Finder Awards 2021: Best credit cards revealed
Australia's best unveiled across 6 categories.
The winners of the 2021 Finder Awards for best credit cards highlight the top frequent flyer, rewards, balance transfer, low rate, no annual fee and card for travellers right now.
Card providers honoured in the annual awards include a mixture of household names and smaller providers, reflecting Finder's mission to help people find the best products and make better decisions.
Kate Browne, personal finance expert at Finder, said that choosing the right credit card can make all the difference.
"Credit cards often get a bad rap, but they can be a useful financial tool if you use them sensibly.
"The trick is to find a credit card that suits your needs – this might differ from person to person depending on your spending habits or financial situation.
"For instance, a balance transfer credit card might be best if you're paying off multiple credit accounts at once, and want a 0% interest rate.
"Alternatively, you might be really sick of paying a high annual fee, and want a card that doesn't charge one," Browne said.
To help Australians make better financial decisions, Finder has revealed the best credit card brands across six categories as part of the 2020/2021 Finder Awards.
American Express scored a winning trifecta across Best Frequent Flyer Card, Best Low Rate Credit Card and Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
Coles won the Best Rewards Card category, while Great Southern Bank (formerly CUA) took out the top spot for Best Balance Transfer Credit Card.
2020/2021 Finder Award Best Credit Card winners
| Category | Card | Purchase rate | Features |
| Best Frequent Flyer Card | American Express Velocity Platinum Card | 20.74% p.a. | - Bonus Velocity Points - Complimentary annual domestic flight and airport lounge passes. - Highest Velocity Points earn rate in Australia (1.25 points per $1 spent). |
| Best Rewards Card | Coles No Annual Fee Mastercard | 19.99% p.a. | - Ongoing $0 annual fee - Flybuys points for everyday spending - 55 interest-free days on purchases Throughout the year it also offered introductory 0% rates on balance transfers and purchases. |
| Best Balance Transfer Card | Great Southern Bank (formerly CUA) Low Rate Credit Card | 11.99% p.a. | - 11.99% p.a. Purchase rate - 0% balance transfer rate for between 18 and 25 months - No balance transfer fee - $0 first year annual fee |
| Best Low Rate Card | American Express Low Rate Credit Card | 8.99% p.a. | - 8.99% p.a. purchase rate - $0 annual fee |
| Best No Annual Fee Card | American Express Low Rate Credit Card | 8.99% p.a. | - 8.99% p.a. purchase rate - $0 annual fee - Up to 4 free additional cardholders |
| Best Card for Travellers | Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard | 14.99% p.a. | - 14.99% p.a. interest rate - 0% foreign transaction fees when shopping internationally- both overseas and online. - $0 annual fee |
Browne said that not all credit cards are created equal.
"There is a significant difference between the best and worst credit cards on the market, and it's important Australians realise this before signing up.
"Interest rates vary significantly across cards, as do the rewards and features offered.
"This can have a big impact on the amount you pay in interest each month, or whether you even need to pay any interest at all.
"Australians want to know they'll receive good value for money and enjoy a range of perks and benefits when signing up, and our awards make this process a little easier.
"When was the last time you reviewed your credit card to see if it still meets your needs? You could potentially save hundreds of dollars by switching," Browne said.
Check out and compare a wider range of credit card offers.