General information only. This article does not constitute financial advice. Credit card products change frequently — verify current rates and conditions before applying.
A good travel credit card does three things: earns points on everyday spending, waives foreign transaction fees, and provides travel insurance that’s actually worth reading the PDS for. Most Australian travel cards do one or two of these well. The best do all three.
Here’s what’s worth applying for right now.
What Actually Matters in a Travel Card
Points earn rate: How many points per dollar spent? What’s the earn rate overseas vs domestically?
Points program: Are the points transferable to airline partners (Qantas, Velocity, Singapore KrisFlyer)? Transfer-based programs are typically more flexible than airline-specific cards.
Foreign transaction fees: Waived entirely, or charged at 2–3%? On an overseas trip, foreign transaction fees add up faster than the points you earn.
Travel insurance: Is it complimentary? What triggers it (usually paying for travel with the card)? What’s the excess? Medical evacuation coverage is the critical item.
Annual fee vs value: A $300 annual fee card that earns 3x points and includes lounge access and travel insurance can easily be worth $1,000+ in value if you travel regularly.
The Best Cards Right Now
American Express Explorer Credit Card remains one of the best all-rounders. High points earn rate on domestic spend, Membership Rewards points transfer to multiple airline programs (Qantas, Velocity, KrisFlyer, Asia Miles), and the travel insurance is comprehensive. The $395 annual fee is offset by the $400 annual travel credit and the 50,000 point sign-up bonus for new cardholders (conditions apply).
Qantas Premier Platinum is the default choice if you’re loyal to Qantas. Earns Qantas Points directly at a competitive rate, includes lounge passes, and the complimentary travel insurance is among the best attached to any Australian credit card. The annual fee is $299.
ANZ Rewards Black suits buyers who want flexibility — the points transfer to Velocity, KrisFlyer, and Air New Zealand Airpoints. No foreign transaction fees, solid travel insurance, and the earn rate on everyday spend is competitive. Annual fee $375.
CommBank Ultimate Awards Card has improved significantly and now offers a competitive points earn rate with transfers to Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific. The integrated CommBank app makes tracking spending and points easier than most competitors.
Bankwest Breeze Mastercard takes the opposite approach — no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, straightforward low-rate card with no frills. Best for travellers who don’t value points programs and just want to avoid fees overseas.
The Mistake Most People Make
Applying for a points-earning travel card and then paying interest on it. Travel rewards cards carry high interest rates (typically 19–22% p.a.) — if you don’t pay the balance in full each month, the interest cost will exceed the value of every point you ever earn. These products are for people who clear the balance monthly.
If you carry a balance, a low-rate card (even without travel perks) is the better financial choice.
How to Maximise Your Points
- Use the card for all everyday spending, not just travel
- Pay bills that accept credit card (without surcharge) on the card
- Look for bonus earn categories (some cards pay 2x or 3x on dining, fuel, or supermarkets)
- Redeem points for international business class — the redemption value per point is typically 3–5x higher than economy or gift cards
Compare travel credit cards side by side: Finder's credit card comparison tool shows current interest rates, earn rates, fees, and sign-up bonuses across every major Australian card.
Compare Travel Cards at Finder