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Credit card vs debit card

While a credit card is linked with a line of credit, a debit card is linked to your bank account. Here's how to decide which one to use.

Cards are the most popular way to pay in Australia, with data from the Reserve Bank of Australia showing they make up around 75% of all payments. Almost all adult Australians also have more than one debit card and many have a credit card, with Finder analysis showing there are around 40.9 million debit cards in Australia and over 13.4 million credit cards in circulation.

So, what's the difference between a credit card and a debit card? And is one better than the other? We've put the details of each card side-by-side to help you decide when it's better to use a credit card or debit card for your spending.

Credit cards vs debit cards at a glance

credit card with plane iconCredit cards

  • Line of credit you can spend and pay off over time
  • Most cards charge an annual fee, as well as interest if you carry a balance
  • Many credit cards offer rewards and perks like travel insurance
  • Typically attract a higher surcharge/card payment fee

hand with coinDebit cards

  • Your own money
  • Many accounts have $0 monthly or annual fee options
  • Less risk of debt or additional charges, compared to credit cards
  • May offer a lower or $0 surcharge/card payment fee

Not sure about the differences between a credit and debit card?

You're not alone. 14% of people surveyed incorrectly thought credit payments were payments withdrawn directly from your bank account, according to our consumer sentiment tracker. Gen Z were the least informed. 17% of those surveyed weren't sure of the differences.

Credit cards

How they work

You can use a credit card to spend up to a set amount of funds (your approved credit limit). You're required to pay back what you charge to the card and need to pay at least the minimum amount listed on each statement. Most credit cards can be added to digital wallets and there are also some completely virtual cards.

Costs

If you don't pay off your card in full by the statement due date, you'll usually be charged interest. The average standard interest rate is currently at 20.16% p.a. according to the RBA. Some cards also charge an annual fee.

On top of these account costs, credit card surcharges can range from around 1% to 2% of the transaction value, compared to around 0.5% to 1% for debit cards. If you're travelling overseas or shopping online with companies based overseas, an international transaction fee of around 2% to 3.4% applies unless you get a credit card that offers no foreign transaction fees.

Perks

Credit cards are a popular way to free up cashflow and earn reward or frequent flyer points on your everyday spending.

You can also get credit cards with perks such as complimentary overseas travel insurance and airport lounge passes and concierge services that can help with travel, dining and entertainment bookings (among other things).

Credit history

When you apply for a credit card, this is listed on your credit report whether or not you're approved. If you use your card responsibly and make timely repayments, this can help improve your credit score.

Security

Most credit cards offer 24/7 fraud monitoring services to help protect you against suspicious activity. If someone uses your card for fraud, the transaction amount will be refunded under a zero liability policy. If your card is used to make a fraudulent transaction, it won't impact your bank balance or savings.

Finder survey: How do Australians prefer to pay when travelling overseas?

Response
Credit card25.67%
Travel money card24.98%
Cash23.49%
Debit card22.7%
Other1.59%
Traveller's cheques1.59%
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1009 Australians, December 2023

Debit cards

How they work

Debit cards are linked to your everyday bank account so you can spend your own money. This means there are no repayments, although you do need to have the amount of money needed in your bank account when you pay with a debit card.

If you have a Visa or Mastercard debit card, you can often add it to mobile wallets. There are also some virtual debit cards, although this is more common with business accounts or gift cards.

Costs

Debit cards don't attract interest charges because you're using your own money. Most everyday bank accounts that offer debit cards also offer $0 account fee options, meaning you can often use a debit card without paying any extra costs.

It also costs merchants less money to process debit card payments, which is why there is often a lower surcharge compared to credit card transactions.

Note: For tap-and-go transactions, you may find the surcharge is higher than if you insert your debit card and enter the PIN. This is because Visa and Mastercard process the contactless payments. Whereas the EFTPOS system processes payments where you swipe or insert your debit card and choose "cheque" or "savings".

Similar to credit cards, an international or currency conversion fee may apply when you're travelling overseas or shopping online with companies based overseas, an international transaction fee applies unless you get a debit card with no foreign transaction fees.

Perks

In comparison to credit cards, there are very few debit cards that offer you reward points or other complimentary extras. Here's a rundown of three debit cards that do:

Apart from these cards, you'll usually be limited to whatever offers Visa or Mastercard have available for cardholders.

Credit history

Unlike credit cards, your debit card account details aren't listed on your credit report and don't impact your credit score.

Security

Like credit cards, debit cards offer a zero liability policy, which means you will be refunded for fraudulent transactions. Some debit cards also offer fraud-monitoring services. If you're subject to fraud, you will be left without that money until the bank has fully investigated the claim. This could take a few weeks or months.

Which is better: A credit card or debit card?

With a credit card, you get the flexibility of paying off the balance over time, as well as more options when it comes to rewards and other perks. But a debit card often means you will pay fewer fees and have more control over your spending because the money is coming straight from your bank account.

So even though most of us now pay by card, choosing between a credit card vs a debit card really comes down to what you want.

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Amy Bradney-George's headshot
Editor

Amy Bradney-George was the senior writer for credit cards at Finder, and editorial lead for Finder Green. She has over 16 years of editorial experience and has been featured in publications including ABC News, Money Magazine and The Sydney Morning Herald. See full bio

Amy's expertise
Amy has written 579 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Credit cards
  • Frequent flyer
  • Credit score
  • BNPL
  • Money management
  • Sustainability

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