Choosing your first card: where should you start?

Before comparing cards, write down where you shop and which costs you want to avoid.

Five things to compare

1. Annual fees: check charges and fee-waiver conditions for the main card, family cards and ETC cards.
2. Where you use it: check which payment methods qualify at your usual shops.
3. Points: look at redemption options, expiry dates and minimum redemption amounts as well as how points are earned.
4. Management: consider whether you can comfortably keep track of statements and transaction alerts.
5. Repayment: read the terms for payment dates and when fees apply.

If it does not fit, keep looking

There is no need to rush because of an advertised bonus. Fill in the “Check required” items and think about how you would actually use the card.