Personal credit cards for people with low credit ratings

Can I get a credit card with bad credit in Australia?

Yes, it is possible, some banks and financial companies in Australia have loan offers with more loyal approaches to assessing the credit status of a potential borrower.

What is a bad credit score?

The value may vary for different credit agencies, but for the largest players in Australia, it can be 0-549 for Experian and 0-509 for Equifax.

How do I get approved for a personal credit card if I have bad credit?

 To improve your chances of getting a credit card with very poor credit you should: 

1. Check your credit score in a reporting agency to understand why your credit is considered bad. You are entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the major credit reporting agencies, like Equifax or Experian. If you identify any inaccuracies, dispute them.
2. Pay out your outstanding debts to improve your credit score: current loans, utility bills, etc.
3. Look for credit cards for people with low incomes, which may have higher interest rates and fewer perks, but they can be a stepping stone to rebuilding your credit score. Some financial institutions offer credit-builder loans or other credit products designed to help individuals rebuild their credit.
4. Apply for a credit card with a co-signer. Keep in mind that if you fail to make payments, it will affect the co-signer's credit.
5. Provide evidence of stable income and employment to demonstrate to a bank or financial company that you are capable of making regular payments. Having savings will be a positive factor.
6. If you find it difficult to get out of your current financial situation on your own, seek help from a financial advisor.

What is the minimum income for a credit card?

The minimum income requirements for credit cards in Australia can vary widely depending on the type of card and the issuing bank or financial institution. Generally, credit card issuers set minimum income thresholds to ensure that applicants have the financial capacity to manage credit responsibly. Here are some general guidelines:

• Standard Credit Cards: Basic credit cards may have lower income requirements, typically starting around $15,000 to $20,000 per year.
• Gold and Platinum Credit Cards: Premium-level cards often require higher incomes, typically starting around $35,000 to $40,000 per year or more.
• Signature and World Elite Credit Cards: Top-tier cards with extensive benefits and rewards programs usually require higher incomes, typically starting around $75,000 to $100,000 per year or more.

What credit card can I get to help build my credit in Australia?

Building credit in Australia can be achieved through various credit card options designed specifically for individuals with limited or no credit history. Here are some credit card types and considerations that can help you build credit effectively: Secured Credit Cards, Low Limit Credit Cards, Student Credit Cards, Credit Builder Loans or Products.

Can I consolidate debt with a credit card in Australia?

Yes, you can consolidate debt with a credit card in Australia through a process known as a balance transfer.

At first you should choose a balance transfer credit card. Look for credit cards that offer promotional balance transfer rates, typically with low or 0% interest rates for a specified period (e.g., 6 months to 24 months). Tnen apply for the new credit card with the balance transfer offer. The application process usually involves providing personal information, income details, and authorizing a credit check.

Once approved, you can request a balance transfer from your existing credit cards or loans to the new card. This involves providing details of the accounts you want to transfer balances from. Transfer Fees: Note that balance transfers often come with a fee, typically around 1% to 3% of the transferred amount. Some cards may waive this fee during promotional periods.

Are there no credit check credit cards in Australia?

In Australia, traditional credit cards typically require a credit check as part of the application process. A credit check helps issuers assess an applicant's creditworthiness by reviewing their credit history and credit score. However, there are alternative financial products that may not require a traditional credit check, like: Prepaid Cards, Secured Credit Cards, Debit Cards.

Can self-unemployed get a credit card?

Yes, self-employed individuals can typically apply for and obtain a credit card in Australia. However, the process may require providing additional documentation compared to salaried employees:

Financial Statements: Provide recent financial statements such as profit and loss statements, income tax returns (usually for the last two years), and/or business activity statements (BAS).

Bank Statements: Some issuers may require recent bank statements to verify income deposits.

Business Details: ABN (Australian Business Number): Provide your ABN if you have one, which verifies your business’s legal status.

Business Structure: Information about your business structure (sole trader, partnership, company, etc.).

Credit History: Personal Credit Report: Ensure your personal credit report is in good standing. Review your credit report from major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, Illion) to check for any errors or negative marks.

As an alternative, you can also take out a personal loan. Your possible expenses:

Personal loan calculations for 1 year (example)

You can also get more detailed calculations by using our financial calculators.

Can I get a credit card without a job in Australia?

In Australia, obtaining a credit card without a traditional job can be challenging but not entirely impossible. Credit card issuers typically assess an applicant's ability to repay debt, which often includes stable income from employment or other sources.

How fast can I get a credit card?

The time it takes to get a credit card in Australia can vary depending on several factors, including the issuer's process, your application details, and how quickly you provide required documentation. As a rule, this takes several days, but if you go to a bank branch with the necessary documents, issuing non-registered credit cards can take up to 1 hour.

What alternatives to credit cards are in Australia?

If you need money, you can also apply for:

• pad credit personal loans
• secured personal loans
• payday loans 

See the related FAQ about the banks:

• Bankwest cash advance fee
• Bankwest deposit ATM
• Bankwest cardless cash offer
• Bankwest foreign transaction fee
• Bankwest: EFTPOS proposals

Details of companies offering the financial services:

ANZ Bank

Head office’s address: 833 Collins Street

Contact center: 13-13-14

Phone: 61-3-9683-9999

Mail address: 833 Collins Street Docklands, Melbourne

Web-site: http://www.anz.com

Swift code: ANZBAU3M

Financial institution code: ANZ

Stock code: ANZ

ABN: 11 005 357 522

BSB: 015-891

Australian Unity

Head office’s address: 271 Spring Street

Contact center: +61 132-939

Mail address: Australian Unity, 271 Spring Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Web-site: https://www.australianunity.com.au/health-insurance

Bank of Queensland

Head office’s address: 100 Skyring Ter

Contact center: 61-1300-557-272

Mail address: 100 Skyring Ter L 6, Newstead, Queensland, 4006

Web-site: http://www.boq.com.au/

Stock code: BOQ

ABN: 32 009 656 740

BSB: 124-001

Bankwest

Head office’s address: 300 Murray St

Contact center: 61-131719

Phone: 61-8-9449-2840

Mail address: Bankwest PO Box E237 Perth WA 6841

Web-site: http://www.bankwest.com.au/

Swift code: BKWAAU6P

ABN: 48 123 123 124

BSB: 325-185

Bankwest

Head office’s address: 300 Murray St

Contact center: 61-131719

Phone: 61-8-9449-2840

Mail address: Bankwest PO Box E237 Perth WA 6841

Web-site: http://www.bankwest.com.au/

Swift code: BKWAAU6P

ABN: 48 123 123 124

BSB: 325-185

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank

Head office’s address: The Bendigo Centre

Contact center: 1-300-361-911

Phone: 61-2-8023-5417

Mail address: The Bendigo Centre PO Box 480 Bendigo Vic 3552

Web-site: http://www.bendigobank.com.au/

Swift code: BENDAU3B

Stock code: BEN

ABN: 11 068 049 178

BSB: 633-300

Coles

Head office’s address: Hawthorn East Victoria

Web-site: http://www.coles.com.au/

Stock code: COL

BSB: 033-844

CommBank

Head office’s address: 201 Sussex Street

Contact center: 13-22-21

Phone: 61-2-8055-4001

Mail address: Level 10, Tower One, Darling Park, 201 Sussex Street

Web-site: https://www.commbank.com.au/

Swift code: CTBAAU2S

Stock code: CBA

ABN: 48 123 123 124

Members Equity Bank (ME Bank)

Head office’s address: 360 Elizabeth Street

Contact center: 13-15-63

Phone: 61-3-9708-4001

Mail address: PO Box 1345 Melbourne, VIC 3001

Web-site: http://www.mebank.com.au/

Swift code: MEQBAU3M

Financial institution code: MEB

ABN: 56 070 887 679

BSB: 944-300

MONEYME

Head office’s address: 3/131 Macquarie St

Contact center: +61 1300-669-059

Web-site: https://www.moneyme.com.au

NAB

Head office’s address: 800 Bourke Street

Contact center: 13-22-65

Phone: 61-3-8566-7023

Mail address: Level 4, 800 Bourke Street, Docklands, VIC

Web-site: http://www.nab.com.au/

Swift code: NATAAU3303M

Financial institution code: NAB

Stock code: NAB

BSB: 086-027

St. George Bank

Head office’s address: 275 Kent Street

Contact center: 13-33-30

Phone: 61-2-9553-5333

Mail address: St.George Bank Locked Bag 1 Kogarah NSW 1485

Web-site: http://www.stgeorge.com.au/

Swift code: SGBLAU2S

Financial institution code: STG

Stock code: SGB

ABN: 33 007 457 141

BSB: 112-908

Suncorp Bank

Head office’s address: 80 Ann Street

Contact center: 13-11-55

Phone: 61-7-3362-2222

Mail address: PO Box A50 Sydney South NSW 1235

Web-site: http://www.suncorpbank.com.au/

Swift code: METWAU4B

ABN: 66 010 831 722

BSB: 484-799

Virgin Money

Head office’s address: 2000 AU Phillip Street

Contact center: 61-138151

Phone: 61-7-3333-6688

Mail address: Phillip Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000 AU Phillip Street, Sydney

Web-site: https://virginmoney.com.au/

Westpac Bank

Head office’s address: 275 Kent Street

Contact center: 13-20-32

Phone: 61-2-9155-7700

Mail address: 275 Kent Street, Sydney, NSW

Web-site: https://www.westpac.com.au/

Swift code: WPACAU2S

Financial institution code: WBC

Stock code: WBC

ABN: 33 007 457 141

BSB: 032-063