Mozo guides

Changing credit cards minus the stress

If you’re one of the thousands of credit cardholders who are stuck with a dud deal or the card is costing you too much and you’re just not satisfied well it’s time to make a stress free switch to a more worthy and valuable piece of plastic. The good news, changing credit cards isn’t a complicated process and with over 200 cards in Australia, there’s bound to be one to suit you.

All ready to choose your credit card? Start comparing in the table below. - last updated 19 March 2024

Search promoted credit cards below or do a full Mozo database search. Advertiser disclosure
  • NAB Low Rate Card - Balance Transfer Offer

    Spend with confidence with a low 13.49% 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
    13.49% 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
    -
    Compare
    Details
  • American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card

    Enjoy $0 Annual Card Fee (usually $195) in the first year when you apply online and are approved. T&Cs apply. New Card Members only. Offer subject to change without notice.

    Purchase rate
    23.99% p.a.
    Balance transfer rate
    No current offer
    Annual fee
    $195 $0 in the first year
    Rewards program
    Membership Rewards
    Compare
    Details
  • Apply By 2 Apr 2024
    American Express Qantas Ultimate Card

    Receive 100,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online by 2 April 2024 , are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Qantas American Express Ultimate Card within the first 3 months. 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
    Compare
    Details
  • 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 offer
    Annual fee
    $395
    Rewards program
    Membership Rewards
    Compare
    Details

Easy steps to switching credit cards

You’ve come to the conclusion that your current credit card is not for you and now’s the time to do something about it and make a switch. Follow these simple steps to ensure you make a smooth transition to a card that is the right fit for you.  

  • Step 1: Identify what you don’t like about your current credit card and pinpoint what features and benefits you want from a new card.
  • Step 2: Find a better deal! This is easier than it sounds. Mozo can help you find the best credit card offers in Australia, click the link to compare over 195 credit cards from 58 banks. 
  • Step 3: If you have credit debt, make sure your new card has a great balance transfer offer. Most new providers can transfer your debt AND close the account for you. Too easy!
  • Step 4: Before you kill off that old, evil credit card, check over your statements and make a list of all ongoing debits. (Being especially clever about more occasional payments like energy bills.)

Options when changing credit cards

Your reasons for changing credit cards will determine the type of card you are after. Here’s a list of your plastic options. Remember though, if you’re not good at managing debt than a credit card may not be for you!

  • Balance transfer credit cards are ideal for people who have accumulated a substantial amount of debt with a high interest rate and are struggling to get out of the red. By switching to a balance transfer credit card you’ll move your existing credit card debt and receive low if not zero interest for a set period of between 3-24 months. You must take note of the interest free period if not you may end up getting stung! 
  • Feel like it’s time to be rewarded for all the spending you do? Are you well-disciplined and likely to pay off your credit card in full each month? If ‘yes’ than it could be the time to make a change and sign up to rewards credit card. Rewards credit cards have higher interest rates and annual fees than standard credit cards but you’ll receive, airline, supermarket and general rewards for your spending. Make sure you choose a rewards credit card that suits your spending habits and has benefits for the things you are interested in.
  • Low interest rate credit card suits those people with little credit debt and those who are a little forgetful and unreliable when it comes to paying off their credit card in full each month. Most credit card providers offer a low interest rate card and it generally has interest rates of 14% p.a. or less.
  • If you felt like you were being ripped off by your old credit card, paying a hefty annual fee consider switching to a low or no fee credit card. These cards are great if you’re likely to pay off your credit card in full each month as you’ll be rewarded with low or even no fees. Take note however, a no annual fee credit card may have higher interest rates and no reward scheme connected to it.
  • Interest free credit card – These cards offer a means of borrowing money with an interest free period (3, 6 or 12 months) to repay it. Who doesn’t want a 0% interest rate on purchases! Learn more and compare interest free credit card deals here.

What to look for in a new credit card

To help you make a wise decision about which card you’re going to switch to, make sure you consider and have an understanding of the following features.

Fees:

Fees are often part and parcel of being a credit cardholder. Before you change credit cards make sure you know which fees come with the new card you’re switching to, so you can factor them into your budget. Credit card fees include - annual fee, cash advance fee, late payment fee and overseas currency conversion fees. To learn more about fees, read Mozo’s guide onavoiding credit card fees.

Credit Limits:

A credit card limit refers to the maximum amount of funds a bank or financial institution will allow you to charge to the card. If you’re a big spender look into a platinum credit card, as they have much higher credit limits compared to a standard credit card. However high your credit limit is, don’t exceed it as your provider may hit you with a penalty. So it’s important to switch to a card that has a credit limit that you can stick to i.e. don’t borrow more than you can afford as it will cost you much more in the long run.  

Interest rates:

When shopping around for a credit card, it’s extremely important to look at the interest rate the provider will charge. A low interest rate is usually around 14% while some can be as high as 18%. How much interest you’ll pay will depend on the card you have, the purchases you make and when and how much you make in repayments.

Rewards:

If you’re considering changing to a rewards credit card have a thorough read of what you can redeem your reward points on. There’s no point choosing a credit card linked to an airline frequent flyer program if you have a fear of flying! Find a program that ties in with your interests. Get rewarded for your spending with frequent flyer miles, accommodation, cash back, shopping gift cards and more! As good as it may sounds, reward cards usually have higher interest rates and annual fees. Use the Mozo rewards revealer tool to find the best rewards card for what you’re interested in.

What you’ll need to apply for a credit card

If you’re changing credit cards but remaining with the same provider it’s unlikely you’ll have to go through the whole application process again. However if you’re switching to a new card provider, you’ll need to supply the following information.

  • Proof of ID: Driver’s licence, passport, Medicare card or proof of age card
  • Employer details: Name, address and phone number. If you’re self-employed you’ll need to provide your accountant's name and contact number
  • Proof of income: Payslips and/or bank statements.
  • Current financial commitments: Details of your spending, what you own and owe e.g. rent or loan repayments

How to close your old account

Before you get the scissors out and start shopping up your credit card make sure you follow these steps before shutting down your card for good.

1. Pay off your balance in full so it’s at zero. Do this before you inform your card provider as they may up the interest on you!

2. Redeem any rewards you may have accrued with a rewards credit card.

3. Pick up the phone and give your provider a call to find out the process of closing an account. It may be as simple as that one phone call.

4. To be on the safe side, write a cancellation letter to you bank asking to close the account also include the name of the account and the account number. As old school as this may sound, it’s best to be extra cautious in case the person you spoke to on the phone made an error.

5. Cancel any direct debits that were being paid using the credit card or otherwise the debits will still be charged to your account.

Mozo
Mozo

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Credit Card Awards

Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.

While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.