Compare credit card introductory offers

Introductory credit card offers available in Australia typically include:

• Bonus reward points and/or frequent flyer points.
• Discounted interest rates on sign up.
• No annual fees or discounted annual fees.
• Cash back offers – typically a percentage of each purchase or a fixed amount.
• Balance transfer deals – charging low or zero interest on outstanding debt when you switch from one card to another.

Some credit cards may feature just one of these introductory offers, while others will provide a combination of bonuses.  

These promotions typically only last for a limited time. To keep enjoying bonus offers on your credit card, you may need to fulfil certain terms and conditions, such as spending a minimum amount on eligible transactions per month or per year. 

It’s important to consider different offers and calculate which credit card may be right for you before making a choice. The best credit card deals for you may be the offers that best suit your household budget and spending style.

The time frame of introductory promotions for credit cards depends on the credit card provider and the offer itself. They can either be given as an upfront, one-off bonus or last for a set period of months. 

How long a credit card introductory offer may last

To keep enjoying bonus offers on your credit card, you may need to fulfil certain terms and conditions, such as spending a minimum amount on eligible transactions per month or per year.

Bonus points on sign up

Points chasers often use the sign-up points offered by frequent flyer cards as a strategy to nab more affordable or free flights. Some credit cards offer six-figure bulk frequent flyer points for eligible customers on sign up, which can be enough to take you around Australia, or even visit Asia, the US or Europe. 

If you find a credit card that offers great rewards and a generous number of bonus points on signup, simply switching cards could let you enjoy the royal treatment. To get a better idea of if a rewards card may be right for you, consider comparing the value offered by its rewards to the cost of its annual fee.

Pay fewer fees and ongoing costs

A fee-free credit card offer can mean paying less for your credit card, and enjoying more value. It’s important to read the terms and conditions, as some credit cards only discount or waive fees for a limited time, or for as long as you maintain a minimum spend. 

If your new credit card offers a low introductory interest rate on purchases, you can shop with confidence, knowing that you can rack up fewer interest charges on what you buy. You may even be able to find a card with a 0% introductory purchase rate and no fees. But be aware that once the introductory period expires, you’ll need to pay interest on any outstanding purchases based on the card’s revert rate.

Pay off your debt

If you already owe a large balance on a credit card, and are being charged interest at a high rate, you may be struggling to catch up on your credit card payments. Switching to a credit card that charges no or low interest on balance transfers could give you the breathing room you need to pay down your debt during the card’s introductory period. 

Just remember that once the introductory period ends, you’ll need to pay interest on any remaining outstanding balance at the card’s revert rate.