Choosing a credit card

If you’re struggling to pay your bills, a new credit card may not be the best move. See managing debt for other options.

How to get the best credit card for you

Thinking about how you will use your credit card will help you compare the options and get the best card for you.

Work out how much you can pay off each month

Knowing this will help you choose the best-value credit card.

If you can pay the full balance each month

Consider a credit card with more interest-free days. This means you won’t pay interest as long as you pay the balance within a set number of days (for example, 55 days). These cards may have a higher interest rate and an annual fee, but that could be worth it.

If you can’t pay the full balance each month

Look for a no-frills card with a low or no-interest rate and a low annual or flat monthly fee.

Use our credit card calculator

Work out how much you would need to pay each month.

Set a credit limit you can afford

When you apply for a credit card, your bank or credit provider will offer you a credit limit. This is the maximum amount they’ll lend you, and it is based on your ability to pay it back within three years.

If you’re worried about overspending, you don’t have to take the full amount offered. Think about your spending habits and how much you can comfortably afford to pay back.

Weigh up the pros and cons of card options

Store cards

Store cards can be an expensive way to shop. You can only use them in that store, and they may have higher interest rates. Check if the benefits are worth the higher rate.

If a store offers an interest-free deal, check when the deal ends. Also check the interest rate on new purchases (called the ‘purchase rate’), as it may be higher than for other credit cards.

Rewards programs

Credit card reward programs sound good — you get something back simply by spending on your card. For example, you could earn points you can use to buy movie tickets or flights.

But cards with rewards programs often have higher interest rates and extra fees. They could cost you more than you get back. Check if the benefits you get are worth the higher cost.

Extras like travel insurance

Some credit cards come with ‘complimentary’ extras like travel insurance for overseas trips. Be aware that extras are usually not free. The cost may be covered by higher interest or fees.

Other cards offer ‘cash back’ (credit on your account) or discounts on goods or services. Weigh up if what you will get back is worth you paying more in interest or fees.

Smart tip: Consider the pros and cons of transferring your credit card balance to make sure it’s the right move for you.

Compare credit cards

Compare credit cards from different companies to find the one that suits your needs.

Comparison websites can be useful, but they are businesses and may make money through promoted links. They may not cover all your options. See what to keep in mind when using comparison websites.

Compare credit card rates and fees

Honeymoon (or introductory) interest rate	the interest rate offered for a limited period of time at the start of a new credit card
Purchase (interest) rate	the interest rate on things you buy (purchases) after the honeymoon period ends
Interest-free days	the number of days you won’t get charged interest on purchases
Annual or monthly fee	fee you will pay every year or every month
Rewards program fee	fee for using the rewards program
Other fees	late repayment fees cash advance fees (for cash taken out) fees if you go over your credit limit fees for using your credit card to shop or travel overseas

Case Study

Georgia calculates the cost of her reward

Georgia is thinking about joining a credit card rewards program. She’ll earn one reward point for every dollar she spends. She can redeem points for flights, gift cards, movie tickets and other goods.

She works out how much she has to spend to earn rewards. The rewards program costs $30 a year to join and she would have to spend $5,700 to get a $25 gift card.

Georgia decides not to go ahead. It would take a long time to earn points, and she’d end up paying more than the rewards are worth.

Source:
Reproduced with the permission of ASIC’s MoneySmart Team. This article was originally published at https://moneysmart.gov.au/credit-cards/choosing-a-credit-card
Important note: This provides general information and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important to consider your particular circumstances before deciding what’s right for you. Although the information is from sources considered reliable, we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete. You should not rely upon it and should seek qualified advice before making any investment decision. Except where liability under any statute cannot be excluded, we do not accept any liability (whether under contract, tort or otherwise) for any resulting loss or damage of the reader or any other person. Past performance is not a reliable guide to future returns.
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