Finder’s credit cards methodology

Every month, Finder's experts examine over 250 cards in our database to determine our best credit cards for different categories. We narrow it down to cards available through Finder and analyse them based on the rates, fees, offer details and any other factors specific to the category of credit cards.

In addition to the key factors, we may consider any additional features or introductory offers that are relevant and have the potential to offer further value.

In-depth methodology based on the type of credit card

Finder's experts have created specific methodology for the most popular types of credit cards.

We don't always include each category as part of our top picks, as sometimes there are limited offers available. But we have included each type of credit card methodology here for accuracy.

Balance transfer credit card methodology

To be eligible for this category, credit cards must offer a 0% balance transfer rate for an introductory period. The other key factors we consider are:

• The length of the introductory period (the longer the period, the higher the ranking)
• Whether or not there is a balance transfer fee
• The annual fee, including if it is waived in the first year
• The purchase rate
• The interest rate that applies to balance transfers after the introductory period

Low rate credit card methodology

Finder's experts consider a low rate credit card to offer an interest rate below 15% p.a. for purchases. The other key factors we consider are:

• The annual fee, including if it is waived in the first year
• 0% balance transfer offers
• 0% purchase rate offers
• Cashback offers
• The cash advance interest rate and/or rate that applies after any introductory period

$0 annual fee credit card methodology

Finder's experts consider credit cards that offer either a waived annual fee or an ongoing $0 annual fee for this category. The other key factors we consider are:

• The annual fee after the first year (the lower the ongoing annual fee, the higher the ranking)
• Bonus point offers
• 0% balance transfer offers
• 0% purchase rate offers
• The ongoing interest rate for purchases

0% foreign fee credit card methodology

Finder's experts consider credit cards that offer no foreign transaction fees on overseas purchases, including those made online with businesses based overseas. The other key factors we consider are:

• The annual fee
• The interest rate for purchases
• The cash advance interest rate and fees
• Overseas ATM withdrawal fees
• Complimentary travel insurance
• Additional travel benefits, including airport lounge access or frequent flyer points

Rewards credit card methodology

Finder's experts consider credit cards that offer introductory bonus points for this category. The other key factors we consider are:

• The amount of bonus points offered (the more points, the higher the ranking)
• Bonus point spend requirements
• The annual fee
• The points earned per $1 on eligible spending
• The value of points, based on reward examples and/or Finder's points value calculator
• The terms for interest-free days on purchases
• The interest rate for purchases

Frequent flyer credit card methodology

Finder's experts consider credit cards that offer introductory bonus frequent flyer points or status for this category. The other key factors we consider are:

• The amount of bonus points offered (the more points, the higher the ranking)
• Bonus point spend requirements
• The annual fee
• The points earned per $1 on eligible spending
• The value of points, based on reward examples and/or Finder's points value calculator
• The terms for interest-free days on purchases
• The interest rate for purchases

0% purchases credit card methodology

Finder's experts consider credit cards that offer an introductory 0% interest rate for purchases. The other key factors we consider are:

• The length of the introductory period (the longer the period, the higher the ranking)
• The purchase rate that applies after the introductory period
• The annual fee, including if it is waived in the first year

Cashback credit card methodology

Finder's experts consider credit cards that offer introductory cashback or an ongoing rate of cashback for this category. The other key factors we consider are:

• The value of the cashback
• The cashback offer requirements, including any amount someone needs to spend to receive it
• The annual fee
• The interest rate for purchases

Business card methodology

Finder's experts consider cards offered to business owners for this category. We then consider:

• The availability of additional cards for employees
• The expense management features
• Accounting software integration (e.g. for MYOB, Xero, QuickBooks)
• Rewards
• The annual fee, including any fees for employee cards
• The interest rate or interest-free payment terms (for charge cards)

0% purchase & balance transfer credit card methodology

Finder's experts consider credit cards that offer both an introductory 0% interest rate for purchases and an introductory 0% interest rate for balance transfers. The other key factors we consider are:

• The length of each 0% p.a. introductory period (the longer the period, the higher the ranking)
• Whether or not there is a balance transfer fee
• The annual fee, including if it is waived in the first year
• The purchase rate
• The interest rate that applies to balance transfers after the introductory period

Keep in mind: Our top picks may not always be best for you. Based on your situation, you may find certain features to be more or less important, so compare your options before you apply.

Written by

Amy Bradney-George

Editor

Amy Bradney-George was the senior writer for credit cards at Finder, and editorial lead for Finder Green. She has over 16 years of editorial experience and has been featured in publications including ABC News, Money Magazine and The Sydney Morning Herald. See full bio

Amy's expertise

Amy has written 565 Finder guides across topics including:

• Credit cards
• Frequent flyer
• Credit score
• BNPL
• Money management
• Sustainability