Credit cards for temporary residents

Yes, you can get a credit card if you have a temporary resident visa. But most card companies want you to have a working or business visa (not a student visa) with at least 12 months before it expires, plus proof of employment.

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Product AUCCF Purchase rate p.a. Balance transfer rate p.a. Annual fee
Westpac Lite Card
Westpac Lite Card image
Purchase rate p.a.
9.9%
Annual fee
$108
Save with 0% foreign transaction fees, a low interest rate on purchases and cashback offers through Westpac Extras.
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NAB Low Rate Credit Card
NAB Low Rate Credit Card image
Purchase rate p.a.
13.49%
0% for 24 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 21.74%
Annual fee
$59
Get a 0% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for the first 24 months (with a 3% BT fee).
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Purchase rate p.a.
13.74%
21.99%
Annual fee
$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
Purchase rate p.a.
13.74%
0% for 26 months with 2% balance transfer fee, then 21.99%
Annual fee
$59
Save with a 0% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for 26 months (with a 2% BT fee). Plus, a low 13.74% p.a. purchase interest rate.
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St.George Vertigo Card
St.George Vertigo Card image
Purchase rate p.a.
13.99%
0% for 24 months with 1% balance transfer fee, then 21.99%
Annual fee
$55
Get a 0% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for 24 months (with a one-time 1% balance transfer fee).
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American Express Explorer Credit Card
American Express Explorer Credit Card image
Purchase rate p.a.
23.99%
Annual fee
$395
Get 50,000 Membership Rewards Bonus Points and spend $4,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months.
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Qantas American Express Ultimate Card
Qantas American Express Ultimate Card image
Purchase rate p.a.
23.99%
Annual fee
$450
Get a yearly $450 Travel Credit and 50,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months.
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Westpac Altitude Platinum Card
Westpac Altitude Platinum Card image
Purchase rate p.a.
20.99%
Annual fee
$99 first year ($175 after)
Up to 120,000 bonus Altitude Points (90,000 points in year 1 when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days & 30,000 points after the first spend in year 2).
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St.George Vertigo Card - Cashback Offer
St.George Vertigo Card - Cashback Offer image
Purchase rate p.a.
13.99%
6.99% for 12 months, then 21.99%
Annual fee
$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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American Express Platinum Card
American Express Platinum Card image
Purchase rate p.a.
0%
Annual fee
$1,450
Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards Bonus Points when you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months.
Go to siteView details
St.George Amplify Signature
St.George Amplify Signature image
Purchase rate p.a.
20.99%
Annual fee
$199 first year ($295 after)
150,000 bonus Amplify Points (worth $675 in gift cards) when you spend $12,000 in the first 12 months. Plus, a first-year annual fee discount.
Go to siteView details
Westpac Altitude Rewards Black
Westpac Altitude Rewards Black image
Purchase rate p.a.
20.99%
Annual fee
$200 first year ($295 after)
Earn up to 150,000 bonus Altitude Rewards Points (100,000 points in year 1 when you spend $6,000 in the first 120 days and 50,000 in year 2).
Go to siteView details
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Key takeaways

  • You can apply for a credit card if you're a temporary resident or a recent immigrant. But your options vary depending on what type of visa you hold.
  • Some banks won't let people on student visas take out credit cards. You may need a visa that's valid for 12 months from when you apply.
  • You'll have a better chance getting approved for a low rate credit card with a low credit limit.

Which banks offer credit cards to temporary residents?

Here are some of the main banks and card companies that offer credit cards to temporary residents.

  • American Express. You'll need a long term visa (12 months or more). No student visas are accepted.
  • ANZ. You can get a credit card on a working or business visa as long as it has at least 12 months validity.
  • BankSA. You'll need an acceptable Australian visa with at least 12 months validity, plus a fixed residential address in Australia.
  • Commonwealth Bank. You need to have the legal right to work in Australia with a visa that's valid for at least 6 months. The bank accepts a large list of work and business visas (including student visas) but not working holiday visas.
  • NAB. You'll need to be a permanent resident or on an acceptable temporary residency visa. Visitor, working holiday, student or bridging visas are not eligible.
  • St.George. You'll need an acceptable Australian visa with at least 12 months validity.
  • Westpac. You'll need an acceptable Australian visa with at least 12 months validity.

Eligibility requirements for getting a credit card as a temporary resident

Every bank and credit card company has its own criteria. But generally you should meet before applying for an Australian credit card as a temporary resident.

  • Age. You must be at least 18 years of age to apply for a credit card.
  • Employment. You need to be employed, and you may need to provide recent payslips as evidence. If you've started a new job then a signed contract of employment or a letter from your employer may be required.
  • Passport. You will have to supply your passport number and/or a certified copy of your passport for the application.
  • Visa status. You must have a valid, eligible visa. Depending on the credit card issuer, you may need to have a minimum amount of time left on the visa to apply (for example, 1 year before the visa expiry date). If you don't know if your visa is eligible, contact the bank or credit card brand directly for more details based on your situation.
  • Australian address. You must have a residential address in Australia to apply for a credit card.
  • Australian bank account. You must have applied or opened an Australian bank account to get a credit card.

You may need to visit a branch

Many Australian banks require first time customers living in Australia temporarily to apply for a bank account or credit card in person. This means you'll need to visit your nearest bank branch.

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Our expert says

"Your eligibility for a credit card depends on your visa type, employment status and how long you've lived in Australia. Start with a basic or secured credit card to build Australian credit history. Provide complete documentation, including your passport and visa information. "

Head of consumer research

Credit card eligibility for New Zealand citizens living in Australia

The Australian government has a special visa for New Zealand citizens, which allows them to study, work and live in Australia as long as they remain NZ citizens and meet the visa's character requirements.

So New Zealand citizens can usually apply for most Australian credit cards, as long as they have a permanent address in Australia and meet the card's other eligibility requirements.

Can I transfer my existing credit card to an Australian one?

You can't transfer an overseas credit card balance to an Australian credit card. But if your credit card is issued by a company that offers global services or "moving abroad" transfers, you may be able to open an account more easily in a new country.

For example, the American Express Global Card Relationship service allows you to apply for an Amex card in your new country by logging in to your existing account. So if you moved to Australia, you would need to log into your current Amex account, choose a new Amex card and then apply using your Australian address and contact details.

HSBC customers with Premier status can also bank internationally and easily apply for credit cards in different countries.

Do Australian banks consider overseas credit history?

Banks and credit card issuers in Australia only consider your Australian credit history. This means if you have an excellent credit rating overseas (or a bad credit rating), it won't impact your application for a credit card.

But if you don't have many details on your Australian credit file as a temporary resident, providing accurate details and additional documents will help support your application and your chance of approval. You can also check your Australian credit history and get your score for free with the Finder app.

Establishing credit history as a recent immigrant to Australia

When you arrive, you can start building your credit history in a few steps:

  1. Open a bank account. Having an Australian bank account will make it easier to receive income from work here, and use it for spending.
  2. Set up your utility accounts. This includes energy, internet and mobile phone plans. Finder's guide to utilities has more details and a comparison of different options.
  3. Check your credit score. You can get a free copy of your credit report and credit score through Finder, which will help you keep track of what details are added to your Australian credit history.
  4. Apply for credit products that you're eligible for. Not all utility accounts are added to your credit report, so you may not have any credit history in Australia until you get a credit-based account. For example, a credit card or personal loan. But it's important to only apply when you have found an account you want, that's also affordable for you.

Frequently asked questions

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Editor

Richard Whitten is a money editor at Finder, and has been covering home loans, property and personal finance for 6+ years. He has written for Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine and Homely; and has appeared on various radio shows nationwide. He holds a Certificate IV in mortgage broking and finance (RG 206), a Tier 1 Generic Knowledge certification and a Tier 2 General Advice Deposit Products (RG 146) certification. See full bio

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Richard has written 553 Finder guides across topics including:
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55 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    JohnJuly 4, 2017

    When applying for a credit card, the question poised for residential status, Own home outright, mortgage, renter, boarder, living with parents are the only options. We live rent free in home held in trust. How do we answer this?

      Default Gravatar
      JonathanJuly 5, 2017

      Hi John!

      That’s quite a tricky question you have! :)

      Usually boarders are those who are getting services from the owners or landlords such as cleaning services, food, etc. and can be “accessed” anytime, whereas renters are those who have exclusive possession in their place. Based on the data you shared, it is likely that you’re a renter, even if you don’t pay a rental income.

      You may need to verify the card issuers as well as the state law definition and see which one suits you.

      Hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Jonathan

    Default Gravatar
    DeborahJanuary 7, 2017

    We are retiring and moving to Australia where our son and his family live. We are applying for the contributory parent visa. Since we are retiring we won’t have jobs in Australia. We wish to get a Visa credit card and have excellent credit. How do we apply for an Australian credit card and which one should we apply for? Can we apply in the US prior to arrival ?

      AvatarFinder
      MayJanuary 16, 2017Finder

      Hi Deborah,

      Thanks for your comment.

      Generally, you should be able to apply for a credit card once you arrive in Australia and have an Australian address. For a possible credit card that you can apply for, you may check first the guidelines outlined on our page about credit cards for retired applications. You should also find a list of credit cards available to retired applicants on the same page. And to confirm which cards accept temporary residents, you should refer to the banks listed on this page.

      I would suggest that you contact the bank/credit card issuer first before you submit any application once you arrive so that you can discuss your chances of approval.

      Cheers,
      May

    Default Gravatar
    NelsonOctober 28, 2016

    HI

    I am a 19 years old full time international student at a university. Working part time with 573 visa. Just arrived melbourne 3 months ago . Am i eligible for any credit card or loan ?

      AvatarFinder
      MayOctober 28, 2016Finder

      Hi Nelson,

      Thank you for your question.

      The banks/credit card issuers that may accept applicants on a visa are listed above. Though please note that your approval may still be on a case-by-case basis depending on the bank’s assessment of your financial circumstance, type of visa, etc.

      It would be best to contact the bank first before you submit your application to discuss your chances of approval.

      Cheers,
      May

    Default Gravatar
    AllanOctober 5, 2016

    I have just arrived I Australia on a 489 visa ,I am in full time employment with a good income and I’m just wondering how I go about getting a credit card or if I can get credit for a car .

      AvatarFinder
      MayOctober 6, 2016Finder

      Hi Allan,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      Whilst we are not sure if you’ll be approved for a credit card or not, you can discuss your chances of approval with a bank featured above. As for a car loan, this is usually restricted to PR and citizens, but you can find a guide on loans for non-residents through our website.

      Cheers,
      May

    Default Gravatar
    ivanMarch 21, 2016

    What are my chances of getting approved a $12,000 credit card balance transfer as I’m holding a 457 Visa for 4 years and my income is $55,000 per year? It’s a MasterCard from CBA which credit limit is $15,000 and been offered to increase it up to $20,000 two months ago

      AvatarFinder
      SharonMarch 21, 2016Finder

      Hi Ivan, thanks for your inquiry.

      As a financial comparison service, we’re unable to confirm whether you’d receive approval or not.

      You might like to get in touch with the credit card issuer directly to discuss your eligibility, financial history, income and ability to repay to discuss your chances of approval before applying for the card. Please note that rejected applications will have a further negative impact on your account, so it’s wise to discuss your options or work on improving your score before you apply for a new card.

      I hope this helps,

      Sharon

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