Most Australian credit cards expect an existing local credit history, but several major banks explicitly accept visa holders with enough time left on their visa. Approval always depends on an individual credit and affordability assessment — the details below are eligibility guidelines from each provider, not a guarantee.
Enter your typical monthly card spend to see what each card's points are worth — a conservative "downside" if you just cash them out, and an optimistic "upside" if you redeem them well (e.g. business class flights).
Point valuations (downside/upside) are independent consensus figures from Australian points-value trackers, not our own estimate — see each card's notes for what they're based on. Downside assumes the easiest cash-like redemption (direct cash-out or a low-friction gift card); upside assumes a well-executed premium redemption, which takes research and availability, not just points. Tiered/bonus-category earn rates are simplified to a flat model here. None of these cards' visa-holder eligibility was confirmed — check directly before applying.
| Coles Coles Rewards Mastercard (flybuys)flybuys | $99 | 48,000 | $141 | $621 | Visit |
| American Express Explorer Card (Membership Rewards)Amex Membership Rewards | $395 | 48,000 | $85 | $661 | Visit |
| American Express Qantas Discovery CardQantas Points | $0 | 18,000 | $72 | $900 | Visit |
| Virgin Money Velocity Flyer CardVelocity Points | $149 | 14,880 | -$75 | $416 | Visit |
7 options
Credit cards for visa holders
ANZ accepts visa holder applications across its credit card range, subject to standard credit assessment.
At least 9 months remaining on an eligible visa at the time of application, or Australian/NZ citizenship or permanent residency.
Zero Platinum Mastercard
$0 annual fee and 0% international transaction fee, plus up to 55 days interest-free on purchases.
Standard credit and identity checks apply — we couldn't confirm a specific visa-holder policy for this card, so check directly before applying if you're on a temporary visa.
Credit cards for new arrivals & visa holders
CommBank has a dedicated pathway for newcomers — visa holders can apply even without an Australian credit history, across several card tiers (low-fee to rewards).
Australian/NZ citizen, permanent resident, or hold an eligible visa with more than 6 months remaining at the time of application. Passport required to confirm visa details if not a citizen/PR.
Kogan Money Credit Card
$0 ongoing annual fee plus uncapped rewards points (2 pts/$1 at Kogan.com, 1 pt/$1 elsewhere) redeemable for Kogan.com credit — a strong general-purpose no-fee card once you're eligible.
Australian citizens and permanent residents only — not available to temporary visa holders. Must earn $35,000+/year with full-time, part-time or self-employed income, be 18+, and have a good credit score.
28° Global Platinum Mastercard
$0 international transaction and currency conversion fees — a solid choice while you're still spending across multiple currencies during the move.
Temporary residents with work rights and an intention to stay in Australia for 12+ months or more are eligible, subject to a standard credit and affordability assessment. Must be 18+.
Credit cards for visa holders
NAB accepts applications from permanent residents and holders of an acceptable temporary residency visa.
Permanent residency or an acceptable temporary residency visa — NAB doesn't publish a specific minimum months-remaining figure, so confirm directly before applying.
Credit cards for visa holders
Westpac accepts visa holder applications across its credit card range, subject to standard credit assessment.
At least 12 months remaining on an eligible visa at the time of application, or Australian/NZ citizenship or permanent residency.