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Compare NowWhat is a credit card?
A credit card lets you spend money that you can pay back over time, usually with interest.
Unlike a debit card – where you need money in the bank – a credit card gives you a set amount you can spend (or borrow), known as your credit limit. You also get regular statements (usually monthly) and need to make repayments by the due date on them.
Want more details? Check out Finder's guide to how credit cards work.
"When comparing credit cards, decide what's most important to you. Is it a low interest rate? Low annual fee? Bonus frequent flyer points? Maybe a balance transfer deal? For instance, I pay my balance in full each month, so I ignore the interest rates and don’t look at balance transfer offers. Instead, I aim to find cards with a great points earning rate. Knowing exactly what you want, makes it easier to find the right card for you."
What types of credit cards are there?
There are 5 main types of credit cards. Here is a quick explanation of each one; every card is slightly different, so you should compare credit cards to find the best credit card that has the features that matter to you.
Card type | Principal use | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
Balance transfer | Pay off existing debt with no / low interest | Save money on interest and pay down debt faster | Minimal perks and no interest-free days on new purchases |
Rewards | Earn points on your spending | Get rewarded for money you’d spend anyway | High interest rates & annual fees |
No annual fee | Credit without an upfront cost | Costs nothing if you pay it off in full or don’t use it at all | Minimal perks and higher interest rates |
Low rate | Pay off purchases over time while paying less interest | Saves you money if you carry a balance from month to month | Minimal perks |
Business | Managing cash flow and separating spending | Offer distinct features for business (like accounting feeds) | Stricter eligibility requirements |
Credit card guides and resources
Applying & credit score
How old do you have to be to get a credit card?
In Australia, you must be at least 18 years old to apply for a credit card in your name. This is the age you are legally considered an adult and, since minors can't be held liable for contracts, only adults can apply for credit products.
This policy is part of the strict lending rules that protect young Australians from getting into debt they can't afford.
Finder survey: How old are Australians when they get their first credit card?
Response | |
---|---|
18-22 | 31.63% |
23-27 | 28.21% |
I’ve never had a credit card | 14.73% |
28-32 | 12.94% |
33-40 | 8% |
41-50 | 2.7% |
50+ | 1.8% |
How to compare credit cards
Here's a breakdown of features and charges you should look at when doing a credit card comparison.
Annual fee
- What is it? The amount you'll have to pay each year just to use the card.
- What you should know: Higher annual fees usually mean more perks and rewards.
Balance transfer rate
- What is it? The interest rate you’ll pay if you transfer a balance from another card.
- What you should know:The lower the interest rate, the better. Most introductory offers are for 0% p.a. on your balance, but you may pay a one-time fee.
Cash advance rate
- What is it? The interest rate you’ll pay if you take cash out or make an equivalent transaction.
- What you should know: This is often the highest interest rate on a credit card, so avoid cash advances unless it's an emergency.
Credit card network
- What is it? The payment system that processes all your credit card transactions. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club are the key credit card networks in Australia.
- What you should know: Banks and brands partner with Mastercard and Visa, so you'll see their logos on your cards. American Express issues cards and has its own network for processing payments. Diners Club has more limited availability and is leaving the Australian market.
Foreign transaction fee
- What is it? The fee you'll be charged on purchases made in a foreign currency overseas or online.
- What you should know: There are plenty of cards on the market with 0% foreign fees.
Interest-free period
- What is it? The amount of time you'll get before you're charged interest on your purchases.
- What you should know: More days give you more time to pay off your balance so you won’t be charged interest.
Minimum repayment
- What is it? The lowest amount you need to pay by the due date to keep your account in good standing.
- What you should know: You can always (and should try to) pay more than the minimum amount. But paying less can lead to late payment fees and hurt your credit score.
p.a.
- What is it? This abbreviation of “per annum” is used for credit card interest rates, because the annual (or yearly) value is shown.
- What you should know: As an example, the interest you’d be charged over 12 months would be about 20% of your balance on a credit card with a 20% p.a. interest rate.
Purchase interest rate
- What is it? The amount of interest you'll pay if you don’t pay your card off in full.
- What you should know: The lower the interest rate, the less you’ll pay in potential interest.
Rewards program
- What is it? Offers points and perks that you can earn for your spending.
- What you should know: Common features include points, insurance, lounge passes and premium services.
Pros & cons of credit cards
Pros
- Flexibility. If you have a big purchase to make, a credit card can be a financial "buffer" – letting you buy it and then repay it over time. If it’s used wisely, it can be interest free.
- Convenience. Credit cards allow you to buy what you need, when you need it. You can use them to shop in-store, online and overseas, with security features to protect against fraud.
- Rewards. Everyone loves perks. A credit card can help you get frequent flyer points, cashback on your groceries, flight upgrades or even gift cards.
Cons
- Debt. Credit card interest adds up quickly if you don't pay your balance on time, which could cost you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars and take a long time to pay back.
- Can be expensive. The average interest rate for an Australian credit card is around 20%, RBA stats show. In comparison, the average interest rate for a variable rate personal loan is 14.41%.
- Sneaky fees and surcharges. Some businesses add a surcharge to credit card payments, which can be 1–2% of the total purchase cost.
Bottom line? Credit cards have a mix of great perks and understandable risks. A good rule of thumb is to compare credit cards to ensure you get one with the features you need, while having a plan for paying it off and using the benefits.
What's happening in credit cards in November?
By Finder's money editor, Richard Whitten.
Australians are spending more on their credit cards than ever, spending $426 billion in transactions over the last 12 months according to the latest figures.
But most of us are on top of our balances: the average Australian credit card balance is $3,304. But the average balance for a cardholder who is getting charged interest (meaning they haven't paid the card off in full) is $1,559. This figure was almost $1,000 higher a decade ago.
"Maintaining these records helps you track your spending, verify transactions, and catch any errors or fraudulent activities promptly. They are also useful for budgeting, filing taxes, and providing proof of purchase or payment if disputes arise. Keeping organised and accessible records of your statements, whether in digital or paper form, ensures you have a comprehensive financial history that can be referenced whenever necessary."
Should I get a credit card?
For many Australians, using a credit card is an everyday part of life. But not everyone needs a credit card.
In fact, Finder research has found that 72% of Australians could manage their money without a credit card. They technically don't need a card but still have one for different reasons, including:
- For emergencies
- To earn rewards or frequent flyer points (which are not offered by most other accounts)
- To make big purchases
- To build credit history
- To pay off debt and/or get a balance transfer
Some people also like the security of knowing that a credit card uses the bank's money, so you're not directly out-of-pocket when it comes to fraud. On the other hand, you shouldn't take on debt you don't need, especially if you're paying interest on it.
Impulse shoppers are typically more prone to credit card debt and could end up with a big balance and interest charges, which can take years to pay off.
Did you know? 2024 Finder research shows the average Australian with a credit card could save $222 over 32 months by switching cards.
Have questions about credit cards? We have answers
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Ask a question
I want a credit card with a travel insurance for over 80 year old attached.
Thank you
Hi Joe,
Thanks for your question.
Most credit card complimentary travel insurance we feature on our website is only available for those 80 years old or under. Upon checking, I found that NAB complimentary travel insurance is available for those who are up to 90 years old. However, cardholders between the ages of 76 and 90 years receive limited benefits compared to cardholders aged 75 years and under, including no overseas travel and medical insurance benefit.
You may compare NAB credit cards with complimentary travel insurance using our comparison table.
Please click the name of the card or the “More info” link to be redirected to our review page and learn more about the card’s fees and rates, and requirements as well as the pros and cons. When you are ready, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the bank’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.
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.
Cheers,
Anndy
Hi,
I have a car loan with a high EMI (around 2700 per month for 9 more months) and a credit card with 6000 limit. I have an income of 10000 pre tax.
Would I be eligible for another credit card (Amex Explorer)?
I am concerned, if I apply and it gets rejected, it will just reduce my credit rating.
Hi TyponyGuy,
Thank you for your comment.
Please note that each time you submit an application for a credit card, the provider will conduct a hard credit inquiry which means requesting a copy of your credit report. Regardless if you’re approved or not, this is recorded on your report for up to two years and each hard inquiry can take a few points off your credit score. Learn more on factors affecting credit score.
By the way, you may be able to apply for the American Express Explorer Credit Card provided that you meet their criteria. If you do, simply press the “Go to Site” button to start your application.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
Hi Jhezelyn,
Thanks for the response.
I understand how even a successful application can take points out of my credit rating etc.
My only concern here was how having a car loan, which is for a short period but high monthly repayments, would affect my credit card application.
My credit rating going low after a successful application is a much safer, better situation than it going low with a rejected application.
I just wanted to understand how much of a ‘high risk’ customer does my car loan make me currently. And as far as the eligibility criteria mentioned on the page goes, I believe even after taking the monthly repayments out of my income, I would be fulfilling the criteria.
Is there a way I can be sure about that though?
Hi TyponyGuy,
Thank you for getting back to us.
Generally, credit card providers want to determine whether you will be able to afford to make repayments, and if you have too much liabilities to repay, like that of the car loan, then there’s a risk your credit card application will be rejected. Also note that credit card is a product for people with good credit only.
Still best to directly ask the provider about your chances of getting approved for a credit card application as criteria varies depending on the provider. You may refer to some of our guides on how to be approved for credit cards below:
– https://www.finder.com.au/credit-cards/credit-card-application-tips
– https://www.finder.com.au/applying-for-my-first-credit-card
Regards,
Jhezelyn
credit card yes bank mai apply kervana hai
plz help me
Hi Akash, can you please rephrase your question?
Thanks,
Jonathan
Hi just about to move to Australia, do credit cards here provide interest free installment plans on airline ticket purchases. In my home country I can avail of a3,6,9or 12 months interest free repayment facility on ticket purchases of over a certain value.
Thanks
Hi Tony,
Thanks for your inquiry!
Whilst credit cards do not provide interest free instalment plans on airline tickets, you may apply for a 0% purchase credit card. This type of card enables you to make purchases and not pay any interest for a set period of time. You’ll find a comparison table on the page that will help you find the card that suits you. Once you have chosen a particular card, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the bank’s website where you can proceed with your application or get in touch with their representatives for further assistance.
You may also refer to the sites where to book layby flights.
Best,
Jonathan
Boho
I would like a credit card in my name only for work related items etc but I am only one day a week at the moment. Can I get one?
Also would like to improve my credit score. Is this a good idea?
Hi Wendy,
Thank you for your inquiry.
This page on getting your first credit card may be helpful as it discusses why you’d get a credit card and if you’re ready for it.
There are eligibility criteria to consider to check if you are qualified to apply for the credit card. This would include income requirements. Also, you’d need to take note that multiple credit card applications may affect your score so it’s best to read all the details first before applying for the card.
To make the most of your credit history, aim to pay your credit card account balance off in full by the due date on each statement.
I hope this helps.
Best,
Maria