You deserve the best credit card deal

If you… Are paying too much credit card interest

• Want to get out of debt faster
• Want to combine 2+ cards into one

Balance transfer credit cards

What are they?
These credit cards give you a low or 0% interest rate for a period of time when you move money you already owe from your current card to the new card. Having the interest-free period means you save on charges and can pay off your debt faster.

If you’re paying interest on more than one credit card, you can also use a balance transfer credit card to consolidate the cards into one account. There are even some balance transfer cards that let you move debt from personal loans. As well as saving you money on interest charges (and often fees), this means you only have one bill to pay each month.

How to find the best balance transfer credit card
✅‍ ‍‍‏‏‎ ‎Look for: A 0% balance transfer rate that lasts long enough for you to pay off your debt. The introductory period usually ranges from 6 to 12 months and after that, a higher interest rate kicks in. If you can pay off what you owe before that happens, you’ll save more with a balance transfer deal.
⚠️ ‏‏‎ ‎Watch out for: A balance transfer fee that eats too much into your savings. Not all offers charge one, but if they do, it’s typically charged as 1-3% of the money you transfer.

If you… Spend a lot and want to be rewarded for it

• Want more Airpoints
• Are looking for value (beyond saving money)

Airpoints other rewards credit cards

What are they?

Airpoints and other rewards credit cards earn you points on your everyday spending, which you can then use to get travel, gift cards, experiences and more. There are also some cards that offer cashback rewards.

Lots of these cards also come with big bonus point offers when you first sign up, which can give you hundreds of dollars in value. But most Airpoints and rewards cards also have higher annual fees and interest rates than other cards. So people who can pay off their balance each month and use all the points and perks will get the best value.

How to find the best Airpoints or rewards credit card
✅ ‏‏‎ ‎Look for: An introductory offer with substantial bonus cashback or bonus points. This will often balance out the card’s annual fee in the first year. The points you earn per $1 spent (the “earn rate”) will help you work out the value beyond that.
⚠️ ‏‏‎ ‎Watch out for: Standard interest rates and annual fees that are higher than you’re prepared to pay. For example, if you’re only getting $250 of value from rewards and other perks but your annual fee is $450, it’s not worth it.

If you… Value a lower cost over lots of perks

• Want a card for emergencies
• Hardly ever use your credit card

No annual fee credit cards

What are they?

This type of credit card comes with a $0 annual fee for the first year, or for life. In comparison, some cards have annual fees of $400 or more. This makes a no annual fee card a good choice when you’re looking for a low-cost card, especially if you usually pay off your balance each month (which cuts down on interest charges).

With most no annual fee credit cards, the value really is driven from that $0 yearly cost, so you won’t usually get premium perks and rewards. But there are Airpointsss and rewards cards that offer $0 annual fees for the first year, which gives you time to decide what you value more.

How to find the best no annual fee credit card
✅ ‏‏‎ ‎Look for: How long you’ll get the $0 annual fee and any other features you want on the card. If you get a card that has interest-free days on purchases, check how this works so you can avoid both an annual fee and interest charges.
⚠️ ‏‏‎ ‎Watch out for: Cards that charge a high annual fee after the first year. There are also a few cards that offer an ongoing annual fee waiver if you spend a set amount each year, are a student or meet other requirements – so it pays to check the fine print (or ask).

If you… Actually need credit

• Usually carry a balance
• Want to pay off big-ticket items over time

Low rate credit cards

What are they?

These credit cards offer a low interest rate on purchases, typically ranging from 9.95% p.a. to 13.95% p.a. In comparison, some other cards charge purchase rates from 18-22% p.a. There are also cards that offer a 0% interest rate for purchases for the first few months.

If you were paying off something over a year, even a 1-2% difference in the interest rate can save you money, so low rate credit cards are really valuable for people who need some breathing room.

How to find the best low rate credit card
✅ ‏‏‎ ‎Look for: A long introductory 0% purchase period. Check how long the rate lasts and what it reverts to (the rate you’ll pay on any unpaid balance). If you want an ongoing low rate, look for one below 14.99% p.a.
⚠️ ‏‏‎ ‎Watch out for: Annual fees that will outweigh the savings of a low interest rate. And be careful if you want to withdraw cash, because cash advances usually incur a higher interest rate.