Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own.

Credit card comparison made easy

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

Amy Bradney-George

Reviewed by

Sarah Megginson

Updated

Jan 25, 2024

Fact checked

1 - 13 of 264

Name	Purchase rate p.a.	Bonus points	Points per $ spent	Interest-free period	Balance transfer rate p.a.	Annual fee
St.George Vertigo Card	Purchase rate p.a. 13.99%	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 32 months, then 21.49%	Annual fee $55	Go to site More Info Compare	Get a 0% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for 32 months (with no balance transfer fee).
Citi Clear Card - Exclusive Offer Exclusive	Purchase rate p.a. 14.99%	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 24 months with 1.5% balance transfer fee, then 22.24%	Annual fee $49 first year ($99 after)	Go to site More Info Compare	Offers 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 24 months (with 1.5% balance transfer fee) and a $49 first-year annual fee. Plus, 6-month complimentary Uber One membership valued at $9.99/month.
Westpac Low Rate Card	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	Go to site More Info Compare	Save with a 0% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for 28 months. Plus, a low 13.74% p.a. purchase interest rate.
Kogan Money Card – Exclusive Offer 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	Go to site More Info Compare	Get 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 18 months with a 1% balance transfer fee. Plus an ongoing $0 annual fee. Ends 31 January 2024.
American Express Velocity Platinum Card Velocity Frequent Flyer	Purchase rate p.a. 23.99%	Bonus points 100,000	Points per $ spent 1.25	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a.	Annual fee $375	Go to site More Info Compare	Partner Offer: Get 100,000 bonus Velocity Points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months. Plus a return domestic flight each year. Ends 06 February 2024.
Virgin Australia Velocity Flyer Card - Balance Transfer Offer Velocity Frequent Flyer	Purchase rate p.a. 20.74%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent 0.66	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 24 months, then 20.99%	Annual fee $0 first year ($129 after)	Go to site More Info Compare	Get 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 24 months (with no BT fee) and a $0 annual fee in the first year. Ends 31 January 2024.
humm90 Platinum Mastercard	Purchase rate p.a. 25.8%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Interest-free period Up to 110 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 12 months, then 25.99%	Annual fee $99	Go to site More Info Compare	Offers 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 12 months (with no balance transfer fee), instalment plan options and 0% foreign transaction fees.
NAB Low Rate Credit Card	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 21.74%	Annual fee $0 first year ($59 after)	Go to site More Info Compare	Get a 0% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for the first 28 months (with a 2% BT fee). Plus, save with a $0 first-year annual fee.
Qantas Premier Platinum Qantas Frequent Flyer	Purchase rate p.a. 19.99%	Bonus points 80,000	Points per $ spent 1	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 12 months, then 21.99%	Annual fee $349 first year ($399 after)	Go to site More Info Compare	Earn up to 80,000 bonus Qantas Points. Plus, save with a reduced first-year annual fee and 0% p.a. for 12 months on balance transfers.
American Express Business Explorer Credit Card 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 site More Info Compare	ABN holders w/ $75,000 revenue. Save with a $0 first-year annual fee and earn up to 2 points on eligible business spending.
Virgin Money No Annual Fee Credit Card	Purchase rate p.a. 0% for 12 months, then 18.99%	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 12 months, then 20.99%	Annual fee $0	More Info Compare	Save with a $0 annual fee and 0% p.a. on balance transfers and purchases for 12 months. Ends 31 January 2024.
American Express Platinum Business Card Membership Rewards Ascent Premium	Purchase rate p.a. 0%	Bonus points 250,000	Points per $ spent 2.25	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a.	Annual fee $1,750	Go to site More Info Compare	ABN holders w/ $75,000 revenue. Get 250,000 bonus Membership Rewards points and a $500 Credit when you spend $12,000 in the first 3 months.
Qantas Premier Titanium Qantas Frequent Flyer	Purchase rate p.a. 19.99%	Bonus points 150,000	Points per $ spent 1.25	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 6 months, then 21.99%	Annual fee $1,200	Go to site More Info Compare	Get 150k bonus Qantas Points when you spend $5k in the first 3 months. Plus Qantas First Lounge Invitations and 20% bonus Status Credits on eligible flights.

Showing 13 of 29 results

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

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 never pay interest, 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 from your card makes it easier to find the right card for you.

Sarah Megginson
Finance expert and head of editorial at Finder

What types of credit cards are there?

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

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
Rewards / frequent flyer	Earn 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

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.

How to compare credit cards

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

Fee or feature	What is it?	What you should know
Annual fee	The amount you'll have to pay each year just to use the card.	Higher annual fees usually mean more perks and rewards.
Purchase interest rate	The 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 period	The 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 rate	The 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 rate	The 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 fee	The 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 program	Offers points and perks that you can earn for your spending.	Common features include points, insurance, lounge passes and premium services.
Minimum repayment	The 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.
Credit card network	The payment system that processes all your credit card transactions. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club are the key credit card networks in Australia.	Banks and brands partner with Mastercard and Visa, so you'll see their logos on your cards. American Express issues cards and has its own network for processing payments. Diners Club has more limited availability.

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 (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 January 2024?

A Finder survey has found 83% of Australians – equivalent to 16.8 million people – have made a financial New Year's resolution. This includes 9% of Australians who plan to pay down credit card debt.

If that's one of your goals, moving the debt to a card with a 0% balance transfer offer can help you save on interest and pay it off faster. Right now, you could get an interest-free balance transfer period of up to 28 months with on of the balance transfer offers on Finder.

Finder's New Year's resolution research also found 17% of Australians want to travel overseas this year. One way to save on travel costs or get other perks is with a frequent flyer credit card, with some offering 80,000+ bonus points for new cardholders. Just remember to pay off what you spend on the card by the statement due date to avoid interest.

Updated by Finder's credit card senior writer Amy Bradney-George on 2 January 2024.

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, so you're not directly out-of-pocket when it comes to fraud. On the other hand, you shouldn't take on debt you don't need, especially if you're paying interest on it.

Some individuals, especially impulse shoppers, are typically more prone to credit card debt and could end up with a big balance and interest charges, which can take years to pay off.

Did you know? 2023 Finder research shows credit card loyalty could cost the average cardholder $100 a year. It pays to compare, and to switch when you find a better offer.

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 different credit cards 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 also 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 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.
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.
Credit Card Finder® is a free, Australian-owned service that you can use to compare 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 completely free to use and we don't ask for your personal information. 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 Finder's credit card experts

We're free

Our comparison tables are completely free to use. We link you directly to the lender's secure application page. Better still, we regularly have exclusive offers that you won't find on any other site.

We're experts

We've researched and rated hundreds of cards as part of our Finder Awards. We've published 200+ guides and our in-house experts regularly appear on Sunrise, 7News and SBS News.

We're independent

Unlike other comparison sites, we're not owned by a bank or lender. That means our opinions are our own and you can compare nearly every credit card in Australia on Finder.

Amy Bradney-George

Amy Bradney-George is the senior writer for credit cards at Finder, and editorial lead for Finder Green. She has over 14 years’ experience as a journalist, with a particular focus on personal finance, and has been featured in publications including ABC News, Money Magazine and The Sydney Morning Herald.

Ask an Expert

Click here to cancel reply.

Display Name

Your Email (will not be published)

Your Question

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy and 6. Finder Group Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

109 Responses

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.

NishaSeptember 1, 2023

I need a credit card for shopping online from outside Australia. I would like to know which card suits my needs best. I need a card with no international transaction fees plus rewards.

Finder

AmySeptember 1, 2023Finder

Hi Nisha,
You can use Finder’s guide to compare credit cards with no international transaction fees. There are also filters for rewards programs and other features. I hope this helps.

Credit card comparison made easy

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