Scan to download the Finder app on iOS or Android
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
Platinum, gold and black credit cards are premium options that open the door to exclusive benefits. Many of the gold credit cards that used to be available in Australia have been replaced with platinum cards. And premium cards once considered "platinum" are now designated as "black". Designed for people who spend a lot on plastic, these cards are a step (or a few steps) up from standard offers, with features like higher credit limits, more reward points and a huge range of complimentary extras.
When comparing premium credit cards, make sure to look at bonus points offers, what you need to do to get them, and the ongoing earn rate.
While they are all premium options, each represents a different level of status and service. Gold credit cards are a step up from standard cards, platinum credit cards are above gold, and black credit cards sit at the top of the pack.
Gold credit cards are the “entry level” option for premium credit cards and are designed to suit people who are interested in getting more features and benefits, but who don’t want to pay much more than they would for a standard card. Some of the most popular features of gold credit cards include:
Gold credit cards also have slightly higher income and credit history requirements than standard cards – but not as high as those of platinum or black cards.
Platinum credit cards are considered more premium than gold cards and offer a wider range of features and more flexibility. They are designed for people who want to get more value from regularly paying with plastic. In comparison to gold options, platinum cards may include:
Some platinum credit cards may also provide other spending benefits for customers. For example, platinum Bankwest credit cards offer no international transaction fees for purchases made overseas or online with an international retailer.
One of the biggest differences between platinum and gold cards in Australia is that there is a larger selection of platinum credit cards than gold cards. In fact, while all of the Big Four Banks in Australia – ANZ, NAB, CommBank and Westpac – offer platinum cards, only CommBank offers gold credit cards for personal customers.
In terms of other differences, platinum cards offer higher minimum credit limits than gold cards, which can be a bonus if you spend a lot on credit and can responsibly manage your credit card payments. Platinum cards also charge higher annual fees than gold cards offered by the same provider, and offer more perks. If you want to compare platinum and gold credit cards side-by-side, looking at the costs, features and your own circumstances can help you choose one that works for you.
Black credit cards are considered the ultimate in premium credit cards, with the highest level of service and broadest range of benefits. In addition to the complimentary extras that you can find on gold or platinum cards, a black credit card may provide:
Black credit cards are designed for high earners who pay with plastic very regularly. As such, the minimum income requirements for these cards are usually between $75,000 and $150,000. You also need flawless credit history to get a black credit card.
The benefits of a platinum, gold or black credit card are only worth it if they offer more value than the costs that come from any interest charges or annual fees. Asking the following questions before choosing which type of card to get will help you find options that work for you.
Whether you are looking at a standard credit card or a more premium gold, platinum or black card, it's important to compare the different features based on your situation and goals. Some of key features to look at when comparing premium cards include:
Typically, yes. You'll need to earn a relatively high income to be eligible for a platinum or black credit card. Depending on the card, they can have minimum income requirements of between $30,000 – $70,000, although it can be even higher for the very top-tier cards.
When you apply for the credit card, most issuers will let you know if your application has been approved or rejected within a minute. If you receive a pending response, this means the bank needs to spend more time assessing your application. In this case, you can usually expect a response within a week.
While some gold and platinum credit cards do have point caps, they tend to be higher than the caps on standard credit cards. Most black credit cards, on the other hand, offer uncapped points.
Amy Bradney-George has been writing about personal finance for more than 13 years – including over 600 articles as a senior writer for Finder. Her work has also appeared in publications including Money Magazine, The Sydney Morning Herald, Financy, ABC News Australia and Equity Magazine. Amy has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Drama from Griffith University.
If you want to get more rewards, higher credit limits, complimentary insurance and many other perks, here's how a platinum credit card could work for you.
If you want to buy big-ticket items or consolidate debt with a credit card, compare high credit limit options and weigh up the pros and cons here.
Gold credit cards are a step up from basic cards, with more perks like rewards, complimentary insurance and airport lounge invitations.
From entertainment offers, concierge and travel services to travel insurance and more, cardholders can enjoy many different platinum perks. Read on to find out all about the benefits of being a Visa Platinum cardholder.
Discover the luxurious perks, extensive benefits, and often high fees that can come with prestigious credit cards.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We compare from a wide set of banks, insurers and product issuers. We value our editorial independence and follow editorial guidelines.
finder.com.au has access to track details from the product issuers listed on our sites. Although we provide information on the products offered by a wide range of issuers, we don't cover every available product or service.
Please note that the information published on our site should not be construed as personal advice and does not consider your personal needs and circumstances. While our site will provide you with factual information and general advice to help you make better decisions, it isn't a substitute for professional advice. You should consider whether the products or services featured on our site are appropriate for your needs. If you're unsure about anything, seek professional advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan.
Products marked as 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options.
Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. You can learn more about how we make money here.
When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labelling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. By providing you with the ability to apply for a credit card or loan, we are not guaranteeing that your application will be approved. Your application for credit products is subject to the Provider's terms and conditions as well as their application and lending criteria.
Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.
If my application is unsuccessful, will I be offered an alternative limit card or will I need to reapply? This could impact my credit score (having to reapply).
Hi Roko,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
We recommend that you only apply for one credit card at a time and ensure your eligibility before submitting your final application. This way you can avoid credit enquiries on your file. If you can, contact first the issuing bank and discuss your options and chances of approval before you send anything final for your application. Please note that every time you make an application for credit, like applying for a credit card, it’s listed on your credit file as a “credit enquiry”. It will be listed regardless of whether the application is approved or not. Making too many credit enquiries in a short space of time can have a negative impact on your credit score.
You may refer to our credit card application tips to know how to increase your chances of approval.
I hope this helps.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other enquiries.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
We have a black credit card, and have just read on your site we could be eligible for flight upgrades. Could you please tell me how to go about asking for and receiving upgrades. Many thanks
Hi Glenda,
Thank you for leaving a question.
Depending on the Black credit card you have as well as the frequent flyer club this card is affiliated on, you would need to register via the website of the frequent flyer club to be a member. Once that is done, you may check the benefits as well as the features that you could get via the card that you have as well as the points you have earned. Hope this helps! You may contact us real time via the chat button located at the lower right of our page.
Cheers,
Reggie
Commbank is closing their Amex cards on 1st of November. I pay them $300 p.a. for a bundle Amex and Mastercard credit card linked account. For Qantas and travel insurance, I might as well change to another bank and their bundle CC and earn some extra bonus points at the same time. Can you suggest a suitable option i.e. who has the best deal on finder right now? Please suggest no more than your best 2 suppliers.
Thanks.
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
You can learn more about companion or dual cards like yours from Commbank. As per the said page, having a companion credit card account allows you to earn a high rate of reward points when you can pay for something on your American Express credit card. If a merchant informs you of a surcharge or doesn’t accept Amex, you can pull out your Visa or Mastercard and use that so you still earn points for your spending. The great thing about the whole arrangement is that you only have one account to manage, one credit limit, one set of interest rates, one statement to look at, and you also only pay one annual fee, albeit a higher one.
If you are looking around for cards with frequent flyer points and complimentary travel insurance, you can use our comparison table to compare your options. You can press the “Go to site” button of your preferred card if you’d like to apply.
I hope this helps.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other enquiries.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
GOOD MORNING.
WHO IS OFFERING BLACK CARDS HERE IN AU.
THANKS.
BILL
Hi Bill,
Thanks for leaving a question on Finder.
We have a list and comparison of black credit cards that you can apply for in Australia.
You can click the link above to compare black credit card offers and features, including those with introductory bonus points. You can also find out what features set black credit cards apart, whether or not you should apply for one, and how to get the most out of a black credit card when you use it.
Once you have chosen a particular card, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the bank’s website where you can proceed with your application or get in touch with their representatives for further assistance.
Cheers,
Joel
how to obtain a balance statement of current month
When will i know when i get it
Hi Ejay,
Thanks for your question.
When you apply for the credit card, most issuers will let you know if your application has been approved or rejected within a minute. If you receive a pending response, this means the bank needs to spend more time assessing your application. In this case, you can usually expect a response within a week.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Sally