Best low interest rate credit cards

Compare 100+ low rate cards, scored against 4 popular features – updated daily.

1 - 9 of 114
Name Finder Score Purchase rate p.a. Interest-free period Balance transfer rate p.a. Annual fee
Bankwest Breeze Classic Mastercard
Bankwest Breeze Classic Mastercard image
Finder score
Purchase rate p.a.
12.99%
Interest-free period
Up to 55 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
0% for 24 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 12.99%
Annual fee
$49
Go to siteMore Info
Save with 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 24 months (with a 3% BT fee).
Westpac Low Rate Card
Westpac Low Rate Card image
Finder score
Purchase rate p.a.
13.74%
Interest-free period
Up to 55 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
0% for 26 months with 2% balance transfer fee, then 21.99%
Annual fee
$59
Go to siteMore Info
Save with a 0% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for 26 months (with a 2% BT fee). Plus, a low 13.74% p.a. purchase interest rate.
Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard
Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard image
Finder score
Purchase rate p.a.
12.99%
Interest-free period
Up to 55 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
0% for 24 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 12.99%
Annual fee
$59
Go to siteMore Info
Get 0% p.a. interest on balance transfers for 24 months (with a 3% BT fee). Plus 0% foreign fees and complimentary overseas travel insurance.
NAB Low Rate Credit Card
NAB Low Rate Credit Card image
Finder score
Purchase rate p.a.
13.49%
Interest-free period
Up to 55 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
0% for 24 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 21.74%
Annual fee
$59
Go to siteMore Info
Get a 0% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for the first 24 months (with a 3% BT fee).
Westpac Lite Card
Westpac Lite Card image
Finder score
Purchase rate p.a.
9.9%
Interest-free period
Up to 45 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
N/A
Annual fee
$108
Go to siteMore Info
Save with 0% foreign transaction fees, a low interest rate on purchases and cashback offers through Westpac Extras.
ANZ Low Rate - Credit Back Offer
ANZ Low Rate - Credit Back Offer image
Finder score
Purchase rate p.a.
13.74%
Interest-free period
Up to 55 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
21.99%
Annual fee
$58
Go to siteMore Info
Get $250 back on your card when you spend $1,500 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months.
St.George Vertigo Card - Cashback Offer
St.George Vertigo Card - Cashback Offer image
Finder score
Purchase rate p.a.
13.99%
Interest-free period
Up to 55 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
6.99% for 12 months with 0% balance transfer fee, then 21.99%
Annual fee
$55
Go to siteMore Info
Get up to $500 cashback at eligible supermarkets and petrol stations in the first 180 days. Plus, a low interest rate for purchases.
Westpac Low Rate Card - Cashback Offer
Westpac Low Rate Card - Cashback Offer image
Finder score
Purchase rate p.a.
13.74%
Interest-free period
Up to 55 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
N/A
Annual fee
$59
Go to siteMore Info
A no-frills card offering up to $350 cashback: $50 each month you make at least $1,000 of eligible purchases for the first 7 months.
St.George Vertigo Card
St.George Vertigo Card image
Finder score
Purchase rate p.a.
13.99%
Interest-free period
Up to 55 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
0% for 24 months with 1% balance transfer fee, then 21.99%
Annual fee
$55
Go to siteMore Info
Get a 0% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for 24 months (with a one-time 1% balance transfer fee).
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Best low rate credit card offers for December 2024

These credit cards are the best low rate offers on the market based on their Finder Scores:

The Illawarra Credit Union Low Rate Credit Card won the Finder Award for the top low rate credit card in 2024.

Updated in December 2024 by Finder's money editor, Richard Whitten.

Number crunching the Finder Score

  • 9+ Excellent - These cards offer the lowest ongoing purchase rates, high number of interest free days, and competitive introductory and ongoing annual fees.
  • 7+ Great - Reasonable ongoing purchase rates and fees, with the potential for additional perks.
  • 5+ Satisfactory - Low interest rates, but watch out for above average ongoing fees.
  • Less than 5 – Basic - These are generally cards with low interest rates, however could charge high ongoing fees.

Tell me more about the low rate credit card score

Finding the perfect low rate card is about more than just the rate (although that is the most important thing).

That's why we created the Finder Score. It's an easy, data-driven way to judge credit cards at a glance.

  • Every month, our insights team analyses over 250 credit cards.
  • We assess ten features for each card, rating each feature.
  • Then these ratings are combined via a weighted methodology to create a simple score out of 10.

We give different scores for different categories. So a card might get a 9 in the low rate category but an 8 in the balance transfer category.

The Finder Score is designed by our insights and editorial team. We score credit cards objectively. Commercial partnerships don't affect the scores at all.

Remember that Finder Score is just one factor to consider. Look at other aspects like fees, features, benefits and risks to make sure a product is suitable for you. Double-check details that matter to you before applying or buying.

Low rate credit cards - score weightings

FeatureDefinitionAssessmentWeight
Purchase RateInterest rate on new purchasesLower rates score higher70%
Interest Free DaysNumber of days with no interest charged on new purchasesHigher number of days score higher10%
First-Year FeeAnnual fee charged in the first year of ownershipLower fees score higher. $0 fee receives the maximum points10%
Ongoing Annual FeeAnnual fee charged from the second year onwardsLower fees score higher. $0 fee receives the maximum points10%

The lowest interest credit card on Finder in December 2024

But credit card interest rates are variable, which means they can change regularly. So the lowest interest rate card can vary depending on when you're comparing cards. You can click on the "Purchase rate" column of our comparison table to order the credit cards based on their current interest rates.

Tip: When you're comparing low rate credit cards, keep in mind that most of these cards don't offer perks like rewards or complimentary insurance. So the best card for you might have a different low interest rate and offer value in other ways.

Best low rate credit cards: St.George Vertigo

St.George Vertigo Card

  • 0% Balance Transfer Offer
  • $55 Annual fee
  • 13.99% Purchase rate
Ends on 30 April 2025

Pros & cons

  • Balance transfer rate of 0% p.a. for the first 24 months
  • A low ongoing annual fee
  • Shopping cashbacks through ShopBack
  • Competitive purchase interest rate of 13.99% p.a.
  • Additional cardholder at no extra cost
  • A one-time 1% balance transfer fee applies
  • Balance transfer rate reverts to 21.99% p.a. at the end of the introductory period
  • No rewards program, travel perks and insurance covers

Why we like it

The St.George Vertigo card has one of the longest balance transfer offers on the market, plus a low annual fee and a low purchase rate. This is a card that is designed for helping people deal with mounting credit card debt.
This card has a Finder Score of 9.9 in the balance transfer category.

Best low rate credit cards: American Express Low Rate

American Express Low Rate Credit Card

  • Low Rate & No Annual Fee
  • $0 Annual fee
  • 10.99% Purchase rate

Pros & cons

  • Low 10.99% p.a. interest rate for purchases
  • Ongoing $0 annual fee
  • Up to 4 additional cardholders
  • Complimentary card purchase cover and card refund cover
  • $30 late payment fee if you miss your minimum repayment
  • 3% foreign currency conversion fee
  • No rewards program

Why we like it

  • There is no annual fee for this card at all.
  • The cards also has a low purchase rate and comes with complimentary card purchase cover.
  • Best low rate credit cards: Westpac Lite

    Westpac Lite Card

    • 0% Foreign Transaction Fees
    • $108 Annual fee
    • 9.9% Purchase rate

    Pros & cons

    • 0% foreign transaction fees
    • $0 fee for missed payments
    • Low purchase interest rate of 9.9% p.a.
    • 1 additional cardholder at no extra cost
    • Only offers up to 45 days interest-free on purchases as opposed to other cards that offer up to 55 days
    • No rewards points or complimentary insurances

    Why we like it

    • The 9.9% p.a. variable interest rate on purchases is much lower than the average standard credit card interest rate in Australia (currently 20.16% p.a.)
    • This card charges 0% on foreign transaction fees, which can help you save around 2-3% compared to cards that charge a foreign transaction fee.
    • Mobile payments through Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.

    Who are low rate credit cards best suited to?

    Low interest credit cards suit people who make purchases that they won't be able to pay off in full during the interest-free period. These cards also suit those who want to minimise interest charges and don't care about the perks and benefits that come with more premium cards, such as rewards programs or complimentary travel insurance.

    🗓 What is the interest-free period?

    This is the maximum number of days where interest is not charged on new purchases. For example, if your credit card offers 55 interest-free days and you make a purchase on the first day of your statement period, you'll have 55 days to pay it back before you're charged interest. If you make that purchase on day 15 of your statement period, you'll have 40 interest-free days, and so on.

    This only applies if you pay the amount required by the provider by the due date listed on your statement. See Finder's guide to interest-free days for full details.

    Tip: There are also cards that offer a 0% purchase interest rate for an introductory period, which is basically the lowest rate you can get (even if it's only for a limited time).

    These cards are ideal if you have large purchases, like a holiday, wedding or renovation coming up. They allow you to pay no interest during that period and can give you the breathing room you need as long as you're making the minimum repayment.


    Pros and cons of low rate credit cards

    Pros

    • Savings. These cards can be a cheaper option as you pay less interest on purchases, which will help you save money and avoid falling into unmanageable debt.
    • Low fees. Many low interest rate credit cards also have lower annual fees, which will also help you save.
    • Promotional offers. Low interest rate credit cards sometimes offer 0% promotions on purchases and/or balance transfers, allowing you to avoid interest altogether for an introductory period.

    Cons

    • Less competitive rewards. If a low rate credit card offers a rewards program, it usually has a lower earn rate and smaller bonus points offer than more expensive cards.
    • Fewer extra features. Lower rates generally mean fewer extra features, unlike platinum cards which often come with insurance covers and concierge services.
    • Revert rates. If your card offers 0% interest on purchases for a promotional period, it will revert to a higher purchase rate that could be up to 26.99% p.a.

    How to compare low rate credit cards

    With so many competitive low interest rate credit cards on the market, here are some of the features that can help you narrow down your options:

    Interest rates

    Credit cards have different types of interest rates, including ongoing low rates and promotional offers. So here are the key factors to look at:

    • Promotional interest rates. If you're looking at cards that offer an introductory 0% interest rate, the promotional period typically ranges from 6 to 12 months (or more) for purchases and up to 28 months for balance transfers. After that, a standard interest rate applies to any unpaid balance, as well as new purchases. So it’s wise to know when this rate applies and aim to repay your debt beforehand.
    • Standard interest rates. On a low rate card, purchase interest rates are typically between around 8% p.a. and 15% p.a. If you want a credit card for long-term use, one with an ongoing low interest rate could be a better fit than a card with 0% for a promotional period and a higher rate after that.
    • Cash advance rates. The interest rate for cash advances is usually higher than the rate applied to purchases and can be as high as 29.99% p.a. This rate is charged for transactions such as ATM cash withdrawals, foreign currency purchases and gambling. It may also apply after an introductory 0% balance transfer period ends. Cash advances also aren't eligible for interest-free days.

    Fees and charges

    These credit card costs can also have an impact on how much value you get – and how much you can potentially save compared to other cards.

    • Annual fee. Low rate credit card annual fees typically range from $30 to $199, but there are also some cards that offer $0 annual fee for the first year or for life. In general, platinum low rate cards will have higher annual fees than a no-frills card from the same issuer. Make sure the annual fee cost doesn't outweigh the value you get from the low interest rate.
    • International transaction fees. If you use your card for foreign currency or overseas purchases (including online), you will usually be charged a foreign transaction fee of around 2-3.5%. But certain credit cards are more tailored to international use and offer 0% foreign transactions fees.
    • Minimum repayments. Each statement period, you’re required to make a minimum repayment. This is usually a percentage of the total amount owing, ranging from 2% to 10%. If you don’t pay this, you’ll usually be charged a late payment fee. To lower your interest payments and avoid ongoing debt, try to pay as much as you can before the statement due date.
    • Balance transfer fee. Some balance transfer cards charge a one-time fee worth around 1-3% of the balance you transfer. Even when you get an introductory 0% interest rate, this adds to the cost and may change the amount that you save through an offer.

    Additional features

    Credit cards with low interest rates generally come with fewer perks than costly cards, but here are some of the extra features you might want to consider:

    • Cashback. Some low rate cards also come with cashback offers, although you’ll usually need to meet a certain spend requirement to get the money back. If the spend requirements fit with your budget and you can afford to pay it off, this can be another way to get extra value from your card.
    • Complimentary insurance. Some low rate cards offer you complimentary travel insurance and purchase cover. These features can help you save on buying insurance policies, but make sure you check out the eligibility requirements, inclusions and exclusions of the cover before you apply.

    If you often carry over a balance from one month to the next, a low interest credit card could help you save on interest charges. While there is no "best" low rate care, the mix of credit cards available in Australia means you can compare credit card offers and features to help find a card that you want.

    Frequently asked questions

    Why you can trust Finder's credit card experts

    helpObsessed with offers - You want the lowest rates, lowest fees, lowest spend possible, right? We want that for you too, so we're tracking all the current offers in one place.
    freeSave yourself some time. Why spend 100s of hours researching credit cards and tracking the latest offers? We've done the hard yards, so you can quickly sort through the options and get the card you need.
    independentNo BS. We'll explain how credit card interest works and how you can spend less – and we'll always explain it all in plain English.
    Sarah Megginson's headshot
    To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Sarah Megginson as part of our fact-checking process.
    Richard Whitten's headshot
    Editor

    Richard Whitten is a money editor at Finder, and has been covering home loans, property and personal finance for 6+ years. He has written for Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine and Homely; and has appeared on various radio shows nationwide. He holds a Certificate IV in mortgage broking and finance (RG 206), a Tier 1 Generic Knowledge certification and a Tier 2 General Advice Deposit Products (RG 146) certification. See full bio

    Richard's expertise
    Richard has written 558 Finder guides across topics including:
    • Home loans
    • Property
    • Personal finance
    • Money-saving tips

    More guides on Finder

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    68 Responses

      Default Gravatar
      JamesOctober 26, 2023

      hi i’m trying to find a best credit card that suits me , first time holder I never hold one in my life .

        AvatarFinder
        AmyOctober 27, 2023Finder

        Hi James,
        It’s helpful to consider what’s important to you when choosing a credit card. For example, a low rate credit card can help you save on interest charges if you want to pay off spending over time. A card with low fees or no annual fee could also help keep account costs down. Rewards and extras like complimentary insurance are also features you may want to consider. Finder’s guide to credit cards has more details about the different types of cards and what else to consider. I hope this helps.

      Default Gravatar
      JadeSeptember 3, 2019

      Are there any credit cards available for people on disability pension Centrelink please?

        AvatarFinder
        JeniSeptember 4, 2019Finder

        Hi Jade,

        Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.

        You can start comparing credit cards for pensioners and retirees. I suggest that you contact your chosen bank or credit card issuer before submitting your online application to know your chances of getting approved.

        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. When you are ready, press the ‘Go to site’ button to apply.

        I hope this helps.

        Thank you and have a wonderful day!

        Cheers,
        Jeni

      Default Gravatar
      sueFebruary 24, 2019

      Am I better off to get a personal loan to pay credit cards off and get extra money for travel /

      would like to consolidate credit card debt and have some money for travel

        AvatarFinder
        JohnFebruary 25, 2019Finder

        Hi Sue,

        Thank you for reaching out to Finder.

        Depending on how much you would require to consolidate your debt as well as have a bit of extra for travel, a personal loan would be able to help you achieve this. You would not be able to have the extra cash when you use a different method in consolidating your debt. You may refer to our list of personal loan. Kindly review and compare your options on the table displaying the available providers. Once you have chosen a particular provider, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.

        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 deciding on whether it is right for you. Hope this helps!

        Cheers,
        Reggie

      Default Gravatar
      willardDecember 20, 2018

      what card would be best for people on s.s?

        AvatarFinder
        JohnDecember 20, 2018Finder

        Hi Willard,

        Thank you for reaching out to finder.

        While we do not provide specific product recommendations, we can help guide you through the process of comparing options. You may want to check our page on “Credit cards for retired and pensioner applicants”. The page will also advise you of what documents to provide during the application process. Please click here to be routed to that page. Hope this helps!

        Cheers,
        Reggie

      Default Gravatar
      EricApril 26, 2018

      My debt is over 70,000 AUD,I would like a loan one payment/month,and not five.

        AvatarFinder
        JeniApril 26, 2018Finder

        Hi Eric,

        Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.

        If you are looking to consolidate your debt in one loan, you may refer to our list of debt consolidation loans in Australia.

        If you want to do a balance transfer and pay 0% for some months, see our table with a list of balance transfer credit card offers.

        The links above have a comparison table you can use to see which card or lender suits you. Once you have chosen a particular provider, you may then click on the “Go to site” button if available and you will be redirected to the credit provider’s website where you can proceed with your application or get in touch with their representatives for further assistance.

        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. You can also contact the provider if you have specific questions.

        I hope this helps.

        Have a great day!

        Cheers,
        Jeni

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