The Cards Aussies Are Choosing to Save More
Let’s be honest — no one likes paying for something they can get for free. With the cost of living still climbing, more Aussies are turning to no annual fee credit cards as an easy way to cut back without giving up convenience or rewards.
These cards let you manage day-to-day expenses, build your credit score, and sometimes even earn perks — all without that annoying yearly fee. Below are our top 7 no-annual-fee credit cards for 2025, hand-picked for flexibility, value, and low costs.
💳 Top 7 No Annual Fee Credit Cards in Australia
| Credit Card | What Makes It Stand Out | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| CommBank Low Fee Gold Credit Card | No annual fee when you spend $2,000 a year; up to 55 interest-free days; digital wallet ready | Everyday spenders |
| ANZ Low Rate Card | 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 28 months; $0 annual fee in year one | Balance transfers |
| Westpac Lite Card | No late fees; low 9.90% p.a. interest; built-in budgeting tools | Low-cost users |
| NAB StraightUp Card | No annual or late fees; flat monthly fee from $10; no interest ever | Young adults & new cardholders |
| American Express Essential Card | 1.25 Membership Rewards points per $1; smartphone screen insurance; no annual fee | Reward lovers |
| Coles No Annual Fee Mastercard | Earn Flybuys; instant Coles & Kmart discounts; 19.99% p.a. | Frequent shoppers |
| Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard | No annual fee; complimentary overseas travel insurance; no foreign fees | Travellers |
🌟 Why Aussies Love No Annual Fee Cards
- Save up to $250 a year just by skipping fees
- Great for building or repairing credit
- Compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
- Many include purchase protection or fraud cover
- Perfect for those who clear their balance each month
👤 Who These Cards Are Perfect For
These cards fit Australians who:
- Want to avoid ongoing charges and keep things simple
- Pay their balance off monthly to dodge interest
- Are new to credit — students, graduates, or first-time card users
- Love the idea of earning rewards without paying for them
⚙️ How No Annual Fee Cards Actually Work
- Apply online through your preferred bank or lender.
- Some offer instant pre-approval or pre-qualification checks.
- Add the card to your digital wallet for quick tap-and-go spending.
- Use it wisely to strengthen your credit rating.
- Pay your bill on time every month to avoid interest and keep a clean record.
✅ Quick Comparison — No Annual Fee vs. Low Fee
| Feature | No Annual Fee | Low Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $0 | $29–$99 |
| Rewards | Basic–Moderate | Moderate–High |
| Ideal For | Budget-conscious users | Frequent spenders |
| Typical APR | 13.49%–20.24% p.a. | 9.90%–19.99% p.a. |
⚖️ The Good and the Not-So-Good
👍 Pros
- No yearly hit to your wallet
- Easy to manage as a backup or everyday card
- Encourages good spending habits
👎 Cons
- Limited premium perks
- Some cards need a minimum spend to stay fee-free
- Purchase rates can be higher
💬 Final Tip
If you’re the kind of person who pays off your balance each month, a no annual fee rewards card (like the Amex Essential) is a clever way to earn points without paying a cent extra.
👉 Ready to compare? See which no annual fee credit cards you qualify for in Australia today.
