Credit card comparison made easy

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.

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

How to compare credit cards

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

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

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 January 2026?

By Finder's senior money editor, Richard Whitten.

Australians spent $459.812 billion on their credit cards in the last 12 months, according to the latest figures. The average Australian credit card balance is $3,496 per card.

But most Australians keep on top of their credit card balances. For Australians who carry an interest-incurring balance on their card, they've got an average balance of $1,666.

Have questions about credit cards? We have answers

• 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:

  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.

• 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 Credit Card Finder® and how can I use it?

  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.

• 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.

Why you can trust our credit card experts