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How Much Income Do I Need To Earn To Get A Credit Card?

Posted May 3rd, 2010 and last modified September 24th, 2012

Learn about the minimum income requirements for applying for a credit card

There are certain credit card requirements that must be met when you apply for a credit card and one of them is a minimum income level. Credit card providers need to know that you make enough money to pay your statement at the end of the month. They do not want to take the risk of losing money, and that is why these requirements have been put in place.

Credit card requirements for income

When you make an application for a credit card you will be asked how much you earn so that the card company can make a decision about your approval. They also have to decide how much of a credit limit they will give you when your new card is issued. It just makes sense that the more you earn, the higher your limit will be.

There is no fixed income standard in the credit card industry, and you will find that the credit card requirements are different between cards. Even two cards that are very similar, but are issued by different banks, can have different requirements. Every bank can set its own terms regarding income limits.

Credit card requirements for income will also vary amongst the different types of credit cards. A Platinum card will require more income for approval than a Gold card, and a Gold card will require more than a classic card.

ANZ Low Rate

Featuring ANZ Low Rate credit card Mastercard

The ANZ Low Rate credit card Mastercard is a flexible credit card offer available to most working Australians. It offers a low interest rate on purchases, and is combined with a low annual fee. It is a competitive card offer that you should strongly consider.

  • $58 p.a. annual fee
  • 13.14% p.a. on purchases
  • 0% p.a. for 9 months on balance transfers
  • Cash Advance Rate of 21.49% p.a.
  • 55 days interest free
  • Minimum Income Requirement of $15,000 p.a.

Here are some examples of the differences in income requirements for Platinum cards from different banks.

For regular credit cards it is common to see a range between $15,000 and $20,000 as a minimum credit card requirement for income.

Where to find the minimum income application requirements

Most credit card providers will show you this information on the first page of the application form. If it is not apparent you can call the credit card company to find out what it is before filling out an application.

It is not a good idea to fill out a form for a credit card, based on personal finance, unless you know for sure that you will meet the income level expected. You will only be turned down for the credit card and this will show up on your credit file for many years.

Even though there is a large difference between credit card requirements for income, it is very easy to find out what they are. You can also use this guide to help you figure out which credit card you should start looking at.

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2 Responses to How Much Income Do I Need To Earn To Get A Credit Card?

  1. Default Gravatar
    Reyna | April 22, 2013

    Hi, I am a full time student and I’m working part time at a pharmacy. Ive been attempting to build my credit and I thought the “easiest” way was to get a credit card, but I only make a little over 4,000 a year…and I cant get approved anywhere, any suggestions?

    • Staff
      Jacob | April 22, 2013

      Hi Reyna. Thanks for your question. Please refer to this page. It has a comparison of low rate credit cards, which have some of the lowest entry requirements out of all the cards in the market. Some of these cards have no minimum income requirement; however, generally you will need to be earning more than $15,000 p.a. to be successful in a credit card application. Jacob.

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HSBC Credit Card Bankwest Zero Platinum Credit Card Virgin Flyer Credit Card ANZ Low Rate
HSBC Credit Card Bankwest Zero Platinum Virgin Flyer Credit Card ANZ Low Rate

0% p.a. for 6 months

on balance transfers & no annual fee

0% p.a. for 9 months on balance transfers & platinum benefits

0% p.a. for 8 months

on balances transfers & reward points

0% p.a. for 9 months

on balance transfers & low rate

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Credit Cards Comparison

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Interest rate (p.a.) Balance transfer rate (p.a.) Annual fee Cash advance rate (p.a.)
ANZ Low Rate
ANZ Low Rate
A low rate on purchases, balance transfer and a low annual fee. 13.14% p.a. 0% p.a. for 9 months $58 p.a. 21.49% p.a. Apply Now For The ANZ Low Rate
Read More About The ANZ Low Rate
HSBC Credit Card
HSBC Credit Card
No annual fee for the life of the credit card. Plus a low balance transfer offer. 17.99% p.a. 0% p.a. for 6 months $0 p.a. 21.99% p.a. Apply Now For The HSBC Credit Card
Read More About The HSBC Credit Card
Bankwest Zero Platinum MasterCard
Bankwest Zero Platinum MasterCard
Exclusive Offer to Credit Card Finder. No annual fee credit card with platinum benefits. 17.99% p.a. 0% p.a. for 9 months $0 p.a. 21.99% p.a. Apply Now For The Bankwest Zero Platinum MasterCard
Read More About The Bankwest Zero Platinum MasterCard
Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Credit Card
Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Credit Card
A low interest rate offer on purchases and balance transfers. 0% p.a. for 5 months (reverts to 12.99% p.a.) 5.99% p.a. for 5 months $78 p.a. ($48 for qualifying customers) 21.24% p.a. Apply Now For The Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Credit Card
Read More About The Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Credit Card
ANZ Platinum Credit Card
ANZ Platinum Credit Card
No annual fee for the first year and a balance transfer offer. 19.39% p.a. 0% p.a. for 9 months $0 p.a. annual fee for the first year ($87 p.a. thereafter) 20.99% p.a. Apply Now For The ANZ Platinum Credit Card
Read More About The ANZ Platinum Credit Card

* The credit card offers compared on this page are chosen from a range of credit cards CreditCardFinder.com.au has access to track details from and is not representative of all the products available in the market. Products are displayed in no particular order or ranking. The use of terms 'Best' and 'Top' are not product ratings and are subject to our disclaimer. You should consider seeking independent financial advice and consider your own personal financial circumstances when comparing cards.