How do I get a credit card in Australia?

You need to apply for a credit card before you can start using one. This is usually a simple process you can do online in a few steps: Compare credit cards from different providers to find one you want Check that you meet the eligibility requirements (e.g. being over the age of 18 and earning income) Complete the application, including supporting documentation (e.g. your driver's licence details, payslips etc) Before you apply it's important to think about how a credit card fits in with your financial situation. It may be helpful to use a repayment calculator to estimate potential costs and budget for repayments if you don't think you'll pay off what you spend each month. Also keep in mind that lenders check your credit report and score when you apply. So if you want to check these details before that, you can get a free copy of your report and score through Finder.

How to use a credit card (and avoid debt)

A credit card is convenient, but it comes with a risk of debt. Here are 4 tips to help you stay on top of payments. Ask for a credit limit you can manage. Credit card companies must determine your limit based on what you could "reasonably" afford to pay off over 3 years. But if the credit limit you're offered is higher than what you need, you can request a lower limit so you have more control. Pay more than the minimum. Only paying the minimum amount listed on your credit card statement can lead to years of debt and interest charges. So, aim to pay off the total balance by the statement's due date. Plan repayments. Set a monthly calendar reminder for the payment due date, or set up automated payments. Finder's credit card repayment calculator can also help you budget. Get help if you need it. If you’re struggling with your credit card, call your bank or provider to see what support is available. You can also get free financial advice by calling the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 .

What will getting a credit card do to my credit score?

Applying for a credit card impacts your credit score as each application is recorded on your credit file. Multiple applications in a short period can lower your score and missed repayments also negatively affect it. But regular payments and responsible use of a credit card can raise your credit score. It's all in how you use the card.

Which credit cards won Finder Awards?

The 2026 Finder Credit Card Awards recognise Australia's top credit cards across 15 categories. We used 12 months of data and a detailed methodology to find the winning cards for every type of customer. Providers like ANZ, American Express, Westpac, Kogan, Bankwest and NAB were among the winners this year.

Can I get a credit card if I have a bad credit history?

Yes, but it’s typically more difficult. It's a good idea to provide as much detail as possible on the application to show you can manage the account. You could also chat to your current bank before applying so they can guide you. If you can't get a credit card, an unsecured personal loan could be another option.

How do credit cards compare to buy now pay later services?

The discussion around credit cards vs Afterpay has been going on for years, but both cards and buy now pay later (BNPL) services have different features. Here's a basic breakdown: Credit cards: You can use a credit card almost everywhere: shops, cafes, online. They just need to accept the type of card you have (Amex, Mastercard, Visa). If you don't pay off your balance in full each month, you'll be charged interest. When you apply, the bank will check your credit score to decide what limit to give you. Buy now pay later: Most BNPL services let you buy items from partnered stores, then pay them off in fixed instalments over a few weeks or months. They don't typically charge interest but may have other fees, especially for late payments. Your credit history isn't usually checked when you apply and your limit will increase with responsible use.

What credit card options are available for people under 18?

Although you can't apply for a credit card in your name while you're under 18, you can consider the following options: Ask to be an additional cardholder on your parents' credit card. If you're at least 16 years of age, your parents may add you as a supplementary cardholder to their credit card account. This means that you will receive a credit card linked to their account, and they will remain legally responsible for all the expenses. Get a prepaid credit card. A prepaid credit card lets you preload the card with money. This means it's technically not a "credit" card because you are responsible for providing the money you spend, but it can be a useful pay-as-you-go option. With a prepaid card, you won't fall into debt, and can usually shop anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted (including online). Use a debit card. A debit card is similar to a prepaid card, except it is linked to a bank account. When you use this type of card, you are spending money that you have in the account and don't have to keep loading money like you would with a prepaid card. Most debit cards can be used for contactless payments and mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay, if you're set up with one of those accounts. Focus on savings. The importance of saving throughout your life is often underrated. Learning to save should be a critical focus, especially before you get a credit card. This will ensure you have funds that you can use when necessary and also prevent unmanageable credit card debt in the future. Before applying for a credit card, make sure that you've researched your chosen card and understood the terms, conditions and eligibility requirements. Rather than thinking of these requirements as restrictive, understand that credit card application requirements help uphold responsible lending practises and protect consumers.

What is the most accepted credit card in Australia?

Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards in Australia . They can be used for both domestic and international purchases, offering broad merchant acceptance and lower fees for use compared to other networks like American Express .

Credit Card Comparison: 200+ Cards & Offers

Why do you want a new credit card?

11 of 223 results

Finder Score	Purchase rate p.a.	Bonus points	Points per $ spent	Balance transfer rate p.a.	Annual fee
9.6 Excellent Category:Balance transfer Kogan Money Credit Card - Balance Transfer Exclusive Offer ExclusiveKogan Rewards Program	9.6 Excellent Category:Balance transfer	Purchase rate p.a. 21.99%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent 1	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 18 months with 2% balance transfer fee, then 22.74%	Annual fee $0	Finder exclusive: Save with 0% p.a. for the first 18 months on balance transfers (with a one-time 2% balance transfer fee). T&Cs apply.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
9.1 Excellent Category:Frequent flyer Qantas Money Platinum Qantas Frequent Flyer	9.1 Excellent Category:Frequent flyer	Purchase rate p.a. 20.99%	Bonus points 120,000	Points per $ spent 1	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 12 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 21.99%	Annual fee $349 first year ($399 after)	Receive 2 single-entry complimentary lounge invitations per year.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
9 Excellent Category:Low rate Westpac Low Rate Card	9 Excellent Category:Low rate	Purchase rate p.a. 13.74%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 20 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 21.99%	Annual fee $84	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
9.7 Excellent Category:Balance transfer Latitude Low Rate Mastercard - Balance Transfer Offer	9.7 Excellent Category:Balance transfer	Purchase rate p.a. 13.99%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 24 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 29.99%	Annual fee $69	Balance Transfer offer only available to new customers approved by 31 Jul 2026, Balance Transfer must be submitted by 30 Sep 2026. Also get complimentary E-Commerce Purchase Protection Insurance. T&Cs apply.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
8.6 Great Category:Frequent flyer Westpac Altitude Qantas Black Qantas Frequent Flyer	8.6 Great Category:Frequent flyer	Purchase rate p.a. 20.99%	Bonus points 150,000	Points per $ spent 0.5	Balance transfer rate p.a. N/A	Annual fee $295	Get 90,000 bonus Qantas Points in year 1 when you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first 90 days of card approval and 60,000 points when you meet the same spend requirement within 90 days of card anniversary in year 2. T&Cs apply.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
8.5 Great Category:Rewards Coles Rewards Mastercard Flybuys	8.5 Great Category:Rewards	Purchase rate p.a. 20.74%	Bonus points 40,000	Points per $ spent 2	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 12 months with 5% balance transfer fee, then 20.74%	Annual fee $99	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
6 Standard Category:Frequent flyer Qantas Money Everyday Qantas Frequent Flyer	6 Standard Category:Frequent flyer	Purchase rate p.a. 20.99%	Bonus points 8,000	Points per $ spent 0.75	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 12 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 21.99%	Annual fee $99	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
8.3 Great Category:Frequent flyer NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card Qantas Frequent Flyer	8.3 Great Category:Frequent flyer	Purchase rate p.a. 20.99%	Bonus points 130,000	Points per $ spent 1	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 12 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 21.74%	Annual fee $420	Earn up to 130,000 bonus Qantas Points (100,000 points + $250 cashback when you spend $5,000 in the first 90 days and additional 30,000 points when you keep your card open for over 12 months from activation).	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
9.4 Excellent Category:Rewards American Express Platinum Business Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership Rewards	9.4 Excellent Category:Rewards	Purchase rate p.a. N/A	Bonus points 350,000	Points per $ spent 2.25	Balance transfer rate p.a. N/A	Annual fee $1,750	Limited-time offer: Get 350,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you spend $12,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months. New American Express card members only. T&Cs apply. ABN holders w/ $75,000 revenue.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
8.8 Great Category:Travel Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard Latitude Rewards	8.8 Great Category:Travel	Purchase rate p.a. 28.99%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 12 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 29.99%	Annual fee $0 first year ($96 after)	Get a bonus $260 in Latitude Rewards if you spend $2,200 p/m in the first 3 months and ongoing Latitude Rewards up to $240 each year when you spend $1,000+ on eligible international and local purchases each month. New and approved customers by 31 Jul 2026. T&Cs apply.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
8.8 Great Category:No annual fee Coles No Annual Fee Mastercard Flybuys	8.8 Great Category:No annual fee	Purchase rate p.a. 20.74%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent 0.5	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 12 months with 5% balance transfer fee, then 20.74%	Annual fee $0	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading

Showing 11 of 42 results

Find some of the terms in this table confusing? Jump down to our glossary to learn about key features and how to compare credit cards.

What is a credit card?

A credit card lets you spend money that you can pay back over time, usually with interest.

Unlike a debit card – where you need money in the bank – a credit card gives you a set amount you can spend (or borrow), known as your credit limit. You also get regular statements (usually monthly) and need to make repayments by the due date on them.

In Australia, you must be at least 18 years old to apply for a credit card in your name.

Want more details? Check out Finder's guide to how credit cards work.

Our expert says

"When comparing credit cards, decide what's most important to you. Is it a low interest rate? Low annual fee? Bonus frequent flyer points? Maybe a balance transfer deal? For instance, I pay my balance in full each month, so I ignore the interest rates and don’t look at balance transfer offers. Instead, I aim to find cards with a great points earning rate. Knowing exactly what you want, makes it easier to find the right card for you."

Sarah Megginson

Money expert + media spokesperson

What types of credit cards are there?

There are 6 main types of credit cards. Every card is slightly different, so you should compare credit cards to find the best credit card that has the features that matter to you.

Card type	Principal use	Pros	Cons
Balance transfer	Pay off existing debt with no / low interest	Save money on interest and pay down debt faster	Minimal perks and no interest-free days on new purchases
Frequent flyer	Earn Qantas or Velocity Points on your spending	You can redeem points for flights or flight upgrades	High interest rates & annual fees
Rewards	Earn reward points on your spending	Get rewarded for money you’d spend anyway	High interest rates & annual fees
No annual fee	Credit without an upfront cost	Costs nothing if you pay it off in full or don’t use it at all	Minimal perks and higher interest rates
Low rate	Pay off purchases over time while paying less interest	Saves you money if you carry a balance from month to month	Minimal perks
Business	Managing cash flow and separating spending	Offer distinct features for business (like accounting feeds)	Stricter eligibility requirements

Credit card guides and resources

Hospital cover

New to credit cards?

Hospital cover tiers

Applying & credit score

Dental cover

Popular types of cards

Understanding tax

Managing your card

Comparison and deals

Comparisons & deals

How to compare credit cards

Here's a breakdown of features and charges you should look at when doing a credit card comparison.

Find the right type of cardWant Qantas Points? Get a frequent flyer card that lets you earn points when you spend. Need a simple, cheap card for everyday spending? Look at low rate or no annual fee cards.
Look at the purchase rateCredit cards charge high interest rates. But only if you don't pay the card off on time.
Count your interest free daysOne of the best features of a credit card, interest-free days let you buy something today and pay no interest for up to 55 days. How it actually works in practice is a little complicated though.
Look at all the perks and benefits the card offersSome credit cards give you reward or frequent flyer points, purchase protection or complimentary travel insurance, cashback on your spending or other rewards. The more perks a card offers the higher the annual fee. So if you don't use them, you're wasting money.

Credit cards 101

There are lots of confusing terms in credit card land. Here's a quick explainer:

Balance transfer rate. The interest rate you'll pay if you transfer a balance from one card to another. Most introductory offers are for 0% p.a. on your balance, but you may pay a one-time fee.
Cash advances. Try not to withdraw cash from an ATM or use your card to gamble or buy foreign currencies. These transactions are considered cash advances and they come with a fee plus a higher interest rate (which you get charged immediately).
Credit card network. The payment system that processes all your credit card transactions. In Australia most cards are either Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
Foreign transaction fees. This is the fee you'll be charged on purchases made in a foreign currency overseas or online. Some cards have 0% foreign fees.
Minimum repayment. You can repay all your card spending each month. Or you can pay it off slowly (and get charged interest). The minimum repayment is the lowest amount you must pay by the due date. Miss this, and you'll get charged a fee.

Pros & cons of credit cards

Pros

Flexibility. If you have a big purchase to make, a credit card can be a financial "buffer" – letting you buy it and then repay it over time. If it’s used wisely, it can be interest free.
Convenience. Credit cards allow you to buy what you need, when you need it. You can use them to shop in-store, online and overseas, with security features to protect against fraud.
Rewards. Everyone loves perks. A credit card can help you get frequent flyer points, cashback on your groceries, flight upgrades or even gift cards.

Cons

Debt. Credit card interest adds up quickly if you don't pay your balance on time, which could cost you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars and take a long time to pay back.
Can be expensive. The average interest rate for an Australian credit card is around 20%, RBA stats show. In comparison, the average interest rate for a variable rate personal loan is 14.41%.
Sneaky fees and surcharges. Some businesses add a surcharge to credit card payments, which can be 1–2% of the total purchase cost.

Bottom line? Credit cards have a mix of great perks and understandable risks. A good rule of thumb is to compare credit cards to ensure you get one with the features you need, while having a plan for paying it off and using the benefits.

What's happening in credit cards in July 2026?

Credit card spending is on the rise. Australians spent $476.148 billion on their credit cards in the last 12 months, according to the latest figures. This is a record high. The average Australian credit card balance is $3,563 per card. The average unpaid credit card balance (which carries interest charges) is now $1,775.

Have questions about credit cards? We have answers

You need to apply for a credit card before you can start using one. This is usually a simple process you can do online in a few steps:
1. Compare credit cards from different providers to find one you want
2. Check that you meet the eligibility requirements (e.g. being over the age of 18 and earning income)
3. Complete the application, including supporting documentation (e.g. your driver's licence details, payslips etc)
Before you apply it's important to think about how a credit card fits in with your financial situation. It may be helpful to use a repayment calculator to estimate potential costs and budget for repayments if you don't think you'll pay off what you spend each month.
Also keep in mind that lenders check your credit report and score when you apply. So if you want to check these details before that, you can get a free copy of your report and score through Finder.
A credit card is convenient, but it comes with a risk of debt. Here are 4 tips to help you stay on top of payments.
- Ask for a credit limit you can manage. Credit card companies must determine your limit based on what you could "reasonably" afford to pay off over 3 years. But if the credit limit you're offered is higher than what you need, you can request a lower limit so you have more control.
- Pay more than the minimum. Only paying the minimum amount listed on your credit card statement can lead to years of debt and interest charges. So, aim to pay off the total balance by the statement's due date.
- Plan repayments. Set a monthly calendar reminder for the payment due date, or set up automated payments. Finder's credit card repayment calculator can also help you budget.
- Get help if you need it. If you’re struggling with your credit card, call your bank or provider to see what support is available. You can also get free financial advice by calling the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.
Applying for a credit card impacts your credit score as each application is recorded on your credit file. Multiple applications in a short period can lower your score and missed repayments also negatively affect it. But regular payments and responsible use of a credit card can raise your credit score. It's all in how you use the card.
The discussion around credit cards vs Afterpay has been going on for years, but both cards and buy now pay later (BNPL) services have different features. Here's a basic breakdown:
- Credit cards: You can use a credit card almost everywhere: shops, cafes, online. They just need to accept the type of card you have (Amex, Mastercard, Visa). If you don't pay off your balance in full each month, you'll be charged interest. When you apply, the bank will check your credit score to decide what limit to give you.
- Buy now pay later: Most BNPL services let you buy items from partnered stores, then pay them off in fixed instalments over a few weeks or months. They don't typically charge interest but may have other fees, especially for late payments. Your credit history isn't usually checked when you apply and your limit will increase with responsible use.
Although you can't apply for a credit card in your name while you're under 18, you can consider the following options:
- Ask to be an additional cardholder on your parents' credit card. If you're at least 16 years of age, your parents may add you as a supplementary cardholder to their credit card account. This means that you will receive a credit card linked to their account, and they will remain legally responsible for all the expenses.
- Get a prepaid credit card. A prepaid credit card lets you preload the card with money. This means it's technically not a "credit" card because you are responsible for providing the money you spend, but it can be a useful pay-as-you-go option. With a prepaid card, you won't fall into debt, and can usually shop anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted (including online).
- Use a debit card. A debit card is similar to a prepaid card, except it is linked to a bank account. When you use this type of card, you are spending money that you have in the account and don't have to keep loading money like you would with a prepaid card. Most debit cards can be used for contactless payments and mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay, if you're set up with one of those accounts.
- Focus on savings. The importance of saving throughout your life is often underrated. Learning to save should be a critical focus, especially before you get a credit card. This will ensure you have funds that you can use when necessary and also prevent unmanageable credit card debt in the future.
Before applying for a credit card, make sure that you've researched your chosen card and understood the terms, conditions and eligibility requirements. Rather than thinking of these requirements as restrictive, understand that credit card application requirements help uphold responsible lending practises and protect consumers.
Credit Card Finder® is a free, Australian-owned service that you can use to compare over 260 credit card offers from banks, credit unions and other financial institutions. We've been around since 2006 and keep a database of virtually every credit card on the market.
Our comparison tables are free to use and we link you directly to the lender's secure application page. We make money from featured partners but editorial opinions are our own.

Why you can trust our credit card experts

Obsessed with perks - we nerd out over points, rates & prizes - our editors spend hours (ok, days) crunching 250+ cards every single month. We even give them a simple score out of 10 if you just want the easy life.

No two cards the same - different cards are great for different things (and some are just junk). That's why we track and score every type of card from balance tranfers to rewards, cashback to low interest - so you don't waste a cent.

No BS - We're not owned by a bank, we don't have a call centre. Our only mission is to match you with the card of your dreams. Whether it's your first card, or you're a points ninja - we got you.

Sources

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Sarah Megginson as part of our fact-checking process.

Written by

Richard Whitten

Senior Money Editor

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. See full bio

Richard's expertise

Richard has written 758 Finder guides across topics including:

Home loans
Credit cards
Personal finance
Money-saving tips

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131 Responses

JimNovember 29, 2023

Hi there, I am looking for a credit card with the best travel insurance included. My wife and I often embark on long overseas trips (up to a year) and do not purchase a return ticket until we are ready to return. Can you advise on the best solution please. Thanks

Finder

AmyDecember 5, 2023Finder

Hi Jim,
Finder can only provide general advice and factual information, but we do have a comprehensive guide on credit cards with travel insurance that offers more details. I hope this helps.

CherylNovember 24, 2023

Can you get a credit card if you are retired and on a part pension?

Finder

AmyDecember 8, 2023Finder

Hi Cheryl,
Yes, it is possible depending on the lender, credit card and an individual’s circumstances. Finder has a guide on credit cards for retired and pensioner applicants which has details on different credit card options and details to consider before applying. I hope this helps.

COLLEENNovember 14, 2023

Do you think I can get a credit card on a 550 credit score.

Finder

AmyNovember 15, 2023Finder

Hi Colleen,
Your credit score is just one of the factors credit card providers consider when you apply for a credit card. Your level of income, regular household expenses and any existing debts are some of the other details they will review when you apply. You can also check the eligibility criteria for a credit card you’re interested in applying for, or contact the provider to discuss your application. If you want to increase your chance of approval Finder also has a guide with credit card application tips that may be helpful

AdrianNovember 13, 2023

What is the best rewards business card for low FX rates or no fees? We are a small business that use alot of subscriptions overseas to the US.

Finder

AmyNovember 14, 2023Finder

Hi Adrian,
The ANZ Business Black Credit Card was named Best Business Rewards Credit Card 2023 and the NAB Qantas Business Signature was named Best Business Frequent Flyer Credit Card in the 2023 Finder Credit Card Awards. But while both of these cards earn points per $1, they also both have international transaction fees. This is relatively common for business credit cards but you may still want to compare others to see if there’s one with more features suited to your business.

You could also consider an expense management card that has no FX fees, such as those offered by Archa, Cape or Volopay (which offers a multi-currency facility). Not all of these accounts offer access to credit or a rewards program, so you’ll need to decide if they’re suitable. I hope this helps.

IanNovember 12, 2023

Hi, I am wondering if I can search credit cards for those that do not charge a foreign currency transaction fee as I will be heading overseas in December. Your assistance will be appreciated. Ian

Finder

AmyNovember 13, 2023Finder

Hi Ian,
Yes, Finder has a whole guide to credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, including a table where you can compare cards side-by-side. It also has insights on how this feature works and what else to consider when you’re choosing a card for travel or online shopping with businesses that are based overseas. I hope this helps.

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