Credit Cards Comparison

Compare Credit Cards, Apply online and Save!

Featured Balance Transfer Credit Card

The HSBC Credit Card is the perfect credit card to consider if you need to do a balance transfer. You will save with an interest free balance transfer offer for the first 6 months coupled with a $0 annual fee for the life of the card. There is no better credit card to consolidate your existing credit card balance with

• $0 annual fee
• 16.99% p.a. on purchases
• 0% p.a. for 6 months on balance transfers
• Cash Advance Rate of 20.75%
• HSBC's home&Away Privilege Program gives you access to discounts and benefits worldwide

Click here to read the HSBC Credit Card terms and conditions

Editor's Choice: Our Top 3 Credit Cards

Credit Card	Card Details	Interest Rate (p.a.)	Cash Advance Rate (p.a.)	Balance Transfer Rate (p.a.)	Annual fee	Interest free days (up to)
HSBC Credit Card	Editor's Choice: Balance Transfer 0% balance transfer offer for the first 6 months plus a $0 annual fee for life!	16.99%	20.75%	0% for 6 months	$0	55
Suncorp Clear Options Standard Visa Card	Editor's Choice: Introductory Offer Save with 1.9% p.a for the first 12 months plus a low ongoing purchase rate	12.24%	17.99%	1.9% for 12 months	$39	0
ANZ Low Rate MasterCard	Editor's Choice: Low Interest A very popular card choice with a low rate, annual fee and attractive 0% balance transfer offer.	13.24%	21.49%	0% for 6 months	$58	55

The two types of credit card users:

People who know how to manage credit cards use them as a smoothing tool throughout the year. They pay off their card in full each month and never risk the costly side effects of paying interest rates. The tool helps them to acquire new products and services while they can save up the money during the time span given between expenditure and payment of the bill.

Others yet fall prey to the vicious cycle of spending and debt - they fail to even make the minimum monthly payments on their credit card bill and end up with massive debt that accumulates every time they use their card.

Is it actually possible to live without credit cards in this day and age?

This is a good question! If you look at it from a consumer angle then the answer to this question is probably no. On the other hand, you can live without a credit card - but to be honest, it is damn hard because more and more companies basically pressure you to pay your utility bills with a card or with the help of online banking.

Fail to abide by their demands and they whack you with an expensive surcharge because you still use 'antiquated' payment methods such as using a telephone or a branch. So while it is possible to live without a credit card, it is inconvenient and complicated in many circumstances, let alone dangerous because you might carry large amounts of cash around.

Types of credit cards:

Choosing form the vast pool of credit cards feels often like trying to find a needle in a haystack. These days there are so many credit card providers who try to wrestle for your attention it is hard to make an informed choice on a card without doing some research first.

To help you understand each card's meaning, let's take a look at the following overview of what are generally considered to be credit cards:

Credit cards: Credit cards are cards that lend you money to the amount of a set maximum credit. You are required to repay the money lent each month in full, otherwise you are legally bound to pay fees and penalties such as interest rates.

These cards also vary with many features given by lenders. You can choose between a no annual fee credit card, a low fee credit card, a rewards program credit card, a premium credit card, a balance transfer card and others yet.

Important Note: If you plan on using your credit card primarily as lending tool and not pay off your debt in full each month, then you should know that if your credit card repayment is below 5 per cent of the owed balance, it'll be a massive 25 years before you actually pay off your card in full!

Affinity Cards: Affinity credit cards are cards offered by lenders in conjunction with a non-financial group. These groups could be airlines, or non-for profit organisation giving you special points such as Frequent Flyer points or vouchers and gifts.

Store Cards: Many Australian department stores offer consumers their own branded credit cards these days. Some of them might give you special offers or extended guarantees. A typical example is the buy now - pay later offers given by many stores.

You should however be very mindful of these cards because they often attract much higher interest rates than 'traditional' credit cards.

Charge Cards: A charge card has to be paid off in full each month. These cards usually have higher credit limits and are attractive for consumers who are budget-wise. Not paying these type of cards in full will be costly.

Typical charge card providers here in Australia are Diners Club and American Express

Debit Cards: Debit cards are probably used by pretty much every Australian old enough to have a savings account. Opposed to a credit card where you lend the money before paying it back, a debit card draws your own money from a checking or savings account.

The new ANZ Everyday VISA Debit Card is a great debit card for the young and the young at heart.

How to choose the right card:

Choosing the right card depends entirely on your financial needs. Generally you fall under two types of card users:

1. The person intending to pay off the card balance each month,
2. and the person not intending to do so.

What card to choose if you want to pay off the balance each month: If you fall under this category then you probably use your card as a convenience tool. The best type of card for you in that instance is one with an interest-free period such as a 55 days interest free period.

Your money will accumulate interest as it sits in your account helping you to make money twice (by saving credit card interest) and (by earning interest accrued on all your savings).

What card is best when you don't want to pay off the balance of your card each month: If you bank on using the card without repaying all of your debt, then do not choose an interest-free card.

Instead you need to look for low interest rate cards, or if your debt is already considerably high, a personal loan or balance card.

The cost of credit cards:

Every type of credit card comes with its own set of fees and charges. The best way to manage any credit card is to be mindful of the extra costs and avoid them wherever possible.

Late payment fees, high interest, high annual card fees, over-the-limit fees, cash advance fees are only a few charges to be mindful off. Read the terms and conditions and familiarise yourself with hidden card costs to avoid paying through the roof for a credit card.

How to apply for a credit card:

Getting a credit card is as easy as filling out an online form, visiting your bank branch or making a mailed application. These days you can apply for a credit card within minutes, during your lunch break.

The problem starts if you current credit rating is damaged or non-existent. You can check with Baycorp Advantage to find out about your current credit rating. It is advised that any Australian old enough to hold credit of some form should check their credit file at least once a year.

The credit file will tell you where you stand with lenders in regards to financial prowess and if you frequently get credit card applications refused, you need to find steps to fix your bad credit rating.

This page lists the available credit cards from merchants VISA and MasterCard. Use this list to perform a credit card comparison, finding the right credit card for you.

Choose a credit card from the lists below that suits your needs and begin saving money with your choice between credit cards that have lower interest rates, better rewards and balance transfer offers.

MasterCard Credit Cards Comparison

Credit Card	Card Details	Interest Rate (p.a.)	Cash Advance Rate (p.a.)	Balance Transfer Rate (p.a.)	Annual fee	Interest free days (up to)
ANZ Low Rate MasterCard	Save with low interest rate on purchases and enjoy 0% p.a. on balance transfers for the first 6 months.	13.24%	21.49%	0% for 6 months	$58	55
Aussie MasterCard	After the first 6 months, the 2.99% p.a. purchase rate reverts to 12.29% p.a	2.99% for 6 months (reverts to 12.99%)	19.79%	2.99% for 6 months	$49	55
BankSA Vertigo MasterCard	A Canstar Cannex 5 star rated credit card. Ideal for transferring your balance and making everyday purchases.	12.49%	21.24%	2.99% for 6 months	$55	55
Bankwest Lite MasterCard	Low interest rate on purchases with interest free days. Also available in Gold and Platinum.	10.75%	21.74%	1.99% for 9 months	$59	55
Bankwest Zero MasterCard	A plain no frills credit card which offers a grace period, modest interest rate and zero dollar annual fee. Available in Gold and Platinum.	16.99%	16.99%	3.99% for 9 months	$0	55
Citibank Emirates Platinum Card	Go further and faster than most other airlines with reward flights on Emirates.	20.74%	20.74%	1.9% for 12 months	$229	55
Citibank Silver Card	Features a free rewards program along with no point expiry.	20.74%	21.24%	2.9% for 12 months	$89	55
Citibank Gold Card	Take control of your finances with an amazing introductory balance transfer offer for the first 9 months.	20.74%	21.24%	1.9% for 12 months	$149	55
Citibank Platinum Card	For high debt that needs a long time to be repaid, the 4.9% balance transfer for life can’t be beaten.	20.74%	21.24%	3.9% for life	$125 (First Year, Save $125)	55
Citibank BP Card	5% off petrol at BP.	20.89%	20.89%	1.9% for 12 months	$79	55
Commonwealth Bank Low Fee Credit Card	A great card for people who uphold their 55 day interest free grace period. Paying $0 each year on your repayments, interest and fees is easily possible with this card.	19.99%	21.49%	5.99% for 5 months	$24	55
Commonwealth Bank Awards Credit Card	Earn up to 50,000 points per year. Online security guarantee. Cash back and Frequent Flyer Awards system, including Bonus Partner Reward Offers. Earn 1.5 Awards points for every $1 spent with a Commonwealth Bank American Express® Card. Enjoy worldwide acceptance at over 29 million places with MasterCard®	20.49%	21.49%	5.99% for 5 months	$89.00	55
Woolworths Everyday Money	*$0 annual fee for the 1st year, followed by $49.	19.49%	20.99%	0% for 6 months	$0 for the first year ($49 per year after that)	55
CUA Gold Rewards MasterCard	For every $1 spent on your card, earn 1 reward point which can be redeemed for a wide range of products and services. No point expiry.	19.24%	19.99%	2.90% for 9 months	$85	55
St George Vertigo	One of the cheapest credit card available in Australia for purchases.	12.49%	21.24%	2.99% for 6 months	$55	55

Visa Credit Cards Comparison

Credit Card	Card Details	Interest Rate (p.a.)	Cash Advance Rate (p.a.)	Balance Transfer Rate (p.a.)	Annual fee	Interest free days (up to)
ANZ First Visa Credit Card	No annual fee for 12 months, followed by a standard $30.	18.99%	20.74%	7.99% for 6 months	$0 for the first year ($30 p.a. after)	44
ANZ Balance Visa	One of the better reward program credit cards in Australia. You gain reward points for every dollar you pay off your balance.	14.24%	21.49%	0% for 6 months	$79	55
ANZ Rewards Credit Card	Choose over 500 rewards with the ANZ Rewards program. Earn rewards in over 24 million locations around the world with the access of Visa.	19.49%	20.74%		$0 for the first year ($89 thereafter)	44
ANZ Rewards Gold Credit Card	Similar to the ANZ Rewards Visa, but with extra features.	19.49%	20.74%		$0 for the first year ($129 thereafter)	44
ANZ Gold Visa Card	High levels of purchase security and insurance cover. Includes comprehensive travel insurance.	18.99%	20.74%	7.99% for 6 months	$87	55
ANZ Frequent Flyer - Balance Transfer Option	Earn 1 Frequent Flyer point for every $1 spent on your American Express card, and 1 point for every $2 spent on your Visa	19.49%	20.74%	2.9% for 12 months	$95	44
ANZ Frequent Flyer Gold American Express/Visa	Earn 1.25 Frequent Flyer points for every $1 spent on your American Express card, and 1 point for every $2 spent on your Visa.	19.49%	20.74%		$195	55
ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum American Express/Visa	Earn 1.5 Frequent Flyer points for every $1 spent on your American Express card, and 1 point for every $2 spent on your Visa.	19.49%	20.74%		$295.00	55
ANZ Balance Visa	A low rate and fee for a Platinum card.	14.24%	21.49%	0% for 6 months	$79	55
Citibank Silver Card	Features a free rewards program along with no point expiry.	20.74%	21.24%	2.9% for 12 months	$89	55
Citibank Gold Card	Suitable for those who like generous credit limits and are after complimentary benefits and rewards.	20.74%	21.24%	1.9% for 12 months	$149	55
Citibank Platinum Card	For high debt that needs a long time to be repaid, the 4.9% balance transfer for life can’t be beaten.	20.74%	21.24%	3.9% for life	$125 (First Year, Save $125)	55
Citibank CitiBusiness Gold	Manage your business cash flow and be rewarded with complimentary international travel insurance and rewards.	20.49%	20.99%	2.9% for 9 months	$74 for the first year (normally $149)	55
NAB Standard Card	Free linking to your FlyBuys account. Additional cardholder complimentary.	19.49%	19.49%	4.99% for 6 months	$30	44
NAB Gold Card	Available as Visa or MasterCard. Complimentary overseas travel insurance.	19.49%	19.49%		$90	44
St George Platinum Card	Also a exceptionally low platinum card interest rate, and annual fee	15.74%	21.24%	3.99% for 6 months	$89	55

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Editor's Choice: Our Top Credit Cards

Credit Card	Card Details	Interest Rate (p.a.)	Cash Advance Rate (p.a.)	Balance Transfer Rate (p.a.)	Annual fee	Interest free days (up to)
HSBC Credit Card	Editor's Choice: 0% for 6 months Balance Transfer & No Annual Fee Featuring a $0 annual fee for life, and 0% p.a. balance transfer for 6 months, the HSBC Credit Card was voted the Best Transactor Credit Card for 2010.	16.99%	20.75%	0% for 6 months	$0	55
Suncorp Clear Options Standard Visa Card	A great 12 month balance transfer offer, combined with a low annual fee and a good interest rate on purchases.	12.24%	17.99%	1.9% for 12 months	$39	0