Credit cards for temporary residents

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.

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. "

Graham Cooke

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.

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

• Why does the remaining time on my visa make a difference with a credit card application?

  Banks look at the length of time remaining on the visa to ensure that you will be in Australia long enough to repay any debt accrued on the credit card.

• Why is it harder to get a credit card in Australia with a temporary visa?

  There are strict regulations for credit cards. When you apply, the lender must consider your ability to manage and repay the credit card's limit. This can be harder to determine for temporary residents. There is also a level of risk for lenders, as it is difficult for them to recover credit card debt if someone leaves the country.

• Can I get a credit card on a bridging visa?

  Unfortunately, the temporary nature of a bridging visa means it is unlikely you would be eligible for a credit card in Australia.

• Can a non-resident get a credit card in Australia?

  You can apply for some credit cards as a temporary resident when you have a valid visa and meet the card's eligibility requirements. But most of the time you will need to provide a valid Australian residential address. So if you don't live in Australia at the time of your application, it may be more difficult to get approved.

• What happens if I default on my credit card and leave the country?

  Collections proceedings will begin against you and will remain in place if you ever decide to return to Australia.

• Will an unpaid credit card debt affect my application for permanent residency?

  It depends on the circumstances. The Department of Immigration will be able to provide you with more information about your previous credit history in Australia in relation to your application. Remember that credit card debt will also affect any applications of enquiries for other credit products that you make in the future.

• Can I get a secured credit card in Australia?

  There are limited options if you're interested in a secured credit card. The most common alternative is to get a prepaid card that allows you to pre-load your own money onto it and then use it for your spending. However, this type of card does not provide you with extra funds the way a credit card does. It also won't add to your credit history.

Written by

Richard Whitten

Money Editor

Richard Whitten is Finder’s Money Editor, with over seven years of experience in home loans, property and personal finance. His insights appear in top media outlets like Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine, and the Herald Sun, and he frequently offers expert commentary on television and radio, helping Australians navigate mortgages and property ownership. Richard holds multiple industry certifications, including a Certificate IV in Mortgage Broking (RG 206) and Tier 1 and Tier 2 certifications (RG 146), as well as a Graduate Certificate in Communications from Deakin University. See full bio

Richard's expertise

Richard has written 599 Finder guides across topics including:

• Home loans
• Property
• Personal finance
• Money-saving tips