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Getting your first credit card in Australia — or your first card after arriving from overseas — involves a challenge that isn’t obvious until you hit it: most cards require an Australian credit history, but you can’t build a history without a card.
See which cards accept applicants with limited Australian credit history:
✓ Official site • ✓ Free • ✓ No registration
Once approved, a $0 fee card is the safest starting point:
Or learn how to build your Australian credit score strategically:
✓ You’ll stay on this site • ✓ Free content • ✓ No sign-up
The good news is that specific cards are designed for exactly this situation. They have lower income thresholds, more flexible approval criteria, and the features needed to start building a credit file. The goal at this stage isn’t rewards — it’s history.
📋 On this page:
Best Cards for Newcomers and Students — Compared
| Card | Annual Fee | Min. Income | Credit History | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAB Classic Card | $0 | $15,000 | None required | No fee, accessible, solid bank relationship |
| ANZ First Card | $30 | $15,000 | Limited ok | Entry-level ANZ, standard features |
| CommBank Low Fee | $0 yr1 | $25,000 | Limited ok | No first-year fee, builds CommBank relationship |
| Bankwest Breeze Classic | $49 | $25,000 | Limited ok | Low rate — protects if you carry a balance |
| Latitude GO Mastercard | $0 | $25,000 | More flexible | Accessible but high rate — pay in full |
💡 International credit history doesn’t transfer to Australia. A perfect score in the UK, US or India has no value in the Australian credit system. You start from scratch — but you can build a solid file within 12–18 months.
How to Get Approved Without Australian Credit History
Lenders assess several factors when you have no Australian credit history:
- Income: Stable, verifiable Australian income is the most important factor
- Residency status: Permanent residents have the same access as citizens
- Bank relationship: Applying with your existing bank improves approval odds
- Time in Australia: Even 6–12 months of local financial activity helps
- Employment type: Permanent employment is preferred over casual or contract
The most reliable strategy: open a transaction and savings account with a major bank, have your salary paid in for 3–6 months, then apply for that bank’s entry-level card.
What to Do in Your First 12 Months
- Use the card for one or two regular, predictable expenses each month
- Pay the full balance on or before the due date every month — no exceptions
- Keep your utilisation below 30% of your credit limit
- Don’t apply for any other credit products in the first 6 months
- After 12 months, check your score for free through Equifax or CreditSavvy
- If your score has improved, consider upgrading to a rewards card
✅ Paying your full balance each month has two benefits: you pay zero interest, and you build a perfect payment history. It’s the single most important action you can take in year one.
New to Australian credit? The government guide explains the basics:
LEARN ABOUT CREDIT IN AUSTRALIA →
✓ Official site • ✓ Free • ✓ No registration
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an Australian credit card on a working holiday visa? ▼
Some issuers accept working holiday (417/462) visa holders. NAB and CommBank are generally more flexible. You’ll typically need Australian employment and a bank account in your name.
How long does it take to build a credit history in Australia from scratch? ▼
Your credit file is created the first time you apply for credit. After 6 months of positive activity, you’ll have a scoreable file. After 12–18 months of clean repayment, you’ll qualify for more products.
Should I get a secured credit card to build credit? ▼
Secured cards are less common in Australia than in the US or UK. The cards in this guide are generally more accessible and offer better terms than most secured products available here.
Can international students get a credit card in Australia? ▼
Some banks offer cards to international students with valid visas, proof of enrolment, and Australian income. ANZ and CommBank have processes for student applicants. See the credit rebuild guide for additional strategies if initially declined.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Credit card terms, rates and offers change frequently. Always verify current conditions directly with the issuing bank before applying.
