The best credit card for you might be a super cheap card with no annual fee. Or it could be a card that gives you tons of frequent flyer points. Everyone is looking for something slightly different. So Finder's experts have searched for the best credit cards on the market in 9 different categories.
Our picks for the best credit cards for March
The Finder Score is a simple score out of 10 that's backed by a ton of data and analysis. Here's are the highest scoring credit cards this month.
Interest-free days won't apply if you’re carrying a balance transfer debt
Anything over $10,000 in a statement period earns a lower rate of 0.5 points per $1
Why we like it
Offers up to 90,000 bonus Qantas Points, which is enough to redeem a return economy reward flights from Sydney and Los Angeles (not including fees and taxes) or $400 of Woolworths digital gift cards.
Up to 2 Qantas Points per $1 for eligible spending with Qantas and between 0.5 and 1.5 Qantas Points per $1 on other eligible spending. And most everyday spending in Australia would earn 1 Qantas Point per $1 (unless you spent more than $10k in a month).
2 complimentary airport lounge invitations each year and up to 20% off eligible companion fares for domestic flights with Qantas or QantasLink once a year
Our top rewards pick
American Express Platinum Card
225,000 Bonus Points and Yearly $450 Travel Credit
Airport lounge access at over 1,400 locations with the American Express Global Lounge Collection
Up to $400 back per calendar year at participating restaurants with American Express Global Dining Credit
High $1,450 annual fee
3% foreign currency conversion fee
American Express is not as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard
Why we like it
The American Express Platinum Card comes with a stack of Membership Rewards Points, travel credit, airport lounge access and more. But with a high annual fee you'll need to make sure you're getting your money's worth out of the card.
This card has a Finder Score of 9.9 in the rewards category.
High 2.25 points per $1 on most eligible spending, with 1 point per $1 on government spend
Complimentary domestic and international travel insurance
Luxury perks including unlimited access to 1,400 airport lounges and hotel elite status partners
The standard $1,750 annual fee (not including the first year discount) is one of the highest on the market
3% foreign currency conversion fee
American Express is not as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard
Why we like it
This is a business charge card, which means you have to pay the balance off in full. It has one of the highest bonus reward points offers on the market, with 250,000 bonus Membership Rewards Points when you spend $12,000 on your new card in the first 3 months from card approval. You can use these points for gift cards, book travel through the American Express Travel Online booking service or transfer the points to Qantas Points or other partner airline rewards programs. You can even offset business expenses with the points.
While the annual fee is discounted for the first year it's still higher than the majority of credit cards on the market. This card is really designed to reward serious business spending and travel. If you use the card's complimentary travel insurance and access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, it should give you value for money.
Our top interest-free and 0% foreign fee card pick
Up to 110 days interest-free on everyday purchases
Ability to convert $250+ purchases into 9-, 12- or 15-month 0% p.a. instalment plans
0% foreign transaction fees
High 26.3% p.a. interest rate on purchases
High 26.49% p.a. interest rate on cash advances
Charges a $0.95 fee for BPAY repayments
Why we like it
This card has 0% foreign transaction fees. But the really unique benefit with this card is that you get up to 110 days on purchases. Most cards offer up to 55 days, so this is great if you're making big purchases and want to repay them over time.
This card gives you a way to save on overseas travel costs with 0% foreign transaction fees and overseas travel insurance, with the option of upgraded cover through Cover-More. Right now, it also offers 0% p.a. interest on balance transfers for 24 months, with a 3% balance transfer fee. This could help you save on interest for up to two years as you pay off a trip.
The 12.99% interest rate that applies after the introductory period is also competitive. And if you're approved, you can get a digital card straight after activating your account.
A 21.99% p.a. interest rate on purchases applies at the end of the introductory period
Why we like it
Some credit cards offer a discounted or $0 annual fee in the first year. But the Kogan Money Card never charges an annual fee. You can also earn Kogan rewards points on the card. 1,000 Kogan points are worth $10 credit when shopping at Kogan, so this can really add up over a year of spending on the card.
This card is a cheap credit card with the added benefit of Kogan points. The main thing to watch out for is the purchase rate, which is 9.99% p.a. on for 9 months but jumps to 21.99% p.a. This only matters if you don't pay off your balance each month.
No introductory offers on purchases and balance transfers
Does not feature a rewards program
There is a $15 late payment fee
Why we like it
You can't find a cheaper credit card to use overseas than one with $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. The card also offers complimentary overseas travel insurance, which is a rare perk for a cheaper card like this.
The card doesn't offer too much else in terms of perks and features, but it's a really cost-effective choice for anyone looking to spend money overseas, whether shopping online or travelling.
Cashback offer could make it tempting to spend more than usual
No rewards program
Does not offer travel perks or insurance covers
Why we like it
With this card you'll get 10% cashback when you shop at major supermarkets and petrol stations for the first 180 days, capped at a total of $500.
This is also a low rate card, and both the 13.99% p.a. interest rate for purchases and the $55 annual fee are quite competitive compared to similar offers on the market.
Our top low rate credit card pick
G&C Mutual Bank Low Rate Visa Credit Card
Low interest rates & up to 50 days interest-free on purchases
The G&C Mutual Bank Low Rate Visa Credit Card has one of the lowest purchase rates on the market, and the annual fee is also as low as these fees go. If you carry a balance (meaning you don't pay off your credit card spending each month), this card will help keep your interest charges low.
You also get plenty of interest-free days on your purchases. The main thing to watch out for with this card is the 3% international transaction fee. This could get expensive if you use the card overseas or shop online at a merchant outside Australia.
Our top 0% interest rate pick
Citi Rewards Card - Purchase and Balance Transfer Offer
0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months
You can earn 1 point per $1 spent
Finder Score of 9.9 in the 0% interest rate category
Complimentary travel and purchase protection insurance
There is a one-time 2% balance transfer fee
High 22.49% p.a. interest rate for purchases after the introductory period
22.99% p.a. cash advance rate applies to any remaining balance transfer after the introductory period
Why we like it
This card gets you 0% interest for 15 months (and the same if you're doing a balance transfer, but with a 2% balance transfer fee). And it even lets you earn points at a pretty good rate.
The main thing to understand with a card like this is that the purchase rate will increase to 22.49% p.a. after the introductory period. If you're not aware of this, and haven't paid your balance off in full, it could catch you be surprise.
Want to see more of the best credit cards on the market? Check out Finder's 2025 Credit Card Award winners. These cards were the top scoring cards consistently over 12 months.
How we chose our top picks
The Finder Score is a fast, easy way to compare credit cards. The higher the score, the better the card.
We look at all the cards in our database (that's over 250 credit cards) and score them based on the value they offer through a combination of fees, points, rates and other details.
We also created different scoring categories based on different card types and customer needs.
Finder Score credit card categories
We score cards differently depending on the category. One card can have a really great balance transfer offer while also being a halfway decent frequent flyer card. It might get a 9 for the first and a 7 for the second.
If a card has a 0% balance transfer offer for 24 months with a low fee, that's a great option for anyone looking to get their debt under control. It could score 8 or 9 in the balance transfer category. But if the card also let you earn Qantas Points at a pretty low rate, with no other perks, it might only get a 6 or 7 in the frequent flyer category.
How do I find the best credit card?
Work out what you are looking for. Before you do anything else, you have to know what you want in a card. The best credit card for a young person struggling with debts is very different to the best card for a cashed up frequent flyer.
Compare rates, fees, points and perks. For every type of credit card, the best cards will either have low fees and low rates, or offer a level of rewards, points and perks that more than make up for the high fees.
Use the Finder Score. If a credit card has a Finder of score of 8 or 9, it's a pretty good card.
The best credit card is one you can actually get approved for. Don't let a giant bonus points offer or a razor sharp rate distract you. Check you're eligible before applying for a card. If you're working part-time and only earning $25,000 a year, you won't get approved for a card that gives you 100,000 Qantas Points on sign up. Check your credit score and check if a card has a minimum income or minimum credit limit before you apply.
Our expert says
"If you use a credit card properly, it's a great way to manage your spending, earn reward points or get your existing card debts under control with a balance transfer. But if you find you're struggling to pay it off and getting charged interest, it's time to reavaluate how you're using the card - and whether you need it at all."
How to find the best credit card for your situation
The best credit card is the one that works best for you. So what are you looking for?
I spent a lot each month, and I like shopping
Look for rewards or cashback credit cards. You're probably looking for a reward credit card that gives you points when you spend money. But there are also cards that let you earn reward points with various banks, which can be used on gift cards and other incentives. And there are cards that offer cashback when you spend. If you don't fly much, forget about a frequent flyer credit card, but many rewards point programs let you transfer your points to Qantas or Velocity Points.
How to get the best rewards card. Figure out what kind of rewards you want, based on how much value you can get from the points and how easy it is to earn them. Make sure the benefits you get outweigh the card's annual fee.
I fly a lot and I'm a big spender
Look for a frequent flyer credit card. You're probably looking for a card that lets you earn either Qantas Points or Velocity Points. You could also get a rewards credit card and convert the points to a frequent flyer program (but earning frequent flyer points directly tends to give you more value).
How to get the best frequent flyer card. Look at both the earn rate (how many points you get per dollar spent) and the bonus points offer. You should be able to earn tens of thousands of points in the first few months with a good bonus offer (if you can meet the spending criteria). Cards with more points have higher annual fees. But the points on offer should more than outweigh the annual fee.
I am struggling with credit card debts
Get a balance transfer credit card. You're probably looking for a balance transfer credit card offer. These cards let you transfer an existing credit card balance to a new card and pay 0% interest for up to 30 months (plus a 1–3% fee). This gives you time to pay off your debt without sky-high interest charges.
How to get the best balance transfer card. The best balance transfer offer will be 0% for 30 months with either a 1% or 0% balance transfer fee. But you should also look at all the card's details, like the annual fee and the purchase rate. Because you will get charged interest on new spending you do with the card.
I just need a basic credit card for emergencies and will pay it off in full each month
Look for a no annual fee credit card. Finder research shows 41% of Australians got their last credit card for emergencies. When that's the case, a no annual fee card costs you nothing to keep. And if you pay it off in full each month, it could cost you nothing at all.
How to get the best no fee card. Look at any other perks or benefits the card offers. And be aware that some cards may waive the annual fee in the first year only, while others never charge a fee.
I can't pay my credit card balance off each month
Get a low rate credit card. Carrying a balance (not paying off your credit card in full each month) gets expensive when some credit cards have interest rates above 20%. But sometimes you can't help it. If you're in this situation look for a low rate credit card. These cards don't offer great perks or bonus points, but you'll pay less interest while you repay the card balance.
How to get the best low rate card. Low rate cards have purchase rates from 8%–15% p.a. The lower the rate the better. But factor in the card's annual fee too (you might find a $0 fee offer or a low fee of around $55).
I need a credit card for my business
Business credit cards. The name says it all. If you're a sole trader or a business owner, a business credit card offers expense management tools and features such as detailed statement breakdowns, automatic feeds for accounting software and cards for employees.
How to get the best card. These cards come in many shapes and sizes. Look out for the card's rate and annual fee, obviously. Some business cards let you earn points on spending, which can give you tons of points. Make sure the card offers integration with your business accounting software too.
"When I first moved to Australia 9 years ago, I took out an Amex card that earned Velocity Points and gave me a solid earn rate of 1.2 points per dollar spent. The card had an annual fee of $375, but the 2 free lounge passes, free return domestic flight and 120,000 bonus points more than covered that fee. After Virgin halted many of its international flights – especially to LAX – I switched to a card that earns Qantas Points. I shop at Woollies a lot, so I can convert my Everyday Rewards Points to Qantas Points. "
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We've looked at the best credit cards in this guide. But what are the best credit card brands? What do actual customers have to say about the cards they use?
Mastercard and Visa credit cards are widely accepted across Australia. While American Express is not accepted everywhere (at Aldi, for example) most major retailers accept it now. And the numbers grow each year. American Express added over 194,000 new merchant locations between January 2017 and December 2022.
The Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard won Best Travel Credit Card in the 2025 Finder Credit Card Awards. This card has no foreign transaction fees and a really low annual fee. Plus it offers complimentary travel insurance, which is not something every 0% foreign transaction fee card offers.
Keep in mind that frequent flyer credit cards often charge foreign transaction fees as has as 3.5%. These cards are often better for booking travel while you're still at home. You should do your spending overseas on a credit card with no foreign transaction fees.
Getting a credit card from your current bank can make it easier to manage because you'll see your accounts in one place. You could also be able to make repayments easily between your transaction account and the credit card.
But loyalty doesn't always pay. And your bank may not have the best credit card with the features you want. So it's better to compare credit card brands: you could easily find a new card that offers better rewards or more points with a lower annual fee.
The annual fee is what makes most credit cards expensive. So a no annual fee credit card is usually the cheapest.
But there's another factor: the purchase rate. If you always pay your card off in full each month you'll never get charged interest. But if you can't pay it off, a card with a lower purchase rate will reduce your interest charges while you pay it off.
In terms of pure dollar value, you can get more out of a Qantas or Velocity Points-earning credit card if you redeem points for reward flights. A 100,000 bonus point offer on a new card could cover an overseas flight by itself.
Most Australian banks have their own reward programs, as does American Express. You can often convert the points to Qantas or Velocity Points (usually a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio). Reward points are flexible and you can also use them to redeem digital gift cards or purchase appliances and other items.
If you shop a lot but don't fly very often, a rewards card makes sense.
A 0% balance transfer credit card works well for credit card debt if you can pay it off before the 0% offer period ends.
If you want smaller repayments spread out over a longer period of time, personal loans have terms from 1 to 5 years – and some offer up to 10 years. You'll pay interest, but it could make it easier to chip away at what you owe.
Personal loans also let you consolidate more types of debts, including from credit cards, other loans and even some buy now pay later debt.
A no interest credit card with a flat, monthly fee can be good if you want to pay off what you buy over time, without being limited to selected retailers (which you sometimes are with Afterpay, Klarna and some other BNPL plans). These credit cards don't usually charge late fees, unlike buy now pay later. They are also better if you want to build up your credit history, because most BNPL plans don't add to your credit report.
But if you mostly shop with the partnered brands and can make all of your payments on time (to avoid late fees), you could use a platform like Afterpay without any costs. And if you already have an account that you're happily using, there's less reason to get a credit card – unless you want to build your credit history.
Credit cards with low interest rates, low fees and low or modest credit limits are typically the best options because these features help keep costs down. A low credit limit can also reduce the risk of unmanageable debt.
Some people may also consider no interest credit cards with a flat, monthly fee for their first credit card. These cards are similar to BNPL and have clear, structured repayment details and only offer credit limits between $1,000 and $3,000.
ANZ and American Express offer great rewards programs, with ANZ providing Qantas Frequent Flyer benefits and Amex offering solid cashback and travel perks – noting that Amex is not as widely accepted, and the fees can be higher. For low-interest and balance transfer benefits, NAB is a good option.
Yes, many cards, such as Citi and NAB credit cards, offer 0% interest on purchases or balance transfers for promotional periods. This means you can either make purchases and pay 0% interest for a period, or you can transfer debt from another card and pay 0% interest on that debt while you pay it off.
Richard Whitten is Finder’s Money Editor, with over seven years of experience in home loans, property and personal finance. His insights appear in top media outlets like Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine, and the Herald Sun, and he frequently offers expert commentary on television and radio, helping Australians navigate mortgages and property ownership. Richard holds multiple industry certifications, including a Certificate IV in Mortgage Broking (RG 206) and Tier 1 and Tier 2 certifications (RG 146), as well as a Graduate Certificate in Communications from Deakin University. See full bio
Richard's expertise
Richard has written 593 Finder guides across topics including:
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