Compare Debit Cards
Compare debit cards here with Savvy to help you choose which card offer is right for you.
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Compare debit cards
If you are looking for a debit card, use our table to compare Australia's best debit card offers with $0 monthly fees, free ATM withdrawals, cashback offers, budgeting apps, security features and much more. Start your debit card search with us now.
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Use invite code SAVVY10 for $10 upon successful sign-up. (Refer to offer T&Cs on Up website)More details |
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ING Orange Everyday |
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Rebates on ATM fees anywhere in Oz. No ING international transaction fees. Zero monthly fees.More details |
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No monthly account fees ever, with no conditions. Free use at over 7,000 ATMs around Australia. No overdrawn fees if you happen to go over your account balance. Open an account in less than 7 minutes.More details |
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Get $40 with a new Complete Freedom everyday bank account.More details |
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Westpac Choice |
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Westpac Choice for easy day-to-day bankingMore details |
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Disclaimer: Savvy is not advising or recommending any particular product to you. We provide general information on products for the purposes of comparison, but your personal situation or goals are not considered here. Although we try to make our comparisons as thorough as possible, we do not have information on all products on the market on our site.
You should always consult a given offer's PDS or further documentation in the process of deciding on which loan to choose, as well as seeking independent, professional advice. If you decide to apply with one of the lenders listed above via our website, you will not be dealing with Savvy; any applications or enquiries will be conducted directly with the lender offering that product.
More about comparing debit cards
There are so many bank accounts and debit cards available in Australia today that it can be hard to know how to compare them all to find the best one. Luckily, Savvy can help you make an informed decision on which card is best for you by providing you with the up-to-date comparison information you need to make a well-informed choice. Start the comparison process here with Savvy and choose the most suitable debit card for your everyday spending needs.
How do I compare debit cards?
There are several features you should compare when choosing a new debit card. Some of the key factors include:
Fees
Most debit cards are issued free of charge when you open an everyday bank account. However, you should always check the conditions attached to the transaction bank account you open, as there may be overdrawn fees, foreign transaction fees or currency conversion fees which may be applied if you use your card overseas.
Rewards and cashback offers
Many banks are now offering rewards points and cashback offers to customers who open a new bank account and use their linked debit card to pay bills and do their shopping. Cashback offers may apply when you first open a new bank account, or they can involve receiving cashback regularly (up to a set monthly limit) when you use the debit card to pay your utility bills. When you’re doing your debit card comparison, check if the rewards or frequent flyer points you’ll receive are for your preferred airline, or can be spent on a wide range of goods and services so you have the most choice as to how you use them.
Virtual wallet compatibility
Check that the card you choose is compatible with the digital wallet offered on your phone or wearable device. Not all debit cards are compatible with all digital wallets, so make sure you get one that’s right for your phone or smartwatch.
Fraud and purchase protection
Nearly all debit cards provide fraud protection in case scammers obtain your financial details and steal money from your bank account. You will often be protected from financial loss and compensated by the bank if your account is compromised. In addition, debit cards also come with additional purchase protection which can extend the warranty on items you buy, or compensate you in case the item is stolen or broken in transit. It’s well worth comparing the additional protections that your new debit card can offer.
Security features
Make sure the card you choose can easily be locked via online banking or a mobile app in case your card is lost or stolen. Locking your card should be quick and easy, rather than relying on a phone hotline that may only operate during certain business hours.
Transaction limits
Compare the daily or weekly transaction limits which may come with your debit card. Many cards allow you to withdraw a maximum of around $1,000 to $2,000 in cash per day. However, this limit may be reduced if you’ve already used the card that day to shop online or have paid for goods using an EFTPOS terminal.
How do debit cards compare to prepaid debit and credit cards?
A standard debit card works by allowing you to spend only the funds you have available in your linked bank account. If you think you’re at risk of overdrawing your card, it’s possible to arrange for an overdraft on your account. However, without an overdraft facility, if you try to spend more money than you have in the bank, the transaction will be declined.
In contrast, prepaid debit cards aren’t linked to a transaction account. You use them by charging them up with funds, after which you’re able to use the card for shopping and to pay bills up to the amount you’ve loaded onto the card. When this money runs low, you can recharge it using another card or sometimes by direct debit straight from your bank account. Again, you won’t be allowed to spend more than the funds you have available on your card. These prepaid debit cards can come with recharge and membership fees, however, which can make them a more expensive option than a standard debit card.
Finally, a credit card will allow you to spend up to the credit limit on your card, which you agree with the bank when you apply for a credit card. The spending limit may be anywhere from $1,000 up to $10,000 or more, potentially enabling you to spend more in one transaction. If you pay off the card within 30 days or so, you won’t be charged interest on the outstanding balance. However, if you aren’t able to pay off the balance within this period, you’ll be charged a very high rate of interest, which can be up to 22% or more. For this reason, it’s also very important to compare your card options, as you may find debit cards are the most suitable, cost-effective card for you.
Is there a difference between Visa and Mastercard debit cards?
There is very little difference between Mastercard and Visa debit cards in terms of the functions they offer. You may not be offered a choice as to which one you receive with your linked bank account, as most of the banks and financial institutions are affiliated with either one or the other card provider.
Visa cards are offered by ANZ Bank, NAB, St.George Bank and HSBC, to name a few of the larger banks. Mastercards are offered by CommBank, Citibank, Bendigo Bank and Westpac Bank, amongst others.
Frequent Flyer rewards points are offered for two main rewards schemes in Australia:
- Qantas Frequent Flyer program – linked to Woolworths Everyday rewards points, with flying partners Air France and Air New Zealand.
- Virgin Velocity Frequent Flyer program – linked to Coles supermarket Flybuy points, with partner airlines Singapore, Etihad Airways, United and Hong Kong airlines.
It’s possible to get either a Visa, Mastercard or American Express debit card which offers either Qantas or Virgin frequent flyer points. Make sure when comparing debit cards to choose one which offers rewards points for your favourite airline.
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