Best Starter Credit Cards for New International Students in Australia

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Choosing one of the best starter credit cards for new international students in Australia can help you pay for online purchases, manage short-term expenses and begin creating an Australian credit record.

However, Australian banks do not usually approve a credit card simply because the applicant is enrolled at a university. They assess your visa, income, employment, living expenses, existing debts and ability to make repayments.

The best first credit card is normally a simple card with:

A low minimum credit limit.
Low or avoidable account fees.
No expensive rewards program.
Clear temporary-visa requirements.
Easy digital account management.
Repayments you can comfortably afford.

Can a New International Student Get a Credit Card in Australia?

Yes. Some banks accept international students holding a subclass 500 visa, but approval is not guaranteed.

CommBank specifically lists the Student visa subclass 500 among the visa types that may be eligible. Applicants generally need more than six months remaining on their visa, the legal right to work in Australia and proof of income.

Other banks may accept temporary residents under different conditions:

ANZ generally requires more than 12 months remaining on the applicant’s visa.
Westpac may accept certain temporary visa holders with at least one year remaining.
Westpac generally asks for at least three months of verifiable Australian taxable income.
Every provider conducts its own affordability and credit assessment.

Students who have just arrived and do not yet have a job may find it difficult to qualify. A debit card may be the safer starting point until regular income can be demonstrated.

Best Starter Credit Cards for New International Students in Australia

1. CommBank Low Fee Credit Card

Best overall starter card for eligible student visa holders

The CommBank Low Fee Credit Card is one of the most realistic options because CommBank publishes clear eligibility information for subclass 500 student visa holders.

Key features include:

Minimum credit limit of A$500.
A$3 monthly fee.
Monthly fee waived when spending at least A$300 in the statement period.
Up to 55 interest-free days on eligible purchases.
20.99% p.a. purchase interest rate.
No additional cardholder fee.
Mobile wallet and CommBank app access.

The A$500 minimum limit may be more manageable for a beginner than cards requiring a minimum limit of A$1,000, A$3,000 or more.

Who may qualify?

International students may be considered when they:

Are at least 18 years old.
Hold an eligible visa, including subclass 500.
Have more than six months remaining on the visa.
Have the legal right to work in Australia.
Can provide payslips or other proof of income.
Live at an Australian address.
Meet CommBank’s credit assessment criteria.

The card has a relatively high purchase interest rate, so it is most suitable for students who plan to pay the complete statement balance every month.

2. ANZ First Credit Card

Best traditional first credit card

As its name suggests, the ANZ First Credit Card is designed as a straightforward entry-level option rather than a premium rewards card.

Its main features include:

A$30 annual fee.
A$1,000 minimum credit limit.
Up to 55 interest-free days on eligible purchases.
No charge for up to three additional cardholders.
Purchase protection and extended warranty insurance, subject to eligibility and exclusions.
Digital wallet compatibility.
Fraud monitoring through ANZ Falcon.

Temporary visa requirements

Applicants must generally:

Be at least 18.
Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have more than 12 months remaining on their visa.
Provide identity documents.
Disclose income, expenses, assets and liabilities.

ANZ also states that having no Australian credit history does not automatically prevent approval. Employment history, expenses, assets and liabilities are also considered.

This may make ANZ First worth considering after you have secured a stable part-time job, although the A$1,000 minimum limit is higher than CommBank’s A$500 starting limit.

3. Westpac Low Fee Credit Card

Best for students with established part-time income

The Westpac Low Fee Credit Card may suit international students who have already worked in Australia for several months and can meet its income requirement.

Current features include:

A$0 annual fee in the first year.
A$30 annual fee in later years.
Ongoing fee waived after A$5,000 of eligible annual spending.
A$500 minimum credit limit.
A$30,000 minimum annual income.
Up to 55 interest-free days on purchases.
20.99% p.a. variable purchase rate.
Instant digital card and mobile wallet support.

Westpac says non-residents holding an acceptable visa may be approved when at least one year remains before expiry. Applicants generally need a regular, verifiable Australian taxable income for at least three months.

The A$30,000 minimum income requirement means this card will not suit every student working limited hours.

4. CommBank Interest-Free Low Fee Credit Card

Best for students worried about interest charges

This digital-only card uses a monthly fee instead of charging interest.

Its main features are:

0% p.a. purchase interest.
No late payment fee.
No international transaction fee.
A$400 to A$1,500 credit limits.
A$10 monthly fee when the card is used.
A$0 monthly fee when the previous statement was paid in full and no transactions were made during the current statement period.
Minimum monthly repayment generally limited to A$40 or the total amount owed when lower.

This option can make costs more predictable, but paying A$10 every active month could cost A$120 per year. It may therefore be more expensive than a low-fee card for students who always repay their balance in full.

The card is also digital only and generally blocks cash advances. Students should confirm that their visa and financial circumstances satisfy CommBank’s assessment before applying.

What Documents Do International Students Need?

Prepare the following before starting a credit card application:

Passport and Australian visa details.
Australian residential address.
Recent consecutive payslips.
Employment details.
Australian bank statements.
Information about rent and living expenses.
Details of personal loans, Buy Now Pay Later balances or other debts.
Estimated monthly income after tax.

Providing accurate information is important. Banks may verify income and compare it with the expenses declared in the application.

How to Choose Your First Credit Card

Choose the lowest practical limit

A credit limit is borrowed money, not additional income. Starting with A$500 or A$1,000 can reduce the risk of building an unaffordable balance.

Compare total costs

Check more than the annual fee. Credit cards can also charge:

Purchase interest.
Cash advance interest.
Foreign transaction fees.
Late payment fees.
Cash withdrawal fees.
Balance transfer fees.

MoneySmart recommends comparing the interest rate, interest-free period, annual or monthly fee and the way you intend to use the card.

Avoid applying for several cards

Credit applications can be recorded on your Australian credit report. The number of applications, borrowed amounts and repayment history can affect your credit score.

Research eligibility first and apply only for the card that best matches your visa, income and expenses.

Pay the statement balance in full

Interest-free days normally apply only when the required statement balance is paid by the due date. Paying only the minimum can result in substantial interest and a much longer repayment period.

Credit Card or Debit Card: Which Should a New Student Choose?

Choose a credit card when you:

Have stable Australian income.
Understand the fees and repayment dates.
Can pay the complete balance each month.
Need a card for deposits, bookings or credit-history purposes.

Continue using a debit card when you:

Have no regular income.
Have only recently arrived.
Are waiting to start a part-time job.
Are likely to spend more than you can repay.
Do not meet the bank’s visa requirements.

A debit card lets you make everyday and online purchases using your own money, without interest charges or credit approval.

Final Verdict

The CommBank Low Fee Credit Card is the strongest overall starter option for eligible international students because subclass 500 is specifically listed, the minimum credit limit is A$500 and the monthly fee can be avoided.

The ANZ First Credit Card is a practical alternative for students with more than 12 months remaining on their visas and sufficient income for a A$1,000 limit.

The Westpac Low Fee Credit Card is more suitable for established students earning at least A$30,000 per year, while the CommBank Interest-Free Low Fee Credit Card may appeal to students who prefer predictable fees instead of interest.

Approval is never guaranteed. Do not apply until you have checked the current visa rules, income requirements and complete card terms.

Best Starter Credit Cards for New International Students in Australia

Can a New International Student Get a Credit Card in Australia?