Best Credit Card 2025 - Which Card Takes the #1 Spot for Australians?

Everyone wants a credit card that feels like a personal finance cheat code - low fees, big rewards, and a safety net when things go sideways. In 2025 the market is packed with offers, but only one card consistently tops the list for Aussie earners who chase points and want solid protections. Below you’ll find the full rundown: why that card wins, how it stacks up against the next two contenders, and a quick‑reference table to help you decide in minutes.

Key Takeaways

• The American Express Velocity Platinum is the #1 credit card for Australians in 2025, delivering the highest points‑per‑dollar rate on everyday spend.
• Annual fee is steep (AU$695), but the points value, travel perks, and annual travel credit usually outweigh the cost for frequent flyers.
• If you prefer lower fees, ANZ Rewards Platinum offers a solid alternative with a modest AU$120 fee and flexible points.
• For a blend of low fee and decent rewards, NAB Rewards Signature provides a friendly balance and complimentary travel insurance.
• Choosing the right card boils down to three questions: How much do you travel? How much can you absorb an annual fee? Which rewards program fits your lifestyle?

Why a ‘Best Credit Card’ Needs a Scorecard

Before naming the winner, it’s worth explaining the criteria that matter most to Aussie card‑holders in 2025. The market’s moved beyond simple interest‑rate battles; today’s power users judge cards on four pillars:

1. Rewards rate - points, miles, or cash back per AU$1 spent.
2. Annual fee vs. net benefit - does the fee get swallowed by rewards and perks?
3. Travel and purchase protections - complimentary insurance, purchase‑protection, and lounge access.
4. Flexibility and redemption options - can you transfer points to airline partners or cash out easily?

We weighted each pillar equally, then scored every major Australian card on a 0‑100 scale. The result? American Express Velocity Platinum hit 92, comfortably ahead of the competition.

Introducing the #1 Card

American Express Velocity Platinum is a premium rewards credit card that targets frequent flyers and high‑spending households. It offers 2 Velocity points per AU$1 on everyday purchases, a $150 annual travel credit, and access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide. Launched in 2019, the card has been refreshed annually with new bonus categories and higher travel‑insurance limits.

Key attributes:

• Annual fee: AU$695 (often offset by travel credit and points).
• Rewards rate: 2 Velocity points per AU$1 on all spend; 5 points on selected airline partners.
• Intro offer: 30,000 bonus points after meeting a AU$2,000 spend in the first 90 days.
• Travel insurance: Up to AU$1 million for trip cancellation, lost luggage, and medical emergencies.
• Additional perks: Complimentary lounge passes, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, and no foreign‑transaction fees.

Two Strong Runners‑Up

ANZ Rewards Platinum is ANZ’s premium points‑card, designed for everyday spenders who want flexibility without a sky‑high fee. It delivers 1.5 points per AU$1 on groceries, dining, and fuel, and 1 point on all other purchases. The annual fee sits at AU$120, making it a cost‑effective alternative for those who travel less often.

Key attributes:

• Annual fee: AU$120.
• Rewards rate: 1.5 points per AU$1 on grocery, dining, fuel; 1 point elsewhere.
• Intro offer: 10,000 bonus points after AU$1,500 spend in first 60 days.
• Travel insurance: Up to AU$500,000 for medical expenses and trip delays.
• Flexibility: Points can be transferred to Velocity, Qantas, or redeemed for statement credits.

NAB Rewards Signature caters to families and moderate spenders looking for a low‑fee solution. It offers 1 point per AU$1 on all purchases and a 0.5% cash back on the first AU$1,000 spent each month. The yearly charge is only AU$50, and the card includes complimentary travel insurance and purchase protection.

Key attributes:

• Annual fee: AU$50.
• Rewards rate: 1 point per AU$1; 0.5% cash back on the first AU$1,000 each month.
• Intro offer: AU$100 statement credit after AU$1,000 spend in first 30 days.
• Travel insurance: Up to AU$250,000 for medical emergencies abroad.
• Additional perks: Free additional cardholder, zero foreign‑transaction fees.

Side‑by‑Side Comparison

How to Decide Which Card Fits Your Life

Even the best‑ranked card can feel like a waste if it doesn’t match your habits. Use the three‑question cheat sheet below to narrow your choice.

1. Do you travel internationally at least 3-4 times a year? If yes, the travel‑credit and lounge network of the Velocity Platinum usually pays for itself.
2. Can you comfortably absorb a AU$695 fee? If the math (points value + travel credit) exceeds the fee by at least AU$200 annually, go ahead. Otherwise, the ANZ Rewards Platinum offers a lower‑fee, still‑decent points structure.
3. Do you need a simple, low‑maintenance card? If you prefer flat‑rate points and a tiny fee, the NAB Rewards Signature is the stress‑free pick.

Plug your numbers into a quick spreadsheet - multiply expected spend by points rate, convert points to cash (around AU$0.012 per Velocity point in 2025), then subtract the fee. The card with the highest net gain wins.

Pro Tips to Maximise Any Card’s Value

• Use the right card for the right spend. Keep a travel‑focused card for flights and hotels, a grocery‑bonus card for supermarkets, and a low‑fee card for everything else.
• Pay the balance in full. All three cards charge 19.9% p.a. on revolving balances - points evaporate faster than interest builds.
• Activate travel perks. Many premium cards require you to enroll in lounge programs or insurance coverage each year; missing the step means you lose the benefit.
• Watch the intro‑period deadlines. Bonus points and low‑rate balance transfers often expire after 90 days - set calendar reminders.
• Leverage point transfers. Velocity points can be moved to partner airlines (e.g., Qantas, Emirates) at favorable rates, boosting their value.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even seasoned card‑holders slip up. Here are the most frequent mistakes and quick fixes:

Next Steps - Get the Card in Minutes

Ready to claim the #1 credit card? The application process for the American Express Velocity Platinum is fully online and usually takes under 10 minutes. You’ll need:

• Proof of identity (Driver’s licence or passport).
• Proof of income (recent payslip or tax return).
• Current address verification (utility bill).

Once approved, the card arrives in 5-7 business days. Activate it through the Amex app, set up your online account, and you’ll see the 30,000‑point bonus hit your account within a week of meeting the spend threshold.

Bottom Line

If you travel often, love earning points on everyday spend, and can afford a premium fee, the American Express Velocity Platinum truly is the #1 credit card for Australians in 2025. For lower‑fee fans, ANZ Rewards Platinum and NAB Rewards Signature give solid alternatives that still beat the average bank card.