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Compare from our panel of credit cards for free
Compare credit cards from St George, Westpac and others and find a card that fits your finances.
Benefits and optional extras
Credit cards come with a variety of perks, but these vary by provider and card type. Here
are some common benefits:
Rewards points
Earn points on eligible purchases to redeem for flights, shopping, or cashback.
Purchase protection
Some cards offer insurance on items bought using the card, covering theft or damage.
Extended warranty
Extends the manufacturer’s warranty on purchases made with the card.
Travel insurance
Many premium cards offer complimentary travel insurance.
Airport lounge access
Some cards provide free access to airport lounges worldwide.
How to apply for a credit card
To obtain your first credit card, you’ll need to meet specific eligibility criteria and provide various forms of documentation. Here’s an overview of what you may need:
Eligibility requirements
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Residency: You should be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid visa.
- Credit history: A solid credit history is generally necessary, as credit card providers will assess your creditworthiness.
- Income: Meeting any minimum income requirements specified by the credit card issuer is essential.
Documentation needed
- Identification: A government-issued ID, such as a driver’s licence or passport, to confirm your identity.
- Proof of income: Recent payslips or bank statements to show your income level. Credit card companies often require copies of your last three payslips to verify your employment status.
- Address verification: Documents like utility bills or bank statements that confirm your current address may be needed.
- Credit history details: If you have existing debts, such as personal loans or buy now pay later (BNPL) services, you’ll need to disclose this information. You can check your credit score for free on ASIC’s Moneysmart website
- Asset information: Details about any assets you own, such as savings accounts, cars, or property.
Application process
- Compare options: Start by comparing different credit card products based on interest rates, fees, and benefits to find one that suits your financial needs.
- Check eligibility: Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements to avoid any impact on your credit score from declined applications.
- Submit application: You can apply online, in person, or over the phone, depending on the provider. Many issuers offer instant approval, meaning you’ll receive a response quickly.
Final considerations
Before applying, it's wise to review your credit score and ensure that you understand the responsibilities of managing a credit card, including making timely repayments to avoid high-interest charges. If you’re unsure about your ability to manage a credit card, you might consider starting with a debit card instead.
How we've helped Australians like you.
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by LorelladiThe operator explained all the benefits…
The operator explained all the benefits and compared it to my existing fund. Answered all my questions in a professional why. Happy with the outcome.
- by Julie
Compare Club listened to my needs and…
Compare Club listened to my needs and were respectful of my choices. They made it easy to find better providers for my health insurance, my gas and my electricity services. It was a big step for me to change health insurance provider after more than 48 years with nib.
- by Jillian
Very helpful Consultant
Very helpful Consultant, explained everything to me and made the change over Health Insurance quite easy etc.
- by Kenneth
Fantastic service and understanding of…
Fantastic service and understanding of what policy was most suitable for our needs.
- by Colin
Very friendly helpful staff member who…
Very friendly helpful staff member who explained my options very well and made the switch simple for me.
- by Terence
Fantastic people to deal with honest…
Fantastic people to deal with honest and out to look after you.
- by Arthur "John" Matheson
Michelle Ashton explained everything…
Michelle Ashton explained everything very well and was able to answer all of our questions. A very pleasant young lady to work with. Thank You
by PeterBetter savings than expected
I wasn’t planning on wasting my time talking to compare, but they saved me a hundred dollars a month on private health insurance. Can’t complain with that!
- by Daheng Song
30% less cost for more suitable services
I am incredibly grateful for the outstanding service provided by Karan, the senior health insurance advisor. From start to finish, Karan was calm, professional, and incredibly patient. He took the time to answer all of my questions thoroughly, ensuring I felt comfortable and well-informed throughout the entire process. What truly impressed me was how he was able to find ways to save our family nearly 30% on our health insurance costs while securing better coverage for the essential items we needed. His dedication to helping us make the best decision for our family’s needs is evident, and I can’t recommend him highly enough. If you're looking for a knowledgeable, efficient, and genuinely caring broker, Karan is the one to go to!
- by Helen
Streamline service
I felt the concierge desk got a clear understanding of what we needed in a health insurance product, then next level of staff accessed the products from different companies to meet our specific needs. Streamline service. Thanks.
- by Brian Herbertson
Good communication
Good communication
- by Natsai
The best decision i have made so far in 2025. Now iam encouraged to compare all the services I receive.
All went well. Brandon was persistent and genuine enough to make me stay on the phone and go through everything as much as I was not interested in comparing anything. Iam glad I stayed thanks to Brandon, So glad I reviewed my health insurance. I feel better now
- by Danielle
They listened to my concerns
They listened to my concerns And offered me a better solution.
- by john mortimer
Good people to talk with
Good people to talk with. Knew their product well. Very polite and professional.
- by Warren
Excellent information and very helpful
Excellent information and very helpful
- by Rodger
Niall was very helpful
Niall was very helpful, explained everything very clearly and how it would benefit us.
- by Lisa
Easy transition and really helpful…
Easy transition and really helpful customer service.
- by Anne
I had health insurance for over 35…
I had health insurance for over 35 years and over time the yearly insurance costs increased so much that I decided to withdraw from my health fund insurer I then received a phone call from your company and was transferred to Alex who asked me lot’s of questions regarding to what I required from a health fund and what I would be comfortable paying for it Alex was outstanding walking me through all of my options explaining everything to me so that I understood what cover would suit my needs I now have the cover that is perfect for me and at a cost that I am comfortable to pay this is due to the professional and friendly man Alex who is an asset to your company Regards Annie PS I have a friend that I have told about my experience with Alex and he seems interested to relocate from his exiting health fund
- by Duane Jenkins T/As VISIONFAB
Very informative and helpful until all…
Very informative and helpful until all is sorted
- by Deta
Rep was polite and helpful
Rep was polite and helpful
Paul Coughran is the General Manager of Emerging Verticals at Compare Club. Paul has over 20 years of experience across a wide range of industries including Banking and Finance, Telecommunications and Energy. Paul leads a team of trusted experts dedicated to helping individuals make informed decisions about their insurance and utilities needs.
General Manager of Emerging Verticals at Compare Club, Paul Coughran
Paul's top credit cards tips:
- 1
Pay off your credit card balance in full every month to avoid being stung high interest charges.
- 2
Choose a rewards card that fits your lifestyle – Whether you're after cash back, travel points, or other perks, go for a card that gives you the most value based on how you usually spend but be sure to check what the annual fees are to make sure the rewards are worth it.
- 3
Keep an eye on promotional interest rates, but don’t forget to check and note when those come to an end as often the revert rate after the promotional period ends can be pretty hefty.
- 4
Watch out for annual fees – Some cards come with tempting perks, but if you're not making the most of them, you could end up paying more in fees than you're actually saving.
What type of credit cards are available?
Balance transfer cards:
These cards are designed to help you manage existing debt by offering a 0% interest rate on balances transferred from other cards for a promotional period, usually lasting 6 to 24 months. This allows you to pay down your debt faster without accumulating extra interest. After the introductory period, any remaining balance will be subject to the card's standard interest rate, so it’s essential to clear your debt within this time to avoid extra costs.
Check out the list of cards here.
Premium credit cards:
Premium credit cards often come with higher interest rates but they also offer a range of valuable benefits. These cards typically provide features such as enhanced rewards programs, travel perks, and access to exclusive events. Cardholders may enjoy benefits like complimentary travel insurance, airport lounge access, and higher points earning potential on everyday purchases. While the annual fees can range from $150 to $500, many users find the perks worthwhile, especially if they travel frequently or spend significantly on their card. However, it's essential to pay off the balance in full each month to avoid accruing high-interest charges.
Check out the list of cards here.
Frequent flyer credit cards
These cards are tailored to travellers, allowing you to accumulate frequent flyer points with every purchase. Points can then be redeemed for flights, upgrades, or travel-related perks. Many frequent flyer cards also offer additional benefits like airport lounge access or complimentary travel insurance. They generally have higher fees and interest rates, so they are most beneficial for frequent travellers who can maximise the perks and pay off their balances regularly.
Check out the list of cards here.
Low annual fee credit cards:
No annual fee cards are ideal for those who want a straightforward credit card without the burden of ongoing costs. These cards allow you to make purchases without worrying about yearly fees, which can save you money over time. While they may lack the rewards or perks of other cards, they’re great for occasional users who want the convenience of a credit card without extra costs.
Check out the list of cards here.
Cashback credit cards:
Cashback cards reward you with a percentage of your spending back in cash, often around 0.5% to 2%. Cashback is usually credited to your account or given as a statement credit, reducing your overall balance. Some cards offer higher cashback rates in specific spending categories, such as groceries or fuel. This type of card is excellent for everyday spenders looking for tangible rewards without the complexity of points-based systems.
Check out the list of cards here.
Common questions about credit cards
We get asked a lot of questions about credit cards. Here’s the answer to some of your most common queries:
This depends on what you want from your credit card. Some people aren’t keen on paying an annual fee, or are happy to pay a small amount each year for an ultra-low interest rate. You might be keen on a card with very enticing introductory offers and rates, while your partner may want to rack up frequent flyer points.
It’s why taking a few minutes to compare credit cards is important. There’s no such thing as a best credit card, only what’s best for you. So whether you’re planning on a big immediate purchase or you know you need it to tide yourself over ahead of pay days, take a minute to make sure you know what you want from your card and how you’ll afford to pay it off.
If you’re after a cheap credit card, focus on the interest rate on the credit card and whether it has an annual fee. You can also look at the interest-free days, as this can help you reduce or avoid the amount of interest you pay on the card.
Comparing your credit card options with us doesn’t impact your credit score. It’ll result in a soft credit check, which will appear on your credit history but won’t impact your score. Once you apply for a credit card with Compare Club, this will result in a hard inquiry on your credit, which can impact your score if you are approved or rejected for the card.
There are a range of credit cards available, including low rate cards, low fee cards, balance transfer cards, frequent flyer credit cards, reward credit cards and premium cards. What card is right for you depends on what you want from your credit card.
Credit cards have lots of different types of fees. Here’s what to look out for.
Annual fees: This is a fee that is charged for having a credit card. Not all cards come with these.
Late payment fees: This is a fee charged to your credit card if you miss a payment. They vary between providers, but the best way to avoid any kind of late payment fee is to make sure you’re paying off the minimum amount each month.
Cash advance fees: This is a fee you get for withdrawing cash from your credit card. There may be times when using your card in this way is unavoidable, but using your debit card is the best way to avoid a cash advance fee.
Interest: You’ll get charged this if you don’t pay your balance off in full each month once any introductory interest free offers have run out. Even if you can’t get your balance down to zero, lowering the amount on the card will lower your interest payments.
Everybody budgets differently and if you’re really struggling, visit a financial counsellor rather than make out a new card. But keep the amount on your card low and paying off at least the minimum each month is a good way to avoid extra charges.
There’s lots of different ways to manage credit card debt, but the key thing is not to stress. Whether it’s transferring the balance for free to a lower interest card or planning your monthly payments, your card payments shouldn’t rule your bank balance.
You can apply for a credit card right here, with us. We compare over 80 credit cards and you can compare which ones you like side by side.
Credit cards explained
Whether you’re on your first, fourth, or 14th card, there’s always a few pieces of bank jargon that can really throw you. At Compare Club, we believe a little knowledge can go a long way towards better financial decisions. So here’s a few quick guides to help you hone in on the right card.
Credit card glossaryStumped by standard rates? Interested in interest free periods? We’ve put together a quick summary of terms you’re likely to see when comparing and what they really mean.
Your simple guide to credit cardsHere’s where you’ll see the latest offers, introductory deals and what our experts think might be a brilliant balance transfer rate for you. This changes regularly so sign up to our newsletter for regular updates.
How to compare credit cardsWe know you came here to compare cards, but if you're worried about picking the wrong piece of plastic, this guide will give you the confidence to ask the right questions as you narrow down your choices.
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