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NAB Credit Cards

Looking for a National Australia Bank (NAB) credit card? The table below displays a range of NAB credit cards on our database. They are sorted first by purchase rate (lowest to highest), then by highest Points per dollar spent, then by annual fee.

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Digital Editor, Canstar
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About NAB credit cards

National Australia Bank (NAB) is one of the ‘big four’ banks in Australia. NAB is a provider of credit cards as well as a wide range of other banking, investing and insurance products.

NAB was formed in 1981, when two much older banks – the National Bank of Australasia (established in 1858) and the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney (est 1834) – merged. It now employs more than 32,000 people and serves more than 8.5 million customers, according to NAB.

Frequently Asked Questions about NAB Credit Cards

Eligibility to apply for NAB credit cards

Different types of credit cards may have different eligibility criteria. However, in general, to apply for a NAB credit card, you must meet the following criteria:

  • at least 18 years old
  • receiving a regular income
  • an Australian resident for tax purposes
  • an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or hold an ‘acceptable Temporary Residency Visa’ as defined by NAB
  • have a good credit history
  • agree to a credit check.

Before you apply, it could be a good idea to check your credit score.

For more information on eligibility requirements, visit the provider’s website.

How to apply for NAB credit cards

You can apply online for a NAB credit card. Or, if you can’t apply online, NAB says you can visit a branch where a banker assistant can help you to apply.

NAB’s website has links to their online application portal. If you are an existing NAB customer, you can log in to their site with your NAB ID, and some of your form will be pre-filled automatically.

How do I activate NAB credit cards?

To be able to use your credit card, you need to set up online banking with NAB. You can do this on a device or a computer, and NAB has an online banking app that you can download.

You will also need to register for NAB’s SMS Security service. This allows NAB to send you a unique authorisation code to use with online banking, such as when setting your PIN.

When you are approved for a credit card, you may be able to start using your card straight away for online purchases and in your compatible digital wallet.

NAB will mail you the physical card. When you receive this, you can activate it via their online banking system. You also must add your signature to the back of the card. Then, you need to go into your online banking account and set your card’s PIN (Personal Identification Number).

You may also need to verify your identity to the bank, NAB states, if you have not previously. To do so, you need to have a photographic ID document (such as a passport or drivers licence), another form of ID (such as a birth certificate or Seniors card), and a ‘secondary’ ID document (such as a utility bill in your name with your address).

How is interest calculated on NAB credit cards?

NAB states that interest is charged daily, except where the amount is in an ‘interest free’ period. The interest is then charged at the end of the ‘statement period’, which is usually around 30 days.

The daily interest rate is applied to any outstanding balance on the card at the end of each day. The daily interest rate is calculated by taking the applicable annual interest rate and dividing it by 365. NAB states that the “applicable annual interest rate depends on the type of transaction, whether an interest free period applies and any special promotional rates that may be available to you”.

Interest accrues until the card is paid off in full and late fee charges may apply if the minimum payment amount is not paid by the due date.

What is the credit limit on NAB credit cards?

What credit limit you will have on a NAB credit card depends on a number of factors, such as the type of credit card, how much credit you have applied for, and what credit limit NAB will grant you after it performs a credit assessment. NAB states that your “offer details sets out important financial information specific to your card – such as the credit limit, interest rates, minimum payments and fees and charges”.

You can lower or increase the credit limit of your card via the NAB banking app or online, after logging in. In the ‘cards’ menu, there is an option that allows you to change your credit limit.

While it is an instant process to decrease your credit limit, it may take longer to increase it. This is because NAB may have to perform another credit check.

How do I close NAB credit cards?

NAB states that you can close your credit card online or via the app. The bank recommends using the ‘live chat’ function to do this.

The primary cardholder is the only person who can close the card, and is responsible for paying off the outstanding balance on the card, as well as any fees or charges.

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

Josh Sale, Credit Card Ratings Manager

Joshua Sale, Ratings ManagerAs 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.


Amanda Horswill, Digital Editor

Amanda Horswill

A journalist for more than two decades, Amanda Horswill has reported on a galaxy of subjects, including property, lifestyle, hyper-local news, data journalism, the Arts and careers.

She’s served as the Editor of Brisbane News, Deputy Features Editor for The Sunday Mail, Deputy Editor – Digital at Quest Community News, and a host of other senior positions at News Corp, prior to joining Australia’s biggest financial comparison website, Canstar.

Amanda is fascinated with the ever-changing world of finance. A passionate believer in the motto “knowledge is power”, she strives to translate the news into practical information that will help readers make informed decisions about their future. While at Canstar, her work has been regularly referenced by publishers such as the Sydney Morning Herald , The Age, The New Daily and Yahoo Finance.

Amanda holds a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism, Media Studies and Production, and Public Relations) and a Graduate Certificate in Editing and Publishing, from the University of Southern Queensland.

Follow her on Twitter or LinkedIn and Canstar on Facebook.


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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.