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Compare credit cards with bonus points, balance transfers, low rates and more from our database of 82 Australian providers.

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Name Purchase rate p.a. Bonus points Points per $ spent Interest-free period Balance transfer rate p.a. Annual fee
ExclusiveKogan Rewards Program
Purchase rate p.a.
20.99%
Bonus points
N/A
Points per $ spent
1
Interest-free period
Up to 55 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
0% for 18 months with 1% balance transfer fee, then 21.74%
Annual fee
$0
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0% Balance Transfer Offer
Get 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 18 months with a 1% balance transfer fee. Plus an ongoing $0 annual fee.
Purchase rate p.a.
12.49%
Bonus points
N/A
Points per $ spent
N/A
Interest-free period
Up to 55 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
0% for 28 months with 2% balance transfer fee, then 21.24%
Annual fee
$0 first year ($58 after)
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0% Balance Transfer
Save with a 0% p.a. balance transfer for 28 months (with a one-time 2% BT fee). Plus, a $0 first-year annual fee.
Purchase rate p.a.
0% for 15 months, then 12.99%
Bonus points
N/A
Points per $ spent
N/A
Interest-free period
Up to 55 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
0% for 15 months with 2% balance transfer fee, then 12.99%
Annual fee
$0 first year ($49 after)
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0% Interest Offers
Save with 0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (with a 2% BT fee). Plus, a $0 first-year annual fee.
Purchase rate p.a.
13.74%
Bonus points
N/A
Points per $ spent
N/A
Interest-free period
Up to 55 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
0% for 28 months, then 21.49%
Annual fee
$59
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0% Balance Transfer Offer
Save with a 0% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for 28 months. Plus, a low 13.74% p.a. purchase interest rate.
Purchase rate p.a.
26.99%
Bonus points
N/A
Points per $ spent
N/A
Interest-free period
Up to 55 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
Annual fee
$0
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$0 Annual Fee
Save with 0% international transaction fees on purchases. Plus, complimentary Flight Delay Pass and global data roaming.
Purchase rate p.a.
20.24%
Bonus points
N/A
Points per $ spent
N/A
Interest-free period
Up to 55 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
21.24%
Annual fee
$0 first year ($87 after)
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$250 back & $0 First-Year Annual Fee
Get $250 back on your card when you spend $1,500 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months and a $0 first-year annual fee. Plus, complimentary overseas travel insurance.
Qantas Business Rewards
Purchase rate p.a.
0%
Bonus points
150,000
Points per $ spent
1.25
Interest-free period
Up to 51 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
Annual fee
$450
Go to siteMore Info
150,000 Bonus Qantas Points Offer
ABN holders w/ $75k revenue. Earn 150,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $3,000 in the first 2 months. Ends 08 August 2023.
Qantas Frequent Flyer
Purchase rate p.a.
23.99%
Bonus points
60,000
Points per $ spent
1.25
Interest-free period
Up to 44 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
Annual fee
$450
Go to siteMore Info
60,000 bonus Qantas Points
Get 60,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months. Plus, a yearly $450 Travel Credit.
Purchase rate p.a.
12.49%
Bonus points
N/A
Points per $ spent
N/A
Interest-free period
Up to 55 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
21.24%
Annual fee
$58
Go to siteMore Info
$250 Credit back
Get $250 back on your card when you spend $1,500 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months.
Membership Rewards Gateway
Purchase rate p.a.
23.99%
Bonus points
N/A
Points per $ spent
2
Interest-free period
Up to 55 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
Annual fee
$0 first year ($149 after)
Go to siteMore Info
$0 First-Year Annual Fee
ABN holders w/ $75,000 revenue. Earn up to 2 points per $1 spent and save with a $0 annual fee in the first year.
Purchase rate p.a.
0% for 15 months, then 12.99%
Bonus points
N/A
Points per $ spent
N/A
Interest-free period
Up to 55 days on purchases
Balance transfer rate p.a.
0% for 15 months with 2% balance transfer fee, then 12.99%
Annual fee
$0 first year ($69 after)
Go to siteMore Info
Get 0% p.a. interest on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (with a 2% BT fee). Plus 0% foreign fees and complimentary overseas travel insurance.
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Showing 11 of 11 results

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

My biggest tip for comparing credit cards is to decide what's most important to you at the beginning. Is it a low interest rate? Low annual fee? Big bonus points offer? Maybe a balance transfer deal? For instance, I pay my balance in full each month and never pay interest, so I ignore the interest rates and don’t look at balance transfer offers. Knowing exactly what you want from your card helps you effectively compare and find the right card for you.

What types of credit cards are there?

Every credit card is slightly different and you should find one that has features that matter to you. There are 5 primary types of credit cards. Here is a quick explanation of each one. Below, we go into more detail and highlight our current top picks.

Card typePrincipal useProsCons
Balance transferbalance transfer iconPay off existing debt with no / low interestSave money on interest and pay down debt fasterMinimal perks and no interest-free days on new purchases
Rewards / frequent flyerrewards iconEarn points for your spendingGet rewarded for money you’d spend anywayHigh interest rates & annual fees
No annual feecover iconCredit without an upfront costCosts nothing if you pay it off in full or don’t use it at allMinimal perks and higher interest rates
Low ratelow rate iconPay off purchases over time while paying less interestSaves you money if you carry a balance from month to monthMinimal perks
Businessbusiness iconManaging cash flow and separating spendingOffer distinct features for business (like accounting feeds)Stricter eligibility requirements

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.

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

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%. 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 (if you get a card) is to have a plan for paying it off and using the benefits.

What's happening in credit cards in July 2023?

Cost of living pressures continue, with the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showing a 5.4% increase in the monthly Consumer Price Index Indicator – including a 10.2% increase in electricity costs and a 7% increase on food costs.

Finder's latest analysis has revealed that Aussies owe a huge $18.6 billion on their plastic, with over half (54%) saying they have a credit card. The survey of 1,079 respondents found that the average Australian has $20,238 in debt spread across their loans and credit cards, not including home loans.

Plenty of people are also looking at overseas holidays. Redeeming points can help you save on flights or other costs. Right now, you could get over 100,000 bonus Velocity or Qantas Points – and up to 200,000 credit card reward points – with some of the current rewards and frequent flyer bonus points offers.

If you're among those with credit card debt and are looking to pay it down, you might consider moving your debt to a 0% balance transfer credit card, with some of the current offers on the market lasting for up to 36 months.

Updated by Elizabeth Barry on 26 July 2023.

How to compare credit cards

Here's a breakdown of features and charges you should know about.

Fee or featureWhat is it?What you should know
Annual feeThe amount you'll have to pay each year just to use the card.Higher annual fees usually mean more perks and rewards.
Purchase interest rateThe amount of interest you'll pay if you don’t pay your card off in full.The lower the interest rate, the less you’ll pay in potential interest.
p.a.This abbreviation of “per annum” is used for credit card interest rates, because the annual (or yearly) value is shown.As an example, the interest you’d be charged over 12 months would be about 20% of your balance on a credit card with a 20% p.a. interest rate.
Interest-free periodThe amount of time you'll get before you're charged interest on your purchases.More days give you more time to pay off your balance so you won’t be charged interest.
Balance transfer rateThe interest rate you’ll pay if you transfer a balance from another card.The lower the interest rate, the better. Most introductory offers are for 0% p.a. on your balance, but you may pay a one-time fee.
Cash advance rateThe higher interest rate you’ll pay if you take cash out or make an equivalent transaction.Avoid cash advances unless it's an emergency.
Foreign transaction feeThe fee you'll be charged on purchases made in a foreign currency overseas or online.There are plenty of cards on the market with 0% foreign fees.
Rewards programOffers points and perks that you can earn for your spending.Common features include points, insurance, lounge passes and premium services.
Minimum repaymentThe lowest amount you need to pay by the due date to keep your account in good standing.You can always (and should try to) pay more than the minimum amount. But paying less can lead to late payment fees and hurt your credit score.

Should I get a credit card?

For many Australians, using a credit card is an everyday part of life. But not everyone needs a credit card.

In fact, Finder research has found that 72% of Australians could manage their money without a credit card. So they don't technically need a card but still choose have one for different reasons, including:

  • For emergencies
  • To earn rewards or frequent flyer points (which are not offered by most other accounts)
  • To make big purchases
  • To build credit history
  • To pay off debt and/or get a balance transfer

Some people also like the security of knowing that a credit card uses the bank's money, especially when it comes to fraud. It means you're not directly out-of-pocket when suspicious transactions are investigated.

On the other hand, you don’t want to take on debt you don't need, especially if you're paying interest on it.

There are also some people who might be more susceptible to credit card debt. For example, people who tend to impulse shop could end up with a big balance and interest charges, which can take years to pay off.

Bottom line? You should weigh up the pros and cons of getting a credit card based on what you would use it for and how you'd pay it off. That way, you can decide if it's worth it for you – and see if there's a card you want.

Did you know? 2022 Finder research shows credit card loyalty could cost the average cardholder $153 a year. It pays to compare, and to switch when you find a better offer.

How to use a credit card (and avoid debt)

A credit card is convenient, but it also comes with a risk of debt. Here are 4 tips to help you stay on top of payments and make the most of your credit card.

  • 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 – or as much as possible – 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.
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89 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    JimboJuly 6, 2023

    The address on my driver’s licence is different to the address where I’m staying. Will that mean my credit card application will be rejected?

      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      ElizabethJuly 13, 2023Staff

      Hi Jimbo,

      Thanks for your question.

      Banks and credit card companies ask for certain documents like your driver’s licence to be able to verify your identity (a process known as KYC, or Know Your Customer). As long as your driver’s licence matches up with the other documents you provide on your application you will be able to be verified.

      I hope this helps,

      Elizabeth

    Default Gravatar
    martinMay 19, 2023

    I have been in Australia since 2002, I have permanent residency, although I pay my taxes to the ATO, my 3 sources of income are all from the UK. I have applied for credit cards recently – I supply my ATO notice of assessment showing a taxable income of over $69K, I have supplied them with 3 yearsworth of bank statements, but I don’t think they’re geared up to deal with customers whose income is from overseas. Are there any financial institutions who would look upon me kindly?

    Reply

    Default Gravatar
    AndrewApril 28, 2023

    Looking to activate a CommBank Ultimate Awards Card with Qantas Points. The terms stipulate that I have to be a new cardholder… “To be eligible for any bonus points, you must apply as a new cardholder. This means you cannot hold or have held any Awards card types in the last 12 months.”
    Q1: I am currently a Qantas Premier Platinum Cardholder – does this preclude me from applying for the new card and getting bonus awards?
    Q2: If the answer to Q1 is that I cannot apply for the new card, my wife is an additional cardholder on my Platinum card mentioned in Q1. Is she is disqualified from applying for the new Ultimate Awards card too?
    Thank you, Andrew

      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      AmyMay 4, 2023Staff

      Hi Andrew,
      Thanks for your questions. The offer terms you have mentioned only apply to other CommBank Awards credit cards. As the Qantas Premier Platinum Credit Card is from Qantas Money, it doesn’t preclude you (or your wife) from applying and getting bonus points, providing you meet the other requirements. I hope that helps.

    Default Gravatar
    KoreyApril 13, 2023

    Hi there,
    What are the banks that offer credit cards where you only need $20,000 annual income?
    Regards,
    Korey.

    Default Gravatar
    HectorMarch 28, 2023

    How can I find some statements from June 2022 ? Thanks

      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      AmyMarch 31, 2023Staff

      Hi Hector,
      You can typically view old statements through your Internet or mobile banking services. Otherwise, call your credit card provider so they can help you find the statements. I hope that helps.

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