Credit cards for self-employed people

Business or personal card when you're self-employed?

Self-employed Australians, from gig workers to consultants and contractors, often struggle to keep business and personal finances apart. A business card helps: expense tracking, business rewards, accounting software feeds and higher limits make tax reporting and money management simpler.

A personal card with business-friendly perks can suit anyone with lower volumes who doesn't yet qualify for a business card. It gives you credit now and helps build a profile so you can apply for a business card later. To compare the business options, see business cards.

An expert view

Andrew Boyd, co-founder of Credit Card Compare: "Running your own gig in Australia often means wearing multiple hats, and your credit card should keep up. Early on, a personal card might do the trick, especially if your income's a bit up-and-down. But as your workload grows, a business credit card can be a game-changer. It helps you track expenses for that inevitable BAS statement, lets you earn points on business-specific purchases (like tradie tools or software), and can even offer cashflow flexibility with longer interest-free periods."

What to look for

A fluctuating income suits a card with flexible payments. Detailed transaction records and expense categorisation make accounting easier, and rewards tied to business spending can help with tax deductions. Above all, building a strong credit profile sets you up to access financing on better terms later.