Bendigo Bank Credit Cards

Pauline Hatch     

Bendigo Bank specialises in low annual fee credit cards. The bank is one of the oldest in Australia, with outstanding customer service as one of its trademarks.

If you're in business for more than a century, you're probably doing something right. Bendigo Bank has some good credit card offers and caters to people wanting low-cost cards.

It also has a strong ethos around giving back to the community, which is a nice touch for a bank. You can compare Bendigo Bank's range of cards below, and use the toggles to sort by feature.

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28 reviews for 9 cards listed
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Bendigo Ready Credit Card

2 reviews
$0 saved over 99 months

Bendigo Bright Credit Card

0 reviews
$0 saved over 99 months

Bendigo Bank Business Credit Card

2 reviews
$0 saved over months

Discontinued: Bendigo Bank Low Rate First Credit Card

4 reviews
$0 saved over 6 months

Discontinued: Bendigo Bank Low Rate Platinum Credit Card

6 reviews
$0 saved over 6 months

Discontinued: Bendigo Bank Low Rate Credit Card

6 reviews
$0 saved over months

4 reviews
points earned over 12 months

2 reviews
points earned over 12 months

2 reviews
points earned over 12 months

Bendigo Bank - more than 150 years

Interested in a credit card provider with a substantial and long-standing history? Bendigo Bank might be a perfect fit for you. With a heritage spanning over 150 years, Bendigo Bank has accumulated a wealth of experience over the years. But what valuable lessons has it acquired during its journey?

Bendigo Bank

So, Bendigo Bank believes in community. But does that positive thinking trickle down to its financial products? Offering everything from loans and insurance, to bank accounts and credit cards, Bendigo Bank has a pretty decent selection of products to choose from. When it comes to credit cards, it’s simply a matter of comparing what’s on offer to find out if any of them are good for you.

Keeping it Basic

First off the blocks is the Bendigo Bright credit card. This is Bendigo Bank’s version of a low-rate, low-fee card. So, what does Bright have to offer, and who is it good for?

A low-rate credit card is one that charges a low rate of interest. A low-fee card is one that charges a low annual fee. Some low-rate cards have high annual fees, while some low-fee cards have high interest rates. The Bendigo Bright card ticks both boxes by giving you low rates and low fees.

A low-rate, low-fee card is perfect for anyone looking to save money. With a low annual fee, you are paying less per year to keep the card, whether you use it or not. With a low purchase rate, you will pay less in interest on any unpaid balance.

Lowdown on Low Fees

Cards with low annual fees can be great for cardholders who don’t use their card that often. Day-to-day they may use cash or debit cards. However, a credit card can be good to have in case of an emergency.

Something big comes up and you don’t have the cash to cover it? You could pay with your emergency card. In the meantime though, before that emergency pops up, you’re not paying heaps in annual fees to keep the card in your wallet.

In the low-fee category, Bendigo Bank goes one better: its Bendigo Ready credit card has zero annual fee, ever. And, it also offers no international transaction fees, which is a perk usually reserved for premium cards.

Lowdown on Low Rates

Meanwhile, cards with a low purchase rate can be the best solution for cardholders who have a revolving balance on their card. What is a revolving balance? Someone with a revolving balance may use their card each month, and then pay off some of what they owe. But the balance is never fully paid off. Some in, some out, revolving.

On the other hand, some cardholders simply have a large credit card debt that they can’t pay off. In both of these cases, it can be a good idea to choose a card with the lowest possible interest rate. This can help save money on interest, allowing the cardholder to pay off their debt faster.

Another good use for a low rate card can be as a first credit card. Ready for a credit card but not sure if you might mess up? Even if you spend a little too much getting used to your credit card, a low rate card has your back. Instead of paying up 23% p.a. on your unpaid balance on some cards, the interest on a low rate card can be much more manageable.

Rewards Cards

Some people just love getting something extra as they spend. For those people, a rewards credit card can be the ideal option. A rewards card allows cardholders to earn points for their credit card spending. Those points can then be redeemed for merchandise, flights or cashback.

Bendigo Bank has a couple of rewards card options on the table. Its ‘value’ option is the Bendigo Bank Platinum Rewards Credit Card, and its Qantas points option is the Bendigo Bank Qantas Platinum Credit Card. Which one is for you? Before choosing a rewards card – any rewards card – there are a few things you should know.

Who suits rewards cards?

Rewards cards don’t work for everyone. Or at least, some rewards cards are better suited to certain types of cardholders. Before applying for a rewards card, first think about how much you will be paying out.

Rewards cards usually have a higher rate of interest. That means, if you retain a balance, the amount you pay in interest could quite possibly be more than whatever get back on your rewards. For rewards cards to work, you need to pay off your balance each month. Simple as that.

It’s also a good idea to look at how much you are paying in annual fees. Again, rewards cards can charge higher annual fees. Ensure the value of the rewards you receive is higher than the amount you pay out in annual fees to make it work for you.

That’s one reason why rewards cards often suit big spenders. Because they are earning big on points, they can earn more in return. They still pay the same annual fee, but they are getting more back on their rewards program.

Making Rewards Work

Sure that rewards cards are for you? Then it’s time to find the right one. After looking at how much each card will cost, you now need to look at what each one has to offer. That means comparing the points-earning potential.

Each rewards card allows you to earn points on your spending. The key is to find the card that rewards you most for the spending you do most. Some cards will offer 1 point per $1 spent, some will offer 2 points per $1 spent. Some will offer more points for spending in certain stores.

Then look at what each point is worth. What value does it have when it is redeemed? Be sure to choose the card that offers the best value – on items that you actually want.

Platinum

The Bendigo Platinum Rewards Credit Card is the bank’s prestige rewards card. Yes, this means paying a much higher annual fee – but it also means getting back a bit more in return. Cardholders get free membership to Be Rewarded, but they also earn more points as they spend.

For standard spending, cardholders can earn 1.5 points per $1 spent. For spending at Bendigo Bank’s bonus partner stores, again it’s up to 5 points per $1 spent. You can also earn 1 point per $1 on balance transfers. It’s also worth checking out any intro offers, as there are often bonus sign-up points on the table.

Other platinum perks include complimentary overseas travel insurance, up to 55 days interest free on purchases, and one additional cardholder free of charge.

Business Cards

Business credit cards can offer an easy way to keep track of business spending. And of course, they can also help with cash flow as well. Bendigo Bank offers the Bendigo Bank Business Credit Card as its no frills business card.

It has a low annual fee and a low ongoing purchase rate. It offers up to 44 days interest free on purchases, when the balance is paid in full each statement period. As a business card, it also offers up to 99 additional cardholders. But, be aware that there is a $4 monthly fee per card.

Why Bendigo Bank?

While we’ve been talking about ‘Bendigo Bank’, it actually has a more official title. After the merger of the Bendigo Bank and Adelaide Bank in 2007, the bank became officially known as the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited.

Both banks started off as building societies, helping Australians to become homeowners. Now merged, the bank is a top 60 ASX listed company, owned by more than 90,000 shareholders. It has 6,500 employees serving 1.5 million customers in more than 500 communities across Australia.

Alongside its credit cards, Bendigo Bank provides a whole heap of other products, offering its customers a wide range of options to choose from. Is Bendigo Bank right for you though? Now you know more about the credit cards on offer, why not find out what Bendigo Bank is doing in your community?

Impressed? Compare the credit card options on offer from Bendigo Bank today.

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16 questions (showing the latest 10 Q&As)

JOHN ESPOSITO

JOHN ESPOSITO

8 June 2023
Hi there. I note that the annual fee for rewards credit card is reduced from 89 to 59 for sharholders. How many share need to be hld please?
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    13 June 2023
    Hi John, after contacting Bendigo Bank, I found out that in order to access certain benefits, you need to possess a fully paid Bendigo Bank share. However, Bendigo have stated at the moment, there are no shareholder benefits available for any of their card products. You can check with Bendigo from time to time about the offers available.
Cleona Fox

Cleona Fox

9 May 2021
Hi im a pensioner can i get a credit card
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    10 May 2021
    Hi Cleona, thanks for your question. We've put together a guide on the banks that consider applicants on a pension. You can check it out here. Thanks again!
Janalee

Janalee

29 September 2020
I’m wanting a good credit card low interest rates
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    29 September 2020
    Hi Janalee, I like the ME Frank. Though the Bendigo Low Rate is also a good offer, just with an annual fee.
Cheryl Gray

Cheryl Gray

1 May 2020
I would like to apply for the Bendigo Bank balance transfer 12 months interest free Low Rate Credit Card. I work at Armaguard but have been stood down but still have my job. I am currently on Jobseeker , does this qualify for a balance transfer. Thanks and kindest regards Cheryl
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    4 May 2020
    Hi Cheryl, this card has switched to a 0% on purchases offer with no balance transfer. The highest balance transfer is 0% for 6 months. Without employment, I do not think that you could qualify for a new credit card at this time. I would await until you are back at work. Hopefully this will be soon.
greg

greg

20 November 2019
can u apply 4 a credit card on a disability pension
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    20 November 2019
    Hi Greg, its nice to hear from you again. You ask this question on so many card for so long now. I hope you have a found a card that works for you. I would suggest that you look at the big 4 banks. Approval will depend on a range of factors. Additionally what are you actually looking for in a card? Do you have good credit? What is your annual income?
John McLean

John McLean

5 November 2019
can I have a card if it is the only account at your bank. I would not be paying pension for example in to it and would start wit $1200 but this sometimes would go to zero. I wish to have amazon prime paid from this account - the most suitable card?
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    6 November 2019
    Hi John, yes, you don't need to be a Bendigo bank customer to get a credit card with them. This card could work for your needs. https://www.creditcard.com.au/bendigo-bank-low-rate/. Make sure you meet all minimum requirements before applying.
john cotter

john cotter

25 June 2019
what is my current rewards totol
Murray Adams

Murray Adams

19 March 2019
Currently with Westpac Black Altitude MC. Any advantages in changing to Bendigo bank platinum rewards MC? How do the reward systems compare? I have found Westpac rewards not cost effective for flights or travel
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    20 March 2019
    Hi Murray, how much are you spending a month on average with the card? Do you prefer to fly Qantas / Jetstar or Virgin? I find that direct earn airline rewards tend to work best for flight or travel redemptions.
afzal

afzal

2 September 2018
Hey mate , do you guys have any offer for balance transfer ? I wanna consolidate my 2 banks my existing credit card to one bank
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    3 September 2018
    Hi Afzal, at the moment Bendigo do not have any balance transfer offers available. What credit cards are you transferring from and how much from each card. I can then provide you with some suggestions of current offers in market that could work.
Christine Cleaver

Christine Cleaver

22 August 2018
What credit card has the highest approval rate to lower income people?
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    23 August 2018
    Hi Christine, credit approval depends on a range of factors. Its your income v expenses, assets v liabilities and your credit history that have a big impact on approval. We see cards like the ANZ Low Rate with a minimum of 15k income a year to apply as being on the easier side to get approved.
Rebecca Parsell

Rebecca Parsell

30 July 2018
I am currently a Bendigo Bank client and want to apply for a low rate credit card but do not know which one is best for me.
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    31 July 2018
    Hi Rebecca, Bendigo bank have a range of low rate cards. I for people aged 18-25, Bendigo Bank Low Rate First Credit Card with a reduced annual fee. Then there is the standard low rate then low rate Platinum Bendigo Bank cards. The Platinum has some extra insurance products included such as mobile phone and tablet insurance protection if you lose your device or break the screen. 90 day purchase protection on lost, stolen or accidentally damaged purchases. Plus extended warranty on purchases. If these are little use then op in for the standard with a lower annual fee. If you think you will get value then out of the extra $44 annual fee then go the Platinum. My pick is the ME Frank with no annual fee. For a card outside of Bendigo bank.
kerry l hibberd

kerry l hibberd

19 June 2016
can't use my new bendigoblue card with my paypal account
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    20 June 2016
    Hi Kerry, that is disappointing, have you spoken to Bendigo Bank about this as it should be possible.
Barbara Harris

Barbara Harris

10 February 2016
Do you do balance transfer on your credit cards
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    11 February 2016
    Hi Barbara, Bendigo Bank does not currently have any balance transfer offers. Check out our 0% balance transfer section for the latest deals.
Alan Bashford

Alan Bashford

30 December 2014
Do you have a balance transfer no interest period credit card product
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    31 December 2014
    Hi Alan - Bendigo are not running any balance transfer offers on their credit cards atm. Check out Westpac and ANZ which have great deals on now.
steven j whinray

steven j whinray

6 December 2013
I currently have a debit card with you and would like to extend it into a black credit card how do I go about this ?
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    6 December 2013
    Hi Steven, you need to contact Bendigo directly on that, their number is 1300 236 344.
wayne

wayne

12 September 2013
is Bendigo bank offer Qantas fly points
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    12 September 2013
    Hi Wayne, neither of the Bendigo Bank credit card options offer direct earn with Qantas Frequent Flyer points, but there is an option to earn Bendigo Rewards on the Red Card and the Platinum card. Check which cards offer Qantas frequent flyer points on our points comparison table, or which cards will let you transfer rewards points on this table.
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