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How does it work

Credit cards in Australia work similar to credit cards elsewhere. Broadly, there are four types of credit cards: interest-free, low fee, low rate and awards.

They are a form of consumer credit or finance and as such, regulated by Australian financial governing bodies and follow Australian banking industry codes.

Benefits        

  • In addition to access to credit which can help manage unplanned expenses, a credit card can be an effective tool for making purchases, simplifying your finances and even smoothing out your cash flow. You may also use a credit card to start building or improve on your credit history.
  • Also, making sure you pay your bills – such as phone and electricity – on time is another way to building a positive credit report (but keep in mind having a lot of credit applications against your name can work against your credit score).
  • You may also qualify for a loyalty or rewards program. For example, some credit cards offer points when you spend with selected merchants, benefits or a variety of discounted offers.

Trade-offs

  • Credit cards may have a number of associated fees associated, including annual fees (although CommBank does not have these), monthly fees, cash advance fees, late payment fees and international transaction fees. These depend mostly on the type of card that you may hold, the outstanding balance and the repayment period.
  • Upon using the card at a merchant, you may also pay them a surcharge.

Who can apply

We support more people moving to Australia than any other bank, but just like most banks have eligibility requirements in place.1 You may be eligible for a CommBank credit card, if you:

  • Are at least 18 years of age
  • Legally have the right to work in Australia
  • Are not currently bankrupt
  • Can demonstrate proof of income
  • Read and understood the Key Facts sheet and Important things to know about credit cards (not applicable to business credit cards)
  • If you are a visa holders, have more than 6 months left on your visa and hold an eligible visa subclass (if your visa is not mentioned in the following lists, please feel free to contact the bank as you may be eligible)

CommBank eligible visa types

You may be eligible for a credit card with CommBank if you have one of the following visas (not exhaustive and subject to change):

  • Permanent Partner visa (subclass 100)
  • Business Talent (Permanent) visa (subclass 132)
  • Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)
  • Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme (subclass 187)
  • Significant Investor visa (subclass 188)
  • Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
  • Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
  • Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191)
  • Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300)
  • Family visa (subclass 309)
  • Training visa (subclass 407)
  • Skilled Temporary Worker (TSS subclass 457)
  • Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS subclass 482)
  • Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
  • International students (subclass 500)
  • Family and Spousal visa (subclass 801 and 820)
  • Global Talent visa (subclass 858)
  • Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887)
  • Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888)

CommBank ineligible visa types

You are not eligible for a credit card with CommBank if you have any of the following visas (subject to change):

  • Bridging visa (subclass 010, 020, 030, 040, 041, 050-051)
  • Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400)
  • Working Holiday visa (subclass 417)
  • Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
  • Student Guardian visa (subclass 590)
  • Visitor visa (subclass 600)
  • Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601)
  • Medical Treatment visa (subclass 602)
  • eVisitor visa (subclass 651)
  • Transit visa (subclass 771)
  • Temporary Protection visa (subclass 785)
  • Safe Haven Enterprise visa (subclass 790)
  • Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870)
  • Crew Travel Authority visa (subclass 942)
  • Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988)
  • Special Purpose visa

Application process

  • Applying for a CommBank credit card can be done via NetBank, CommBank App2 and in our branches. The application takes around 20 minutes. Note that for some visa types, we may ask you to verify yourself and documentation (for example proof of identity) at one of our branches.

    We may ask you to provide (not exhaustive, depending on application):

    • Proof of income (e.g. payslips)
    • Money you owe (e.g. personal loan statements)
    • Visa details if you're not a permanent resident (Where can I find this?)

Card options

Compare cards

It’s worth taking the time to consider what it is you really want from your credit card before you apply.

Also, consider that these days, many debit cards can be used for a lot of the same things that credit cards are used for, such as online shopping.

The primary difference between debit and credit cards is that when you use a debit card, you’re spending what you already have in a transaction account (for example, your savings account).

Interested? Find the credit card that's right for you

Our credit card comparison page might help to give an idea of which card might suit you.

Once you’ve chosen the credit card you think will best suit you, read up on the fees and charges, as well as the terms and conditions.

Credit card comparison

Not what you are looking for? Manage your expenses flexibly with StepPay.

Buy now and pay later everywhere - split your purchases of $100 or more into four equal repayments.3

Learn more about StepPay

Things you should know

  • 1 Applications for credit cards are subject to approval. Full terms and conditions will be in our Letter of Offer. Fees and charges apply. This article is intended to provide general information of an educational nature only. It does not have regard to the financial situation or needs of any reader and must not be relied upon as financial product advice.

    2 The CommBank app is available on Android operating systems 8.0+ and iOS operating system 15.0+. The CommBank app is free to download, however your mobile network provider charges you for accessing data on your phone. You should refer to your mobile phone plan or contact your provider to find out more. Terms and conditions are available on the CommBank app. NetBank access with NetCode SMS required. Find out about the minimum operating requirements via the CommBank App information page.

    3 StepPay is only available to our existing customers. If you’re not already, you can, of course, become a customer by opening an everyday account. To be eligible for StepPay, you need an existing CommBank everyday account. To be able to take advantage of StepPay, ensure any other credit products you have with CommBank are in good order. We will run a credit check, to assess your eligibility, so make sure any credit products you have with other providers are also in order. For more information, please refer to StepPay eligibility requirements.​

    CommBank Credit Card Conditions of Use

    Commonwealth Awards Program Terms and Conditions

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 and Australian credit licence 234945.