Best Credit Cards Background

Best credit cards Australia

The table below displays our highest rated ‘low fee’ credit cards, with the results sorted by Canstar’s expert Star Ratings (highest to lowest). Change the filters to suit your requirements. The ‘best’ credit card for you will depend on the type of credit card you want, as well as your own financial situation.

Group Manager, Research & Ratings
Editor-in-Chief
Fact checked

Sort results Sort By
down-arrow
  • Star Rating - lowest first
  • Star Rating - highest first
  • Purchase rate - lowest first
  • Purchase rate - highest first
  • Annual fee - lowest first
  • Annual fee - highest first
  • Interest free days - lowest first
  • Interest free days - highest first
Features Glossary
  • icon Online Approval within 24hrs
  • icon Apply in full online
  • icon Fraud protection more
  • icon 0% currency conversion fee
  • icon Manage credit limit online
star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon
10.99% Glossary
$0 Glossary
55 Glossary
OFFER
8.99% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for 6 mths. Rate reverts to 13.95%... 
#
Tooltip icon
DISCOUNT
8.99% p.a. interest rate on purchases for 6 mths. Rate reverts to 13.95%... 
#
Tooltip icon
Features Glossary
  • icon Online Approval within 24hrs
  • icon Apply in full online
  • icon Fraud protection more
  • icon 0% currency conversion fee
  • icon Manage credit limit online
star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon
8.99% Glossary
for 6 mths Glossary
then 13.95% Glossary
$0 Glossary
44 Glossary
Bankwest | Zero Platinum Mastercard
OFFER
0.00% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for 28 mths. Rate reverts to 14.99% p.a. Balance transfer fee of 3% applies... 
#
Tooltip icon
Bankwest logo
Credit Cards Image
Features Glossary
  • icon Online Approval within 24hrs
  • icon Apply in full online
  • icon Fraud protection more
  • icon 0% currency conversion fee
  • icon Manage credit limit online
star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon
14.99% Glossary
$0 Glossary
55 Glossary
Bankwest | Zero Mastercard
OFFER
0.00% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for 28 mths. Rate reverts to 14.99% p.a. Balance transfer fee of 3% applies... 
#
Tooltip icon
Bankwest logo
Credit Cards Image
Features Glossary
  • icon Online Approval within 24hrs
  • icon Apply in full online
  • icon Fraud protection more
  • icon 0% currency conversion fee
  • icon Manage credit limit online
star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon
14.99% Glossary
$0 Glossary
55 Glossary
Heritage Bank | Gold Low Rate
OFFER
0.00% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for 12 mths. Rate reverts to 11.80%... 
#
Tooltip icon
Heritage Bank logo
Credit Cards Image
Features Glossary
  • icon Online Approval within 24hrs
  • icon Apply in full online
  • icon Fraud protection more
  • icon 0% currency conversion fee
  • icon Manage credit limit online
star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon
11.80% Glossary
$0 Glossary
0 Glossary
Horizon Bank | Visa Credit Card
OFFER
4.99% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for 5 mths. Rate reverts to 12.95%... 
#
Tooltip icon
DISCOUNT
4.99% p.a. interest rate on purchases for 5 mths. Rate reverts to 12.95%... 
#
Tooltip icon
Horizon Bank logo
Credit Cards Image
Features Glossary
  • icon Online Approval within 24hrs
  • icon Apply in full online
  • icon Fraud protection more
  • icon 0% currency conversion fee
  • icon Manage credit limit online
star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon
4.99% Glossary
for 5 mths Glossary
then 12.95% Glossary
$0 Glossary
55 Glossary
Hume Bank | Value
Hume Bank logo
Credit Cards Image
Features Glossary
  • icon Online Approval within 24hrs
  • icon Apply in full online
  • icon Fraud protection more
  • icon 0% currency conversion fee
  • icon Manage credit limit online
star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon
11.95% Glossary
$0 Glossary
55 Glossary
Features Glossary
  • icon Online Approval within 24hrs
  • icon Apply in full online
  • icon Fraud protection more
  • icon 0% currency conversion fee
  • icon Manage credit limit online
star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon
11.99% Glossary
$0 Glossary
45 Glossary
Qudos Bank | Lifestyle
OFFER
4.99% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for 5 mths. Rate reverts to 12.84% p.a. Balance transfer fee of 5.00 applies... 
#
Tooltip icon
DISCOUNT
4.99% p.a. interest rate on purchases for 5 mths. Rate reverts to 12.84%... 
#
Tooltip icon
Qudos Bank logo
Credit Cards Image
Features Glossary
  • icon Online Approval within 24hrs
  • icon Apply in full online
  • icon Fraud protection more
  • icon 0% currency conversion fee
  • icon Manage credit limit online
star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon
4.99% Glossary
for 5 mths Glossary
then 12.84% Glossary
$0 Glossary
0 Glossary
Teachers Mutual Bank | Credit Card
OFFER
7.90% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for 6 mths. Rate reverts to 11.50%... 
#
Tooltip icon
DISCOUNT
7.90% p.a. interest rate on purchases for 6 mths. Rate reverts to 11.50%... 
#
Tooltip icon
Teachers Mutual Bank logo
Credit Cards Image
Features Glossary
  • icon Online Approval within 24hrs
  • icon Apply in full online
  • icon Fraud protection more
  • icon 0% currency conversion fee
  • icon Manage credit limit online
star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon
7.90% Glossary
for 6 mths Glossary
then 11.50% Glossary
$0 Glossary
55 Glossary

Showing 10 of 132 results

check Included
cross Not included
dash Data not captured

Unsure of a term in the above table? View glossary

The initial results in the table above are sorted by Star Rating (High-Low) , then Annual fee (Low-High) , then Provider Name (Alphabetical) . Additional filters may have been applied, see top of table for details.

What is the best credit card in Australia?

The best credit card for your needs will depend on your own individual circumstances, including your spending habits and how you will pay off your credit card balance. The features and costs of individual credit card products can vary significantly, depending on the issuer’s rules (the lender or bank where you signed up for the card), the type of card, and the network the card uses. In Australia, the three main credit card networks are Visa, Mastercard and American Express (AMEX).

There are five main types of credit cards in Australia:

1. Low fee Credit Cards

A low fee credit card charges low or no ongoing fees (annual fees or monthly fees). Low fee cards typically come with fewer bells and whistles, like rewards programs or complimentary insurances.

2. Low Rate Credit Cards

A low rate credit card offers a low interest rate. Some credit cards charge no interest, either for a limited time or for the life of the card.

3. Rewards Credit Cards

A rewards credit card offers a rewards program, such as the ability to earn rewards points, cashback or shopping vouchers.

4. Frequent Flyer Credit Cards

A frequent flyer credit card allows you to earn frequent flyer points, such as Qantas points or Velocity points, on everyday eligible spending.

5. Balance Transfer Credit Cards

A balance transfer is when you transfer your existing credit card balance onto a new card. Credit cards may have 0% balance transfer offers, where you are charged no interest on your transferred balance for a limited time. At the end of the offer period, the interest rate reverts to a higher rate.

To work out what credit card best suits your needs and circumstances, questions to consider could include:

  • Why do you need a credit card?
  • Will you realistically pay it off each month?
  • Will any frequent flyer points or other rewards on offer justify the cost?
  • If you want to pay off debt using a card with a balance transfer offer, will you be able to pay it off within the offer period?

If you think you won’t pay off the full balance each month, you might want to look for a ‘no-frills’ card with a low interest rate and low fees. If you only intend to use the card in emergencies and will pay off your balance in full, you may choose to look for a no annual fee card. If you’re intending to pay off debt, you might want a card with a long 0% balance transfer offer and low revert rate in case you don’t repay your balance in time.

Also think about whether you need a credit card in the first place or whether you’d be better off sticking with a debit card, which allows you to use your savings when making payments. Using a credit card means that you are borrowing money from a financial institution, and you could be charged interest on that debt.

Explore further→ How do credit cards work?

You can use the table at the top of this page to compare different types of credit cards and their Star Rating, such as:

  • Low rate
  • Low fee
  • Rewards
  • Frequent Flyer
  • Balance Transfers
  • Overseas travel

Frequently Asked Questions about Credit Cards

The best credit card for you will depend on your personal circumstances. But some general factors you may like to consider include:

Purchase rate – this is the rate you will be charged if you don’t repay your balance in full by the due date.

Interest-free period – cards usually have up to 44 or 55 interest-free days on purchases. This is the maximum number of days that you won’t be charged interest on new purchases, provided you pay your closing balance in full by the due date each month.

Fees – check how much the annual or monthly fee is. Also check for other fees, such as late repayment fees, cash advance fees and international transaction fees.

Balance transfer period and revert rate – if you are considering a credit card with a balance transfer offer, check how long the offer period is and what the revert rate is.

Rewards and perks – see what rewards and other perks (like complimentary insurance) are on offer and whether the annual fees and potential higher purchase rate offsets this.

Like all things, there’s always advantages and disadvantages to owning a credit card. Here are some points to consider before signing up for a credit card.

Potential pros of having a credit card

  • Convenient access to money when lacking in easily accessible funds
  • Useful when travelling overseas
  • Able to earn bonus points while doing everyday spendings
  • Can be convenient for online shopping

Potential cons of having a credit card

  • Extra monthly debts to pay
  • If debts not fully paid monthly, debts can accumulate with interest
  • Ongoing annual fees and potential late payment fees and foreign transaction fees that can all build and be quite costly overall
  • Discipline required to not spend more than what you’re able to pay back
  • Interest on cash advances can be higher than for other types of spending on the card

Explore further → Should you get a credit card? We weigh up some of the pros and cons

Credit cards all come at a cost and these costs can easily add up and cause a spiral of accumulating debt. So it is important to keep track of all the potential ongoing fees involved with owning a credit card.

Here are some of the main credit card fees and charges that may apply:

  • Annual fees
  • Late payment fees
  • Balance Transfer fee
  • Cash advance rate
  • Fees for exceeding credit limit
  • Foreign transaction fees

Depending on your card type, some of these fees may be higher but it is often balanced out by extra features or a rewards program.

Credit card interest rates are one of the biggest contributors to credit card debt. You can use the comparison table at the top of this page to sort credit cards by purchase rate, which is the interest that is charged on the outstanding balance after the interest-free period. It’s important to remember, however, that the interest rate is only one of the costs involved in having a credit card. Other fees may apply.

Explore further → Late fees: How much they’ll cost you and tips to avoid them

There are currently dozens of credit cards that offer a frequent flyer or rewards program, so it’s a good idea to research the market and compare different options. Everyone’s circumstances are different and the ‘best’ credit card will also be different for each individual.

The first thing to consider when choosing a frequent flyer or rewards credit card is knowing what you want out of your credit card. Do you want international travel insurance? What will you spend on the credit card?

Other things to consider include which frequent flyer membership program are you already with as certain providers only offer frequent flyer points with their partnered brands.

Additionally, many of these cards also offer additional features (such as free airport lounge access) and complimentary insurances that should be considered too.

Latest in credit cards

Canstar Credit Card Star Ratings and Awards

Looking for an award-winning credit card product or to switch providers or brands? Canstar rates products based on price and features in our Credit Card Star Ratings and Awards. Our expert Research team shares insights about which products offer 5-Star value and which providers offer outstanding value overall.

Canstar rates a range of financial products, covering banking, insurance and investment. We also reveal which providers have the most satisfied customers in our dedicated Customer Satisfaction Awards.

Credit Card Star Ratings and Awards

About our finance experts

Nina Rinella, Editor-in-Chief

Nina Rinella
As Canstar’s Editor-in-Chief, Nina heads up a team of talented journalists committed to helping empower consumers to take greater control of their finances. Nina has written countless articles about finance and has been interviewed on finance topics by media organisations including The Australian, Realestate.com.au, Domain, the Herald Sun and the Sydney Morning Herald. Previously Nina founded her own agency where she provided content and communications support to clients around Australia for 8 years. She also spent four years as the PR Manager for American Express Australia, and has worked at a Brisbane communications agency where she supported dozens of clients, including Sunsuper and Suncorp. When she’s not dreaming up ways to put a fresh spin on finance, she’s taking her own advice by trying to pay her house off as quickly as possible and raising two money-savvy kids. Nina has a Bachelor of Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in English Literature from the University of Queensland. She’s also an experienced presenter, and has hosted numerous events and YouTube series. You can follow her on LinkedIn, Instagram or Twitter and Canstar on Facebook. Meet the Canstar Editorial Team. Have a media enquiry, and interested in featuring Nina as a financial expert and commentator? Contact Canstar’s Media Team today.

Joshua Sale, Group Manager, Research & Ratings

Joshua Sale

As Canstar’s Ratings Manager, Josh Sale is responsible for the methodology and delivery of Canstar’s Credit Card Star Ratings and Awards. With tertiary qualifications in economics and finance, Josh has worked behind the scenes for the last five years to develop Star Ratings and Awards that help connect consumers with the right credit card for them.

Josh is passionate about helping consumers get hands-on with their finances. Josh has been interviewed by media outlets such as the Australian Financial Reviewnews.com.au and Money Magazine.

You can follow Josh on LinkedIn, and Canstar on Twitter and Facebook.

Thanks for visiting Canstar, Australia’s biggest financial comparison site*

Important information

For those that love the detail

This advice is general and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider whether this advice is right for you.

Canstar may earn a fee from its Online Partners for referrals from its website tables, and from sponsorship or promotion of certain products. Fees payable by product providers for referrals and sponsorship or promotion may vary between providers, website position, and revenue model. Sponsorship/promotion fees may be higher than referral fees. If a product is sponsored or promoted, it’s an ad and it is clearly marked as such. An ad might appear in different places on our website, such as in comparison tables and articles. Ads may be displayed in a fixed position in a table, regardless of the product's rating, price or other attributes. The location of an ad doesn’t indicate any ranking or rating by Canstar. Payment of fees for ads does not influence our Star Ratings. See How We Get Paid to find out more.

The Credit Cards Star Ratings are updated daily based on product features at that date, except for the Overseas Travel profile which is updated annually. Current rates, product features and fees are displayed and may be different to what was rated. The results don’t include every provider in the market and we may not compare all features relevant to you. You can find a description of the initial sort order below the table. Depending on which card feature/use you are looking at, the results will be sorted as follows:

  • Low fee is sorted by Star Ratings, then lowest Annual Fee, then alphabetically by brand.
  • Rewards is sorted by Star Ratings, then lowest Annual Fee, then alphabetically by brand.
  • Frequent Flyer is sorted by Star Ratings, then highest airline points per dollar, then alphabetically by brand.
  • Balance Transfer is sorted by Star Ratings, then lowest balance transfer rate, then lowest rate for the longest period, then lowest revert rate, then lowest upfront fee, and then alphabetically by brand. Please note that Balance Transfer Star Ratings are not for balance transfer suitability but are instead based on the Low Rate profile. 
  • All card types is sorted by highest Points per dollar spent, then lowest Annual fee, then alphabetically by brand.
  • Overseas Travel is sorted by Star Ratings, then lowest currency conversion on purchases, then lowest annual fee.

 

You can use the sort buttons at the top of each column to re-order the display. Learn more about our Credit Cards Star Rating Methodology and our Travel Credit Card and Travel Debit Card Star Ratings Methodology. The Occasional Overseas Traveller rating is shown in the table. The rating shown is only one factor to take into account when considering products. 

The products and Star Ratings in the table might not match your exact inputs in the selector. Sometimes the methodology uses profiles with categories or bands (e.g. income, loan amount or monthly spend), but sometimes a single methodology, without any categories or bands, is applied. The results will show the products that most closely match your selection, based on our profiles. If you are unsure about any terms used in the comparison table please refer to the glossary.

What is a Target Market Determination?

A Target Market Determination (‘TMD’) is a document that explains which people particular financial products may be suitable for (the target market) and sets out any conditions around how financial products can be distributed to consumers.

Why do product issuers provide Target Market Determinations?

From 5 October 2021, TMDs are compulsory for most financial products.

Issuers and distributors of financial products must take reasonable steps that are likely to result in financial products reaching consumers in the target market defined by the product issuer.

We recommend that you consider the TMD before making a purchase decision. Contact the product issuer directly for a copy of the TMD.

Any advice on this page is general and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider whether this general financial advice is right for your personal circumstances. Canstar provides information about credit products. We’re not suggesting or recommending a particular credit product for you. If you decide to apply for a Credit Card, you will deal directly with the provider, not with Canstar. It’s important you check rates and product information directly with the provider. Consider the Target Market Determination (TMD) before making a purchase decision. Contact the product issuer directly for a copy of the TMD. For more information, read our Detailed Disclosure.

Before you elect to terminate or modify existing lending arrangements, it is recommended that you consider all associated fees and application costs, as well as the timing and impact these changes could have on your wider financial arrangements and personal circumstances.