5 credit card features you may not know about (and might save you money)

By Polly Fleeting ·
Fact Checked
Advertiser disclosure
woman researching credit card features on her laptop

When it comes to a credit card, hefty interest rates and annual fees might spring to mind. 

And while it’s true that some cards do have high interest rates and fees attached to them, it may be because they come with a bunch of bonus features. 

Credit card providers include these benefits in their products to help customers save on things like interest and travel insurance, or offer up protections on purchases for a more secure shopping experience. 

While bonus features can sound fun, it is worth considering if you’ll actually take advantage of them. In other words, is the cost of the card (such as the interest rate and fees) worth its benefits?

So what are some of these credit card bonus features? Read on and find out … 

1. Interest-free days 

Currently on the Mozo database, the average credit card interest rate sits at 16.88%. However, over 200 credit cards on the Mozo database offer up interest-free days, from up to 44 all the way to 110. 

What are credit card interest-free days? 

In a nutshell, interest-free days is the period of time after you make an eligible purchase that you won’t be charged interest on that transaction. But the catch is, you don’t receive the maximum amount of interest-free days on every purchase you make. It all depends when in the statement period the transaction occurs. 

Take this example: Let’s say your card offers 55 interest-free days. Here’s a breakdown of how many interest-free days you’d receive when you make purchases on particular days.

interest free days credit card explainer graphic

Ultimately, the more interest-free days you have the better, as it’ll mean you have longer to pay down your debt without being charged interest. Just remember though, you need to pay down your balance in full by the due date to avoid interest charges. 

2. Purchase protection 

Some credit cards come with a feature called purchase protection. This is where something you buy may be covered under your card’s purchase protection policy if it is lost, stolen or accidentally damaged. 

Depending on the provider and the policy, there are different terms and conditions of purchase protection from credit card to credit card. So while one option may cover a cracked screen on a brand new iPhone, others may not … so it’s worth reading over the policy before signing the dotted line so you know what you’re covered for. 

3. Extended warranty

Many Aussie retailers offer manufacturer’s warranties on their products, and some platinum and rewards credit cards offer extended warranties. What this means is, the warranty on the item you buy is extended, so it’s protected for longer.  

4. Price protection 

It can be frustrating when you buy a product from one retailer and find it cheaper somewhere else. But that’s where price protection on your credit card can come in handy. 

Some credit card providers offer this type of guarantee, where if a consumer purchases an item using the card but finds it cheaper somewhere else, they can be refunded the difference. In this instance, cardholders must alert their credit card provider of the cheaper item and meet any conditions under the cover (such as a time limit or minimum price difference). With that in mind, make sure you read through the price protection policy so you are aware of all the T&Cs. 

5. Travel insurance 

Another big bonus feature that is available on some rewards and travel credit cards, is complimentary travel insurance. This may come in the form of international travel insurance, interstate flight insurance or transport accident insurance. These types of insurances cover things like flight cancellations or delays, emergency cover, luggage loss or travel accidents. 

Bear in mind, in most cases you need to activate your travel insurance before your trip in order to be covered by the time you leave. This usually involves spending a certain amount on travel expenses prior to your departure, such as flights or accommodation. 

There may also be limits on the amount of cover you receive and other T&Cs, so you may need to take out additional travel insurance outside of your credit card to be fully covered. 

Want to compare credit card options? Take a look at these hot offers below or jump over to our credit card comparison table for even more!

Compare credit cards - last updated 11 September 2021

Search promoted credit cards below or do a full Mozo database search. Advertiser disclosure
  • Apply By 4 Oct 2021
    Kogan Money Black Card

    Kogan Money Black Card has no annual fee and no cap or expiry date on points. It comes with a 55 interest free days on purchases and a 0% balance transfer rate for the first 12 months. Earn up to $400 in Kogan.com Credit, $50 Credit on first eligible spend in 30 days and $350 Credit when you spend $1,500 on eligible purchases in 90 days from card approval.

    Purchase rate
    Balance transfer rate
    Annual fee
    Rewards program
    20.99% p.a.
    0% p.a. for 12 months and then 21.74% p.a.
    $0
    Kogan Rewards Points
    Go to site
    Details
  • Featured Product Hot Deal $400 Cashback with $4k+ spend on eligible purchases (T&Cs apply)
    Westpac Low Rate - Cashback Offer

    Enjoy a super low rate of 13.74% with 55 days interest free plus $400 Cashback with $4k+ spend on eligible purchases within 4 months of card approval. No annual card fee for the first year, $59 thereafter. New Cards only. Offer ends November 30th 2021. T&C's and exclusions apply.

    Purchase rate
    Balance transfer rate
    Annual fee
    Rewards program
    13.74% p.a.
    No current offer
    $59 $0 in the first year
    -
    Go to site
    Details
  • Apply By 28 Oct 2021
    PayPal Rewards Card

    Enjoy 50,000 bonus points (conditions apply). Receive 55 interest free days on purchases and 0% balance transfer rate for the first 20 months.

    Purchase rate
    Balance transfer rate
    Annual fee
    Rewards program
    20.99% p.a.
    0% p.a. for 20 months and then 20.99% p.a.
    $0
    PayPal Rewards
    Go to site
    Details
  • Apply By 31 Oct 2021
    Bendigo Bank Low Rate Credit Card

    0% p.a. on purchases for up to 12 months (Reverts to 11.99% p.a). Also 0% balance transfer for up to 12 months. Low annual fee of $45 and no fees for additional cardholders.

    Purchase rate
    Balance transfer rate
    Annual fee
    Rewards program
    0% p.a. for 12 months then 11.99% p.a.
    0% p.a. for 12 months and then 11.99% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)
    $45
    -
    Go to site
    Details
  • Apply By 30 Nov 2021
    St.George Vertigo - Cashback Offer

    $300 cashback when you take out a new Vertigo Credit Card and spend $4k on eligible purchases within 120 days of the new card approval. No annual fee for the first year, $55 thereafter. New cards only, Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply. Offer ends November 30th 2021.

    Purchase rate
    Balance transfer rate
    Annual fee
    Rewards program
    13.99% p.a.
    2.99% p.a. for 15 months and then 21.49% p.a.
    $55 $0 in the first year
    -
    Go to site
    Details
  • Great Southern Bank Low Rate Credit Card

    0% balance transfer rate for 20 months and up to 55 interest free days. No annual fee for the first year and $49 after. Mozo Experts Choice Balance Transfer Platinum Credit Card Winner 2020^

    Purchase rate
    Balance transfer rate
    Annual fee
    Rewards program
    11.99% p.a.
    0% p.a. for 25 months and then 21.74% p.a.
    $49 $0 in the first year
    -
    Go to site
    Details
  • Apply By 10 Oct 2021
    humm90 Mastercard

    With up to 110 days interest free on your spending, this card is pretty unique in the market, and great for managing your daily spend. Plus, no foreign transaction fees overseas or online.

    Purchase rate
    Balance transfer rate
    Annual fee
    Rewards program
    23.99% p.a.
    0% p.a. for 36 months and then 25.99% p.a. (0% balance transfer fee)
    $99
    -
    Go to site
    Details
  • NAB Low Rate Card

    0% p.a. interest on balance transfers for the first 32 months, plus a low ongoing purchase rate after that means you can spend with confidence. There's also up to 55 interest free days on purchases to help you manage your budget better.

    Purchase rate
    Balance transfer rate
    Annual fee
    Rewards program
    12.99% p.a.
    0% p.a. for 32 months and then 21.74% p.a. (0% balance transfer fee)
    $59 $0 in the first year
    -
    Go to site
    Details
  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    American Express Low Rate Credit Card

    Competitive low rate with $0 Annual Fee. Get $100 back when you apply online by 27 October 2021, are approved and spend $1,000 on your new Card by 31 December 2021. T&Cs apply. New Card Members only. Customers need an annual income of $50,000 or more.

    Purchase rate
    Balance transfer rate
    Annual fee
    Rewards program
    8.99% p.a.
    No current offer
    $0
    -
    Go to site
    Details
  • NAB StraightUp Card

    Pay no interest and no late payment fees, just a $10 monthly fee for a $1,000 credit limit. Plus, if you don't make any purchases and have an outstanding balance of $0 during the whole statement period, the monthly fee will be reversed. Also pay no foreign currency fees when you shop online or overseas. Mozo Experts Choice Credit Card Innovation Winner 2020^.

    Purchase rate
    Balance transfer rate
    Annual fee
    Rewards program
    0% p.a.
    No current offer
    $120 $10/month - waived if no spend & no balance owing
    -
    Go to site
    Details
  • Apply By 19 Oct 2021
    Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card

    Receive 50,000 Bonus Membership Rewards when you apply online by 19 October 2021, are approved and spend $1,500 on your new Card within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. New Card Members only. $0 introductory annual Card fee for the first year..

    Purchase rate
    Balance transfer rate
    Annual fee
    Rewards program
    20.74% p.a.
    No current offer
    $195 $0 in the first year
    Membership Rewards
    Go to site
    Details
  • HSBC Platinum Credit Card

    0%p.a. on balance transfers for 36 months with no balance transfer fee. Terms and Conditions apply. Mozo Experts Choice Premium Rewards and Balance Transfer Platinum Credit Card Winner 2020.

    Purchase rate
    Balance transfer rate
    Annual fee
    Rewards program
    19.99% p.a.
    0% p.a. for 36 months and then 21.99% p.a.
    $129 $29 in the first year
    Rewards Plus
    Go to site
    Details
  • Apply By 26 Oct 2021
    Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    American Express Explorer® Credit Card

    Receive 150,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you apply online by 26 October 2021, are approved and spend $3,000 on your new Card within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. New Card Members only.

    Purchase rate
    Balance transfer rate
    Annual fee
    Rewards program
    20.74% p.a.
    No current offer
    $395
    Membership Rewards
    Go to site
    Details
  • St.George No Annual Fee

    0% p.a. for 12 months on APR requested at card application. The special promotional purchase rate applies from card approval, after the promotional period, the rate will switch to the variable purchase rate. New cards only, Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply. Offer ends November 30th 2021.

    Purchase rate
    Balance transfer rate
    Annual fee
    Rewards program
    0% p.a. for 12 months then 20.74% p.a.
    2.99% p.a. for 15 months and then 21.49% p.a.
    $0
    -
    Go to site
    Details
  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    American Express Qantas Ultimate Card

    Receive 110,000 bonus Qantas Points plus $200 back when you apply online by 27 October 2021, are approved and spend $3,000 on your new Card within the first 3 months. Offer available to new Card Members only. Plus, receive up to 40,000 extra Qantas points with Shop Small (T&Cs apply)

    Purchase rate
    Balance transfer rate
    Annual fee
    Rewards program
    20.74% p.a.
    No current offer
    $450
    Qantas Frequent Flyer
    Go to site
    Details
  • Apply By 30 Nov 2021
    St.George Vertigo

    0% p.a. for 30 months on balance transfers requested at card application. 0% balance transfer fee applies. Rate then switches to applicable variable cash advance rate. No annual fee for the first year, $55 thereafter. New cards only, Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply. Offer ends November 30th 2021.

    Purchase rate
    Balance transfer rate
    Annual fee
    Rewards program
    13.99% p.a.
    0% p.a. for 30 months and then 21.49% p.a.
    $55 $0 in the first year
    -
    Go to site
    Details
  • Featured Product
    Westpac Low Rate

    Enjoy a super low rate of 13.74% with 55 days interest free plus 0% balance transfer for up to 28 months at 1% BT fee. No annual card fee for the first year, $59 thereafter. New Cards only. Offer ends November 30th 2021. T&C's and exclusions apply.

    Purchase rate
    Balance transfer rate
    Annual fee
    Rewards program
    13.74% p.a.
    0% p.a. for 28 months and then 21.49% p.a. (1.00% balance transfer fee)
    $59 $0 in the first year
    -
    Go to site
    Details
  • Apply By 30 Nov 2021
    Bank of Melbourne Vertigo - Cashback Offer

    $300 cashback when you take out a new Vertigo Credit Card and spend $4k on eligible purchases within 120 days of the new card approval. No annual fee for the first year, $55 thereafter. New cards only, Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply. Offer ends November 30th 2021.

    Purchase rate
    Balance transfer rate
    Annual fee
    Rewards program
    13.99% p.a.
    2.99% p.a. for 15 months and then 21.49% p.a.
    $55 $0 in the first year
    -
    Go to site
    Details
  • Apply By 30 Nov 2021
    Westpac Altitude Platinum

    Earn up to 60,000 bonus Qantas Points ($3k min. spend in the first 90 days on eligible purchases). 0% p.a. for 18 months on balance transfers requested at card application. 1% BT fee applies. $99 + $50 Annual Qantas Rewards card fee for the first year. New cards only. Offer ends November 30th 2021. T&C's and exclusions apply.

    Purchase rate
    Balance transfer rate
    Annual fee
    Rewards program
    20.49% p.a.
    0% p.a. for 18 months and then 21.49% p.a. (1.00% balance transfer fee)
    $200 $149 in the first year
    Qantas Frequent Flyer
    Go to site
    Details

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Credit Card Awards

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