10 Of The Best Travel Credit Cards in Australia in 2025

Picture this: you’re sipping a coffee in a Parisian café, ready to pay, when you realize your regular credit card slaps a 3% foreign transaction fee on every purchase. That $50 coffee just cost you an extra $1.50—and it adds up fast. A travel credit card is designed to eliminate these pesky fees, maximize rewards, and offer perks like complimentary travel insurance or airport lounge access.

According to a 2025 report by Canstar, Australians spent an average of $10,000 on overseas trips last year, with foreign transaction fees eating up to $500 of that budget. A good travel credit card can save you hundreds while earning points for your next adventure. But not all cards are created equal—some prioritize low fees, others focus on luxury perks. Let’s explore the top 10 options for 2025.

What Makes a Great Travel Credit Card?

Before we jump into the list, let’s talk about what to look for. A great travel credit card should align with your travel habits and financial goals. Here’s what experts like Brad Kelly, a frequent flyer and credit card expert, recommend focusing on:

Low or No Foreign Transaction Fees: Save on overseas purchases.
Rewards Programs: Earn points for flights, hotels, or upgrades.
Travel Perks: Look for lounge access, travel credits, or insurance.
Interest-Free Days: Pay off your balance without extra costs.
Annual Fees vs. Benefits: Ensure the perks outweigh the cost.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff—the top 10 travel credit cards for Australians in 2025.

The 10 Best Travel Credit Cards in Australia for 2025

1. American Express Platinum Card

Best for Luxury Travelers

If you’re all about premium travel experiences, the American Express Platinum Card is a standout. With a hefty $1,450 annual fee, it’s not cheap, but the perks are unmatched. You get access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, including the Amex Lounge at Sydney International Airport, plus a $450 travel credit annually.

Real-Life Example: Sarah, a Sydney-based consultant, uses her Amex Platinum for business trips. “The lounge access alone is worth it,” she says. “I saved $300 on a business-class upgrade using points last year.”

Bonus Offer: 200,000 Membership Rewards Points if you apply by May 27, 2025, and spend $5,000 in 3 months.
Earning Rate: Up to 2.25 points per $1 spent.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% (a downside for some).
Annual Fee: $1,450.
Why It’s Great: Comprehensive travel insurance and luxury perks.

2. Qantas American Express Ultimate Card

Best for Qantas Loyalists

For Qantas Frequent Flyer members, the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card is a dream. It offers 2.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on Qantas products and 1.25 points on everyday purchases, with no points cap. The $450 annual travel credit offsets the annual fee, making it a favorite for frequent flyers.

Bonus Offer: 50,000 bonus Qantas Points (apply by July 1, 2025, spend $5,000 in 3 months).
Earning Rate: 2.25 points on Qantas, 1.25 on everyday purchases.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3%.
Annual Fee: $450.
Why It’s Great: $450 travel credit and two Centurion Lounge entries annually.

3. Commbank Ultimate Awards Credit Card

Best for No Foreign Transaction Fees

The Commbank Ultimate Awards Credit Card is perfect for travelers who hate extra fees. With no foreign transaction fees and complimentary travel insurance, it’s a cost-effective choice for frequent flyers who love Qantas Points.

Bonus Offer: None currently listed.
Earning Rate: Up to 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent (capped at 5,000 per statement).
Foreign Transaction Fees: 0%.
Annual Fee: $450 (waived if you spend $2,500 monthly).
Why It’s Great: No foreign fees and lounge perks.

4. NAB Rewards Signature Credit Card

Best for Flexible Rewards

The NAB Rewards Signature Credit Card offers no foreign transaction fees and a solid rewards program. You can redeem points for flights, hotels, or gift cards, making it versatile for all types of travelers.

Bonus Offer: 60,000 bonus points (spend $3,000 in 3 months, apply by August 12, 2025).
Earning Rate: Up to 1.25 points per $1 spent.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 0%.
Annual Fee: $295.
Why It’s Great: Complimentary travel insurance and no international fees.

5. Latitude 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard

Best for Budget Travelers

The Latitude 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard is a go-to for budget-conscious travelers. With no foreign transaction fees and no annual fee for the first year, it’s ideal for occasional travelers.

Real-Life Example: Jake, a Melbourne student, used this card for a gap year in Asia. “I saved $200 on fees compared to my old card,” he says.

Bonus Offer: None.
Earning Rate: No rewards program.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 0%.
Annual Fee: $0 first year, $95 thereafter.
Why It’s Great: Low-cost option with no foreign fees.

6. American Express Velocity Platinum Card

Best for Virgin Australia Fans

Virgin Australia loyalists will love the American Express Velocity Platinum Card. It offers 1.25 Velocity Points per $1 spent and a free domestic return flight annually.

Bonus Offer: 60,000 bonus Velocity Points (apply by August 12, 2025, spend $3,000 in 3 months).
Earning Rate: 1.25 points per $1 spent.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3%.
Annual Fee: $375.
Why It’s Great: Free flight and two Virgin Australia lounge passes.

7. Bankwest More World Mastercard

Best for Lounge Access

The Bankwest More World Mastercard shines with 10 complimentary airport lounge visits per year via Mastercard Travel Pass. It also has no foreign transaction fees, making it a strong contender for frequent travelers.

Bonus Offer: None currently listed.
Earning Rate: Up to 2.5 points per $1 spent.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 0%.
Annual Fee: $270.
Why It’s Great: Generous lounge access and no international fees.

8. St.George Amplify Signature Card

Best for Flexible Points

The St.George Amplify Signature Card lets you earn 150,000 Amplify Points (or 75,000 Velocity/KrisFlyer miles) if you spend $12,000 in the first year. It also offers 10 LoungeKey visits annually.

Bonus Offer: 150,000 Amplify Points (spend $12,000 in 12 months).
Earning Rate: Up to 1.5 points per $1 spent.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 0%.
Annual Fee: $199 first year, $295 thereafter.
Why It’s Great: Flexible points and concierge service.

9. ANZ Business Black Credit Card

Best for Business Travelers

For business owners, the ANZ Business Black Credit Card offers comprehensive travel insurance, ANZ Rewards Points, and a 24/7 concierge service. It’s perfect for frequent business trips.

Bonus Offer: None currently listed.
Earning Rate: Up to 1 point per $1 spent.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3%.
Annual Fee: $450.
Why It’s Great: Business-focused perks and insurance.

10. Wise Debit Card

Best Non-Credit Card Option

Not a credit card fan? The Wise Debit Card is a game-changer for international spending. It holds 40+ currencies, has no foreign transaction fees, and uses the mid-market exchange rate.

Real-Life Example: Emma, a digital nomad, uses Wise for her global travels. “I saved $150 on currency conversion during a three-month trip,” she says.

Bonus Offer: None.
Earning Rate: No rewards.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 0% (conversion fees from 0.65%).
Annual Fee: $10 card order fee.
Why It’s Great: Multi-currency support and low fees.

Top Travel Credit Cards in Australia 2025

Card Name	Annual Fee	Foreign Transaction Fees	Bonus Offer	Earning Rate	Key Perks
Amex Platinum Card	$1,450	3%	200,000 points	2.25 points/$1	Lounge access, $450 travel credit
Qantas Amex Ultimate Card	$450	3%	50,000 Qantas Points	2.25 points/$1 (Qantas)	$450 travel credit, lounge access
Commbank Ultimate Awards	$450	0%	None	1 Qantas Point/$1 (capped)	No foreign fees, travel insurance
NAB Rewards Signature	$295	0%	60,000 points	1.25 points/$1	No foreign fees, flexible rewards
Latitude 28 Degrees Platinum	$0/$95	0%	None	None	No foreign fees, budget-friendly
Amex Velocity Platinum	$375	3%	60,000 Velocity Points	1.25 points/$1	Free flight, lounge passes
Bankwest More World Mastercard	$270	0%	None	2.5 points/$1	10 lounge visits, no foreign fees
St.George Amplify Signature	$199/$295	0%	150,000 Amplify Points	1.5 points/$1	Lounge access, flexible points
ANZ Business Black	$450	3%	None	1 point/$1	Business perks, travel insurance
Wise Debit Card	$10 (order)	0%	None	None	Multi-currency, low conversion fees

Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Travel Credit Card

Brad Kelly, a frequent flyer with over 20 years of travel experience, shares these tips for picking the perfect card:

Prepay in AUD: Avoid foreign fees by paying for accommodation or tours in Australian dollars before you leave.
Check Acceptance: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but Amex may be limited in some countries.
Pay Off Your Balance: Use the interest-free period (up to 55 days on some cards) to avoid high interest rates.
Consider a Debit Card: For ATM withdrawals, a debit card like Wise avoids cash advance fees.
Read the Fine Print: Check for exclusions in travel insurance, like age limits or pre-existing conditions.

How to Maximize Your Travel Credit Card Benefits

To get the most out of your card, follow these strategies:

Leverage Bonus Offers: Spend strategically to meet bonus point thresholds.
Use Travel Credits: Book flights or hotels through the card’s travel portal to use credits.
Track Points: Redeem points for high-value rewards like business-class flights.
Avoid Cash Advances: Use a debit card for ATM withdrawals to dodge high fees.

Final Thoughts: Your Journey Starts Here

Choosing the right travel credit card can transform your travel experience, whether you’re chasing luxury lounges or just want to save on fees. The American Express Platinum Card is perfect for premium perks, while the Latitude 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard suits budget travelers. For Qantas loyalists, the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card is hard to beat.

Before applying, compare annual fees, rewards programs, and travel perks to find your perfect match. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and consider your financial situation. Ready to jet off? Pick a card, pack your bags, and let your next adventure begin!