Compare Australian Debit Cards with Mozo

Debit cards are basically ‘payment’ cards. They are usually linked to your everyday bank account so whenever you pay for something, the money is drawn from those funds. Start comparing debit cards below!

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Debit card comparisons on Mozo - last updated 19 March 2024

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  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Everyday Options

    $0.00

    Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID

    Visa Debit

    An easy, everyday banking account packed with flexible options to help you spend, budget & save better. $0 monthly account keeping fees & option to add up to 9 sub-accounts.

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  • Everyday Global Account

    $0.00

    Apple Pay, Google Wallet

    Visa Debit

    No overseas ATM fees & up to 10 currencies in one account. Switch between currencies instantly 24/7 wherever you are using the mobile app. Receive 2% Cashback on eligible tap and pay transactions under $100. Mozo's Experts Choice 2023 winner for Exceptional Everyday Account.^

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  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Carbon Insights Account

    $0.00

    Apple Pay, PayID, Google Pay

    Visa Debit or
    EFTPOS

    An online-only transaction account with carbon insights available through the Suncorp App. $0 monthly account keeping fees & option to add up to 9 sub-accounts.

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  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Transaction Account

    $0.00

    Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID

    Debit Mastercard

    Earn interest on all balances. No monthly account fees. Winner of a Mozo Experts Choice Australia's Best Bank 2023^.

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  • Smart Access

    $4.00$0 monthly account fee if you deposit min. $2,000 per month or under 30 years old.

    Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID, Samsung Pay, Garmin, Fitbit

    Debit Mastercard or
    EFTPOS

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  • Everyday Edge Account

    $0.00

    Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID, Samsung Pay

    Visa Debit or
    EFTPOS

    Enjoy $0 monthly account fees and unlimited fee-free card, phone and online transactions. Tap and pay with Google Pay, Apple Pay or Samsung Pay. Refund of overdrawn fees and international ATM withdrawal fees and international card transaction fees^.

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^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Debit cards Awards

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Debit card resources

Reviews, news, tips and guides to help find the best debit card for you.

Why it's important to compare debit cards

Is a debit card right for your wallet? Read on as we run through everything you'll need to know about these handy bank cards and how to choose the right one to suit your needs.

What is a debit card?

When you open a bank account in Australia, you'll have the option of choosing a debit card. A debit card allows you to make purchases from stores and ATM withdrawals which get debited from your bank account. Some people also refer to these cards as 'EFTPOS' or 'ATM' cards.

The two leading kinds of these cards available from banks and credit unions are Visa Debit or MasterCard Debit cards. This guide (and section of our site) mainly deals with Visa and MasterCard Debit Cards.

Why would I need a debit card?

Debit cards can help simplify your day to day spending by reducing the need to carry too much cash at any point. You can use your debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs, pay bills and make purchases in Australia or overseas using your own money.

Your debit card is directly linked with your bank account and uses the money in that account when you make a transaction.

It's a simpler and more secure way to make payments because your bank can protect you from fraudulent transactions and in the case that you lose your card, you can call your bank to block further transactions.

why do i need a debit card

Visa or MasterCard?

Both Visa and MasterCard debit cards offer similar features and benefits. Whether you receive a Visa or MasterCard will depend on which bank you are with as each bank is usually aligned with one card provider.

What's the difference between credit and debit cards?

Both credit cards and debit cards let you make transactions online as well as offline. The main difference between the two is that a credit card allows you to 'borrow' money from the bank at a fixed interest rate (usually charged after a set interest-free repayment period), while a debit card only allows you to spend the funds you have in your bank account.

While you won't build up debt using a debit card, the main advantage with a credit card is that it gives you the liberty to split your expenditure as you want.

For instance, if you're making a big purchase, but don't have enough money to cover it, or you just don't want to empty out your account, you can pay with your credit card and control money outflow.

Both card types have their own pros and cons, and how much you choose to use one over the other is a matter of personal preference.

should i use a debit card or credit card

What are the advantages of a debit card?

  • No debt: Debit cards are lower-risk, as they can't put you in a position where you might fall into debt since they only give you access to the money you hold in your account.
  • No extra fee for ATM withdrawals: While you can use your credit card to withdraw money from an ATM because it's technically a 'loan' from the bank, you'll be charged interest on the cash withdrawal. Since your money on a debit card is treated like cash, you won't have to pay an extra fee while withdrawing from your own bank's ATM (although there may be charges from other banks and international ATM withdrawals).
  • Security: Carrying a debit card instead of a stash of cash in your wallet is generally much safer. If you were to lose your wallet with only your debit card inside, you would be protected under your bank's anti-fraud policy and could get the card blocked from further transactions. But if you lost wads of cash, you likely won't be able to have this refunded by a bank.
  • Cashback and rewards: The rewards programs for debit cards aren't usually as extensive as those for credit card rewards programs.  But with the growing use of debit cards, many providers have started offering cashback options and rewards, such as special offers on home entertainment products or movie tickets. Check with your bank about any schemes applicable to your debit card.
  • Purchase protection: Generally, the products you buy using your Visa or MasterCard debit card should also be eligible for purchase protection. This is an insurance which covers your purchases against loss, theft or accidental damage to an item that you've purchased with your debit card for up to 90 days. Usually, the provider would require you to press 'credit' instead of 'savings' while making a transaction on EFTPOS to be eligible for purchase protection. Be sure to read the exact requirements for eligibility in the terms and conditions for your debit card.
  • Tap and Go: Both Visa and MasterCard offer contactless payments, also known as PayPass or payWave. This means that when you make a purchase of less than $100, you don't need to swipe your card or enter your pin. You can just tap or hover your debit card over the machine to complete your payment. You'll know if your transaction was successful through an illuminated light or a confirmation message on the display screen. 
Picture of JP Pelosi
JP Pelosi
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Managing editor

Jean-Paul (JP) Pelosi is an experienced journalist and editor who has contributed to many of Australia's leading media outlets including The Guardian, News.com.au, Domain.com.au, Investment Magazine and ANZ's Bluenotes. He has also edited news and communications for large financial services companies such as CommBank, Suncorp, Allianz and Amex. He loves a well told story and applying his editorial experience to content that readers both care about and enjoy. JP heads up our writing team.

More FAQs about Debit Cards

Do debit cards have limits?

  • Daily withdrawal limits: Most debit cards will have daily limits for cash withdrawals, so if you are planning on making a major purchase  in cash (often over $1,000) you may need to plan in advance.
  • Merchant surcharges: Some merchants will charge a percentage surcharge for Visa and MasterCard debit transactions. These can be as high as 10% of the transaction amount.
  • Online shopping: Not all overseas online stores will accept debit card payments.

Do all debit cards come with fees?

Debit cards don’t incur fees or interest in the same way credit accounts do, but there are still a few potential fees you should be aware of:

  • Surcharges: EFTPOS surcharges may apply in some cases when you pay with a debit card instead of using cash. These are generally low (the recommended amount is 0.5%), and are most commonly seen at cafes and restaurants.
  • Overdraft fees: Overdraft fees occur when you use more money than what’s available in your account when making a purchase. Doing this puts your account balance into negative, and means that you might have to pay an amount to your bank to make up the difference.
  • Withdrawal fees: Whilst generally avoidable, there are still some circumstances in which you’ll be charged between $2 and $5 for taking money out of an independent ATM. If you’re travelling, a good way to avoid these is by using a travel debit card.

Travel debit cards, are they different? 

While you can use your normal debit card overseas, you generally have to pay fees for overseas withdrawals and currency convenience fees, which are around 3%. If you'd like to see how much these fees are, check out our debit card fee finder tool. Simply select the card and we'll show you how much you'll need to pay for overseas ATM withdrawals and purchases.

An alternative for travelling is to get a prepaid travel card, which is basically a debit card loaded with foreign currency that you can conveniently use while you are overseas. You can easily add multiple currencies on the card if you are going to different countries. 

Unlike your standard debit card, you do not need to have a bank account linked to the prepaid card. This is an efficient way to avoid overseas conversion fees every time you make a transaction in a foreign country.

Prepaid travel cards allow you to lock in an exchange rate before you travel so you don't have to worry about negative fluctuations while on holiday. You may, however, need to pay an initial card issuance fee or a money loading fee, as well as fees for withdrawing cash from an ATM from your travel card. So it is important that you compare prepaid travel cards in the market before you choose one.

Applying for a debit card

A debit card is directly linked to your bank account and uses the money available in the account. So first you'd need to apply for an everyday transaction account. These days, when you apply for an account you will usually automatically receive a debit card as well. If you already have an account but not a debit card, you can visit a local branch or call your bank to apply for a card. Generally, to be eligible for a debit card, you have to be at least 16 years of age and have an Australian residential address.

Where can I find a Budget calculator?

Debit cards are perfect for keeping a check on your expenditure and making sure you don't go beyond what you can afford. But if you need that extra help to figure out how much you are spending every month and how much you should be left with so you can plan your finances more efficiently, use our handy online budget calculator.

Debit Card Reviews

Bank of Melbourne Debit Card
Overall 7/10
Service needs improvement

We have had a few issues with fraud through our debit cards.

Read full review

We have had a few issues with fraud through our debit cards.

Price
7/10
Features
6/10
Customer service
7/10
Convenience
8/10
Trust
7/10
Less
Alana, Victoria, reviewed over 4 years ago
Commonwealth Bank Smart Access
Overall 10/10
Great banking experience

Commonwealth are continually delivering excellent services with confidence.

Read full review

Commonwealth are continually delivering excellent services with confidence.

Price
10/10
Features
10/10
Customer service
10/10
Convenience
10/10
Trust
10/10
Less
Gordana, Victoria, reviewed over 7 years ago
Westpac Debit Card
Overall 10/10
Fantastic service

Westpac are very helpful and have been in my life since the school days.

Read full review

Westpac are very helpful and have been in my life since the school days.

Price
8/10
Features
7/10
Customer service
10/10
Convenience
10/10
Trust
7/10
Less
Jeff, Queensland, reviewed over 7 years ago

More debit card reviews