What credit score do I need?

You generally need a good credit score. If your score is rated good, very good or excellent, you'll usually meet this requirement, though it's only one part of the assessment.

Which cards give instant approval?

Most major Australian issuers, including ANZ, CommBank, NAB, Westpac and St.George, offer a 60-second or instant decision online when you meet the eligibility criteria.

Virtual credit cards

Compare virtual credit cards available in Australia. Once you apply and get approved, you can start shopping the same day.

A digital card ready as soon as you're approved
Stronger security for online payments
Works with Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay

Written by Andrew BoydReviewed by Vidhu Bajaj and David Boyd

Featured

Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard

47 reviews

12 months at 0% p.a. on balance transfers
Complimentary purchase protection

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How much does it cost to carry a balance?

Enter your typical monthly carry balance to see the estimated interest cost for each card below.

Compare 12 virtual credit cards

Credit card comparison table with rates, fees, rewards and apply links.
Card	Name and rating	Purchase rate	Annual fee	Interest-free days	Monthly cost
	Zip Plus	13.70% p.a.	$0	Up to 0	$17/mo
RevolutStandard •••• •••• •••• •••• Credit Card CompareVisa	Revolut Credit Card	20.99% p.a.	$0	Up to 44	$26/mo
	Kogan Money Credit Card	21.99% p.a.	$0	Up to 44	$27/mo
	Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard 47 reviews	28.99% p.a.	$0	Up to 55	$36/mo
	Wizitcard	No interestA $19 monthly fee applies instead	$19/mo	Up to 0	—
	Latitude Gem Visa	28.99% p.a.	$131	Up to 55	$36/mo
	Latitude GO Mastercard	28.99% p.a.	$131	Up to 55	$36/mo
	MONEYME Cashback Rewards Credit Card	26.99% p.a.	$149	Up to 44	$34/mo
RevolutStandard •••• •••• •••• •••• Credit Card CompareVisa	Revolut Plus Credit Card	20.99% p.a.	$72	Up to 44	$26/mo
RevolutStandard •••• •••• •••• •••• Credit Card CompareVisa	Revolut Premium Credit Card	20.99% p.a.	$144	Up to 44	$26/mo
RevolutStandard •••• •••• •••• •••• Credit Card CompareVisa	Revolut Metal Credit Card	20.99% p.a.	$348	Up to 44	$26/mo
RevolutStandard •••• •••• •••• •••• Credit Card CompareVisa	Revolut Ultra Credit Card	20.99% p.a.	$1,200	Up to 44	$26/mo

Virtual by the numbers

Cards compared

23.15% p.a.

Average purchase rate

13.70% p.a.

Lowest purchase rate

Zip Plus

$181

Average annual fee

Lowest annual fee

What are virtual credit cards?

A virtual credit card is a digital card issued right after approval, so you can make online and mobile payments without waiting for a plastic card. They suit anyone who needs quick access for online shopping, travel bookings or bills.

How to get one

You usually apply for a card or account that offers virtual card functionality. Some banks issue the virtual card automatically on approval; others let you generate one in internet banking or the app, giving you a card number, expiry and CVV.

You can add it to Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay for contactless payments, and some providers offer single-use virtual cards for extra security online. For a fast decision more generally, compare instant approval cards.

How secure are they?

Virtual cards add security for online shoppers: they're generated instantly and can sometimes be used for a single transaction to limit fraud. But restricted ATM access and patchy merchant acceptance mean they aren't a full replacement for a physical card yet.

Which providers offer them?

CommBank, Westpac, NAB and ANZ all offer digital card access through their apps and digital wallets. Fintechs like Airwallex, Revolut and Wise offer virtual cards too. Availability and features vary, so check before applying.

Virtual credit card FAQs

No. A credit check is required, and no card guarantees approval. You improve your odds by meeting the eligibility criteria and giving complete, accurate details on your application.

Pros

Some cards keep purchase rates well below the market average, softening the cost in any month you carry a balance.
Plenty of cards here charge no annual fee, so they cost nothing to hold as a backup or low-use card.
Many of these cards offer 0% p.a. on balance transfers for around a year or more, long enough to clear an existing debt without interest piling up.
Earn points on everyday spend, so the shopping you do anyway builds toward flights, gift cards or cashback instead of earning nothing.

Cons

Purchase rates tend to sit above the market average, so carrying a balance on one of these costs more than on a low-rate card.
The premium cards here carry high annual fees, so they only pay off if you use enough of the perks to cover the cost.
When the 0% period ends, the rate reverts to a high purchase rate, so it pays to clear the balance before the window closes.

Questions and answers

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Related card types

Black credit cards Charge cards Gold credit cards Mastercard credit cards Metal credit cards Points-earning credit cards

Sources

Credit Card Compare: Australian credit card statistics