ANZ Credit Cards

ANZ Credit Cards in Australia

Living in Australia, there are certain things we all grow up with. You slip, slop, slap and you clip every trip. You grow up as Weetbix kids – or as happy little Vegemites. Lucky enough to earn pocket money? Then you pop it in the piggy bank or you open an account with one of the Big Four.

Banking with the Big Four as kids, often means we stay with the Big Four as adults. But is this the right thing to do? If you’re thinking about applying for a credit card now, should you choose one from the massive range on offer from a Big Four bank?

One word: choice. ANZ is a huge banking superpower. It has hundreds of billions of dollars in assets and more product choice than you can shake a stick at.

If you’re looking for credit cards, ANZ has ‘em. From rewards cards and low rate low fee cards, to the feature-packed status symbols that are gold and platinum cards. Want to know more? Let’s take a look to see what ANZ has to offer.

What types of cards are on offer?

Starter Credit Cards

As you could probably guess, a starter card is designed as an introduction to credit cards. ANZ actually has a starter card: the ANZ First Credit Card.

What sets this apart from standard credit cards? One of the first things you should notice when comparing credit cards is the minimum income requirement. If you’re pulling in big bucks, then this shouldn’t be a big issue. However, if you’re just starting out in adult life, chances are your bank account looks a little leaner.

Why should you choose this cards?

Back to the starter cards. As any credit card provider would, ANZ will check your credit history when you apply. This will show whether you are good with money and can handle dealing with credit. Don’t have that much of a credit history? One of the great things about having a credit card is using it to build up your credit score.

Just know that treating credit correctly now will stand you in good stead for the future. When you apply for fancier credit cards, car loans, and home loans in the future, you will be extraordinarily happy that your credit is good. Believe us.

As for features, starter cards are not exactly feature-packed. You’ll usually find starter cards charge low annual fees, which means credit card companies aren’t overly excited to offer you expensive features. You may find a few good extras, but really, just focus on treating that piece of plastic properly.

Pay off the balance in full each month. Don’t just pay the minimum payment. Most importantly, don’t buy stuff you know you can’t pay back. Got it? Good.

Low Rate Low Fee Cards

Yep, these cards are exactly what you think they are. They either offer low interest rates, low annual fees – or, if you’re lucky, both. Take the Low Rate credit Card for example. It charges a low variable rate of interest, while charging a fairly inexpensive annual fee. While it doesn’t offer that much in the way of features, it’s perfect if you want a low rate of interest on your card.

Why should you choose these card?

While they may not be the most exciting of the bunch, low rate and low fee cards definitely have a place in the world. Helping you save on interest month-to-month, low interest rate cards are great if you tend to carry a balance. Similarly, cards with low or no annual fee help to keep costs down while still giving you access to credit.

If you want rewards and features, you may just find a low rate or low fee option. But if your goal is to save money, you may find that a no frills option is the best way to do that.

Rewards Cards

Who doesn’t love getting a little gift now and then? When you have a rewards card, you can earn rewards points on your credit card spending. Save up those rewards, and you can treat yourself to a little gift.

What kind of gift, you say? There are heaps of different rewards programs to choose from. If you love travelling, you could opt for a frequent flyer rewards program. Or, if you love shopping, you could choose a retail rewards program.

ANZ has plenty of rewards cards on offer. If you want a mix of rewards, check out the ANZ Rewards Platinum Credit Card and the ANZ Rewards Black Credit Card. These cards let you earn rewards points that can be redeemed for flights, merchandise, gift cards and cashback.

Alternatively, if you know you want travel-related rewards, take a look at the ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum Credit Card and the ANZ Frequent Flyer Black Credit Card. With these little beauties you can earn rewards points as you use the card, as well as a range of travel extras. Want complimentary international travel insurance? Perhaps a free flight? Maybe some airport lounge passes? Check out the small print to see what’s on offer.

Why should you choose these cards?

If you’re a big spender on your card, a rewards card could be for you. Why? It’s simple. Spend big on your card and earn big on rewards. Of course, there’s a caveat. Be sure to pay off the balance in full each month, otherwise you’ll negate any rewards you earn with the interest you pay out.

Okay, this is important with any card. Always make sure you get more back from the card than you pay out. Rewards cards tend to charge higher annual fees and interest, hence, you pay to use them. Whether you’re looking at fees or interest, you have to make the card work for you.

Another side to this is the rewards program itself. You’d be surprised how often people choose a rewards credit card without thinking about what’s on offer. Choose a rewards card that offers rewards you actually want. A little comparison goes a long way.

Prestige Cards

ANZ has a few options on the table for prestige seekers. The ANZ Platinum Credit Card is the standard option, while the ANZ Rewards Platinum Credit Card and the ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum Credit Card offer platinum perks and a rewards program.

Looking for something more? Cast your eyes over the ANZ Rewards Black Credit Card and the ANZ Frequent Flyer Black Credit Card. These cards have an annual fee of $375 and $425 respectively and you do get some pretty neat extras.

Why should you choose these cards?

When you apply for a platinum or black card, you’re really applying for all the added extras they offer. That could involve perks such as a personal concierge, or it could mean a higher rewards points earn rate. It could mean complimentary insurances and extended warranties. It could mean free flights and VIP airport lounge access.

If you love the little luxuries in life and want to get some lovely extras from your credit card, then a prestige card is for you. As we said when discussing rewards cards, you are paying for the extras. Just be sure that you get more back from your card than you pay in.

A Short History of ANZ

ANZ actually started out life as the Bank of Australasia, opening its first branch in Sydney in 1835. However, it wasn’t until 1951, with the merger of the Bank of Australasia and the Union Bank of Australia, that ANZ Bank was born.

Fast forward to 1970, to what was then the largest merger in Australian banking history. ANZ Bank merged with the English, Scottish and Australian Bank Limited to form the present organisation, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited.

These days, ANZ is one of Australia’s four largest banks (yep, we certainly know that), and is the largest banking group in New Zealand and Pacific. It operates in 34 markets around the world, with a presence in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Pacific, Europe, America and the Middle East.

You want a big bank? You got it. ANZ is most definitely a big bank.

Can I do a balance transfer with an ANZ credit card?

Yes, for a list of options from ANZ only, simply browse through the table on the top of this page. ANZ offers are also included in our balance transfer category, for you to compare against balance transfers from other banks and issuers.

Which types of credit card can I get with ANZ?

ANZ offers a range of Visa credit cards. ANZ also has credit cards across the table categories; balance transfers, no annual fee, frequent flyers, rewards (platinum and black), and low interest rate. The table above features a range of cards offered by ANZ across all the categories.

What is the rewards program with ANZ?

The ANZ benefits program is called ANZ rewards. This is separate to ANZ credit cards offering Qantas Frequent Flyer points. ANZ’s rewards program offers points redeemable for vouchers, gift cards, merchandise, travel options, entertainment and cash back.

Which frequent flyer programs does ANZ have a credit card with?

ANZ has credit cards directly linked to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program; the ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum card and the ANZ Frequent Flyer Black Credit card. The ANZ Rewards credit cards also offer access to flyer points redeemable with Velocity, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand & Cathay Pacific.

Does ANZ charge a fee for late credit card payments?

Yes, ANZ has a fee for late credit card payments, it is $20.

Do I get money back for fraudulent transactions with an ANZ credit card?

Yes, the ANZ credit card terms and conditions state that so long as you did not contribute to the fraud as a cardholder, and notified the bank promptly, you have no liability for fraudulent transactions on your card.

Does ANZ have a mobile banking app I can use to check my credit card balance?

Yes, the ANZ App and you can download it from the App Store. An Android version is available on Google Play.

What introductory offers are there?

For some, introductory offers are just the icing on the credit card cake. For others, a good intro offer is the sole reason for choosing that card. So, what kind of offers can you expect from ANZ credit cards?

Purchase Rate Offers

A credit card with a purchase rate offer gives you a lower rate of interest for a given period of time. This kind of offer is perfect if you want to make a big purchase on your card, and then save on interest while you pay it back.

ANZ often has purchase rate offers, especially on its rewards cards and prestige cards. So, what should you look for? Try to find an offer that has 0% on purchases for the longest period of time. This means you will pay no interest on your purchases, until that intro period is over.

Any catches? Make sure you pay off the balance before the intro period ends, as any unpaid balance will attract the revert rate. This is usually the card’s purchase rate or cash advance rate. Don’t put stuff on the card you can’t pay off, or you’ll have big problems when that interest starts accruing.

Balance Transfer Offers

This is another popular one on ANZ cards. A card with a balance transfer offer allows you to transfer the balance from an existing card, and then pay a lower rate of interest for a given period of time. After the intro period ends, any balance you are still to pay off will start accruing interest at the card’s revert rate.

Why would you want a balance transfer offer? If you have credit card debt that you want to pay down, a balance transfer card can give you the space you need. Choose an offer with the lowest balance transfer rate over the longest period of time.

Any catches with this one? Try not to spend on the card until you’ve paid off the transferred balance. Also, work your hardest to pay as much off during that intro period. Anything else? Check the small print, as you might have to pay a balance transfer fee.

Rewards Points Offers

If you love rewards, then you’re sure to love rewards offers. With so many rewards cards, ANZ often has rewards offers. You can find offers for bonus rewards points on sign-up. You can also find offers that provide extra points over your standard earn rate.

Catches? It’s a good idea to read the fine print of the offer. You may find that you have to spend a certain amount within a certain period of time, sometimes with a certain retailer to be eligible for the bonus points. As long as you know what you’re signing up for though, you should be fine.