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Low rate credit cards
A low interest rate credit card will help you save money on your bill if you don't pay in full every month.
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If you don't pay off your credit card in full every month, you can save money with a card that charges a lower interest rate. Competitive interest rates typically range between 8.99% p.a. and 14.99% p.a., and the average Aussie cardholder could save about $100 per year just by switching.
ANZ Credit Card Offer
ANZ Low Rate
0% p.a. for 20 months on balance transfers
Eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply
ANZ Credit Card Offer
A no-frills card with a long-term 0% balance transfer offer, a low ongoing purchase interest rate plus a first-year annual fee waiver.
- $0 first-year annual fee ($58 p.a. thereafter)
- 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 20 months with no BT fee (reverts to 20.24% p.a.)
- Purchase interest rate: 12.49% p.a. | Up to 55 days interest-free
- Minimum credit limit: $1,000 | Up to 3 additional cardholders at $0
Compare the latest low rate credit card deals
Some low rate credit cards offer promotional 0% interest or low rates for an introductory period. Make sure to check those offers and their revert rates while you're comparing.
Who are low interest rate credit cards best suited to?
Low interest credit cards are designed to help you save on interest costs. As most cards have 44-55 days interest-free, you'll only pay interest if you carry a balance from month to month. So these cards can help if you often struggle to pay your balance in full by the due date on your statement.
🗓 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 the twelfth day of your statement period, you'll have 43 interest-free days, and so on. This only applies if you pay the amount required by the provider by the specified due date as listed on your statement.
Cards that offer a 0% purchase interest rate for an introductory period are ideal if you've got some large purchases, like a holiday, wedding or renovation, coming up. These offers 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 interest 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 charges 0% on purchases for a promotional period, it will revert to a higher purchase rate after that.
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
From low ongoing interest rates to promotional 0% deals and interest-free days, here are the key factors to look at when comparing interest rates:
- Promotional interest rates. Some Australian credit cards offer 0% interest rates on purchases for a promotional period. The length of the interest-free offer usually varies between 6 and 15 months depending on the card. These offers can give you breathing room to repay your purchases and save without any additional interest costs. At the end of the promotional period, any remaining debt will collect the standard interest rate, so it’s wise to know when this rate applies and aim to clear your debt beforehand.
- Standard interest rate. On a low rate card, the purchase interest rates typically start at 8.99% p.a. and go up to around 15% p.a. If you want a long-term option, a card with an ongoing low interest rate could potentially be a better fit than a card with 0% for a promotional period.
- Balance transfer rates. Some low interest credit cards also come with 0% balance transfer offers that can last for up to 26 months. If you’re paying off an existing debt, you can use a balance transfer to save interest and repay your debt faster. If you’re struggling with credit card debt, it’s wise to concentrate on paying it off instead of using a card to make additional purchases.
- Cash advance rates. The interest rate for cash advances is usually higher than the rate applied to purchases and can be as high as 23% p.a. This rate is charged for transactions such as ATM cash withdrawals, foreign currency purchases and gambling. Cash advances also aren't eligible for interest-free days.
- Interest-free days. Most credit cards also come with interest-free days when cardholders pay their balance in full in the previous statement period. The number of interest-free days will vary between products, but usually range between up to 44 or 55 days.
Fees and charges
- Annual fee. Some low rate cards come with a $0 annual fee for the first year or for life, while others charge annual fees that can be as high as $100 or more. Before you apply, you should weigh up the savings you’ll get from the interest rate against the annual fee to determine which card is right for you.
- International transaction fees. If you use your card to make a purchase overseas or online with an international merchant, you may be charged a foreign transaction fee (for example 3% of the transaction). But there are some credit cards that 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 small percentage (which can range from 2% to 10%) of your total balance owing. If you don’t pay this, you’ll usually be charged a late payment fee. However, if you want to minimise your interest payments and avoid falling into debt, it’s wise to pay as much as you can before the statement due date.
Additional features
Credit cards with low interest rates generally come with fewer frills than costly cards, but here are some of the extra features you might want to consider:
- Rewards programs. Competitive frequent flyer or rewards credit cards usually come with higher interest rates and fees, but you can earn points on some low rate cards in the market. These cards usually come with less competitive earn rates, but can still be rewarding without the high price tag.
- 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. As long as the spend requirements align 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 cardholders complimentary travel insurance and purchase cover. These features can help you reduce other necessary costs, but make sure you check out the eligibility requirements, inclusions and exclusions of the cover before you apply.
If you often carry a balance, a low interest credit card could be right for you. However, as there is no one best low interest card on the market, it's wise to compare a few options before you apply. As well as interest rates, remember to consider other features, such as introductory offers, annual fees and complimentary extras, to help you find the right card.
Frequently asked questions
Something still not clear? Check out these answers to common questions about low interest credit cards. If you have a question of your own, you can also get in touch with us using the comment box below.
What is the lowest interest rate credit card?
As of 5 January 2021, the lowest credit card interest rate in Australia is 5.95% p.a. on the Greater Bank Visa Credit Card. However, 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.
Just keep in mind that the lowest interest rate credit card could be listed as one with a promotional 0% interest rate. When that's the case, you can continue scrolling through the table to find the card with the lowest ongoing interest rate.
I'm looking for a cheap credit card. Which is the cheapest?
The cheapest credit card will depend on how you use it. If you pay off your balance every month, a $0 annual fee credit card would likely be the cheapest option.
If you regularly carry a balance from month to month, the cheapest credit card will have a low interest rate and a modest annual fee (less than $100). There aren't many cards on the market that offer both a $0 annual fee and a low rate, but using the table above you can find what you consider to be a cheap credit card.
What is the best low interest rate credit card?
There is no one "best" low interest rate credit card in Australia. With so many cards on the market, a card's individual features have an impact on how well it suits your circumstances. So the card that's right for you may not be right for someone else. Comparing low interest rate credit cards based on the features you're looking for will help you find a card for your individual needs.
How are credit card interest rates calculated?
Credit card interest rates are usually advertised by the annual rate that applies to the account, shown as "per annum" or p.a. However, interest on your account balance is typically calculated daily and then charged monthly on the statement due date. This means that for every day that you don't make a payment, the interest charges will build up (or compound).
If you want to learn more about credit card interest in detail, you can check out Finder's comprehensive guide to interest rates.
Does the low interest rate on a credit card apply to balance transfers?
This depends on the credit card and any applicable balance transfer offers. If the card allows balance transfers, it may come with a 0% interest rate for a promotional period before reverting to a standard rate. Some low interest rate cards apply the standard purchase rate to balance transfers after the introductory period while others apply the cash advance rate.
Is a low interest rate card the cheapest credit card option?
There isn't a single "cheapest" credit card option because everyone uses credit cards differently. There are also other costs to consider beyond the purchase rate, such as annual fees and interest rates for cash advances or balance transfers. On the flip side, some people might find cards with high rates and fees "cheap" because of all the complimentary extras.
Simply put, the term "cheapest credit card" is really subjective and varies from person to person. So when you're trying to find a credit card that's affordable, make sure you consider all of the potential costs based on how you plan to use the account. That way, you'll be able to find one with rates and fees that are affordable for you.
Pictures: Shutterstock
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Ask an Expert
Are there any credit cards available for people on disability pension Centrelink please?
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
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
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
what card would be best for people on s.s?
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
My debt is over 70,000 AUD,I would like a loan one payment/month,and not five.
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
Hi I’m trying to find a better credit card than what I have at present. The interest rate I’m paying at the moment is 19.74 is there anything under 10%? Cheers Brenton
Hi Brenton,
Thank you for your inquiry.
I’m afraid that there may not be a credit card which has an interest lower than 10%. At the moment, the credit cards with low interest are listed above.
The following pages might help you explore your credit card options:
When selecting a credit card, it’s always best that you factor in which one that best meets your preferences and fits into your financial situation.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
May
Hi,
This morning I applied for a St George Vertigo Credit Card. I was approved for credit of $2000 and a balance transfer of $2000 (sorry if I’m incorrect) but does that mean that the total value of this card is $4000?
Thanks.
Hello
If the bank accepts my application for a credit card and i transfer my dept to them an I able to switch back at the end of the promotional period?
Is there a minimum time I have to stay with the new credit card?
kind regards
Garry
Hi Garry,
Thanks for your question.
If you are referring to using your old credit card again after the promotional period of your new balance transfer card, the answer is yes, that is possible. When you transfer your balance to a new card, you have the option to cancel or retain your old card.
There is no time requirement for keeping your new card. You can also cancel it anytime, so long as you follow the correct procedure as we have discussed on our credit card cancellation guide.
Cheers,
Anndy
Hi Mia,
Thanks for your question.
Essentially, when you apply for a credit card, the card institution will give you a credit card limit that you can use – either for purchases, cash advances and even balance transfers. As you mentioned, you were approved for a credit and balance transfer limit of $2,000 for the St. George Vertigo Credit Card, however, this does not imply that you’re given a total of $4,000 credit limit on the card (that you can spend). This means that St. George allows you to transfer a balance (a debt from your old credit card) up to $2,000 to this card. Unlike other card issuers (depending on the type of card), they would only allow you to transfer a total balance up to a percentage of your credit limit, usually 70%-95%.
I hope this answers your question.
Cheers,
May
i just wandering if i could get balance transfers,what could i do? if yet how much interest could i get each month.
Hi Gina,
Thanks for your inquiry.
You may check our balance transfer page first to compare credit cards that has this offer. You can check the complete details about a specific product by selecting the product name. This will direct you to the product review page where benefits, features, application requirements, and other information that the product has to offer. When you’re done selecting the right card, you can start the application process by selecting the “Go to site” button that is also available on the upper right side of the review page.
I hope this helps,
Sharon
Hi
Can I call to speak to someone to compare credit card accounts
Hi Meaghan, thanks for your inquiry!
You can reach us on 1300 FINDER (346 337) and one of the specialists from our credit cards team will be happy to assist you.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Hi i am in a situation where i am in need of 2000-5000 to pay for a solicitor as i don’t have the money. I am looking into credit cards that i can either afford by myself as i am on centrelink or one that my partner and i can get together with his income and mine. What would be the best way to go? As we have never applied for one before. Thank you
Hi Kylie,
Thanks for your question.
Please note that you’ve come through finder.com.au and as a financial comparison service, we’re unable to recommend any specific product, service or strategy to our users as the ‘best’ option will always depend on the individual’s financial situation and needs.
Whether you can apply for a credit card will depend on how much you earn per year and what type of Centrelink payments you receive.
You might need to get in touch with the bank directly to confirm your likelihood of approval before applying.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Debbie
Do you no anyone that will help people on disability pensioner with below average credit score to get a low limit credit card with below average credit score to rebuild my credit rating and give me a second chance
Hi Rhys,
Thanks for your inquiry!
You can compare low income credit cards which have lower requirements than higher tier credit cards. Before applying for any card, be sure to check the minimum income requirements and other eligibility criteria and relevant product disclosure statement and terms and conditions of the credit card.
Cheers,
Jonathan