Credit cards for students
Dedicated student credit cards are uncommon in Australia. Students mostly apply for the same cards as everyone else and are assessed on income, so a card with a low minimum limit and low fees is usually the starting point.
| Card | Minimum credit limit | Minimum income stated | Card fee | Purchase rate | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CommBank Low Rate Credit Card | $500 | Not published | $6 a month ($72 a year) | 10.99% to 15.99% p.a. (personalised on approval) | View on CommBank site |
| CommBank Low Fee Credit Card | $500 | Not published | $0 in any month you spend $300 or more, otherwise $3 a month | 20.99% p.a. | View on CommBank site |
| St.George Vertigo | $500 | Not published | $7 a month ($84 a year) | 13.99% p.a. | View on St.George site |
| Westpac Low Rate Card | $500 | $30,000 a year | $7 a month ($84 a year) | 13.74% p.a. | View on Westpac site |
A low minimum limit doesn’t mean an application will be approved. Providers assess every application against their lending criteria.
Eligibility basics
- You must be 18 or over and have regular income, which can include part-time or casual work.
- International students: check visa rules first. NAB, for example, lists student visas among the visa types it doesn’t accept for credit card applications. Westpac and St.George require a temporary visa with at least a year remaining.
- Whether Youth Allowance and similar payments count as income depends on the provider.
Using a first card well
- Choose a low limit. $500 is enough to build a repayment history without much risk.
- Pay the full balance every month. That keeps the interest-free period and avoids interest entirely.
- Avoid cash advances. They attract a fee and a higher interest rate.
- Don’t apply for several cards at once. Each application is recorded on your credit report.
Do you need a credit card at all?
A debit card covers online shopping and tap-and-go payments without debt. A credit card is worth having only if you are confident you will repay it in full each month.