Why you might need to switch credit cards for 2021

Has 2020 shaken up the way you spend?
If the answer is yes, it may be time to think about switching your credit card for the year ahead.
“There’s no doubt that, for many Aussies, 2020 has changed the way we’re spending our money, so naturally now could be the time to reassess something like a credit card.” Mozo Director, Kirsty Lamont said.
“Look at things like the interest rate and fees, as well as the value of your current rewards program. If your spending habits have changed, by switching cards you could save yourself forking out too much in interest repayments or pesky annual fees which you can actually avoid.”
Where do credit card rates sit right now?
Currently in the Mozo database, the average credit card rate sits at 16.35%. However, they range from 0% to a hefty 24.99%. So, there’s a chance you’re not getting a low rate on your current card.
But a low rate credit card isn’t suited to every spender.
In fact, for some credit card users it may be a savvier option to choose a card with a higher rate in return for a killer rewards program or low fees.
Let’s see what option might suit you.
There are a whole bunch of credit cards available to customers at the moment, so finding one to suit your spending shouldn’t be too tricky.
You just need to know what you’re looking for.
With that in mind, here’s a rundown of what type of credit cards are on offer and what type of spender they suit.
- 0% intro offer: If you have some spending to do in the new year, like purchasing a new outdoor setting for your backyard or upgrading your TV, a 0% introductory offer on a credit card may benefit you. On the Mozo database, these offers range from 6 to 17 months.
- Low interest rate: Find yourself paying too much in interest because you don’t always pay down your credit card balance in full? Switch to a low interest option. This way, if you can only make your minimum repayment in a month, you won’t be slapped with a high interest rate but instead something lower and more manageable.
- No annual fee: For credit card users that always pay down their balance in full each month and want to save on fees, a no annual fee credit card is worth considering for 2021. On the Mozo database, annual fees range from $0 to $1,200, so it could end up saving you a bit each year.
- Rewards: Use your credit card for everything and always pay down your balance? It may be time to switch to a rewards card. Consider what type of program would suit you, as well as the different perks attached to the card (as sometimes these can offset a high interest rate or annual fee).
- Balance Transfer: If you’re looking to clear your debt in 2021, a balance transfer offer is for you. This is where you can pay down your existing balance at no interest rate. On the Mozo database, these offers range from 5 to 30 months, so choose the option that matches how long it would take to pay off your debt. Just remember, any spending you do on a balance transfer credit card isn’t interest-free, so ensure you’ve got all your Christmas shopping done before you apply!
RELATED ARTICLE: Using a credit card this Christmas? Here's how to avoid a new year debt hangover
Want to start comparing credit card options right now? Check out the hot offers below or jump over to our credit cards comparison table for even more!
Compare Credit Cards - last updated 2 December 2023
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NAB Low Rate Card - Balance Transfer Offer
Spend with confidence with a low 12.49% p.a. variable purchase rate and 0% p.a. interest on balance transfers for the first 28 months (T&Cs apply). 2% balance transfer fee applies. There’s also up to 55 interest free days on purchases to help you manage your budget better when you make minimum repayments. Minimum credit limit $1,000. No annual fee for the first year (usually $59).
Purchase rate
12.49% p.a.Balance transfer rate
0% p.a. for 28 months and then 21.74% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)Annual fee
$59 $0 in the first yearRewards program
-CompareCompareLow Rate Card - Balance Transfer Offer
Spend with confidence with a low 12.49% p.a. variable purchase rate and 0% p.a. interest on balance transfers for the first 28 months (T&Cs apply). 2% balance transfer fee applies. There’s also up to 55 interest free days on purchases to help you manage your budget better when you make minimum repayments. Minimum credit limit $1,000. No annual fee for the first year (usually $59).
- Purchase rate
- 12.49% p.a.
- Balance transfer rate
- 0% p.a. for 28 months and then 21.74% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)
- Annual fee
- $59 $0 in the first year
- Rewards program
- -
- Purchase rate
- 12.49% p.a.
- Intro purchase rate
- -
- Balance transfer rate
- 0% p.a. for 28 months and then 21.74% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)
- Cash advance
- 21.74% p.a.
- Interest free days on purchases
- 55
- Intro fee
- 0.0
- Foreign exchange margin
- 3.00%
- Annual card fee
- $59 $0 in the first year
- Late payment fee
- $15.00
- Cash advance fee
- 3%, Min $3
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the NAB Low Rate Card - Balance Transfer Offer
-
American Express Qantas Ultimate Card
Receive 60,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Qantas American Express Ultimate Card within the first 3 months of your approval date. T&Cs apply. Available to new American Express Card Members only.
Purchase rate
23.99% p.a.Balance transfer rate
No current offerAnnual fee
$450Rewards program
Qantas Frequent FlyerCompareCompareQantas Ultimate Card
Receive 60,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Qantas American Express Ultimate Card within the first 3 months of your approval date. T&Cs apply. Available to new American Express Card Members only.
- Purchase rate
- 23.99% p.a.
- Balance transfer rate
- No current offer
- Annual fee
- $450
- Rewards program
- Qantas Frequent Flyer
- Purchase rate
- 23.99% p.a.
- Intro purchase rate
- -
- Balance transfer rate
- No current offer
- Cash advance
- -
- Interest free days on purchases
- 44
- Intro fee
- -
- Foreign exchange margin
- 3.00%
- Annual card fee
- $450
- Late payment fee
- $30.00
- Cash advance fee
- 2%, min $2.50
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the American Express Qantas Ultimate Card
-
American Express Velocity Platinum Card
Receive 60,000 bonus Velocity Points when you apply online, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. Available to new Card Members only.
Purchase rate
23.99% p.a.Balance transfer rate
No current offerAnnual fee
$375Rewards program
Velocity Frequent FlyerCompareCompareVelocity Platinum Card
Receive 60,000 bonus Velocity Points when you apply online, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. Available to new Card Members only.
- Purchase rate
- 23.99% p.a.
- Balance transfer rate
- No current offer
- Annual fee
- $375
- Rewards program
- Velocity Frequent Flyer
- Purchase rate
- 23.99% p.a.
- Intro purchase rate
- -
- Balance transfer rate
- No current offer
- Cash advance
- -
- Interest free days on purchases
- 55
- Intro fee
- -
- Foreign exchange margin
- 3.00%
- Annual card fee
- $375
- Late payment fee
- $30.00
- Cash advance fee
- 2%, min $2.50
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the American Express Velocity Platinum Card
-
American Express Qantas Discovery Card
Earn 1.75 Qantas Points on eligible Qantas products and services per $1 spent (T&Cs apply). Enjoy $0 Annual Card Fee. Get the security of Card Refund and Purchase Cover. Up to four additional Cards at no extra fee. Redeem your points for Classic Flight Rewards (T&Cs apply).
Purchase rate
23.99% p.a.Balance transfer rate
No current offerAnnual fee
$0Rewards program
Qantas Frequent FlyerCompareCompareQantas Discovery Card
Earn 1.75 Qantas Points on eligible Qantas products and services per $1 spent (T&Cs apply). Enjoy $0 Annual Card Fee. Get the security of Card Refund and Purchase Cover. Up to four additional Cards at no extra fee. Redeem your points for Classic Flight Rewards (T&Cs apply).
- Purchase rate
- 23.99% p.a.
- Balance transfer rate
- No current offer
- Annual fee
- $0
- Rewards program
- Qantas Frequent Flyer
- Purchase rate
- 23.99% p.a.
- Intro purchase rate
- -
- Balance transfer rate
- No current offer
- Cash advance
- -
- Interest free days on purchases
- 44
- Intro fee
- -
- Foreign exchange margin
- 3.00%
- Annual card fee
- $0
- Late payment fee
- $30.00
- Cash advance fee
- 2%, min $2.50
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the American Express Qantas Discovery Card
-
American Express Explorer® Credit Card
Receive 50,000 bonus membership rewards points when you apply online, are approved, and spend $4,000 on eligible purchases on your new card within the first 3 months (T&Cs apply). New Card Members only. Complimentary domestic & international Travel Insurance (T&Cs apply). Up to 55 days interest free on purchases. $395 annual fee.
Purchase rate
23.99% p.a.Balance transfer rate
No current offerAnnual fee
$395Rewards program
Membership RewardsCompareCompareExplorer® Credit Card
Receive 50,000 bonus membership rewards points when you apply online, are approved, and spend $4,000 on eligible purchases on your new card within the first 3 months (T&Cs apply). New Card Members only. Complimentary domestic & international Travel Insurance (T&Cs apply). Up to 55 days interest free on purchases. $395 annual fee.
- Purchase rate
- 23.99% p.a.
- Balance transfer rate
- No current offer
- Annual fee
- $395
- Rewards program
- Membership Rewards
- Purchase rate
- 23.99% p.a.
- Intro purchase rate
- -
- Balance transfer rate
- No current offer
- Cash advance
- -
- Interest free days on purchases
- 55
- Intro fee
- -
- Foreign exchange margin
- 3.00%
- Annual card fee
- $395
- Late payment fee
- $30.00
- Cash advance fee
- 2%, min $2.50
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the American Express Explorer® Credit Card
-
American Express Low Rate Credit Card
Competitive low rate with $0 Annual Fee. Offers Card Refund Cover and Card Purchase Cover. Must have no history of bed debt or payment default, be aged 18 years and over, and be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a long term visa.
Purchase rate
10.99% p.a.Balance transfer rate
No current offerAnnual fee
$0Rewards program
-CompareCompareLow Rate Credit Card
Competitive low rate with $0 Annual Fee. Offers Card Refund Cover and Card Purchase Cover. Must have no history of bed debt or payment default, be aged 18 years and over, and be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a long term visa.
- Purchase rate
- 10.99% p.a.
- Balance transfer rate
- No current offer
- Annual fee
- $0
- Rewards program
- -
- Purchase rate
- 10.99% p.a.
- Intro purchase rate
- -
- Balance transfer rate
- No current offer
- Cash advance
- -
- Interest free days on purchases
- 55
- Intro fee
- -
- Foreign exchange margin
- 3.00%
- Annual card fee
- $0
- Late payment fee
- $30.00
- Cash advance fee
- 2%, min $2.50
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the American Express Low Rate Credit Card
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