Bendigo Bank offers a range of credit cards, including low-rate and rewards options.
Interest rates and fees vary, so it's important to compare before choosing a card.
Features like balance transfers and introductory offers are available on some cards.
Bendigo Bank isn't one of the Big Four Banks, but it offers a similar products and services, including credit cards with rewards and Qantas Points, balance transfers and low rates. Bendigo Bank credit cards are also unique in the way that interest is calculated. Bendigo Bank charges interest from the date your statement is issued, not the purchase date – potentially saving you up to 50% on interest costs.
If you're after a straightforward card, the Bendigo Bank Bright Credit Card offers an interest rate of 11.99% p.a. (variable) on purchases. This is competitive with other low rate credit cards, which typically offer interest rates from around 8% p.a. to 15% p.a. However, these cards are unique in that no interest starts accruing until the day your statement is issued. If you don't pay your balance in full each month, this means you'll pay less interest than on a normal card.
Rewards credit cards
The Bendigo Bank Platinum Rewards Credit Card comes with its own rewards program and offers 1.5 Bendigo Rewards points per $1 spent on eligible purchases. You can redeem your points for gift cards, homewares, travel accessories, tech gadgets and more through the Bendigo Bank Rewards store.
No annual fee credit cards
The Bendigo Bank Ready Credit Card is one of a handful of cards on the market with perks and an ongoing $0 annual fee. It offers 0% international transaction fees and complimentary travel insurance, which can both help you save on costs when you're travelling overseas. The standard interest rate of 19.99% p.a. is at the higher end of the scale but still comparable to many other no annual fee cards on the market.
Frequent flyer credit cards
The Bendigo Bank Qantas Platinum Credit Card is a frequent flyer credit card that earns 0.6 Qantas Points per $1 spent (capped at 20,000 points per month). It also gives you a way to join Qantas Frequent Flyer for free (saving on the usual $99.50 joining fee) and offers complimentary insurance, with a $149 p.a. annual fee.
Platinum credit cards
Bendigo Bank gives you a choice of two different platinum credit cards: the Platinum Rewards Credit Card and the Qantas Platinum Credit Card. Both of these cards offer complimentary purchase insurance and overseas travel insurance cover. This is similar to other platinum credit cards (although you can find some that also offer perks like airport lounge passes and concierge services).
Business credit cards
The Bendigo Bank Business Credit Card offers a way to manage your business spending. Its features include global acceptance, multiple cards with individual credit limits and flexible billing.
If you also want to earn rewards, the Bendigo Bank Qantas Business Credit Card is linked to Qantas Business Rewards and earns points per $1 spent. This card was also named highly commended in the Best Business Frequent Flyer Credit Card category of the 2024 Finder Credit Card Awards.
What do Australians think of Bendigo Bank credit card provider?
4.6/5 overall for Customer Satisfaction — higher than the average of 4.06, and this was the highest score in the category
4.9/5 for Trust — higher than the average of 4.4, and this was the highest score in the category
4.68/5 for Customer Service — higher than the average of 4.06, and this was the highest score in the category
Benefits of getting a credit card with Bendigo Bank
Here are some of the features and services you'll get access to with a Bendigo Bank credit card:
Interest savings
Bendigo Bank calculates credit card interest from the statement date instead of the date you made each purchase. This means you can enjoy interest-free days even if you carry a balance. Plus, any amount you pay off by the due date on your statement won't be charged interest. In comparison, most other credit cards charge interest from the date you make a purchase and won't offer you interest-free days when you carry a balance.
Balance transfers
If you're paying off a credit card from another bank, you could transfer the balance to a Bendigo Bank credit card before closing the other account. Sometimes, Bendigo Bank will even offer introductory low or 0% interest rates for balance transfers – which can help you save on charges when you first get the new card.
Rewards
Through the Bendigo Bank Rewards program, you can collect points for your spending and then redeem them for rewards from categories like gifts, home, technology, kids and more. Or, if you're a frequent flyer, you could enjoy earning Qantas Points for your eligible spending on the Bendigo Bank Qantas Platinum Credit Card.
You can link your Bendigo Bank credit card with Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay or Garmin Pay to make payments straight from your mobile phone or device.
Digital credit card
Bendigo Bank gives you a way to set up a virtual credit card through Apple Pay before your plastic card comes in the mail. You just need to get the Bendigo Bank app, select the card and follow the prompts to link it to your Apple Wallet. This means if you're approved for a credit card, you could start using it even more quickly.
Security features
If your card is lost or stolen, you can put a temporary block on it through the Bendigo Bank app or internet banking service. Bendigo Bank credit cards also offer 24/7 fraud monitoring and zero liability against fraudulent transactions.
Eligibility criteria
Before you apply make sure you've met the following eligibility requirements and organised the necessary documents:
Australian residency requirements. Permanent Australian residents and Australian citizens are eligible to apply. Temporary residents are eligible to apply as long as you have a 188, 457 or 489 visa, have applied for permanent residency and have at least 12 months remaining on the visa.
Regular income. You must earn a regular income from employment or one of the following other accepted sources.
Austudy
Family tax benefit A and B
Age, disability or veterans affairs pension
Carer pension (only for dependent children)
Credit history. You must not be bankrupt or insolvent
Age. You must be at least 18 years of age
Information and documents you need to apply
You can apply for a Bendigo credit card online in around 15 minutes by filling in a secure application form on the bank's website. You could also apply over the phone or submit your application to a Bendigo Branch. However, if you don't have the right information and documents handy, it could take you longer. Bendigo Bank credit card applications generally require:
Personal details. All the usuals – your complete name, date of birth, marital status and number of dependants.
Verification of ID. You'll also need to provide ID, such as your driver's licence, Australian passport or Medicare card information.
Income details. Details of your employment status and your employer's name and contact information, plus documents that verify your income for the last 3 months, such as payslips, bank statements or a letter from Centrelink confirming you receive eligible payments.
Financial details. Any other forms of income and assets, plus your regular expenses and liabilities, including any other cards or loans.
Credit card details
During the application, you'll also be asked about the following details for your new credit card:
Credit limit. If you have a credit limit in mind, you can include that as part of the application. Just be aware that Bendigo Bank will only offer you a credit limit that is based on its assessment of your application (so the actual limit you get could be lower than the one you've requested).
Balance transfers. If you want to move an existing credit card debt onto your new Bendigo Bank card, you need to include the account details and the amount of debt you want to transfer. Just keep in mind that the balance transfer is approved separately and the amount that's transferred depends on the credit limit you get for your new Bendigo Bank card.
What happens after I have applied?
The time period Bendigo Bank takes to assess credit card applications can vary, depending on whether the bank has all of the information it needs. A bank representative may contact you if they need further information. If you are approved, you should receive your new card within 10 business days.
Frequently asked questions
With all the required information nearby, you should be able to complete the application in around 15 minutes.
The member-owned bank BDCU operates as part of the Bendigo Community Bank network, following a transition in March 2023. This means all members for BDCU (formerly BDCU Alliance Bank) now have access to Bendigo Bank's account management facilities, including its mobile banking app. They can also apply for Bendigo Bank credit cards.
If you already have a Bendigo Bank credit card and want a higher credit limit, call 1300 236 344 or visit a Bendigo Bank branch and request a limit increase. Note that any request for a change to your credit limit is subject to approval based on Bendigo Bank's lending criteria.
Yes, it does, and you can get one for anyone who is over 16 years of age. You can apply for one online, over the phone or by visiting any Bendigo Bank branch.
An easy way to do this is to visit the Bendigo Bank Rewards website, and you can also find out by looking at your monthly statement online or over the phone.
You get to redeem your reward points through the Bendigo Bank Rewards website.
Bendigo Bank reward points expire after 36 months.
Bendigo Bank began operations in the form of Bendigo Land and Building Society in the late 1850s, when the gold rush was at its peak. This institution took the form of a bank only in 1995, when the current name came into effect. Now, Bendigo Bank boasts approximately 1.5 million customers, over 90,000 shareholders and more than 6,500 employees.
As well as credit cards, Bendigo Bank’s array of financial services and products include transaction accounts, savings accounts, term deposits, personal loans, home loans and insurance solutions.
Important links and details
Bendigo Bank customer service number: 1300 236 344
Amy Bradney-George was the senior writer for credit cards at Finder, and editorial lead for Finder Green. She has over 16 years of editorial experience and has been featured in publications including ABC News, Money Magazine and The Sydney Morning Herald. See full bio
Amy's expertise
Amy has written 565 Finder guides across topics including:
Earn Qantas Points on eligible spending and get access to Qantas Business Rewards offers and discounts with the Bendigo Bank Qantas Business Credit Card.
Earn points for your spending on a Bendigo Bank Rewards credit card redeem them for anything from travel packages and gift cards to the latest tech gadgets.
This low rate business credit card offers expense management features and a choice of company, individual or joint and several liability for the account.
Enjoy a competitive earn rate, complimentary travel and purchase insurance options and an annual fee of $89 with the Bendigo Bank Platinum Rewards card.
hi im on Centrelink payments would I be able to get a loan so I can buy a car? if not can you have someone like my father goes guarantor
Finder
JonathanFebruary 27, 2015Finder
Hi Brittany,
Thanks for your inquiry.
You may be eligible for a car loan while receiving Centrelink benefits. A lender will look at how much you earn from your Centrelink payments or other income, then compare it to the repayment amounts. It might be a good idea to look at buying a used car rather than a new one.
If you only need to borrow a smaller amount, such as under $3,000, you can also compare lenders who offer loans to Centrelink recipients and other government and community assistance programs that you can apply.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you.
Cheers,
Jonathan
danielJanuary 25, 2015
Hi im on single parenting payments with family tax benefits part A & part B totalling $1490p/f that’s about nearly $36000p/a with expenses of $1880 monthly am I eligible to make a loan for a house as a first home buyer using my regular pension and my family tax benefit as my proof of income to approve a loan?
I have read online that Bendigo Bank generally accepts centerlink benefits as a source of income on a case by case basis, how much is the interest rate for personal or home loans?
I would like to borrow about %150,000-$200,000 as a first home buyers loan for a home which is 15km from Scottsdale north east Tasmania in south springfield its a rural 3 bedroom home on a 1080metre squared block of level land.
Finder
JonathanJanuary 28, 2015Finder
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Please refer to Latest home loan offers for home loans, repayment calculator and the different lenders. The interest rate varies depending on the lender.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
suzanneJanuary 22, 2015
Im on a disability pension would I be able to get a small loan from my bank an pay back each fortnight
Finder
JonathanJanuary 22, 2015Finder
Hi Suzanne,
Thanks for your inquiry,
While disability support pension is generally accepted, some lenders will not accept this as a form of income. You can check our Centrelink loan options page to know which lender may consider you for a small loan.
On that page, there’s also a table that lists possible lenders. You can click the name of the lender to be redirected to our review page and learn more about the lender’s loan offer, rates, and requirements as well as the pros and cons of using their loan service. When you are ready, you may then click on the “Go to site” button if available and you will be redirected to the lender’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. You can also contact the provider if you have specific questions.
I hope this helps!
Cheers,
Jonathan
tinaJanuary 9, 2015
Hi, I have been a client of Bendigo for 8 yrs now, I’m on the pension and family tax benefit a+b and wondering if you do personal loans?
what happens if I pay with my credit card and don’t receive the goods
Finder
ElizabethNovember 10, 2014Finder
Hi Brendan,
Thanks for your question.
If this happens and you are unable to receive a refund from the retailer, you may be able to reverse the transaction on your credit card. Please see reversing credit card transactions for more information.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
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hi im on Centrelink payments would I be able to get a loan so I can buy a car? if not can you have someone like my father goes guarantor
Hi Brittany,
Thanks for your inquiry.
You may be eligible for a car loan while receiving Centrelink benefits. A lender will look at how much you earn from your Centrelink payments or other income, then compare it to the repayment amounts. It might be a good idea to look at buying a used car rather than a new one.
If you only need to borrow a smaller amount, such as under $3,000, you can also compare lenders who offer loans to Centrelink recipients and other government and community assistance programs that you can apply.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Hi im on single parenting payments with family tax benefits part A & part B totalling $1490p/f that’s about nearly $36000p/a with expenses of $1880 monthly am I eligible to make a loan for a house as a first home buyer using my regular pension and my family tax benefit as my proof of income to approve a loan?
I have read online that Bendigo Bank generally accepts centerlink benefits as a source of income on a case by case basis, how much is the interest rate for personal or home loans?
I would like to borrow about %150,000-$200,000 as a first home buyers loan for a home which is 15km from Scottsdale north east Tasmania in south springfield its a rural 3 bedroom home on a 1080metre squared block of level land.
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Please refer to Latest home loan offers for home loans, repayment calculator and the different lenders. The interest rate varies depending on the lender.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Im on a disability pension would I be able to get a small loan from my bank an pay back each fortnight
Hi Suzanne,
Thanks for your inquiry,
While disability support pension is generally accepted, some lenders will not accept this as a form of income. You can check our Centrelink loan options page to know which lender may consider you for a small loan.
On that page, there’s also a table that lists possible lenders. You can click the name of the lender to be redirected to our review page and learn more about the lender’s loan offer, rates, and requirements as well as the pros and cons of using their loan service. When you are ready, you may then click on the “Go to site” button if available and you will be redirected to the lender’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. You can also contact the provider if you have specific questions.
I hope this helps!
Cheers,
Jonathan
Hi, I have been a client of Bendigo for 8 yrs now, I’m on the pension and family tax benefit a+b and wondering if you do personal loans?
Hi Tina,
Thanks for your question,
Personal loans are available with Bendigo Bank, compare personal loans with Bendigo Bank with more information and their application criteria.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Jonathan
what happens if I pay with my credit card and don’t receive the goods
Hi Brendan,
Thanks for your question.
If this happens and you are unable to receive a refund from the retailer, you may be able to reverse the transaction on your credit card. Please see reversing credit card transactions for more information.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Elizabeth