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.
How.do I buy an iPhone through Bendigo to gain reward points.
Finder
JeremyAugust 13, 2014Finder
Hi Len
Thanks for your question. Bendigo offers rewards through it’s Platinum, Ready Red and RSPCA Rescue Rewards credit cards. Any eligible purchases on those cards will earn you Bendigo Rewards points.
Please let me know if you have any further questions I can help with.
Thanks,
Jeremy
PeterNovember 17, 2013
I need help. I’m on the pension, I earn a steady income and, I keep getting, ‘sorry but cant help u at this time’ from the banks. Is there a place I can get a credit card from that will be glad to help me.
Finder
JacobNovember 18, 2013Finder
Hi Peter,
Thanks for your question.
You may want to have a look at the low rate credit card comparison page. Click on the card name to read a review of the card. If you would like to compare more than one card, please click on the check box to the left of the card name, and then click compare at the top or bottom of the table. This will let you compare a number of cards in a side-by-side comparison. Look for the minimum income requirement for each card. This will let you know how much you need to be earning before you can apply for a card. The pension is considered a form of income.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jacob
AaronOctober 30, 2013
Do you get flyer points on a visa debit card or just on credit cards? Thanks.
Can I access my credit card account while waiting for a replacement card?
BillySeptember 24, 2013
How long will it take if I apply for it? please I wanna know mr. Jacob
Finder
JacobSeptember 24, 2013Finder
Hi Mr. Billy.
Please allow up to two weeks after you’ve been approved for your card to arrive.
Thanks.
Finder
JacobAugust 30, 2013Finder
Hi Heath.
Thanks for your question.
This won’t be a problem, your account will remain open and active while a replacement card is being issued.
Jacob.
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Hi, does Bendigo offer a business credit card?
Hi Gee,
Thanks for your question.
Yes, they do. I’ve emailed you a link to this.
All the best,
Shirley
How.do I buy an iPhone through Bendigo to gain reward points.
Hi Len
Thanks for your question. Bendigo offers rewards through it’s Platinum, Ready Red and RSPCA Rescue Rewards credit cards. Any eligible purchases on those cards will earn you Bendigo Rewards points.
Please let me know if you have any further questions I can help with.
Thanks,
Jeremy
I need help. I’m on the pension, I earn a steady income and, I keep getting, ‘sorry but cant help u at this time’ from the banks. Is there a place I can get a credit card from that will be glad to help me.
Hi Peter,
Thanks for your question.
You may want to have a look at the low rate credit card comparison page. Click on the card name to read a review of the card. If you would like to compare more than one card, please click on the check box to the left of the card name, and then click compare at the top or bottom of the table. This will let you compare a number of cards in a side-by-side comparison. Look for the minimum income requirement for each card. This will let you know how much you need to be earning before you can apply for a card. The pension is considered a form of income.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jacob
Do you get flyer points on a visa debit card or just on credit cards? Thanks.
Hi Aaron,
Generally, it’s just credit cards that earn rewards and frequent flyer points. But there are debit card travel insurance that does come with extra features and more rewards.
Thanks for your question.
Cheers,
Jacob
Can I access my credit card account while waiting for a replacement card?
How long will it take if I apply for it? please I wanna know mr. Jacob
Hi Mr. Billy.
Please allow up to two weeks after you’ve been approved for your card to arrive.
Thanks.
Hi Heath.
Thanks for your question.
This won’t be a problem, your account will remain open and active while a replacement card is being issued.
Jacob.