and how long you've lived in Australia. Start with a basic or secured credit card to build Australian credit history. Provide complete documentation, including your passport and visa information. "
Credit card eligibility for New Zealand citizens living in Australia
The Australian government has a special visa for New Zealand citizens, which allows them to study, work and live in Australia as long as they remain NZ citizens and meet the visa's character requirements.
So New Zealand citizens can usually apply for most Australian credit cards, as long as they have a permanent address in Australia and meet the card's other eligibility requirements.
Can I transfer my existing credit card to an Australian one?
You can't transfer an overseas credit card balance to an Australian credit card. But if your credit card is issued by a company that offers global services or "moving abroad" transfers, you may be able to open an account more easily in a new country.
For example, the American Express Global Card Relationship service allows you to apply for an Amex card in your new country by logging in to your existing account. So if you moved to Australia, you would need to log into your current Amex account, choose a new Amex card and then apply using your Australian address and contact details.
HSBC customers with Premier status can also bank internationally and easily apply for credit cards in different countries.
Must read: Do Australian banks consider overseas credit history?
Banks and credit card issuers in Australia only consider your Australian credit history. This means if you have an excellent credit rating overseas (or a bad credit rating), it won't impact your application for a credit card.
But if you don't have many details on your Australian credit file as a temporary resident, providing accurate details and additional documents will help support your application and your chance of approval. You can also check your Australian credit history and get your score for free with the Finder app.
Establishing credit history as a recent immigrant to Australia
When you arrive, you can start building your credit history in a few steps:
Open a bank account. Having an Australian bank account will make it easier to receive income from work here, and use it for spending.
Set up your utility accounts. This includes energy, internet and mobile phone plans. Finder's guide to utilities has more details and a comparison of different options.
Check your credit score. You can get a free copy of your credit report and credit score through Finder, which will help you keep track of what details are added to your Australian credit history.
Apply for credit products that you're eligible for. Not all utility accounts are added to your credit report, so you may not have any credit history in Australia until you get a credit-based account. For example, a credit card or personal loan. But it's important to only apply when you have found an account you want, that's also affordable for you.
Frequently asked questions
Banks look at the length of time remaining on the visa to ensure that you will be in Australia long enough to repay any debt accrued on the credit card.
There are strict regulations for credit cards. When you apply, the lender must consider your ability to manage and repay the credit card's limit. This can be harder to determine for temporary residents. There is also a level of risk for lenders, as it is difficult for them to recover credit card debt if someone leaves the country.
Unfortunately, the temporary nature of a bridging visa means it is unlikely you would be eligible for a credit card in Australia.
You can apply for some credit cards as a temporary resident when you have a valid visa and meet the card's eligibility requirements. But most of the time you will need to provide a valid Australian residential address. So if you don't live in Australia at the time of your application, it may be more difficult to get approved.
Collections proceedings will begin against you and will remain in place if you ever decide to return to Australia.
It depends on the circumstances. The Department of Immigration will be able to provide you with more information about your previous credit history in Australia in relation to your application. Remember that credit card debt will also affect any applications of enquiries for other credit products that you make in the future.
There are limited options if you're interested in a secured credit card. The most common alternative is to get a prepaid card that allows you to pre-load your own money onto it and then use it for your spending. However, this type of card does not provide you with extra funds the way a credit card does. It also won't add to your credit history.
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.
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I am on a prospective marriage visa due to get married in June and returning to Australia 8 July. I am currently full time employed for the past 3-4 months and will be returning to my same job. I will then continue to live in Australia.
Finder
JacobApril 30, 2013Finder
Hi Jodi. Thanks for your question. If you’re interested in applying for a credit card, each provider has its own rules around issuing credit cards for temporary residents. Some providers require that you earn over a certain amount and have a letter for your employer, while other providers do not issue credit cards to temporary residents at all. Since you’re getting married and will be living in the country, I believe that you will be able to apply for a card the same as a permanent resident. You can apply for a card with a provider now, but best to check with the provider you wish to apply with first, or you can wait until you return to the country. If you would like to provide more information about the cards you were interested in, I can offer a better explanation about the card’s eligibility requirements. Jacob.
IvanJanuary 22, 2014
My friend has a 886 skills sponsored visa. Is she eligible to apply for a credit card. She has been in this country for more than 3 years. She works permanent part time and earns $325 per week net.
Finder
ShirleyJanuary 22, 2014Finder
Hi Ivan,
Thanks for your comment.
It might be best to enquire about this to the big four; CBA, Westpac, NAB and ANZ to see if they can issue your friend a credit card based on her residency status.
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I am on a prospective marriage visa due to get married in June and returning to Australia 8 July. I am currently full time employed for the past 3-4 months and will be returning to my same job. I will then continue to live in Australia.
Hi Jodi. Thanks for your question. If you’re interested in applying for a credit card, each provider has its own rules around issuing credit cards for temporary residents. Some providers require that you earn over a certain amount and have a letter for your employer, while other providers do not issue credit cards to temporary residents at all. Since you’re getting married and will be living in the country, I believe that you will be able to apply for a card the same as a permanent resident. You can apply for a card with a provider now, but best to check with the provider you wish to apply with first, or you can wait until you return to the country. If you would like to provide more information about the cards you were interested in, I can offer a better explanation about the card’s eligibility requirements. Jacob.
My friend has a 886 skills sponsored visa. Is she eligible to apply for a credit card. She has been in this country for more than 3 years. She works permanent part time and earns $325 per week net.
Hi Ivan,
Thanks for your comment.
It might be best to enquire about this to the big four; CBA, Westpac, NAB and ANZ to see if they can issue your friend a credit card based on her residency status.
Cheers,
Shirley