NAB StraightUp Card - Review | Finder

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Our verdict

The first no interest credit card in Australia that charges a monthly fee when you’re paying off a balance instead.

The NAB StraightUp card is very different to most credit cards because it never charges interest on your balance. You can still pay off purchases over time, as long as you make the minimum repayments. You have the option of paying more off whenever you want. This structure makes the NAB StraightUp an option you could consider if you’re looking at credit cards, charge cards or even buy now pay later services.

As for costs, the monthly fee you’ll pay is $10 for a $1,000 credit limit, $20 for a $2,000 credit limit and $30 for a $3,000 limit. The monthly fee is only charged when use the account. So if you don’t carry a balance and don’t use the card for an entire statement period, NAB will reverse the monthly fee for that period.

Each statement period is made up of 30 days when you can make purchases interest-free, then 14 days before the due date. This gives you a maximum of 44 days in each statement period before you need to make a payment. But, while the credit limits on this account are conservative, make sure you’re not spending money or carrying a balance just because it’s convenient.

Pros

Charges a monthly fee based on your selected credit limit
If you don't carry a balance or make purchases, the monthly fee will be reversed
No interest charges or other fees, including foreign currency fees and late payment fees

Cons

No rewards program or perks
Unable to make cash advances
Maximum available credit limit of $3,000 is low compared to standard credit cards

The NAB StraightUp card is a simple alternative to buy now, pay later and traditional credit cards. It gives you a way to buy what you want now and pay it off over time – without any interest charges. Instead, you’ll pay a monthly fee whenever you carry a balance, with a cost of $10, $20 or $30 depending on your credit limit.

This card can be used anywhere Visa is accepted and also features 0% international transaction fees. In this review, we’ll explain how the account works and how to compare it with other cards.

Details

Product details

Product Name	NAB StraightUp Card
Purchase rate p.a.	Purchase rate p.a. 0%
Interest-free period
Min credit limit	$1,000
Max credit limit	$3,000
Card type	Visa

Eligibility

Available to temporary residents	Yes - Conditions apply
Joint application	No

Rewards

Bonus points

N/A

Fees

Annual fee	Annual fee $0
Late payment fee	$0
Foreign currency conversion fee	Foreign currency conversion fee 0%

Finder Awards badge

Congratulations, NAB!

NAB StraightUp Card received the highly commended award for 'Travel Credit Card' in the 2024 Product Awards.

Full list of 2024 winners

How to apply

You can apply for the NAB StraightUp card online by filling in a secure application form. Before you get started, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria and have all the documents and details you need to complete the application.

Eligibility criteria

Income. You must earn a regular income.
Australian residency. You must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident or a non-resident holding an eligible temporary visa. Visas that are not eligible include working holiday visas, student visas, seasonal visas and bridging visas.

Age. You must be at least 18 years of age.

Documents and details

Personal details. This includes your full name, date of birth, home address, contact details and a valid form of ID, such as your Australian driver's licence, passport or Medicare details.
Employment details. As well as your salary, you'll need to include details of your current job title, employer, length of employment and your employer's contact details. You may also need to provide recent payslips to help verify these details.
Financial details. This covers any other forms of income, as well as assets such as savings or investments. You also need to provide details of existing credit cards, debts, loans or other liabilities, as well as your share of regular household expenses.

Card benefits

No interest, ever. This card offers 0% interest on all purchases, even when you carry a balance. But you are still required to pay at least the minimum amount listed on each statement by the due date. Note that you can use this card for everyday purchases, including for BPAY services. But you can't use it for balance transfers, cash advances or gambling.
44-day statement cycle. With this card, you have 44 days between the start of a statement period and the payment due date. This is a similar structure to other credit cards or charge cards, although the number of days can vary with other options.

No monthly fee when you don't use the card. If you don't have a balance and don't make purchases for an entire statement period, the monthly fee will be refunded back to your account for that statement period. To avoid any confusion, this only applies when your balance is $0 at the start of that statement period – if you're paying off purchases from a few months earlier, you'll still have to pay the monthly fee even when you don't make purchases in a statement period.
Visa benefits. You can use this card for purchases anywhere Visa is accepted, including in stores, online or over the phone from all over the world. You'll also get access to exclusive deals on shopping, dining, entertainment and travel through Visa Offers + Perks, with current deals listed on the Visa Australia website.

Rates and fees

Monthly fee. A $10 monthly fee applies for a $1,000 limit, a $20 monthly fee applies for a $2,000 limit and a $30 monthly fee applies for a $3,000 limit. This fee is charged each month when you use the card or have a balance from previous months.
Minimum payments. The minimum amount you have to pay off a balance on this card is determined by your credit limit. It is $35 per month for a $1,000 credit limit, $75 for a $2,000 credit limit and $110 for a $3,000 credit limit. Minimum payments factor in the cost of the monthly fee and must be paid by the due date listed on each statement.

Foreign currency fees. This card does not charge a fee for transactions made online or overseas in a foreign currency.

Sources

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Amy Finder

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Jane

October 14, 2024

I am looking for a credit card to use when abroad or booking international travel.

I will pay this card off monthly, just trying to avoid international transaction fees. Is there a better product or solution?

Angus Kidman Finder

October 15, 2024

Hi Jane, There are lots of options for credit cards with no international transaction fees – check out our roundup. Hope this helps.

Raymond

August 19, 2024

If I commence with say $500 credit in my account and I make small purchases totalling less the account balance of $500 then will this assure that I will be charged no fees whatsoever?

Ongoing can I transfer from other accounts sums of money to ensure that my account is always in credit and pay no fees on those deposits ?

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Angus Kidman Finder

September 22, 2024

Hi Raymond, The fee is charged whenever you use the account – so even if it’s in credit, if you’ve used it for a purchase, the monthly fee will apply. If your goal is no fees whatsoever and only spending your own money, you’d potentially be better off with a debit card – check out our pick of the best current debit cards offers.

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Sandy

May 17, 2024

I am a Retiree a permanent Resident here in Australia,originally from New Zealand, I have been here for over 30 years ,Currently 72 years of age ,Problem for me is in order to travel these days we require a Credit Card which I don’t have,my Retirement is through Centrelink Australian $ 1,100 a fortnight,I own everything Cars,house full of furniture ect Caravan.Never required a Card before 🙂

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Angus Kidman Finder

September 23, 2024

Hi Sandy, yes, travel without a credit card can be tricky – many hotels insist on one to secure a room booking. In this context, a no annual fee card with a low credit limit might be an option to consider.

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Graham

April 26, 2024

Retired. Can you still get this card on an Australian pension

Sarah Megginson Finder

June 26, 2024

Hi Graham,

Because this is a credit product, your eligibility it depends on a range of factors, including your income, expenses and debt levels. You can contact NAB on 13 22 65 if you wish to discuss your eligibility based on your personal situation.

Nathalie

January 23, 2024

Hi can my husband and I apply for a card in joint names?

Jason Loewenthal Finder

January 26, 2024

Hi Nathalie,

This card doesn’t allow joint accounts or additional cardholders.

We have a guide about joint credit cards.

I hope that helps.

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