What decides the real cost of a rewards, cashback or frequent flyer card in Australia, and the rules that apply to credit cards in 2026.
The price of an Australian credit card is spread across several lines of the Key Facts Sheet: the annual fee, the purchase rate, the cash advance rate, the balance transfer terms, the number of interest-free days and fees such as foreign transaction or late payment fees. Rewards and cashback sit on the other side of the ledger, and only the part you actually redeem counts.
Start with the overview of comparing cashback, points and frequent flyer cards. Then read annual fee versus rewards value, the RBA surcharging ban and interchange changes from 1 October 2026, how lenders assess a credit card limit over three years, reading the Key Facts Sheet, how interest-free days really work and foreign transaction fees on overseas spending.
All rates, fees, earn rates and point values on this site are illustrative examples, not offers from any issuer. Card terms change often, so check the current Key Facts Sheet and terms before you apply. Nothing here is financial advice.
Card Costs, Comparisons and 2026 Rules
How to tell whether a rewards or frequent flyer card's annual fee is worth paying in Australia, with break-even spending, perk valuation and illustrative worked examples.
Card Costs, Comparisons and 2026 Rules
How to compare cashback, bank points and frequent flyer credit cards in Australia in 2026 by net value after fees, interest and redemption, plus the rules that changed this year.
Card Costs, Comparisons and 2026 Rules
How to read an Australian credit card Key Facts Sheet, the difference between purchase, cash advance and balance transfer rates, and rules on payments, over-limit fees and interest.
Card Costs, Comparisons and 2026 Rules
Why Australian card issuers test whether you could repay the whole credit limit within three years, how that affects approval and limits on rewards cards, and what you can do.
Card Costs, Comparisons and 2026 Rules
How foreign transaction fees, currency conversion and dynamic currency conversion work on Australian credit cards, and when they cancel out rewards points on overseas spending.
Card Costs, Comparisons and 2026 Rules
How "up to 44" or "up to 55" interest-free days work on Australian credit cards, why the real number depends on the purchase date, and the actions that switch them off.
Card Costs, Comparisons and 2026 Rules
What the Reserve Bank's 2026 decision means for cardholders: no surcharges on eftpos, Mastercard and Visa from 1 October 2026, lower interchange caps, and possible effects on rewards.
