Credit Cards for First Timers

Pauline Hatch     

Your first credit card is an exciting step into financial independence. But, it does come with some responsibility! If you understand how credit cards work, and how they can work for you, you can avoid debt and be a money guru from the very beginning.

First, you need to think about what type of credit card is right for you. Typically, first-timers should steer clear of cards with high fees and high interest rates. Those types of cards can be complex, and you might end up paying a lot in interest each month. Basic and low-cost are usually a better starting point. It's likely your credit history (how much debt you have, and any other loans you've taken out) is pretty blank. Banks will look at your credit history when you apply, but don't worry if there's not much to see. Some cards are easier to get approval for, which are listed below in the comparison table. As a bonus, a credit card is a great way to build up your credit score so you can apply for other loans down the track, including credit cards with more features and rewards. To compare the cards, use the toggles to rank according the feature you want to compare. Click the card for more info and to apply when you're ready.
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Applying For a Credit Card as a First Timer

With the right credit card, you can enjoy all kinds of perks. Whether you want to earn rewards or take advantage of fancy features as you travel, there are credit cards that offer all that and more. And while, as a first timer, it’s a good idea to start off on a no frills card with a low interest rate and low annual fee, this type of card can be a stepping stone to something more exciting should you want that later on down the line.

Getting Your First Credit Card

For some, getting a credit card is a right of passage. For others, it’s a financial necessity. But, no matter how you feel about it, getting your first credit card is a pretty big deal. With that piece of plastic in your hand, you can buy pretty much anything you want – as far as your credit limit allows, anyway. That kind of power can be difficult adjusting to, and it can lead to mistakes.

Which is why it’s a good idea to find out as much as you can about how credit cards work before you apply. With the right knowledge at hand, you can make better choices. You will know why you need to avoid the temptation of overspending, why you need to pay off your balance each month, and why you need to make your repayments on time, every time.

We’ll give you a rundown on the essentials within this guide to get you started and on the right track.

Credit Card Basics

Let’s start at the beginning. How does a credit card work? When you apply for a credit card, your card provider will allocate you a spending limit (known as a credit limit). You can spend up to this amount, but not over it or you’ll get hit with fees. Instead, aim to only use your card to pay for stuff you know you can pay back within the month.

At the end of each month, you’ll receive a statement showing what you’ve spent and where (you can also track this using your card provider’s app). This statement will provide you with your overall balance and the payment due date. While you are required to make at least the minimum payment by the due date (or again, you will be charged a fee), it’s always better to pay off your balance if you can.

Doing this should help you to avoid interest accruing on your balance. Most cards offer a certain number of days interest free on purchases, but only when you clear your balance the previous month. If you don’t, interest will start stacking up on both your carried-over balance, and any new spending as well.

What Happens When You Apply

Once you’ve compared your options – and you understand exactly what you need from your card – it’s time to apply. So, what happens next? After checking that you meet the card’s eligibility requirements, you can apply for the card online. The card provider will ask you to provide certain details regarding your employment, your income, your assets and your liabilities. Bear in mind, you may have to provide documentation to back this info up.

From there, the card provider will check your credit file to assess your credit worthiness. Then, as long as you meet all the approval criteria, your application should be approved. Your card provider will give you important documentation to read, including your card’s PDS (product disclosure statement), and your card will arrive in the post within one to two weeks. After that, it’s simply a matter of activating your card to get started.

What Happens Next

Now it’s up to you to be smart with your card. You can use it to buy stuff online and in person. You can even use it to withdraw cash at an ATM (this is called a cash advance, and it’s not recommended due to the fees and high interest involved). If your card allows for it, you can sync your card with your device using Apple Pay, Samsung Pay or Google Pay, providing even more usability.

What’s the best type of credit card for a first time user?

If you’re new to the world of credit, it’s a good idea to start with a basic card, and then move on to a card with more complex features later on down the line. Basic cards tend to have low annual fees and low interest rates, making them less of a risk if you happen to overspend. And, while they generally have fewer features than their high annual fee, high interest cousins, they do still offer the basics, while most importantly, providing you access to credit.

How do you compare credit cards for first timers?

What should you look for when you compare credit cards? Well, as a first timer, here are the most important factors to keep in mind.

Annual Fees: You will pay an annual fee for the use of your card, typically on the anniversary of your card approval. As a first time card user, look for a card with a low annual fee, or even better, with no annual fee at all. While these cards are generally basic, they help keep costs down as you get to grips with accessing credit.

Interest: Your card will have a purchase rate, which will be applied to purchases, and a cash advance rate, which will be applied to cash advances (ATM withdrawals, foreign currency and gift card purchases, gambling transactions and more). Opt for a card with a low rate on both, if possible. This should keep your interest costs as low as possible if you are unable to clear your balance at the end of the month.

Interest Free Days: Most credit cards offer a number of interest free days on purchases (usually up to 44 or 55 days). As long as you pay off your balance each month by the due date, you can take advantage of these interest free days to help you keep costs down.

Eligibility: Not all credit cards are suited to first time users. Premium cards for example, such as platinum and black cards, tend to require excellent credit history and a high minimum income. You do not want to have your application denied, as this will be recorded on your credit file and may negatively affect your credit score. Instead, look for simpler, low cost cards with more flexible eligibility requirements.

Features: Let’s be clear, features are not your first priority on a first credit card. While there are plenty of enticing features out there, they tend to come at a higher cost. If you look at rewards, for example, these encourage you to spend. Unless you have the funds to pay off that spending, you will likely carry a balance, and then pay interest that will negate the value of any rewards earned.

What should you look for in a first time credit card?

So, you’ve got a few credit cards on your short list. How do you narrow that list to just one card?

Low Cost: Take a look at how much you’ll pay in annual fees, and any other fees that may apply, such as foreign currency transaction fees. Pay attention to the card’s purchase rate as well, to then opt for the card with a low ongoing annual fee and interest rate.

Account Access: As you get to grips with using your credit card, it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on how you’re tracking. That means choosing a card with a good app. Instead of relying on your statement to arrive at the end of the month to see how much you’ve spent, check your account via the app every few days. Know that you don’t need to wait until the statement is due to pay off your balance, you can pay off little bits at a time or clear it completely any time you like.

Essential Features: Fancy features and rewards are out – for now. But, that’s not to say you can’t check out what features are available. Visa and Mastercard both offer a number of extras, which aren’t always advertised by the card provider. It’s worth checking your issuer’s website to find out what extras you could be eligible for as a cardholder.

Flexible Eligibility: To avoid getting your application denied, you will need to check your card’s eligibility requirements carefully. That means reading the small print. As a first timer, opt for a card with flexible eligibility requirements – and if you’re unsure, contact the card provider to ask for more info.

What should you avoid?

Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to aim for as a first time cardholder.

Premium Cards: These will typically require an excellent credit history and a high annual income. Unless you have these under your belt, premium options such as platinum and black cards are usually best avoided by first timers. Aside from the eligibility side of it, these cards also feature extensive fine print, which may be harder to understand if you’ve never used a credit card before.

Complex Features: Again with the small print. If you want to get the most out of your card, you need to know how its features work. While it’s not impossible for a first time cardholder to get their head around complex features, it will take more effort being a credit card newbie.

Rewards: Rewards cards reward spending. Until you get used to only spending what you can afford to pay back each month, rewards are usually best avoided as they encourage spending month to month.

Introductory Offers: While some intro offers can be handy to have as a first timer – for example, reduced annual fees or a 0% purchase offer – they shouldn’t be the sole reason to choose a card. If the card is solid – and the offer is too – go for it, but if the offer only serves to entice you to apply for a card that doesn’t suit your needs, it’s best to walk away.

Pauline Hatch

Pauline Hatch is a personal finance expert at Creditcard.com.au with 9 years of finance writing under her belt. She loves turning complex money concepts into simple, practical actions so you can win financially. You can ask Pauline any questions by submitting a comment below and get a personal reply.

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8 questions (showing the latest 10 Q&As)

Peter leach

Peter leach

22 October 2024
I have a bad average credit score what's a good credit card to help improve an good chance of getting approved
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    25 October 2024
    Hi Peter, sorry to hear about your credit score. You can look at cards with low interest rates and low or no annual fees, which usually have more lenient eligibility requirements. But, it all still comes down to your credit history. If you have too many recent declines or defaults, your chances of being turned away are significantly higher no matter what type of card you apply for. Banks differ, but the general rule of thumb is that you need at least a score of 500+ to be considered for a credit card. You can see your credit score for free with tools like Finder Credit Score. I hope that helps, and all the best, Peter!
Garry

Garry

12 February 2024
I’ve recently returned to live permanently in Australia after residing overseas for many years. I’m a self funded retiree, earning income & drawdowns from US investment accounts. I’m struggling to get approved for a credit card either because the issuer doesn’t acknowledge overseas generated income, or they don’t know how to assess foreign investment statements, tax returns, etc., even with an Australian based COA certifying my annual income. Any guidance will be greatly appreciated.
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    14 February 2024
    Hi Garry, sadly you're not alone. It's becoming a too-common problem that people with other forms of income besides PAYG and self-employed income are finding it tough to pass eligibility. I go through this in a blog on applying while you're on a pension. Have a look at the cards listed there and check the eligibility requirements of any card you apply for (there are always more details than they give on the application page if you do a google search). You might find some insight into what the credit provider will consider as income. I hope that helps, Garry.
wondered

wondered

14 March 2023
Hi, I have a good credit score now but have previously been rejected by Amex for a credit card due to bad debt over 5 years ago. Is it likely to be rejected if I apply again or should go with a safer one with my bank?
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    15 March 2023
    Hi Wondered, sorry to hear that your application got rejected. The bad news is if there’s any marks on your credit file due to bad debts, this will put a red flag on your account. Your credit score is only one factor the providers look at when assessing your application and the bad debt could stay on your file for up to 7 years. Also, applying for multiple credit cards within a short period of time can hurt your credit score and credit providers can interpret this as a sign of potential financial distress which would then likely cause them to reject your application. It could be easier to qualify for a credit card from an issuer you already have a good relationship with, however, approval is still not guaranteed. Most banks keep their approval processes behind locked doors. It may be best to speak with your bank before applying so they can advise you further on your eligibility. Meantime, you can check out our Credit Card Application Tips for more information that could help your future credit card applications get approved. Hope this helps!
Ross

Ross

2 January 2023
Do you have to bank with the provider of the card
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    3 January 2023
    Hi Ross, short answer is no you don’t have to be. There is anecdotal evidence that suggests getting your first card with your current provider can be beneficial as they can see your financial history. Of course that isn’t a hard and fast rule, and you should definitely do your own independent research and comparison. Good luck on your journey!
Brandon Pye

Brandon Pye

23 September 2022
Hi, I’m 26 and looking to get my first Credit Card. You know to get and bump up my credit score. I have tried in the past for one and also for small personal loans but I never get approved because my credit rating is low. But it’s like damn how am I meant to raise my score if they won’t lend me anything! Anyways, would love to hear your thoughts on the matter! Please and thank yku! ☺️
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    29 September 2022
    Hi Brandon, thanks for your message. Everytime you apply for a credit product, the provider will do what’s called a “hard pull” on your credit file. Applying for loans most definitely have dinged your credit file. We penned a piece on how to improve your credit score, that might have some tips you can use in it.
Taylor Smith

Taylor Smith

27 June 2021
Can you get a credit card on a Disability Support Pension
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    29 June 2021
    Hi Taylor, thanks for your question. Most credit card providers require you to have a constant form of income that meets a per annum criteria. The lowest income card we know of is the ANZ Low Rate that has a $15,000 p.a. requirement. Let us know how you go!
George bishop

George bishop

6 January 2021
Would like to make a payment also have not received card yet also have not receive my furniture Thanking you
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    6 January 2021
    Hi George, what credit card do you have? You will need to contact the bank or issuer directly.
Aaron Heaps

Aaron Heaps

25 October 2020
Hey there. trying to find all the info i can without misssing any. 26 years old and it would be my first credit card
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    26 October 2020
    Hi Aaron, have a read of this - https://www.creditcard.com.au/applying-for-your-first-credit-card/. Bottom line, with credit cards you need to start somewhere. Make sure you pay off on time each month. Then progress in your credit card journey once you understand the types of features and usage. If you qualify, a simple low rate card like the Bendigo low rate may work. This offer allows you not to pay interest for 15 months. Though you still need to make at least the minimum payments. If you are paying it off in full each month. Then you can move to a rewards card that earns points etc.
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