Cards are the most popular way to pay in Australia, with data from the Reserve Bank of Australia showing they make up around 75% of all payments. Almost all adult Australians also have more than one debit card and many have a credit card, with Finder analysis showing there are around 40.9 million debit cards in Australia and over 13.4 million credit cards in circulation.
So, what's the difference between a credit card and a debit card? And is one better than the other? We've put the details of each card side-by-side to help you decide when it's better to use a credit card or debit card for your spending.
Credit cards
Debit cardsNot sure about the differences between a credit and debit card?
You're not alone. 14% of people surveyed incorrectly thought credit payments were payments withdrawn directly from your bank account, according to our consumer sentiment tracker. Gen Z were the least informed. 17% of those surveyed weren't sure of the differences.
You can use a credit card to spend up to a set amount of funds (your approved credit limit). You're required to pay back what you charge to the card and need to pay at least the minimum amount listed on each statement. Most credit cards can be added to digital wallets and there are also some completely virtual cards.
If you don't pay off your card in full by the statement due date, you'll usually be charged interest. The average standard interest rate is currently at 20.16% p.a. according to the RBA. Some cards also charge an annual fee.
On top of these account costs, credit card surcharges can range from around 1% to 2% of the transaction value, compared to around 0.5% to 1% for debit cards. If you're travelling overseas or shopping online with companies based overseas, an international transaction fee of around 2% to 3.4% applies unless you get a credit card that offers no foreign transaction fees.
Credit cards are a popular way to free up cashflow and earn reward or frequent flyer points on your everyday spending.
You can also get credit cards with perks such as complimentary overseas travel insurance and airport lounge passes and concierge services that can help with travel, dining and entertainment bookings (among other things).
When you apply for a credit card, this is listed on your credit report whether or not you're approved. If you use your card responsibly and make timely repayments, this can help improve your credit score.
Most credit cards offer 24/7 fraud monitoring services to help protect you against suspicious activity. If someone uses your card for fraud, the transaction amount will be refunded under a zero liability policy. If your card is used to make a fraudulent transaction, it won't impact your bank balance or savings.
| Response | |
|---|---|
| Credit card | 25.67% |
| Travel money card | 24.98% |
| Cash | 23.49% |
| Debit card | 22.7% |
| Other | 1.59% |
| Traveller's cheques | 1.59% |
Debit cards are linked to your everyday bank account so you can spend your own money. This means there are no repayments, although you do need to have the amount of money needed in your bank account when you pay with a debit card.
If you have a Visa or Mastercard debit card, you can often add it to mobile wallets. There are also some virtual debit cards, although this is more common with business accounts or gift cards.
Debit cards don't attract interest charges because you're using your own money. Most everyday bank accounts that offer debit cards also offer $0 account fee options, meaning you can often use a debit card without paying any extra costs.
It also costs merchants less money to process debit card payments, which is why there is often a lower surcharge compared to credit card transactions.
Similar to credit cards, an international or currency conversion fee may apply when you're travelling overseas or shopping online with companies based overseas, an international transaction fee applies unless you get a debit card with no foreign transaction fees.
In comparison to credit cards, there are very few debit cards that offer you reward points or other complimentary extras. Here's a rundown of three debit cards that do:
Apart from these cards, you'll usually be limited to whatever offers Visa or Mastercard have available for cardholders.
Unlike credit cards, your debit card account details aren't listed on your credit report and don't impact your credit score.
Like credit cards, debit cards offer a zero liability policy, which means you will be refunded for fraudulent transactions. Some debit cards also offer fraud-monitoring services. If you're subject to fraud, you will be left without that money until the bank has fully investigated the claim. This could take a few weeks or months.
With a credit card, you get the flexibility of paying off the balance over time, as well as more options when it comes to rewards and other perks. But a debit card often means you will pay fewer fees and have more control over your spending because the money is coming straight from your bank account.
So even though most of us now pay by card, choosing between a credit card vs a debit card really comes down to what you want.
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