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Want to know the best credit card Australia? Then, you’ve come to the right place where you’ll learn everything each of the best cards has to offer.
Especially for those looking to choose a card, it’s crucial to know the best credit card Australia, based on a realistic and objective analysis of each option.
In this article, we present a detailed analysis of ten of the main credit cards. We will explore the specifications of each so you can discover which one aligns with your priorities. Keep reading.
Detailing the Options to Find the Best Credit Card Australia
1. American Express Platinum Rewards Card (Best Credit Card Australia)
The Platinum Rewards is one of the premium products, with a credit limit starting from AU$ 2,000 and an annual fee of AU$ 295/year, with an interest rate of 23.99% p.a.
Its Membership Rewards Program is the main benefit, allowing every dollar spent to accumulate flexible points that can be exchanged for travel, products, or transferred to partner loyalty programs.
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Additionally, the card offers purchase protection and extended warranty. This covers eligible items against damage or defects, providing an extra layer of security on purchases.
Another advantage, especially for travelers, is the complimentary travel insurance. It includes international travel insurance and car rental insurance.
Furthermore, the card is compatible with the most popular digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay), allowing quick contactless payments.
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Amex guarantees 24-hour customer service and fraud protection, ensuring global support and rigorous transaction monitoring.
Finally, payment flexibility allows for installment purchases and emergency cash advances, although the latter are subject to higher fees.
2. American Express Explorer Credit Card
The Explorer is a premium offering from American Express with an annual fee of AU$ 395/year and an initial limit of AU$ 3,000, maintaining an interest rate of 23.99% p.a.
As a rule, you will have an annual travel credit of AU$ 400, which the cardholder receives for eligible bookings, almost fully offsetting the annual fee.
The card guarantees advantageous accumulation of Membership Rewards points, with a generous conversion rate and sign-up bonus.
Another advantage is access to VIP lounges, including the American Express lounge, extending the benefit to the cardholder and a companion.
In terms of personal security, the card stands out for offering smartphone screen coverage, not to mention insurance for repair or replacement of eligible device screens.
3. NAB Qantas Rewards Signature (Best Credit Card Australia)
The NAB Qantas Rewards Signature is issued by National Australia Bank (NAB), one of the four major Australian banks.
Firstly, this is a high-limit card, starting at AU$ 15,000, with an annual fee of AU$ 420/year and interest of 20.99% p.a.
Its highlight is its direct affiliation with the airline miles program, being considered by many the best credit card Australia for accumulating Qantas Points.
You will also receive a welcome offer, frequently including a bonus of up to 130,000 Qantas points upon meeting initial spending targets.
Additionally, you will earn Qantas points on all purchases, being 1 point per dollar spent up to AU$ 5,000 per cycle and 0.5 point after that amount.
The benefits package includes international travel insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty, offering peace of mind in various aspects of the cardholder’s life.
It also offers balance transfer deals, such as a 0% p.a. rate for 12 months (with a 3% transfer fee), which can be useful for consolidating debt.
4. Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard
The Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard focuses on fee exemption. Therefore, you can participate in the Latitude Rewards program, which allows exchanges for discounts and exclusive offers.
Travelers also benefit from discounts on travel platforms, reaching up to 10% on services such as Booking.com, Expedia, and Wotif.
The card offers online purchase protection that reimburses price differences and covers defective or undelivered products, providing security for virtual purchases.
Furthermore, it offers access to the Flight Delay Pass, which grants access to lounges with drinks and Wi-Fi when the flight is delayed.
Additionally, the cardholder receives 3 GB of free global mobile data per year through the Flexiroam partnership, with discounts on additional top-ups.
5. Westpac Low Rate Card
Firstly, the Westpac Low Rate Card is an excellent choice for those looking for the best credit card Australia in the low-interest cost category.
With a minimum limit of just AU$ 500 and an affordable annual fee of AU$ 59/year, the card features reduced purchase interest, at a rate of 13.74% p.a., making it ideal for those who need to carry a balance occasionally.
The PartPay function allows purchases to be split into four interest-free payments.
6. Westpac Lite Card (Best Credit Card Australia)
The Westpac Lite Card is focused on low fees. Thus, for those who don’t want to worry about interest, this is undoubtedly a contender for the best credit card.
Initially, the interest rate is lower, at 9.90% p.a. Its credit limit varies between AU$ 1,000 and AU$ 20,000. It also has a fixed monthly fee of AU$ 9, which is approximately AU$ 108/year.
Another important benefit is the absence of foreign transaction fees for online purchases, similar to the Westpac Low Rate Card, ensuring savings on international purchases.
7. Westpac Altitude Black Mastercard
The Westpac Altitude Black line is for those looking for the best credit card Australia in terms of point accumulation and luxury advantages.
With an annual fee of AU$ 295/year and interest of 20.99% p.a., the card requires an estimated initial limit from AU$ 6,000.
The cardholder has the flexibility to choose between three main rewards programs: Altitude Rewards, Qantas, or Velocity, allowing points to be accumulated at high rates.
The points program is good, allowing you to receive:
- 3 points per AU$ 1 on international purchases;
- 2 points per AU$ 1 at supermarkets, gas stations, and restaurants;
- 1 point per AU$ 1 on other purchases, with points not expiring.
For the frequent traveler, two annual lounge visits via Priority Pass are included, ensuring access to over 1,200 VIP lounges at global airports.
A concierge service and 24-hour priority helpline are available, offering personalized assistance.
8. Bankwest Breeze Classic Mastercard
The Breeze Classic Mastercard stands out for offering one of the lowest interest rates in the Bankwest line, around 12.99% p.a.
Although the minimum limit is around AU$ 1,000, the interest-free period on purchases extends up to 55 days.
Furthermore, it offers promotional balance transfer offers or installment payment plans, which can be a useful tool for debt management.
Its annual fee is affordable, around AU$ 49/year, and an exemption from the issuance fee for additional cards is offered.
Management is simplified through the Bankwest digital banking app, allowing real-time control of spending.
9. Commonwealth Bank Low Rate (Best Credit Card Australia)
Firstly, the Commonwealth Bank Low Rate credit card focuses on low interest, featuring a reduced interest rate ranging from 10.99% to 15.99% p.a.
The annual fee is AU$ 72/year, and it offers up to 55 interest-free days.
The credit limit is defined by the bank’s analysis, with a minimum of AU$ 500 on CBA cards.
An additional cost benefit is that the additional card fee for a second card is free.
The card integrates with the CBA Neo/StepPay interest-free payment option, which allows purchases to be split into four payments (Buy Now, Pay Later – BNPL), increasing payment flexibility.
10. Westpac Low Fee Card
The Westpac Low Fee Card is for those who prioritize minimizing fixed costs.
Firstly, the minimum credit limit is low, starting from AU$ 500.
Its main feature is an annual fee of only AU$ 30/year, which can be free if the customer spends AU$ 1,000 on the card throughout the year.
In terms of credit cost, it maintains competitive interest rates for the low annual fee category, with a purchase rate of 13.74% p.a. Incidentally, it is one of the balance transfer credit card deals.
The interest-free period on purchases is up to 45 days.
You can use the PartPay and SmartPlan tools that are available for splitting transactions and balances, adding value and flexibility.
Comparative table of the best credit card Australia
| Card (Company) | Minimum Credit Limit | Annual / Monthly Fee | Interest Rate (Purchases) | Interest-Free Period | Rating on Complaint Site |
| American Express Platinum Rewards Card | From AU$ 2,000 [1] | AU$ 295/year [1] | 23.99% p.a. [1] | Up to 55 days [1] | N/A |
| American Express Explorer Credit Card | From AU$ 3,000 [2] | AU$ 395/year [2] | 23.99% p.a. [2] | Up to 55 days [2] | N/A |
| NAB Qantas Rewards Signature | From AU$ 15,000 [3] | AU$ 420/year [4] | 20.99% p.a. [5] | Up to 44 days [3] | N/A |
| Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard | From ~AU$ 1,000 [6] | No annual fee / AU$ 8/month [7] | 27.49% – 29.99% p.a. [6] | Up to 55 days [6] | 3.5 / 5 (ProductReview) [8] |
| Westpac Low Rate Card | From AU$ 500 [9] | AU$ 59/year [9] | 13.74% p.a. [9] | Up to 55 days [9] | N/A |
| Westpac Lite Card | AU$ 1,000 – 20,000 | AU$ 9/month (≈ AU$ 108/year) | 9.90% p.a. | Up to 45 days | N/A |
| Westpac Altitude Black Mastercard | From AU$ 6,000 (estimated) | AU$ 295/year [10] | 20.99% p.a. [10] | Up to 45 days [10] | N/A |
| Bankwest Breeze Classic Mastercard | From ~AU$ 1,000 | ~AU$ 49/year | ~12.99% p.a. [11] | Up to 55 days [11] | N/A |
| Commonwealth Bank Low Rate | From AU$ 500 | AU$ 72/year [12] | 10.99% – 15.99% p.a. [13] | Up to 55 days [13] | N/A |
| Westpac Low Fee Card | From AU$ 500 [10] | AU$ 30/year (free if you spend AU$ 1,000/year) [10] | 13.74% p.a. [10] | Up to 45 days [10] | N/A |
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many good credit cards in Australia.
For travelers who value benefits and points programs, options like the NAB Qantas Rewards Signature and the American Express Explorer stand out, despite the higher annual fees.
If the goal is to save on balance interest, Low Rate cards, such as the Westpac Low Rate Card and the Commonwealth Bank Low Rate, are the smartest choices due to their rates of 10.99% to 13.74% p.a.
Now that you have a detailed analysis of the specifications and benefits of each product, use this information to visit the official websites of the issuers and apply for the card that best suits your profile.