2017 RANKING & REVIEWS
BEST AUSTRALIAN CREDIT CARDS
Finding the Best Australian Credit Cards for You
When it comes to finding that perfect credit card, AdvisoryHQ knows that all the options and research can be frustrating.
That is why we have done some of the heavy lifting for you. If you are an Australian citizen, we have a credit card comparison in Australia just for you.
Award Emblem: Top 6 Best Credit Cards in Australia
This article stands as the 2017 guide to the best Australian credit cards. We compare credit cards in Australia to highlight the top choices.
Of course, every person has unique financial needs. Due to this, we have provided 6 Aussie credit cards that cover a wide variety of credit card desires, including:
- The best Australian credit card options for low rates
- The best rewards credit card in Australia for those who don’t mind spending more in fees for a great payout
- The best travel card in Australia to build those points
- The best credit card deals in Australia overall
No matter what you need your credit card to do for you, you will be sure to find the best credit card in Australia for you in 2017.
See Also: Top Best Credit Cards for International Travel | Ranking & Reviews | Best No Foreign Fee International Credit Cards
AdvisoryHQ’s List of the Top 6 Best Australian Credit Cards
List is sorted alphabetically (click any of the credit card names below to go directly to the detailed review section for that credit card):
- American Express Essential® Credit Card
- American Express ExplorerTM Credit Card
- Citi Rewards Platinum Card
- HSBC Platinum Credit Card
- ME Bank frank Credit Card
- NAB Low Rate Card
Top 6 Best Credit Cards in Australia | Brief Comparison & Ranking
Credit Card Names | Purchase | Intro | Balance Transfer | Annual | Minimum Income |
| American Express Essential® Credit Card | 14.99% p.a. | N/A | 0% for 12 | $0 | $40,000 |
| American Express ExplorerTM Credit Card | 20.74% p.a. | N/A | 0% for 12 | $395 | $65,000 |
| Citi Rewards Platinum Card | 20.99% p.a. | N/A | 0% for 12 | $124 first year; then | $35,000 |
| HSBC Platinum Credit Card | 19.99% p.a. | N/A | 0% for 15 | $149 | $40,000 |
| ME Bank frank Credit Card | 11.99% p.a. | N/A | N/A | $0 | $25,000 |
| NAB Low Rate Card | 13.99% p.a. | 0% p.a. for 15 mos. | 0% for 15 | $59 | N/A |
Table: Top 6 Best Australian Credit Cards | Above list is sorted alphabetically
The Best Australian Credit Card Terms to Know
As we compare credit cards in Australia, we will repeatedly talk about certain terms that we should take a moment and discuss:
- Purchase Rate (p.a.): The purchase rate in Australia is the same thing as an annual percentage rate (APR) in the United States. This is the interest percentage the credit card companies will charge on credit cards in Australia.
- Annual Fee: This is the annual charge many credit card companies will charge simply for having an account. Unless you choose an Aussie credit card that refunds your annual fee, you will pay this no matter how much or little you spend.
What Should We Know About Credit Cards in Australia?
Before we look at the best Australian credit cards, there are two important points to consider regarding those who have Aussie credit cards – which encompasses slightly over 70% of Australians.
This credit card comparison in Australia takes both of the below points into consideration. If either applies to you, you will have plenty of the best credit cards in Australia to choose from.
Image Source: BigStock
Saving on Interest Payments
Of those credit card holders, the average Aussie credit card has a balance of $3072. This means many people should pay close attention to our best credit card deals in Australia with low rates.
Earning on Purchases
On average, Australians charge $1603 per month on their Aussie credit cards. Therefore, credit card holders should also consider the best credit cards in Australia that come with rewards. It would be great to earn a point or two for each dollar spent.
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AdvisoryHQ’s Selection Methodology
What methodology does AdvisoryHQ use in selecting and finalizing the credit cards, financial products, firms, services, and products that are ranked on its various top-rated lists?
Please click here “AdvisoryHQ’s Ranking Methodologies” for a detailed review of AdvisoryHQ’s selection methodologies for ranking top-rated credit cards, financial accounts, firms, products, and services.
Detailed Review – Top Ranking Best Australian Credit Cards
Below, please find a detailed review of each credit card on our list of Aussie credit cards. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed these best credit card deals in Australia to score so high in our selection ranking.
Don’t Miss: Top Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit | Ranking & Reviews | Bad Credit Cards
American Express Essential® Credit Card Review
The first card on our list of the top credit cards in Australia is the American Express Essential® Credit Card. This card is one of the best credit card deals in Australia. If you are looking for lower rates, lower fees, and rewards, it is the perfect option for you.
For being a lower rate option at 14.99%, this Aussie credit card offers a nice rewards point program. With every dollar you spend, you receive 1 point that can be used toward airline flights or gift cards.
Since you are not charged an annual fee, you can actually earn each month with these credit cards in Australia.
Best Credit Card in Australia #1: The Other Highlights
- 0% on balance transfers for the first 12 months
- Smartphone screen insurance
- Member-exclusive deals on entertainment
- Protection on your purchases/refund protection
- Online fraud protection
American Express ExplorerTM Credit Card Review
We just looked at one of the best Australian credit cards for low fee rewards, and now we are going to look at one for high fee rewards. The American Express ExplorerTM Credit Card comes at a cost, but the rewards you receive easily make this one of the best rewards credit cards in Australia for earning big.
The extremely high $395 annual fee is instantly matched with a $400 travel credit. These Aussie credit cards also offer 2 rewards points for each dollar spent.
Since those rewards can go to 8 airline partner programs, this may be the best travel card in Australia for those who make at least $65,000 a year.
Best Credit Card in Australia #2: The Other Highlights
- 0% on balance transfers for the first 12 months
- Smartphone screen insurance
- Member-exclusive deals on entertainment
- Protection on your purchases/refund protection
- Online fraud protection
Citi Rewards Platinum Card Review
We have yet another great Aussie credit card for earning rewards with the Citi Rewards Platinum Card. A mid-range fee of $124 the first year (then $249 each following year) is met with a high purchase rate. However, the rewards are nice with these credit cards in Australia.
Image Source:Citibank
With this Aussie credit card, you earn 1.25 rewards points on ever dollar spent in the country, up to $10,000, as well as an unlimited 1.25 points per dollar spent overseas.
Since this card encourages travel, it also comes with free international travel insurance, easily becoming the best travel card in Australia for those who frequently visit foreign countries.
Best Credit Card in Australia #3: The Other Highlights
- Two possible starting bonus offers: $250 cash back when you spend $250 using paywave OR 0% p.a. for 24 months on balance transfers.
- Free wine when you use the Citibank Dining Program
- Fraud protection
- Free travel and transit accident insurance
Related: Top Best American Express Card Offers & Benefits | Compare Top AMEX Card Offers
HSBC Platinum Credit Card Review
Next up on our list of the best Australian credit cards is the HSBC Platinum Credit Card. One of the highlights of this best rewards credit card in Australia is its annual fee refund. As long as you spend $6000 each year, the $149 fee is eliminated.
On the other hand, the purchase rate is fairly high, at 19.99% p.a. However, this Aussie credit card earns you 1 reward point for every dollar spent to use on gift cards, various merchandise choices or experiences.
This is one of the best credit cards in Australia for those who spend enough to get the annual fee refund and for those who want a great rewards program which includes international travel insurance.
Best Credit Card in Australia #4: The Other Highlights
- 0% on balance transfers for 15 months
- Extended warranty insurance and purchase protection
- Access to Visa Premium Concierge to help with entertainment needs
ME Bank frank Credit Card Review
As we compare credit cards in Australia, the ME Bank frank Credit Card should definitely be mentioned. This is the most simple and straightforward card on our list of the best credit cards in Australia. This is a no-frills option, but there are also extremely low rates and fees.
This Aussie credit card has the lowest purchase rate on our list and a $0 annual fee. Plus, your purchases do not gain interest for 55 days. These factors easily make this card one of the best credit card deals in Australia.
This is not a rewards card or cashback card, but is the best Australian credit card for those who want simple rates without any hidden fees.
Best Credit Card in Australia #5: The Other Highlights
- Easy online temporary stop on misplaced cards
- Cards come in two simple colors: black or white
- A rarer credit limit maximum is in place, at $15,000
Popular Article: Top Best Credit Cards for Fair Credit | Best Fair Credit Credit Cards
Our last card on our list of the best Australian credit cards is the NAB Low Rate Card. It is the only card on our list that offers a low introductory purchase rate offer: 0% for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers.
That intro offer is great for cardholders who need some time to pay off their purchases before they start paying interest. After the intro period, this Aussie credit card goes up to a low 13.99% on purchases.
Like the ME cards, these credit cards in Australia also offer 55 days interest-free. This is another way this low rate card saves.
Best Credit Card in Australia #6: The Other Highlights
- One free additional cardholder
- Access to Visa entertainment specials
- Two simple color options
Conclusion – Top 6 Credit Cards in Australia
This credit card comparison in Australia has taken a look at 6 great options, with each having a different purpose.
To better figure out which of these best Australian credit cards is for you, we want to share a few thoughts that can help you as you compare credit cards in Australia:
- Do you often carry a balance from month to month? If so, the best credit card in Australia for you should have a low purchase rate. This will save you significant money.
- Do you love to travel or want to do so more often? If so, the best travel card in Australia for you will earn you great points throughout the year. Consider all of our reward card suggestions.
- Do you want high reward possibilities? If so, know that some of the best rewards credit cards in Australia will often have high fees. Make sure you spend enough throughout the year to make it worth the fees.
- Do you worry about fees? The best Australian credit card for you will either have a $0 annual fee or an option to have a $0 annual fee.
Now you should be ready to apply for the right credit cards in Australia that will meet your financial needs. These 2017 best Australian credit cards will not leave you disappointed.
Read More: Top Best Canadian Credit Cards | Best Canadian Rewards and Low Interest Credit Cards
AdvisoryHQ (AHQ) Disclaimer:
Reasonable efforts have been made by AdvisoryHQ to present accurate information, however all info is presented without warranty. Review AdvisoryHQ’s Terms for details. Also review each firm’s site for the most updated data, rates and info.
Note: Firms and products, including the one(s) reviewed above, may be AdvisoryHQ's affiliates. Click to view AdvisoryHQ's advertiser disclosures.
