10 Easy to Get Credit Cards in Australia: 2026 Edition

This is a guide for anyone in Australia who wants to understand credit cards and find the easiest ones to get in 2026. Whether you’re a student, freelancer, side hustler, or just someone new to managing your finances, credit cards can be confusing. Big banks, online providers, low-interest options, rewards cards, and balance transfer offers — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

This guide is written for beginners, including:

• Young adults and students
• Freelancers and side hustlers
• People who are new to credit cards
• Anyone looking to manage debt or build a credit history

By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to choose the right credit card, avoid common mistakes, and understand which options are the easiest to get approved for in 2026.

Main Takeaways

Before diving into the details, here’s a quick summary of the main points from this guide:

• Understand credit cards – How they work and how they differ from debit cards.
• Choose wisely – Pick a card that fits your spending habits and financial goals.
• Avoid mistakes – Don’t fall into the trap of unnecessary fees or high interest.
• Beginner-friendly options – Know which cards are easiest to get approved for.

Quick tips:

• Always check your credit score before applying.
• Compare fees, interest rates, and rewards programs.
• Start with one simple card and upgrade later.

How to Get a Credit Card: Step by Step

1. Check your credit score

• Free reports are available from Equifax and Experian.
• A good credit score increases your chance of approval.

2. Decide on card type

• Low-interest, rewards, travel, or beginner-friendly options.

3. Check eligibility

• Age, income, residency, and credit history requirements.

4. Gather documents

• ID (driver’s license, passport)
• Proof of income (pay slips, bank statements)
• Proof of address (utility bill, lease)

5. Apply online or in-branch

• Online applications are fast.
• Branch applications provide personal guidance.

6. Wait for approval

• Some banks offer instant pre-approval.
• Full approval may take a few days.

7. Activate your card and use responsibly

• Pay at least the minimum monthly.
• Avoid carrying large balances to minimise interest.

Pro tip: Pre-approval tools help you check your chances without affecting your credit score.

What Makes a Credit Card Easy to Get?

Some cards are specifically designed for beginners or people with limited credit history. Features that make a card “easy-to-get” include:

• Low minimum income requirements – Accessible for students, part-time workers, and freelancers.
• Flexible credit history requirements – No long credit history needed.
• Simple application process – Fewer documents, instant online applications.
• Secured or starter options – Deposit-backed cards or low-limit cards for first-time users.

Benefits:

• Easier approval for beginners
• Helps build credit history
• Lower stress during application

Who Can Apply for Easy-to-Get Cards?

• Students or young adults
• Freelancers or side hustlers
• People with limited or no credit history
• Individuals rebuilding credit

Why it works: These cards focus on responsible borrowing and help you get started without unnecessary barriers.

Benefits of Easy-to-Get Credit Cards

• Build credit history – A good record makes it easier to access better cards or loans.
• Emergency access to funds – Helps manage unexpected expenses.
• Interest-free periods – Usually 45–55 days if paid in full.
• Rewards – Cashback, points, or travel perks on everyday spending.
• Digital tools – Budgeting, notifications, and spending tracking via apps.
• Lower Transaction Fee: Cards from major providers often incur lower point-of-sale transaction fees, especially when used with EFTPOS payments.

Common Misconceptions

• Easy-to-get doesn’t mean no responsibility – Responsible use is still essential.
• Low-fee doesn’t mean low quality – Many beginner cards are simple, practical, and useful.
• Rewards aren’t always better – If you don’t use them, a low-fee card may be more valuable.

Top 10 Easy-to-Get Credit Cards in Australia (2026)

Note: Data is accurate as of January 2026. Always check the bank’s official website for the latest details.

The 10 Easiest Credit Cards to Get in Australia (Explained)

1. Community First Bank Low Rate

• Best for: People who want the lowest interest rates.
• Key points:
  • Very low purchase interest rate (~8.99%).
  • Up to 55 days interest-free on purchases.
• Why it’s great: Ideal if you occasionally carry a balance and want to avoid high interest.
• Considerations: Rewards are limited, and approval can be slightly stricter than other beginner cards.

2. Bankwest Breeze Classic

• Best for: Low-cost options and balance transfers.
• Key points:
  • Low annual fee.
  • Simple, straightforward approval process.
• Why it’s great: Good for first-time applicants or those consolidating debt.
• Considerations: Basic features, not much in terms of rewards or perks.

3. St.George Vertigo

• Best for: Flexible, low-fee option.
• Key points:
  • Low annual fee.
  • Rewards program optional.
  • Easy eligibility for beginners.
• Why it’s great: Good balance between low fees and the ability to earn points.
• Considerations: Moderate interest rate, so better to pay in full each month.

4. ING Orange One

• Best for: People looking for very low interest.

• Key points:

  • Low annual fees.
  • Very low purchase interest rate.
  • No monthly fees.

  Why it’s great: Excellent choice for students or low-income earners.

• Considerations: Rewards are minimal; mainly a practical card for everyday use.

5. NAB Low Rate

• Best for: Low interest with cashback benefits.
• Key points:
  • Low annual fee.
  • Low purchase interest rate.
  • Cashback on everyday spending.
• Why it’s great: Combines low cost with a small rewards program.
• Considerations: Not suitable if you want high-value travel rewards.

6. CommBank Low Rate

• Best for: Everyday card for general use.
• Key points:
  • Moderate annual fee.
  • Low interest on purchases.
  • Big bank support and robust online tools.
• Why it’s great: Reliable for beginners who want support and easy access to branches.
• Considerations: Rewards are limited; better for those prioritising low interest and convenience.

7. Westpac Low Rate

• Best for: People focused on debt reduction.
• Key points:
  • Low annual fee.
  • Low interest rate.
  • Good for consolidating existing balances.
• Why it’s great: Helps manage debt responsibly while keeping costs down.
• Considerations: Few rewards or points; purely functional.

8. NAB Qantas Rewards

• Best for: Frequent flyers.
• Key points:
  • High annual fee.
  • High interest rate.
  • Earn Qantas points on purchases.
• Why it’s great: Perfect for those who travel often and can make full use of points.
• Considerations: Requires responsible usage to offset higher fees and interest.

9. Citi Premier Qantas

• Best for: High spenders.
• Key points:
  • High annual fee and interest rate.
  • Rewards program focused on travel perks.
  • Bonus points and frequent flyer benefits.
• Why it’s great: Excellent for people who spend heavily and travel frequently.
• Considerations: Not ideal for beginners or those who carry balances.

10. Bankwest Zero Platinum

• Best for: People wanting no fees and overseas usage.
• Key points:
  • $0 annual fee.
  • Moderate interest rate.
  • Good for international transactions with low foreign fees.
• Why it’s great: Ideal for travellers or people who shop online globally.
• Considerations: Rewards program is limited; mainly benefits international users.

Simple Guidance: Which Card to Pick

• Low-income / first-time users → Community First, Bankwest Breeze Classic, ING Orange One
• Low-interest / debt focus → NAB Low Rate, CommBank Low Rate, Westpac Low Rate
• Travel / rewards-focused → NAB Qantas Rewards, Citi Premier Qantas, Bankwest Zero Platinum

Tip: Start simple; you can upgrade later as your credit history grows.

Tips for Getting Approved Quickly

• Apply for one card at a time
• Ensure income and employment details are correct
• Keep existing debts low
• Update personal information before applying
• Use pre-approval tools online

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Even “easy-to-get” credit cards can lead to financial issues if they are not used responsibly. Understanding the common pitfalls can help you avoid unnecessary fees, interest charges, and negative impacts on your credit score.

1. Applying for multiple cards at once

Many beginners make the mistake of applying for several credit cards at the same time. While it might seem like a good idea to increase your chances of approval, each application triggers a “hard inquiry” on your credit report. This can slightly reduce your credit score, especially if done repeatedly. Instead, focus on applying only for the cards that meet your financial needs and are most suitable for your spending habits.

2. Ignoring fees and interest rates

Credit card processing can come with a variety of fees, including annual fees, purchase interest rates, and foreign transaction fees. High fees can quickly outweigh any rewards or points you earn, making your card more expensive than it seems. Always read the fine print before applying and compare the total cost of using the card, including interest and any hidden fees. Remember, a low-fee card might be more valuable for everyday spending than a rewards-heavy card with high costs.

3. Choosing based on rewards alone

Cashback, points, or travel perks can be attractive, but they are only useful if they align with your spending habits. Beginners often make the mistake of picking a card with a flashy rewards program without considering whether they will actually use it. For example, a travel rewards card may not benefit someone who rarely flies. In such cases, a simple low-fee card with a reasonable interest rate may be more practical and cost-effective.

4. Not understanding your credit limit

Your credit limit is the maximum amount you can borrow on a card, but exceeding it or coming close to it regularly can harm your credit score. Beginners often fail to track how much they are spending relative to their limit. Overspending can increase your debt and make repayments harder to manage. Always monitor your usage and try to keep your balance well below your maximum limit to maintain a healthy credit score.

5. Only making minimum repayments

While making the minimum repayment keeps your account in good standing, it can be a trap for beginners. Paying only the minimum means interest charges build up on the remaining balance, potentially leading to long-term debt. To avoid this, aim to pay off your balance in full each month whenever possible. This strategy prevents interest from accumulating and helps you maintain control over your finances.

Tips for beginners:

• Track your spending: Use your bank’s app or a budgeting tool to monitor your purchases and stay within limits.
• Set repayment reminders: Make sure you never miss a due date to avoid late fees and extra interest.
• Compare multiple cards: Evaluate several options before choosing, looking at fees, interest rates, rewards, and your personal financial needs.

By being aware of these common mistakes and taking proactive steps, beginners can use their credit cards responsibly, avoid unnecessary costs, and build a strong credit history for the future.

Conclusion

Easy-to-get credit cards are a great tool for beginners in Australia. They help:

• Build a strong credit history
• Manage finances and emergencies
• Take advantage of interest-free periods and rewards
• Learn financial responsibility

Always check the latest information on each bank’s website and choose a card that fits your lifestyle and financial goals.

More Resources:

How to Accept Credit Card Payments

Top 10 Credit Cards in Australia

What is EFT Payment?