While you make plans for travel in 2025, picking the right travel credit card can dramatically elevate your trip, giving reward points, free insurance for travellers, and a waiver from being charged for foreign transactions. Thus, here is the complete version of top 10 Best Travel Credit Cards in Australia for 2025.
10 Best Travel Credit Cards in Australia
1. American Express® Platinum Card
This card arguably has more perks for frequent flyers and travel in Australia than any other: free travel insurance*, a $450-a-year travel credit, dining credit, lounge access, up to 2.25 rewards points per $1 spent on eligible purchases, a big pile of bonus signup points (all of those benefits depends on lots of conditions), and many more. Having proclaimed the above, the annual fee is very high, so you would have to work to make the rewards compensate for the cost.
Key Features:
- Bonus Points: Get 150,000 Bonus Membership Rewards® Points when you apply online by 28 January 2025, are approved, and spend $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months.
- Earning Rate: Up to 2.25 Membership Rewards Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
- Travel Perks: Complimentary access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, including the American Express Lounge at Sydney International Airport.
- Annual Fee: $1,450
Why It’s Ideal for Travelers:
The American Express® Platinum Card‘s list of travel benefits is extensive, given extensive lounge access, travel insurance, and quite a high earning rate, suiting frequent travellers looking for luxury and convenience while travelling.
2. American Express Explorer® Credit Card
American Express is giving away 100,000 membership reward points to new American Express card members who apply for the Explorer credit card by April 8, 2025, are approved, and spend $4,000 on qualifying purchases within the first three months of approval.
Key Features:
- Bonus Points: Earn 100,000 Bonus Membership Rewards® Points when you apply online by 8 April 2024, are accepted, and spend $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months.
- Earning Rate: Earn 2 Membership Rewards Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
- Travel Credit: $400 Travel Credit annually for flights, hotels, or car hire booked through American Express Travel.
- Annual Fee: $395
Why It’s Ideal for Travelers:
The Explorer® Credit Card offers excellent value to travellers, with a low annual fee, significant travel credit, and solid earning potential on each purchase.
3. American Express Velocity Platinum Card
The American Express Velocity Platinum Card offers new American Express Card Members up to 100,000 bonus Velocity Points*, provided they apply by 30 April 2025 and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of approval. The card carries a lot of benefits, including Virgin Australia Lounge Access^ every time you fly domestically on Virgin Australia, 2 VA Guest Lounge Passes⁼ , the yearly limit and a Complimentary Domestic Return Virgin Australia Flightˢ. Terms and conditions apply. Restricted to new American Express Card Members.
Key Features:
- Bonus Points: Get 60,000 bonus Velocity Points when you apply online by 21 January 2025, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months.
- Earning Rate: Earn 1.25 Velocity Points for every $1 you spend on eligible purchases.
- Travel Perks: Complimentary Virgin Australia domestic return flight and two complimentary Virgin Australia lounge passes yearly.
- Annual Fee: $375
Why It’s Ideal for Travelers:
This card caters to Velocity Frequent Flyer members, offering valuable travel benefits and earning structure, enhancing the overall travel experience.
4. Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard
This Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard is one of a few credit cards with no annual fee, zero foreign transaction fees, and a six-month period of 0% on purchases and balance transfers.
Key Features:
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 0% on international transactions, making it cost-effective for overseas spending.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Purchase Rate: 19.99% p.a.
Why It’s Ideal for Travelers:
The lack of foreign transaction fees and annual fees provides a travel card option well-suited for those making frequent purchases overseas.
5. Coles Rewards Mastercard
Coles is offering 50,000 Flybuys bonus Points for new cardholders of the Coles Rewards Mastercard who apply by 31 July 2024.
The Coles Rewards Mastercard is a no-frills card designed for the everyday shopper—there are no travel perks such as lounge access — as it’s a supermarket-branded card after all.
Key Features:
- Earning Rate: Earn 2 Flybuys points per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 0% on international transactions.
- Annual Fee: $99
Why It’s Ideal for Travelers:
Eliminating foreign transaction fees and providing a high points-earning rate, this card benefits travellers who shop at Flybuys partners.
6. ANZ Rewards Black Credit Card
ANZ is giving 180,000 extra ANZ Reward Points (enough for $800 in gift cards) and $150 cashback to new customers applying for the ANZ Rewards Black credit card. It offers complimentary insurance and support for Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Key Features:
- Bonus Points: Earn 180,000 bonus ANZ Reward Points and $150 back when meeting specific spending criteria.
- Earning Rate: Earn 2 ANZ Reward Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
- Travel Perks: Complimentary international travel insurance.
- Annual Fee: $375
Why It’s Ideal for Travelers:
With a high points-earning rate and travel protection, this card features suitabilities for travel with comprehensive rewards and protection.
7. Qantas Premier Platinum Credit Card
National Australia Bank Limited (ABN 12 004 044 937, AFSL and Australian credit licensee 230686) (“NAB”) is the issuer of the Qantas Premier credit cards on behalf of Qantas Airways Limited, ABN 16 009 661 901, and the credit provider. NAB has taken over from Citigroup Pty Limited (ABN 88 004 325 080, AFSL and Australian credit licensee 238098) (“Citi”) responsibility for certain lines of credit and appointed Citi to manage the product portfolio.
Key Features:
- Bonus Points: Earn up to 80,000 bonus Qantas Points when meeting specific spending criteria.
- Earning Rate: Earn up to 1.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
- Travel Perks: Two complimentary lounge invitations each year.
- Annual Fee: $299 for the first year, then $349
Why It’s Ideal for Travelers:
The card is designed for Qantas Frequent Flyer members and is backed by many points and associated travel benefits, enhancing the flying experience.
8. Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card
The Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard is a credit card with a comparatively lower interest rate. It provides a way to pay off their credit card debt at 0% interest for the first 24 months. It’s worth noting that Australia’s standard credit card rate is after the introductory period expires at 12.99% p.a. That said, a 3% fee will apply to any balances transferred.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: No annual fee for the first year, then $69 yearly.
- Interest Rate: 12.99% p.a. after the introductory period.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
- Minimum Credit Limit: $6,000
Why It’s Ideal for Travelers:
If you want a travel credit card with low interest rates, look at the Bankwest Breeze Platinum credit card. You can spend interest-free for the first 55 days on purchases if you’re good enough to repay the entire balance on time.
9. Westpac Altitude Black Credit Card
The Altitude Rewards premium credit card gives you the highest Point earning rates. It enables flexibility in redemption through Pay with Points, airport lounge access, insurance, and many more.
Key Features:
- Bonus Points: Earn up to 150,000 Altitude Points or 120,000 Qantas Points when meeting specific spending criteria.
- Earning Rate: Up to 1.25 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
- Travel Perks: Two complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits per year.
- Annual Fee: $250 for the first year, then $395.
Why It’s Ideal for Travelers:
It is an excellent card for redeeming points for flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses. It also features complimentary travel insurance, which makes it a well-rounded choice for anyone who travels often.
10. Citi Premier Qantas Credit Card
Citi PayAll will no longer be available from 20 January 2025. All Citi PayAll scheduled payments with a due date of 20 January 2025 and onwards will not be processed.
Key Features:
- Bonus Points: Earn 100,000 Qantas Points when meeting spending requirements.
- Earning Rate: Up to 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
- Travel Perks: Complimentary international travel insurance and airport lounge access.
- Annual Fee: $350.
Why It’s Ideal for Travelers:
This card offers generous bonus points and travel perks. It is ideal for the Qantas Frequent Flyers who want to maximize travel rewards with additional perks like insurance and lounge access.
How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card in Australia
When selecting a travel credit card, consider the following factors:
1. Earning and Redeeming Points
- Check how many points you can earn per dollar spent.
- Look at the redemption options—flights, hotels, cashback, or gift cards.
- Ensure the card aligns with your preferred airline or hotel loyalty program.
2. Foreign Transaction Fees
- If you travel a lot, don’t let foreign transaction fees on your card in Australia eat into your holiday budget.
3. Annual Fees vs. Benefits
- Many high-end cards may run over $400 in annual fees but provide lounge access, free flights, and comprehensive travel insurance.
- If you don’t plan to travel often, a no-annual-fee card may feel more appropriate.
4. Travel Insurance Coverage
- Many travel insurance credit cards in Australia include international medical coverage, trip cancellation, and rental car excess.
- Be sure to carefully read any wording on the back of your card policy that covers these areas.
5. Lounge Access & Travel Perks
- If you fly often, having access to an airport lounge will add comfort and convenience to your travel experience.
- Some cards offer complimentary checked baggage and priority boarding.
Final Thoughts
The best travel credit cards in Australia for 2025 offer a mix of frequent flyer rewards, no foreign transaction fees, complimentary travel insurance, and airport lounge access. Whether you’re a Qantas or Velocity frequent flyer, an international traveller, or someone just looking for a frugal travel card, there is something for everyone. Review the perks and select the option that best fits your travel lifestyle.
FAQs
1. What is the best travel credit card in Australia for 2025?
The American Express Platinum Card is the best overall, offering the most travel perks, including lounge access, points rewards, and complimentary travel insurance. However, for those seeking no foreign transaction fees, the Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard is a top choice.
2. Which Australian credit card is best for frequent flyers?
The American Express Velocity Platinum Card and the Qantas Premier Platinum Credit Card are excellent for frequent flyers, providing bonus points, flight perks, and lounge access.
3. Are travel credit cards worth it in Australia?
Yes! If you travel frequently, a travel credit card can save you money on foreign transaction fees, offer reward points, and provide perks like free travel insurance and lounge access.
4. Which credit card has no foreign transaction fees in Australia?
The Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard and Coles Rewards Mastercard are great choices for avoiding foreign transaction fees.
5. What is the best credit card for travel insurance in Australia?
The ANZ Rewards Black Credit Card and the Citi Premier Qantas Credit Card provide comprehensive travel insurance, including medical coverage, trip cancellation, and rental car excess.
