- 0% p.a. interest on purchases for 6 months + up to $300 cashback ($100 each month) when you spend $500 or more within the first 3 months. Apply by 29 February 2024. T&Cs apply.
- *$6 monthly fee ($72 per year)
- 5.99% p.a. on balance transfer rate for 5 months (reverts to cash advance rate)
- Low purchase rate of 13.99% p.a.
- Up to 55 days interest free on purchases
- Free additional cardholder
- 24-hour fraud protection
- Eligible with Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, and Garmin Pay.
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Commonwealth Bank Credit Cards
Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Credit Card
Updated 5 October 2023
Save on interest costs with 0% p.a. interest on purchases for 6 months & up to $300 cashback, when you apply by 29 February 2024 and spend $500 or more for the first 3 months. Enjoy 5.99% p.a. on balance transfer rate for 5 months, cash advance rate applies thereafter. This card also comes with a monthly fee of $6, up to 55 days interest free on purchases, and a $0 additional cardholder fee.
Purchase Rate (p.a)
0% p.a.
for 6 months. Reverts to 13.99% p.a.
Balance Transfer (p.a)
5.99% for 5 months No balance transfer fee.
Reverts to 21.99% p.a.
Annual Fee (p.a)
$72*
Pros and cons
- There are lower balance transfer offers around
- You won’t earn Awards points
- No complimentary international travel insurance
Creditcard.com.au review
Editor Review
Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Credit Card
Pauline Hatch
Pauline is a personal finance expert at CreditCard.com.au, with 8 years in money, budgeting and property reporting under her belt. Ask Pauline a Question about this card.
The Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Credit Card
The Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Credit Card is a simple card with a lot to offer. While it may keep features somewhat basic, this is a card that can help cardholders save on interest with its low purchase rate, with tools on-hand to make staying in control of finances that much easier.
What we love...
The main drawcard on the Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Credit Card is its low rate on purchases. While it may not be the lowest purchase rate on the block, it could help you to save on interest if you tend to carry a balance. This should let you pay down what you owe, to clear your balance faster.
The Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Credit Card has moved to a $6 monthly fee rather than an annual fee. One bonus of a monthly fee is that it spreads the cost of the card across a full year rather than taking it as a lump sum. It also has a $0 additional cardholder fee, so you can add an additional cardholder for no extra cost.
A great bonus is that you get 0% p.a. interest on purchases for 6 months and up to $300 cashback when you apply by 29 February 2024 and spend $500 or over within the first three months.
What’s not so great...
While it may be dubbed a ‘low rate’ card, the Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Credit Card does not offer CommBank’s lowest purchase rate. This honour goes to the Commonwealth Bank Essentials Credit Card. Weigh up what’s important to you and compare the two options. If a lower purchase rate is the most important feature for you, the Essentials card may be a better option.
It’s also worth pointing out that although the Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Credit Card has a balance transfer offer, its balance transfer rate is not that low, and its balance transfer period is not that long. However, paying 5.99% p.a. over five months may work for you, especially if you take into account its lack of balance transfer fee. Take note, any transferred balance left unpaid after five months will revert to the card’s much higher cash advance rate.
Why should you choose this card?
With its low purchase rate, this card could work well for cardholders who tend to carry a balance. Carried balances attract interest, so if you keep a balance on any credit card, choosing a card with a low interest rate could help you save more on interest, to then pay back more of what you owe.
With several tools available, the Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Credit Card can also assist cardholders in keeping better control over their finances. CommBank’s Lock, Block, Limit feature lets you instantly lock, block or limit your card through the CommBank app or NetBank. You can also set a Spending Cap, and work on your budget with Spending Tracker & Insights.
Other features on offer include up to 55 days interest free on purchases, and access to Priceless Cities offers and experiences. As for card security, Mastercard Zero Liability provides 24-hour fraud protection, while Mastercard Global Service is on-hand 24/7 should you lose your card and need emergency assistance overseas.
Overall Rating
As a simple low rate card, the Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Credit Card provides a low purchase rate, an affordable annual fee, 0% p.a. on purchases for 6 months plus up to $300 cashback intro offer, and tools to make it easier to keep on top of your spending.
User reviews
Rates and fees
Interest rates
Purchase rate 13.99% p.a.
Introductory purchase rate 0% p.a. for 6 months
Cash advance rate 21.99% p.a.
Interest free period on purchases up to 55 days
Balance transfer
Balance transfer rate 5.99% p.a. for 5 months
Balance transfer revert rate 21.99% p.a.
Balance transfer from personal loan No
Balance transfer fee No fee
Balance transfer limit 100% of approved credit limit
Brands you can't balance transfer from Commonwealth Bank
Credit limits
Minimum credit limit $500
Maximum credit limit N/A
Fees & repayments
Annual fee $72* p.a.
Additional cardholder fee $0 p.a.
Foreign transaction fee 3%
Minimum repayment $25 or 2% (whichever is greater)
Cash advance fee Consumer: $4 or 3%, whichever is greater; Commercial: 1.5%
Late payment fee $20
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
Extras
Eligible with Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, and Garmin Pay.
Priceless® Cities offers and experiences
Overview
Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Credit Card
With a great ongoing purchase rate of 13.99% p.a., the Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Credit Card is the ideal choice for saving money on interest. You can also enjoy a competitive monthly fee of $6. As a cardholder, you can also enjoy the convenience of Mastercard PayPass, up to 55 days interest free on purchases, secure internet shopping, one free additional cardholder, and access to special offers with Mastercard Applause.
Key features
- 0% p.a. interest on purchases for 6 months + up to $300 cashback ($100 each month) when you spend $500 or more within the first 3 months. Apply by 29 February 2024. T&Cs apply.
- $72 annual fee ($6 per month)
- 5.99% p.a. on balance transfer rate for 5 months (reverts to cash advance rate)
- Low purchase rate of 13.99% p.a.
- Up to 55 days interest free on purchases
- Free additional cardholder
- Priceless® Cities offers and experiences
- Mastercard PayPass
- 24-hour fraud protection
- Eligible with Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, and Garmin Pay.
Minimum criteria to apply for this card
-
Be over 18 years old
-
Good Credit and have not applied for multiple credit cards recently
-
Legally have the right to work in Australia
You have your personal details ready to complete the online application
Pauline is a personal finance expert at CreditCard.com.au, with 8 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 question66 questions (showing the latest 10 Q&As)
Hi, Does commonwealth offer a 0% credit card balance transfer for their credit cards??
Hi Clarie, I checked the different CommonwealthBank credit cards however I see that currently, they don’t have any 0% p.a. balance transfer offers. Here’s a list of some 0% and low rate balance transfer credit cards that you can compare.
What are eligible purchases
Hi Ian, eligible purchases are your daily transactions like paying for your groceries, doctor’s fees, and car’s petrol to name a few. I checked CommBank’s terms however there’s no specific list of what’s considered eligible. It does state though that interest, bank fees, balance transfers, and cash-related transactions are not considered eligible. Hope that answers your question.
What is the maximum amount ?
Hi Hossein, the maximum credit limit is actually set and approved by the card issuer based on many factors CBA holds close to their chest. As this is an entry lever, low rate card the credit limit won’t be super high. Higher credit limits are often found on Black credit cards and gold and platinum credit cards.
I want 5000 dollars can I open a balance transfer card
Hi Carol, a balance transfer is used to consolidate outstanding debts. So if you have a balance of $5,000 you can use a balance transfer to pay a low or 0% interest rate on your debt. Spending on a balance transfer credit card is not generally done. Let us know if we can help any further!
i applied for commonwealth credit card two times but got always refusal as im working on abn.
Hi Amanpreet! We’re sorry to hear about your recent refusals. It can be frustrating especially due to the fact the banks keep their criteria so close to their chest. As each credit application goes on your file as a hard enquiry, now could be a good time to have a read of some of our guides. It might help you in the future. What To Do When Your Credit Card Application Is Declined and Self-Employed? Get Approved with these Credit Card Application Tips. You can also get a copy of your credit report to know where you stand.
Hi, I am after a credit card and was confused because the credit card is a 0% interest p.a purchase rate but also says 55 days interest free. 55 days isn't 12 months. Could you explain further thanks
Hi Ma, the 55 interest-free days is the standard period and applies to the card after the 12 month promotional period.
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Creditcard.com.au Visitor
28 January 2013I've had this card for a number of years and also hold several accounts with CommBank. Customer service has always been great and if your card is used suspiciously they always call. Low Interest rates on purchases has allowed me to pay off any debts on the card with less urgency (when necessary). Cash Advances are a big no no on credit cards as most people should know and this one is no different. Expect to pay dearly if do. Overall, a great everyday card to be hard without the hassle of rewards and other similar gimmicks.
Recommends this cardJason Reid
28 January 2013Commbank has a good offer on this one for purchases just now 5 months 0%. I signed up just for that offer. Seems good in the long term too low interest rates, maybe annual a bit high for a low rate card though.
Recommends this card