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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ANZ Platinum Credit Card
ANZ Platinum Credit Card image
Purchase rate p.a.
20.99%
21.99%
Annual fee
$0 first year ($87 after)
Get $100 back on your card when you spend $2,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months and a $0 first-year annual fee. Plus, complimentary overseas travel insurance.
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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 siteMore Info
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 siteMore Info
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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 558 Finder guides across topics including:
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55 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    RKOctober 8, 2014

    hello.
    I currently live in Australia. I applied for permanent residency/partner visa which i applied for in 2013. I was notified in April this year that I was successful and this will be reviewed after 12 months, at which stage i will become a permanent resident of Australia. I have lived here for more then 2 years now and I have full-time employment which I can provide evidence of.

    I have an Australian partner who is a full-time public servant of 10 years and I live with him. Am i able to apply for any credit through a bank?

      AvatarFinder
      ElizabethOctober 9, 2014Finder

      Hi RK,

      Thanks for your question.

      The residency requirement for many Australians loans and other types of credit is that you be a permanent Australian resident or citizen. If you can provide documentation showing your permanent resident status you will be able to apply.

      I hope this has helped.

      Thanks,

      Elizabeth

    Default Gravatar
    DamoMarch 5, 2014

    Hi there. I have currently obtained a 457 visa in December but I have been in Australia for four years before that. I have a default on my credit file from 2011, which I’m paying off..
    I tried to apply for a credit card and got declined back in December. Would there be any banks that would approve someone in my situation. Also I’m making more than 50,000 p.a.
    Thanks.

      AvatarFinder
      JacobMarch 6, 2014Finder

      Hi, Damo.

      Thanks for getting in touch with us.

      It’s difficult to comment on someone in your situation. Generally speaking, if you have a default on your credit file, you’re ineligible for a credit card. However, if you can show that you’ve paid the default, in some circumstances a lender will consider an application for a credit card. You will need to speak to a lender in person and bring documentation that you’ve amended the negative listing on your credit file. There are too many factors to provide an answer to your question, you will need to start a conversation with the lender directly.

      I hope this helps.

    Default Gravatar
    ClaireFebruary 4, 2014

    Hi there
    I am a New Zealand citizen living in Australia which is classed as a temporary resident, although I don’t need a visa to live here and can live here as long as I like. We have been here for 2.5 years and have a gold credit card with Commonwealth bank. We are wanting to do a balance transfer to 0% interest card, was considering the westpac one. Do you know if we can apply for this?

      AvatarFinder
      ShirleyFebruary 5, 2014Finder

      Hi Claire,

      Thanks for your comment.

      Temporary residents can apply for Westpac credit cards, but you’ll need to do so through their ‘migrant banking’ department rather than applying online. This can be done by calling them directly or visiting your local Westpac branch.

      Cheers,
      Shirley

    Default Gravatar
    WayneJanuary 15, 2014

    Is it possible to get a loan when you are sponsored?

      AvatarFinder
      JacobJanuary 15, 2014Finder

      Hi, Wayne.

      Thanks for your question.

      The eligibility requirements for temporary residents are detailed on this page. Generally, the bank is looking to see that you’re going to be in the country for a period greater than six months.

      If you would like to apply, you will need to get in touch with the lender directly.

      I hope this helps.

    Default Gravatar
    MahirDecember 29, 2013

    I’m looking for personal loan. Can you tell me is it possible to get a personal loan?

    Thanks.

      AvatarFinder
      JacobDecember 30, 2013Finder

      Hi Mahir,

      Thanks for your question.

      You may refer to our list of personal loans. On the page is a comparison table you can use to see which lender suits you. When you are ready, you can press the ‘Go to site’ button to 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. You can also contact the provider if you have specific questions.

      I hope that helps.

      Cheers,
      Jacob

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