Credit cards for pensioners and retirees

If you're a pensioner or retiree, you can still get a new credit card. You just need to meet the eligibility criteria and provide the right documents when you apply.

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Product Purchase rate p.a. Interest-free days Balance transfer rate p.a. Annual fee
Westpac Lite Card
Westpac Lite Card image
9.9%
Up to 45 days on purchases
$108
Save with 0% foreign transaction fees, a low interest rate on purchases and cashback offers through Westpac Extras.
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ANZ Low Rate - Balance Transfer Exclusive Offer
Exclusive
ANZ Low Rate - Balance Transfer Exclusive Offer image
13.74%
Up to 55 days on purchases
0% for 28 months with 2% balance transfer fee, then 21.99%
$0
first year ($58 after)
Finder Exclusive: 0% p.a. for 28 months on a balance transfer (with 2% BT fee) and $0 first-year annual fee. Limited time offer expires by 17 April 2025 and may be withdrawn at any time. T&Cs apply.
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ANZ Low Rate - Credit Back Offer
ANZ Low Rate - Credit Back Offer image
13.74%
Up to 55 days on purchases
21.99%
$58
Get $250 back on your card when you spend $1,500 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months.
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Westpac Low Rate Card
Westpac Low Rate Card image
13.74%
Up to 55 days on purchases
0% for 24 months with 2% balance transfer fee, then 21.99%
$59
Save with a 0% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for 24 months (with a 2% BT fee). Plus, a low 13.74% p.a. purchase interest rate.
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St.George Vertigo Card
Finder Award
St.George Vertigo Card image
13.99%
Up to 55 days on purchases
0% for 24 months with 2% balance transfer fee, then 21.99%
$55
Get a 0% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for 24 months (with a one-time 2% balance transfer fee).
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Westpac Low Rate Card - Cashback Offer
Westpac Low Rate Card - Cashback Offer image
13.74%
Up to 55 days on purchases
$59
A no-frills card offering up to $350 cashback: $50 each month you make at least $1,000 of eligible purchases for the first 7 months.
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St.George Vertigo Card - Cashback Offer
St.George Vertigo Card - Cashback Offer image
13.99%
Up to 55 days on purchases
6.99% for 12 months, then 21.99%
$55
Get up to $500 cashback at eligible supermarkets and petrol stations in the first 180 days. Plus, a low interest rate for purchases.
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Can an Australian pensioner get a credit card?

Yes, you may be able to get a credit card, depending on your situation. There are no specific credit cards for pensioners or senior citizens in Australia. Instead, you can apply for any credit card, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.

Because the pension is the main source of income for retirees, according the types of cards suited to seniors include:

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Low rate credit cards

If you want to pay off purchases over time, a low rate credit card gives you a way to save on interest charges. Finder analysis has shown the average Australian with a credit card could save $100 by switching to one with a lower rate. These savings can really add up – especially if you're a pensioner.

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Low or no annual fee credit cards

Credit card annual fees in Australia typically range from $30 to over $1,000. So a card with a low annual fee or an ongoing $0 annual fee helps you save on account costs. Just remember to check the card's other features, including interest rates, to make sure it will be suitable for what you want.

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Low income credit cards

The full pension in Australia is $29,754.40 per year for an individual and $44,855.20 for a couple in November 2024, including all supplements. This is lower than the average Australian income, so applying for a credit card suited to people with low incomes could increase your chance of approval as a pensioner.

Credit card application criteria for retirees and pensioners

Even though there are no credit cards designed just for pensioners or retirees, banks and other providers may have specific requirements you need to meet before you can get a credit card, such as:

Provider
Retiree and pensioner application details
  • Retired applicants: You’ll need to provide your financial details (annual income excluding superannuation, total superannuation balance, accountant details to confirm income).
  • Pensioner applicants: Your annual income (excluding superannuation) and total superannuation balance are required. An external source (such as your accountant) is also required to confirm your financial details.
  • Retired applicants: Your income details (such as your most recent superannuation details) are required.
  • Pensioner applicants: Your income details (such as your most recent Centrelink statement) required.
  • Retired applicants: If you are pre-approved, you will need to supply a superannuation income statement.
  • Pensioner applicants: Pension benefits are accepted as eligible income. You’ll need to provide evidence of your income such as your Centrelink statement.
  • Retired applicants: As long as the minimum income requirement is met and you have a good credit rating, you are eligible to apply.
  • Pensioner applicants: You will need to supply an income statement from Centrelink.
  • Retired applicants: Self-funded retirees are eligible to apply. Those on a government or age pension are also eligible. You’ll need to provide proof of your income such as your superannuation statement or Centrelink statement.
  • Pensioner applicants: The following pensions are accepted:
    • Disablement pension
    • Returned servicemen
    • Single parent
    • Unemployment pension
    • Other pension (contact Bank of Melbourne to clarify whether your specific pension is covered)
  • You’ll need evidence of your income such as your Centrelink statements.
  • Retired applicants: If you’re a self-funded retiree, you’ll need to provide a statement from your super fund as proof of your income.
  • Pensioner applicants: Applicants on a pension will need to provide a Centrelink statement from the last 3 months.
  • Retirees and pensioners: You’ll need to provide any of the following options: annual superannuation statement, which includes an indexed pension amount, your most recent pension statement, 3 months of personal bank statements showing regular credit or cash deposits, your most recent self-managed superannuation tax returns less than 15 months old.
  • Retirees and pensioners: You need to provide your income, how regularly you’re paid and what type of income you receive. Examples they provide include shares, superannuation, family tax benefit and Defence Reserve payments.
  • Retirees and pensioners: Provide details about your finances and one of the following forms of supporting documentation:
    • A letter from Centrelink showing your name and permanent government pension amount
    • Your 3 most recent bank statements showing proof of regular Centrelink payments
    • Your annual superannuation statement, including an indexed pension amount
    • Your most recent self-managed superannuation tax return (must be less than 15 months old)
  • Retired applicants: Eligibility will depend on your income. If you’re a self-funded retiree with a superannuation income, you’ll need to provide a recent superannuation statement. You'll also need to provide your term deposit statement if you have a term deposit. If you have an investment property, you can submit the three most recent rental income statements.
  • Pensioner applicants: If it’s from Centrelink, you’ll need to provide a pension statement. If it’s from the Department of Veteran Affairs, you’ll need to provide statements from there.
  • Retired applicants: 2 most recent superannuation statements.
  • Pensioner applicants: 2 most recent Centrelink payment summaries.
  • Retired applicants: Self-funded retirees must provide a recent superannuation statement, or if you have a term deposit, your term deposit statement. If you own an investment property, provide 3 months of rental income statements.
  • Pensioner applicants: If it’s from Centrelink, you’ll need to provide a pension statement. If it’s from the Department of Veteran Affairs, you’ll need to provide statements from there.
  • Retired applicants: Your most recent superannuation statement will be required.
  • Pensioner applicants: A bank statement will be required to prove your pension claims.
  • Retired applicants: Income details required.
  • Pensioner applicants: Income details required.
  • Retired applicants: Accountant’s contact details are required.
  • Documentation: Existing NAB customers who have their pension going into the account regularly may not require supporting documentation. New NAB customers may be asked to provide their most recent pension benefit statement.
  • Retired applicants: If you’re a self-funded retiree, you’ll either need to provide information of your assets or a recent superannuation statement.
  • Pensioner applicants: St.George will require you to provide your most recent pension statement. Please note that St.George doesn’t accept all pensions as an eligible income. For example, carer’s pensions aren’t an accepted form of income, but an age pension is. You may want to contact St.George directly to confirm whether your pension is eligible.
  • Retired applicants: If you’re retired, you’ll need to provide a recent copy of your superannuation statement or asset details.
  • Pensioner applicants: If you’re on a pension, you’ll need to provide your most recent Centrelink statement.
  • Retired and pensioner applicants: A letter from Centrelink showing applicant's name and the permanent government pension amount, three most recent bank statements showing applicant's regular Centrelink payments, your annual superannuation statement, which includes an indexed pension amount, or one most recent self-managed superannuation tax return less than 15 months old.
  • Retired applicants: If you’re a self-funded retiree, you’ll need to provide a copy of your superannuation statement or information regarding your assets.
  • Pensioner applicants: If you’re on a pension, what you need to provide will depend on your financial situation. If you have a pension, you’ll need to provide your 2 most recent Centrelink statements.

Is it harder to get a credit card as a pensioner or retiree?

Credit card companies use the same lending criteria for all applications, whether you're a pensioner, retiree or a full-time worker.

In fact, Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker revealed that just 2% of people in or near retirement age (baby boomers) had their credit card applications declined in the 3 years from June 1, 2020 to May 31, 2023. In comparison, 16% of gen Y and 10% of gen X had declined applications in that time.

Why are credit card applications from pensioners declined?

Finder's research showed unsteady income (44%) and age (42%) were the two biggest reasons people in the baby boomer/retirement age group were declined for a card.

These are 2 of the factors providers look at when they're assessing your ability to make repayments and keep the account in good standing, and could have an impact on your chance of getting approved. Other reasons include:

  • Being rejected before: 10%
  • Too much debt: 8%
  • Bad credit score: 7%
  • No savings: 6%
Tip: If you're applying for a credit card as a pensioner, include as much supporting documentation as possible. This can improve your chance of approval because the credit card provider will be able to factor these details into their assessment. You could also contact the provider directly to discuss your eligibility.
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Our expert says

"If you've retired with a solid income from superannuation, consider a frequent flyer credit card. The points you earn can be used for flights to visit family and holidays, and because you're retired, you'll have more flexibility to take advantage of reward flights."

Editor-at-large

Before applying for a credit card, check your credit score

It is harder to get a credit card if you have poor credit history. Banks and other lenders check your credit report when you apply for a card and consider late payments, defaults and bankruptcy as high risk. As well as a history of making late payments or not repaying debts, making several applications in a short amount of time can be an issue on your credit file.

You can request a free copy of your credit report and score through Finder, or from the credit reporting agencies directly. It's a great way to find out what information the banks will see about you when reviewing your credit card application.

Frequently asked questions

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Journalist

Amy is an experienced journalist with over 16 years of experience, contributing to major publications like Money Magazine, The Sydney Morning Herald, and ABC News Australia. Specialising in personal finance, she frequently appeared in media outlets and on radio. Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Drama from Griffith University and earned RG146 certifications in Tier 1 Generic Knowledge and Tier 2 General Advice Deposit Products, ensuring her expertise is grounded in current financial regulations. Amy was Finder's Senior Writer for Credit Cards from 2016 to 2024. See full bio

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11 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    DianaNovember 27, 2024

    PCCU do not want to consider an allocated pension for the purposes of applying for a credit card. Is this Ageism.? The pension and assets of the applicant are considerable. What to do?

      AvatarFinder
      AngusNovember 28, 2024Finder

      Hi Diana, Sorry to hear that. Different providers have different approaches to assessing income, so your best bet now would be to consider and compare some of the other providers listed here. Good luck!

    Default Gravatar
    MichaelJune 13, 2018

    Bankwest declined my application ($40,000 p/a, home owner, $500,000 in Super funds)

    Default Gravatar
    AboudOctober 7, 2017

    Hi,,Which option is better financially to apply for a credit card ($10k)with low interest rate or to purchase an item worth approx 10k from a large retailer via their preferred financial institution advertising for their products as follow: purchase **** for 10 k with no deposit and 48 month,s interest free subject to finance application approval on line.
    Note: The item can be purchased for approx $1300 less if I pay cash, not to mentioned there is possibly a monthly on going fees and charges by the retailer financial preferred institution,,, in other words there is no such things as no free interest,,,,.
    Cheers,,,thanks,,,Aboud(Self funded retiree),,,NSW

      Default Gravatar
      GruOctober 7, 2017

      Hello Aboud,

      Thank you for reaching out to us.

      Please note that finder is a comparison website and general information service.
      As we do not represent any of the companies featured on our pages, we can only provide you with general advice and guide you in making an informed decision.

      In terms of deciding if you should go with using a credit card with low interest rate to purchase an item or purchasing somewhere else using the merchant’s preferred institution (but at a discount) would ultimately be up to you.

      We would all want to get the best deal and save money. To really end up with the best decision financially, you would have to get all the fees and charges that both options have, compare them side-by-side and then choose the one that would best suit your needs.

      Hope this helped.

      Cheers,
      Gru

    Default Gravatar
    AlexAugust 18, 2017

    Hi,please could you guys list the banks that accept disability pension?as I’ve spent 5 years of debt repayment,and have a 860 credit score now,and don’t want to make any mistakes,thank you.Alex.

      Default Gravatar
      ArnoldAugust 18, 2017

      Hi Alex,

      Thanks for your inquiry.

      I recommend you check our list of pensioner credit cards.

      Read more for the eligibility requirements, terms, and conditions before you apply.

      Hope this information helped.

      Cheers,
      Arnold

    Default Gravatar
    SharonJune 28, 2017

    I recently applied for a credit card on line and was told I do not fit the criteria As I have a self managed Super Fund retiree and take a lump sum each year. Is this the case with most banks ?

      Finder
      JhezelynJune 28, 2017Finder

      Hi Sharon,

      Thanks for your comment.

      If you are a pensioner, some credit providers may think of you as a high risk applicant. They may not take into account the income you earn from super or elsewhere, and would only see the risk that you may not be able to pay back your credit card spending and interest. The banks will take in a range of factors when looking to approve such as your assets v liabilities, income v expenses, your savings history, your credit history etc.

      You may want to check your options with the list of the banks above. Check the eligibility and the documents needed when applying.

      Regards,
      Jhezelyn

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