- No foreign currency fees on international purchases, online or overseas.
- No monthly fee if you don't make any purchases and have an outstanding balance of $0 during the whole statement period.
- Pay no interest or late payment fees – just a simple monthly fee.
- Monthly fee of $10 – gives you access to a credit limit of up to $1,000
- Monthly fee of $20 – gives you access to a credit limit of up to $2,000
- Monthly fee of $30 – gives you access to a credit limit of up to $3,000
- Predictable Payments. Your minimum payment is fixed based on your credit limit, giving you certainty of what to pay each month.
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NAB Credit Cards
NAB StraightUp Card
Updated 30 October 2024
With the NAB StraightUp Credit Card, you’ll pay no interest or late payment fees - just a simple monthly fee when you use the card. The card comes with no foreign currency fees on international purchases, online or overseas. No Use, No Pay.
Purchase Rate (p.a)
0%
Annual Fee (p.a)
$0
Pros and cons
- Fixed low credit limits
Creditcard.com.au review
Editor Review
NAB StraightUp Card
Pauline Hatch
Pauline is a personal finance expert at CreditCard.com.au, with 9 years in money, budgeting and property reporting under her belt. Ask Pauline a Question about this card.
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The NAB StraightUp Credit Card Review
Looking for a credit card that works a little bit differently to the rest? The NAB StraightUp Credit Card may be just what you’re looking for. Keeping things simple in terms of extras, this card charges no interest on purchases. Instead, it charges a monthly fee, with predictable payments depending on your credit limit and how much you spend. And if you don’t use the card? You don’t pay the monthly fee.
How It Works
As the NAB StraightUp Credit Card works in a different way to other credit cards, we’re going to change the way our review is set out, so that we can explain the ins and outs of this new offering from NAB. From there, we’ll get into who the card will work best for, and how to make it work for you.
First up, interest. Unlike other credit cards, the NAB StraightUp Credit Card does not charge interest when you carry a balance. The annual interest rate is 0%, which essentially means there will be no interest charged to your account ever.
Instead, this card works on a fee system. With no annual fee, the card charges a monthly fee, which varies according to your credit limit.
- If you have a credit limit up to $1000, your monthly fee will be $10
- If you have a credit limit up to $2,000, your monthly fee will be $20
- If you have a credit limit up to $3,000, your monthly fee will be $30
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Now to your payments. Your minimum payment is fixed, and it is also based on your credit limit. This gives you predictable payments, with no surprises. As an example, here’s how much you could have to pay each month, if you were to only make the minimum payment (note, the monthly fee is included in the minimum monthly payment).
And if you don’t use the card at all during the month? Then you don’t pay the monthly fee. How does that work exactly? As long as you have an outstanding balance of $0 during the whole statement period and you don't make any purchases, your monthly fee will be charged on the due date and then reversed. |
What’s not so great...
So then, why might this card not suit you? As the name suggests, the NAB StraightUp Credit Card is indeed a straight-up credit card. That means no rewards, no fancy extras, no balance transfers. This card is for purchases only, and cannot be used for cash advance transactions, including gambling, foreign currency purchases or lottery tickets.
For some users, this may not suit the way they typically use their credit card. For others, however, the differences on offer may be entirely refreshing.
Why should you choose this card?
If you want to change the way you use your credit card – or you are new to credit cards and think this type of card would work well for you – the NAB StraightUp Credit Card may be a great fit. Not only is there no interest, there are no foreign currency fees or late payment fees, which could help to keep costs down over the long term.
Instead of paying interest, you will have predictable payments each month, with a monthly fee that is dependent on your credit limit. Want to lower your monthly fee? You have the option to lower your credit limit if that suits your spending style. The card also provides a no use, no pay policy, allowing you to keep costs to a minimum when you don’t use the card.
What we would say though is that before you start using the card – preferably before you even apply – you should read more about how it works in NAB’s easy-to-understand terms. This will ensure you fully understand how the card works, to then allow you to make it work for you as you use the card day to day.
Overall Rating
In this new offering, NAB aims to simplify the way in which users interact with their credit card, taking interest out of the equation, while creating predictable payments with a monthly fee system in place. As long as you understand how the card works – and you’re happy with a simple, no frills option – this card could be a game changer.
User reviews
Rates and fees
Interest rates
Purchase rate 0% p.a.
Cash advance rate N/A
Interest free period on purchases N/A
Credit limits
Minimum credit limit $1,000
Maximum credit limit $3,000
Fees & repayments
Annual fee $0 p.a.
Additional cardholder fee N/A
Foreign transaction fee 0%
Minimum repayment 2% or $25 whichever is greater
Cash advance fee N/A
Late payment fee $0
Additional features
Complimentary insurance
International Travel Insurance No
Flight Inconvenience Insurance No
Transit Accident Insurance No
Smartphone Screen Insurance No
Purchase Protection Insurance No
Extended Warranty Insurance No
Rental Vehicle Excess In Australia Insurance No
Overview
NAB StraightUp Card
Your minimum payment is fixed based on your credit limit, giving you the certainty of what to pay each month.
- Put simply, if you have a $1,000 credit limit you’ll need to pay at least $35 towards any balance owing by the due date each month ($10 monthly fee is included in your balance)
- If you have a $2,000 credit limit you’ll need to pay at least $75 towards any balance owing by the due date each month ($20 monthly fee is included in your balance)
- If you have a $3,000 credit limit you’ll need to pay at least $110 towards any balance owing by the due date each month ($30 monthly fee is included in your balance)
Key features
- Pay no interest or late payment fees – just a simple monthly fee.
- Monthly fee of $10 - gives you access to a credit limit of up to $1,000
- Monthly fee of $20 - gives you access to a credit limit of up to $2,000
- Monthly fee of $30 - gives you access to a credit limit of up to $3,000
- No foreign currency fees on international purchases, online or overseas
- No Use, No Pay. If you don't make any purchases and have an outstanding balance of $0 during the whole statement period we'll reverse your monthly fee.
- Your minimum payment is fixed based on your credit limit, giving you certainty of what to pay each month.
Minimum criteria to apply for this card
-
Be over 18 years old
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Good Credit and have not applied for multiple credit cards recently
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Resident or citizen of Australia. Temporary residents are eligible.
You have your personal details ready to complete the online application
Pauline is a personal finance expert at CreditCard.com.au, with 9 years in money, budgeting and property reporting under her belt. Pauline is passionate about seeing Aussies win by making their money – and their credit cards – work smarter, harder and bigger
Recently Asked Questions
Something you need to know about this card? Ask our credit card expert a question.
Ask a question39 questions (showing the latest 10 Q&As)
Does the credit limit per month of $1000, $2000, or $3000 mean that is the amount of debt you are allowed to have or that is how much money you can spend per month full stop including how much money you put on the card?
Hi Luca, the credit limit is the maximum amount of money available to you on the card. If you spend more than your credit limit you may be charged an overdraw fee. You can make repayments anytime if you’ve hit your credit limit and want to free up more money. We always recommend paying off your card in full when the statement says it’s due to avoid interest charges, too. I hope that clears it up for you!
How do I apply for the nab credit card
Hi Yomnah, we’re currently not partnered with NAB. You’ll need to visit the official NAB site to apply directly. Thanks!
is the monthly fee a calendar month or 30 day period. EG if I travel from 15 jan to 15 feb and use the card, is my fee $60 or 4#)?
Hi Julia, the “month” starts on the date of your card being activated and restarts every 30 days or so, not a calendar month (although that would be easier!). It would be very hard to get your card approved for specific dates, because it can take anywhere from 3 to 10 business days for banks to approve an application. I hope that helps!
Hi can I ask how long is the due date for this card and If I pay the full outstanding money before the due date , which means I won't be charged the monthly fee , right ? thank you
Hi Mingxu, yes that’s correct, there’s no monthly fee as long as the balance is $0.
If I pre-load the card with $10,000 can i use the entire $10,000 in one month?
Hi David, unfortunately preloading a credit card isn’t as straightforward as depositing more money and using it like a debit card. Some credit providers won’t let you add funds if it takes you over your credit limit, some won’t let you access anything above your credit limit and will automatically refund it back, and some might charge every purchase over your limit as a cash advance. It’s a risky game and you’ll need to weigh up the potential costs. Thanks David!
I have maintained positive balance for last 3 months, but still i have been charged $20 monthly service fee.
HI Navin, I’m sorry to hear that. I suggest calling NAB directly at 13 22 65 to clear your situation.
Can I load money into my NAB Straight up card to increase the available limit of $3k/month or alternatively if I reach that limit can I pay it off mid month to free up another $3k in which case will I be charged another $20 monthly fee to do that?
Hi Audrey! When you apply you'll be asked to choose a credit limit, which NAB will check against its assessment criteria. You won't be able to change that limit unless you ask NAB to increase it (and they approve your request). It's also a monthly limit, so it doesn't refresh until the following month meaning you're capped at $3k per month even if you pay it off early. You can read the terms on the Straight Up PDS. Thanks Audrey!
I am familiar with paying my credit card off in full each month to avoid any fees or interest.
So to clarify with NAB Straight Up Card, I would have to pay a monthly fee even if I paid this credit card off in full before it’s 44 day period?
And that ‘just to use’ this card I would have a $10, $15, or $20 monthly fee?
Hi Andrew! Yep, you're right. The monthly fee is only waived if you don't use the card and have no money owing on it at the end of the month. It works a little differently from other credit cards. The upside is that you won't be charged interest, and the repayments are fixed monthly amounts.
I go a straight up card just before Christmas I have not used it yet. I went to use it the other day and it will not let me make any purchases my limit is $2000 and I was just wondering why it says it won’t work
Hi Tay, you’ve actually reached Australia’s top credit card comparison site. Anyhow, it could possibly be that you’ve not activated your NAB StraightUp card yet. But it’s best to contact NAB directly to check on the status of your credit card account at 13 22 65.
from placement of application of card when would I receive THE PHYSICAL CARD
Hi Susan, if approved, you’ll usually receive the card in 7-10 business days.
Wife and I have booked a holiday through Flight centre and were looking of using there Humm90 credit but was thinking there maybe better alternatives . $25000 required we can pay of in 12-15months , what is your recommendation's
Hi Corey, there’s a wide range of credit cards available that pair well with travelling. Most notable are the no foreign currency conversion fee credit cards. If you’re planning on carrying a balance, you might also want to consider a 0% p.a.iIntroductory offer credit card. You can read our expert reviews, dig into the rates and fees of each card so you can make an informed choice. Have a great holiday!
HI
i am going on holiday overseas and am trying to avoid overseas txn fees. I have booked a few trips and its all starting to add up. Does NAB offer a CC that I can use for this purposes? Can I use this CC to pay for accommodation, purchases etc ?
Thks.
Raj
Hi Raj, Yes, NAB StraightUp card could work for you if you are looking for a credit card that you can use to pay for international purchases that does not charge foreign transaction fees or currency conversion fees. You can also head on to our credit cards with no international fees page to see other options. Alternatively, the NAB Platinum Visa Debit Card also features no foreign transaction fees, but it isn’t a credit card product. Hope you enjoy your trip!
Can you withdraw cash from the atm with this card
Hi Blake, unfortunately you can’t do cash advances with the NAB StraightUp card. If you’re keen to use your card to withdraw some cash in the future, you can check some of the low cash advance credit cards for your options. Keep in mind that cash advances will attract a higher interest rate and will start accruing interest the moment the transaction is processed.
What are the locations where the card is accepted? Is it just Australia?
Hi Abbie, you can use the NAB StraightUp card anywhere with merchants that accept a Visa card. Plus, if you’re using it overseas you’ll pay no foreign currency conversion fees.
I was just wondering could I pay off my afterpays with this card?…I’ve never had a credit card before
Hi Nathan, the NAB Straightup Card works like any other credit card. If you apply and are approved, you can link it to your afterpay account.
Hi Pauline. Do I have to be a resident of Australia to apply for this card? I live in the US and this card sounds great. Thank You.
Hi Sharon, unfortunately, you must be an Australian resident or an Australian citizen to apply for this card.
So I can't get cash out of an ATM overseas?
Hi Lynda, most credit cards allow you to do cash withdrawals or cash advance transactions. However, basic cards such as this NAB StraightUp card do not have this feature. You can check some of the other NAB cards available or other cards from other card issuers that have the cash advance feature for your options.
will atm fees be free while oversees
Hi Jono, that’s a good question! With the NAB StraightUp card, you will not be charged a foreign transaction fee when you use your card overseas. Please note though that you may be charged by the ATM owner of a cash withdrawal fee if you use an ATM outside of Australia or a non-NAB ATM within Australia.
Hi Pauline, i am intending to use this card to my US trip next month, how do i get the US$ currency? and how will i know the exchange rate from my currency (AU$) to US$ ?
Hi Johanna, unlike a travel card, this card doesn’t technically let you pre-load up foreign currency. You simply use your card how you normally would, NAB will handle the currency conversion, and not charge you a fee for it. Some point of sale machines allow you to choose USD or AUD so be careful of the exchange rate the machine will quote you as you could get stung. Also keep in mind that the local currency amount will be determined automatically by your credit card and is based upon the exact exchange rates that are available at the time of your transaction. Have a great trip!
David I
1 December 2020Its crazy that with a balance of only say 110 dollars, you have a fee of 20 dollars for just a month. This card is meant to compete with payday lenders and take advantage of the young and vulnerable, but then again. ALL credit cards in 2020 are a ripoff and a debit card is the ONLY way to go.
Does not recommend this cardPingu
19 November 2020Great card if you need an afterpay substitute as the card has no interest fees and only a set minimum repayment charge per month Only thing to watch out for is the monthly fee...$20 per month is $240 per year if you use it every month. A plus is that if you don't use it you don't pay the fee for that month.
Recommends this card