{"source":"CiteHawk AI Index","record":"credit cards — 2026-10","url":"https://www.citehawk.com/leaderboards/editions/2026-10/credit-cards/au","immutable":true,"snapshotId":"6ecd3eda-bf06-49ed-86a5-43d16ea6a37f","capturedAt":"2026-10-03T04:57:23.248+00:00","contentHash":"cda2e6d6a42cb67f182b6a33ec6cba31bc28b91623682b248ffeedf51c4b7e4f","contentHashSpec":"sha256-v1: hex SHA-256 of the UTF-8 bytes of the compact JSON array (no whitespace, non-ASCII characters unescaped, as JavaScript JSON.stringify emits) of [provider, run, model, text] tuples, one per captured answer, sorted by provider then run","registryRulesHash":"043102d8d3162d07dda4892d375b4134e63a3cd6117ae53e2da6de4cd595ce2e","registryRulesHashSpec":"sha256-v1: hex SHA-256 of the UTF-8 bytes of the compact JSON object {version, aliases, notInCategory, categoryAllow, serviceSlugRe} where aliases is the array of [foldedKey, canonicalName, pinnedDomain, categoryScope] tuples sorted by key, carrying a fifth regionScope element only on the entries that have one, notInCategory and categoryAllow are arrays of [categorySlug, domains] tuples sorted by slug, and every domain/scope list is itself sorted, carrying a trailing notInCategoryByRegion element, an array of [categorySlug, region, domains] triples sorted by slug then region, only when at least one region-scoped deny entry exists, and after it a trailing notInCategoryByName element, an array of [categorySlug, regionScope, names] triples sorted by slug then scope (regionScope \"*\" for every board region, names as published), only when at least one name-scoped deny entry exists","region":"au","prompt":"What are the best credit cards in Australia? Recommend the top brands or products that people actually use.\n\nAnswer as if the user is in Australia.","providers":["openai","claude","gemini","perplexity","deepseek","grok","bing_copilot","google_aio","google_ai_mode"],"models":{"grok":"grok-4.3","claude":"claude-sonnet-5","gemini":"gemini-3.5-flash","openai":"gpt-5.5-2026-04-23","deepseek":"deepseek-flash","google_aio":"google_aio","perplexity":"sonar","bing_copilot":"bing_copilot","google_ai_mode":"google_ai_mode"},"runsPerProvider":1,"totalCalls":18,"ranking":[{"rank":1,"brand":"American 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Money","domain":"virginmoney.com.au","entityId":"b3d2c0f0-a46c-4b86-ad37-4207a8fe868b","score":23.4,"mentions":4,"recommendedBy":["openai","deepseek","bing_copilot","google_ai_mode"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"openai":17,"deepseek":15,"bing_copilot":6,"google_ai_mode":5}},{"rank":12,"brand":"ING","domain":"ing.com.au","entityId":"f5cd2488-a279-4be9-8c29-912073d53382","score":18,"mentions":3,"recommendedBy":["openai","claude","gemini"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"claude":10,"gemini":12,"openai":8}},{"rank":13,"brand":"Community First Bank Low Rate Credit Card","domain":null,"entityId":"38e58ea5-4abb-4aec-bae4-f3661c9e417a","score":13.7,"mentions":2,"recommendedBy":["google_ai_mode","claude"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"claude":5,"google_ai_mode":6}},{"rank":14,"brand":"Macquarie","domain":"macquarie.com","entityId":"260172b2-c252-4a23-b068-93a35c79600c","score":12.7,"mentions":2,"recommendedBy":["gemini","deepseek"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"gemini":9,"deepseek":8}},{"rank":15,"brand":"Bendigo Bank","domain":null,"entityId":"ef5bb605-cacc-4197-8eec-9f5ecb247a53","score":12.2,"mentions":2,"recommendedBy":["deepseek","claude"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"claude":12,"deepseek":12}},{"rank":16,"brand":"Virgin Australia","domain":"virginaustralia.com","entityId":"cc82cdb9-4c33-4f89-a43b-ed5030047644","score":11.9,"mentions":2,"recommendedBy":["gemini","deepseek"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"gemini":7,"deepseek":24}},{"rank":17,"brand":"Visa","domain":null,"entityId":"cb56986d-c94b-4adf-9030-852fe7b27a5c","score":11.7,"mentions":2,"recommendedBy":["gemini","deepseek"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"gemini":1,"deepseek":43}},{"rank":18,"brand":"Mastercard","domain":null,"entityId":"47752576-9d39-4218-8edb-865d63a06656","score":11.6,"mentions":2,"recommendedBy":["gemini","deepseek"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"gemini":2,"deepseek":44}}],"answers":[{"provider":"bing_copilot","run":1,"model":"bing_copilot","capturedAt":"2026-10-03T04:57:23.254Z","text":"The strongest all‑round brands Australians commonly use are American Express, NAB, Coles, Bankwest, and Kogan Money, with standout products in rewards, low‑fee, and balance‑transfer categories.\n\nNot financial advice — consider speaking with a qualified financial professional for personalised guidance.\n\n🇦🇺 The top credit card categories Australians choose\n\nMost Australians pick cards based on rewards, low fees, low interest, frequent flyer points, or balance‑transfer deals Canstar . The best card depends on how you spend and whether you pay off your balance monthly.\n\n⭐ Top Rewards & Premium Cards\n\nThese are the cards people choose for points, perks, and travel benefits.\n\nAmerican Express Platinum Card — Up to 340,000 Membership Rewards points bonus 1 .\nHigh annual fee ($1,450) but premium perks, lounge access, and strong earn rates.\nAmerican Express Explorer Credit Card — 115,000 Membership Rewards points bonus 1 .\nPopular mid‑tier rewards card with up to 2 points per $1.\nBankwest More World Mastercard — Up to 2.5 points per $1 and 50,000 bonus points 1 .\nStrong earn rate and lower annual fee than Amex premium cards.\n\n💸 Best Low‑Fee or No‑Fee Cards\n\nGood for people who pay off their balance monthly and want minimal costs.\n\nColes No Annual Fee Mastercard — $0 annual fee and 0% balance transfer for 12 months 1 .\nKogan Money Credit Card — $0 annual fee, up to 1 point per $1, and 300 Kogan credit bonus 1 .\nVirgin Money / Commonwealth Bank low‑fee cards — Frequently top‑rated in Canstar’s low‑fee category 1 .\n\n🔁 Best Balance‑Transfer Cards\n\nIdeal for paying down existing debt.\n\nLatitude Low Rate Mastercard — 0% interest for 25 months on balance transfers 1 .\nColes Low Rate Mastercard — 0% for 15 months (3% BT fee) 1 .\nKogan Money Low Interest Rate Card — 9.99% for 12 months + 0% for 6 months on BTs 1 .\n\n✈️ Best Frequent Flyer Cards\n\nFor Qantas or Velocity point collectors.\n\nAmerican Express Qantas Ultimate Card — Up to 120,000 Qantas Points bonus 1 .\nAmerican Express Velocity Platinum Card — Up to 100,000 Velocity Points bonus 1 .\nNAB Rewards Platinum / Signature (Velocity versions) — Up to 90,000 Velocity Points 1 .\n\n🌍 Best for Overseas Travel\n\nLatitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard — No foreign transaction fees and $0 first‑year fee 1 .\nBankwest More World Mastercard — Travel insurance + lounge passes 1 .\n\n✅ Quick comparison table (top picks by purpose)\n\nYour Goal | Best Options (from results) | Why\nMax rewards | Amex Platinum, Amex Explorer, Bankwest More World | Highest points earn + big bonuses 1\nNo annual fee | Coles No Annual Fee, Kogan Money | $0 fee + decent perks 2\nLow interest | Coles Low Rate, Latitude Low Rate | Purchase rates around 13–14% 1\nBalance transfer | Latitude Low Rate, Coles Low Rate | Long 0% BT periods (up to 25 months) 1\nFrequent flyer | Amex Qantas Ultimate, Amex Velocity Platinum, NAB Rewards Platinum | Large Qantas/Velocity bonuses 1\n\nWhat to consider before choosing\n\nCanstar highlights key questions Australians should ask Canstar :\n\nWill you pay off the card monthly?\nDo rewards justify the annual fee?\nDo you need a balance‑transfer period to clear debt?\nDo you want Qantas or Velocity points?\nDo you need travel perks or no‑FX‑fee spending?\n\nIf you tell me your spending habits (e.g., travel, groceries, online shopping, paying off monthly), I can narrow this to the best 2–3 cards for your situation.","extractedBrands":[{"name":"American Express","domain":"americanexpress.com","position":1},{"name":"NAB","domain":"nab.com.au","position":2},{"name":"Coles","domain":"coles.com.au","position":3},{"name":"Bankwest","domain":"bankwest.com.au","position":4},{"name":"Kogan Money","domain":null,"position":5},{"name":"Virgin Money","domain":"virginmoney.com.au","position":6},{"name":"Commonwealth Bank","domain":"commbank.com.au","position":7},{"name":"Latitude","domain":"latitudefinancial.com.au","position":8}]},{"provider":"claude","run":1,"model":"claude-sonnet-5","capturedAt":"2026-10-03T04:57:23.254Z","text":"## Best Credit Cards in Australia (2026)\n\nHere's a breakdown by category, based on what's actually popular and well-reviewed among Aussie users right now:\n\n### 🏆 Best Frequent Flyer / Rewards Card\n**Qantas American Express Ultimate Card** — This is the standout pick for most Australians who fly Qantas. It offers the highest day-to-day Qantas earn rate available on a personal card at 1.25 points per $1, no foreign transaction fees, and an annual $450 Qantas Travel Credit that effectively offsets the card fee entirely if you fly Qantas at all. Annual fee is $450, with 23.99% p.a. purchase rate.\n\nIf you want a bank alternative with Qantas points, the **ANZ Frequent Flyer Black** is popular too — earning 1 point per dollar up to A$7,500 a statement with two Qantas Club invitations, making it a solid Visa option for heavy Qantas spenders.\n\n### 💰 Best No Annual Fee Card\n**Kogan Money Credit Card** — Currently the top pick in this category with $0 annual fee, 0% p.a. for 18 months on balance transfers (2% fee), and a 21.99% p.a. purchase rate.\n\n**Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard** is another excellent free option — no annual fee, no international transaction fees, and travel insurance included, making it the best free card in the country.\n\n### 📉 Best Low Rate / Balance Transfer Card\n**Community First Bank Low Rate Credit Card** consistently ranks as the cheapest to run — with a purchase rate of 8.99% p.a. that also applies to cash advances and balance transfers (no separate 0% introductory period), for a $50 annual fee, among the lowest ongoing rates of any personal card in Australia.\n\n**NAB Low Rate** is also a go-to for mainstream bank customers, offering 13.49% p.a. and long 0% balance transfer periods, ranking first for anyone who carries a balance.\n\n### 💵 Best Cashback Card\n**ANZ Platinum Credit Card** — a straightforward $450 cash back credited to your statement with no points to calculate, and with the first-year annual fee waived, the net return in year one is strong for anyone who can hit the spend threshold.\n\n### ✈️ Best Travel Card (no forex fees)\n**Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard** — popular for overseas use: no international fees, no overseas ATM fees, a Flight Delay Pass, and no annual fee if you pay in full.\n\n### 💼 Best Business Card\n**American Express Platinum Business Card** remains the top pick, offering **up to 390,000 bonus points** and support for up to 99 employee cards (annual fee around $1,750).\n\n### 🏦 Most Trusted Brands (Customer Satisfaction)\nAccording to recent Finder data, the top-rated banks for credit card satisfaction are: ING, American Express, Bendigo Bank, and Commonwealth Bank.\n\n---\n\n### Quick Recommendation Summary\n| Need | Card |\n|---|---|\n| Fly Qantas often | Qantas Amex Ultimate |\n| Want $0 fees | Kogan Money / Bankwest Zero Platinum |\n| Carry a balance sometimes | Community First Low Rate |\n| Want cash, not points | ANZ Platinum |\n| Travel overseas a lot | Latitude 28° Global Platinum |\n| Big bank reliability | NAB or ANZ |\n\n**One important note:** A rewards card only makes sense if you pay your balance in full each month — otherwise interest at 20%+ p.a. will outweigh any points earned. If you tend to carry a balance, prioritize a low-rate card over a rewards card regardless of how attractive the sign-up","extractedBrands":[{"name":"Qantas American Express Ultimate Card","domain":null,"position":1},{"name":"ANZ Frequent Flyer Black","domain":null,"position":2},{"name":"Kogan Money Credit Card","domain":null,"position":3},{"name":"Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard","domain":null,"position":4},{"name":"Community First Bank Low Rate Credit Card","domain":null,"position":5},{"name":"NAB Low Rate","domain":null,"position":6},{"name":"ANZ Platinum Credit Card","domain":null,"position":7},{"name":"Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard","domain":null,"position":8},{"name":"American Express Platinum Business Card","domain":null,"position":9},{"name":"ING","domain":null,"position":10},{"name":"American Express","domain":null,"position":11},{"name":"Bendigo Bank","domain":null,"position":12},{"name":"Commonwealth Bank","domain":null,"position":13}]},{"provider":"deepseek","run":1,"model":"deepseek-flash","capturedAt":"2026-10-03T04:57:23.254Z","text":"There’s no single “best” credit card in Australia — it depends on whether you want Qantas points, Velocity points, cashback, no annual fee, a low interest rate, or travel perks. But if you want the names Aussies actually talk about and use, here’s the practical shortlist.\n\n## Top brands you’ll see in Australian wallets\n**Big Four banks:** CommBank, Westpac, ANZ, NAB  \n**Other banks/issuers:** St.George/BankSA, Bankwest, Macquarie, HSBC, Suncorp, BOQ, Bendigo  \n**Points/co-brand cards:** American Express, Qantas Money, Virgin Money, Coles, Woolworths (though Woolworths has pulled back from its own card)  \n**Travel/low-fee favourites:** Latitude 28° Global, Bankwest Zero\n\n## Best by category\n\n### Best Qantas points cards\n- **Qantas Premier Platinum** — the default Qantas card for many. Good Qantas earn, lounge passes, travel insurance, regular bonus-point offers.\n- **Qantas American Express Ultimate** — strong Qantas points, usually a $450 Qantas travel credit, lounge passes. Great if you can use the credit and don’t mind Amex surcharges.\n- **ANZ Frequent Flyer Black** / **NAB Qantas Rewards Signature** — solid Qantas cards if you bank with ANZ or NAB and want big-bank app/service.\n\n### Best Velocity/Virgin points cards\n- **Virgin Australia Velocity High Flyer** — good Velocity earn, Virgin lounge passes, travel credit.\n- **American Express Velocity Platinum** — high Velocity earn, Virgin lounge passes, travel perks.\n- **Westpac Altitude Black** — flexible Altitude points that can transfer to Velocity and other airlines.\n\n### Best no annual fee / low-cost cards\n- **Coles Rewards Mastercard** — $0 annual fee, earns Flybuys points, great if you shop at Coles. This is the main supermarket card now.\n- **Amex Essential** — $0 annual fee, earns Membership Rewards points, but Amex isn’t accepted everywhere and often has surcharges.\n- **Bankwest Zero Platinum** — $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Very popular with travellers.\n- **Latitude 28° Global Platinum** — $0 annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, another traveller favourite.\n- **Qantas Premier Everyday** — $0 annual fee Qantas points card, but lower earn rate.\n\n### Best low rate / balance transfer cards\n- **CommBank Low Rate**, **ANZ Low Rate**, **NAB Low Rate**, **Westpac Low Rate** — no rewards, lower purchase rate. Good if you sometimes carry a balance.\n- **Bankwest Breeze**, **St.George Vertigo**, **HSBC Platinum** — often used for long 0% balance transfer offers.\n\n### Best premium/travel cards\n- **American Express Platinum** — lounge access, travel credits, insurance, hotel status. Expensive annual fee, but heavy travellers love it.\n- **Qantas Premier Titanium** — high Qantas earn and premium travel perks.\n- **CommBank Ultimate Awards**, **Westpac Altitude Black**, **St.George Amplify Signature** — premium rewards cards with travel insurance and lounge passes.\n\n## What people actually use\n- Most Australians still use a **Visa or Mastercard from a Big Four bank**.\n- Points chasers often use **Amex**, **Qantas Premier**, **ANZ Frequent Flyer Black**, or **Westpac Altitude Black**.\n- No-annual-fee users go for **Coles Rewards**, **Amex Essential**, **Bankwest Zero**, or **Latitude 28°**.\n- Travellers love **Bankwest Zero Platinum** and **Latitude 28° Global Platinum** for the no foreign transaction fees.\n- Balance-transfer users look at **HSBC**, **Bankwest Breeze**, and **St.George Vertigo**.\n\n## My quick picks\n- **One card, Qantas flyer:** Qantas Premier Platinum  \n- **One card, Virgin flyer:** Virgin Australia Velocity High Flyer  \n- **No annual fee:** Coles Rewards Mastercard  \n- **Overseas travel:** Bankwest Zero Platinum  \n- **Carry a balance sometimes:** CommBank Low Rate or Bankwest Breeze  \n- **Premium lounge/travel:** American Express Platinum  \n\n## Aussie-specific tips\n- If you have a **home loan package** with CommBank, Westpac, ANZ or NAB, you may get a premium card with the annual fee waived — that can make a rewards card much better value.\n- **Sign-up bonuses** are often the main reason to get a card. Don’t chase them if you won’t meet the minimum spend or will pay interest.\n- **Amex** is widely accepted now, but some small businesses still surcharge or don’t take it.\n- Don’t get a rewards card if you carry a balance — the interest usually cancels out the points.\n- Check current fees, rates and bonuses on the issuer’s website or a comparison site like Canstar, Finder or RateCity. Offers change often.\n\nGeneral info only — not personal financial advice.","extractedBrands":[{"name":"CommBank","domain":"commbank.com.au","position":1},{"name":"Westpac","domain":"westpac.com.au","position":2},{"name":"ANZ","domain":"anz.com.au","position":3},{"name":"NAB","domain":"nab.com.au","position":4},{"name":"St.George","domain":"stgeorge.com.au","position":5},{"name":"BankSA","domain":null,"position":6},{"name":"Bankwest","domain":"bankwest.com.au","position":7},{"name":"Macquarie","domain":null,"position":8},{"name":"HSBC","domain":"hsbc.com.au","position":9},{"name":"Suncorp","domain":"suncorp.com.au","position":10},{"name":"BOQ","domain":"boq.com.au","position":11},{"name":"Bendigo","domain":null,"position":12},{"name":"American Express","domain":"americanexpress.com.au","position":13},{"name":"Qantas Money","domain":null,"position":14},{"name":"Virgin Money","domain":null,"position":15},{"name":"Coles","domain":"coles.com.au","position":16},{"name":"Woolworths","domain":"woolworths.com.au","position":17},{"name":"Latitude 28° Global","domain":null,"position":18},{"name":"Bankwest Zero","domain":null,"position":19},{"name":"Qantas Premier Platinum","domain":null,"position":20},{"name":"Qantas American Express Ultimate","domain":null,"position":21},{"name":"ANZ Frequent Flyer Black","domain":null,"position":22},{"name":"NAB Qantas Rewards Signature","domain":null,"position":23},{"name":"Virgin Australia Velocity High Flyer","domain":null,"position":24},{"name":"American Express Velocity Platinum","domain":null,"position":25},{"name":"Westpac Altitude Black","domain":null,"position":26},{"name":"Coles Rewards Mastercard","domain":null,"position":27},{"name":"Amex Essential","domain":null,"position":28},{"name":"Bankwest Zero Platinum","domain":null,"position":29},{"name":"Qantas Premier Everyday","domain":null,"position":30},{"name":"CommBank Low Rate","domain":null,"position":31},{"name":"ANZ Low Rate","domain":null,"position":32},{"name":"NAB Low Rate","domain":null,"position":33},{"name":"Westpac Low Rate","domain":null,"position":34},{"name":"Bankwest Breeze","domain":null,"position":35},{"name":"St.George Vertigo","domain":null,"position":36},{"name":"HSBC Platinum","domain":null,"position":37},{"name":"American Express Platinum","domain":null,"position":38},{"name":"Qantas Premier Titanium","domain":null,"position":39},{"name":"CommBank Ultimate Awards","domain":null,"position":40},{"name":"Westpac Altitude Black","domain":null,"position":41},{"name":"St.George Amplify Signature","domain":null,"position":42},{"name":"Visa","domain":null,"position":43},{"name":"Mastercard","domain":null,"position":44},{"name":"Amex","domain":null,"position":45}]},{"provider":"gemini","run":1,"model":"gemini-3.5-flash","capturedAt":"2026-10-03T04:57:23.254Z","text":"The Australian credit card market has shifted significantly. With recent Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) reforms capping consumer credit card interchange fees and **removing card surcharging on Visa, Mastercard, and eftpos networks**, bank-issued rewards programs have tightened their belts. \n\nBecause of this, the cards Aussies actually use and recommend today fall into very specific categories: heavy-hitting points-earning cards (mostly dominated by Amex), practical travel cards with no international transaction fees, and simple no-annual-fee cards.\n\nThe top credit cards in Australia are categorized below by how you plan to use them:\n\n---\n\n### 1. For the Points Chasers (Frequent Flyers & Rewards)\nBecause bank-issued rewards have faced downgrades due to the RBA interchange fee cap, **American Express** has become the go-to for serious \"points hackers\" because they operate on a different network and can maintain higher earn rates. If you want a card from a major bank, **ANZ** remains the most competitive of the \"Big Four\".\n\n*   **Qantas American Express Ultimate Card (Best for Qantas Loyalty)**\n    *   **The Vibe:** High annual fee, but incredibly easy to offset if you travel.\n    *   **The Perks:** You get a **$450 Qantas Travel Credit** each year (which completely offsets the $450 annual fee), Qantas Club lounge invitations, and international travel insurance. It also boasts one of the highest everyday Qantas points earn rates on the market (1.25 points per $1).\n*   **American Express Velocity Platinum Card (Best for Velocity Loyalty)**\n    *   **The Vibe:** Consistently wins \"Best Velocity Card\" awards.\n    *   **The Perks:** Comes with a free return domestic flight with Virgin Australia each year, Virgin Australia lounge passes, and excellent points-earning potential.\n*   **ANZ Frequent Flyer Black or ANZ Rewards Black (Best Bank-Issued Card)**\n    *   **The Vibe:** If you don't want an Amex (due to acceptance limits at smaller local merchants) but still want massive points.\n    *   **The Perks:** ANZ won multiple 2026 Finder awards for these cards. They offer some of the highest sign-up bonus points on the market, lounge passes, and a solid concierge service. *Note: If you have an ANZ home loan package, you can often get the annual fee waived.*\n\n---\n\n### 2. For the Frequent Traveler (No Foreign Transaction Fees)\nIf you travel overseas often, or do a lot of online shopping from international sites, you want a card that doesn't charge the standard 3% foreign exchange (FX) fee. \n\n*   **Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard**\n    *   **The Vibe:** The undisputed heavyweight champion for travelers, winning Finder’s \"Best Travel Credit Card\" and \"Best No FX Fees Credit Card\".\n    *   **The Perks:** $0 foreign transaction fees, a low ongoing purchase rate (12.99% p.a.), and great complimentary international travel insurance.\n*   **Macquarie Platinum Credit Card**\n    *   **The Vibe:** Macquarie’s digital banking is widely regarded as the best in Australia, and this card is a brilliant, low-friction traveler's companion.\n    *   **The Perks:** No international transaction fees online or overseas, complimentary travel insurance, and a reasonably low annual fee of $149. It also links seamlessly with Macquarie's highly rated transaction accounts.\n\n---\n\n### 3. For No Annual Fees & Everyday Simplicity\nIf you are using a card solely for convenience, security, or a \"credit card float\" strategy (keeping your cash in a mortgage offset account for longer), you want to avoid paying an annual fee altogether.\n\n*   **Kogan Money Credit Card**\n    *   **The Vibe:** Nominated as the best no-annual-fee rewards card in Australia.\n    *   **The Perks:** $0 annual fee and a complimentary \"Kogan First\" membership (which gives you free shipping and exclusive deals on Kogan). You also earn uncapped rewards points that can be spent directly on Kogan purchases.\n*   **Bankwest Zero Mastercard**\n    *   **The Vibe:** A highly-rated, zero-fuss card for everyday spenders.\n    *   **The Perks:** Absolutely $0 annual fee (forever) and up to 55 days interest-free. If you choose the Platinum version, you also get no foreign transaction fees and complimentary travel insurance.\n*   **Coles No Annual Fee Mastercard**\n    *   **The Vibe:** Ideal for frequent supermarket shoppers.\n    *   **The Perks:** No annual fee, and you earn Flybuys points on every dollar spent (which can be easily converted to money off your grocery shop or Velocity points).\n\n---\n\n### 4. For Low Rates & Debt Management (Balance Transfers)\nIf you are carrying a balance or need to pay down existing credit card debt, you should strictly avoid rewards cards. You want a card designed to crush interest.\n\n*   **ANZ Low Rate**\n    *   **The Vibe:** Winner of \"Best Balance Transfer\". It is consistently a market leader for offering 0% interest on balance transfers for introductory periods (usually 12 to 24 months), helping you pay down debt without interest compounding.\n*   **ING Orange One Low Rate**\n    *   **The Vibe:** A popular choice for existing ING customers.\n    *   **The Perks:** No annual fee, a low ongoing interest rate of 12.99% p.a., and a low minimum credit limit ($1,000) which is great for keeping your spending disciplined.\n\n---\n\n### Which one should you actually get?\n1.  **If you pay your balance in full every month and love to travel:** Get the **Qantas Amex Ultimate** (if you fly Qantas) or the **Amex Velocity Platinum** (if you fly Virgin). \n2.  **If you want a travel card but hate Amex's acceptance limits:** Get the **Bankwest Breeze Platinum** or **Macquarie Platinum**.\n3.  **If you just want a safety-net card that costs you nothing to keep in your wallet:** Get the **Bankwest Zero Mastercard** or **Kogan Money Credit Card**.","extractedBrands":[{"name":"Visa","domain":null,"position":1},{"name":"Mastercard","domain":null,"position":2},{"name":"eftpos","domain":null,"position":3},{"name":"American Express","domain":"americanexpress.com","position":4},{"name":"ANZ","domain":"anz.com","position":5},{"name":"Qantas","domain":"qantas.com","position":6},{"name":"Virgin Australia","domain":"virginaustralia.com","position":7},{"name":"Bankwest","domain":"bankwest.com.au","position":8},{"name":"Macquarie","domain":"macquarie.com","position":9},{"name":"Kogan","domain":"kogan.com","position":10},{"name":"Coles","domain":"coles.com.au","position":11},{"name":"ING","domain":"ing.com.au","position":12}]},{"provider":"google_ai_mode","run":1,"model":"google_ai_mode","capturedAt":"2026-10-03T04:57:23.254Z","text":"When looking for the best credit card in Australia, the right choice depends heavily on whether you want to rack up frequent flyer points, avoid annual fees entirely, or pay down an existing balance.\n\nAccording to recent industry awards and consumer data from Finder and Canstar, here are the top-performing and most popular credit cards in Australia categorized by what they do best:\n\n1. Best for Frequent Flyer & Rewards Points\n\nANZ Frequent Flyer Black / ANZ Rewards Black: A major winner in the Finder awards, ANZ dominates the rewards and Qantas frequent flyer categories, offering high point-earning caps and generous sign-up bonus point offers for new cardholders.\nAmerican Express Qantas Ultimate / Velocity Platinum: If you spend enough to justify the higher annual fees, Amex cards consistently offer the highest earn rates per dollar spent on points, alongside luxury perks like complimentary domestic/international travel insurance and airport lounge access.\n\n2. Best Low Fee & No Annual Fee Cards\n\nBankwest Zero Platinum: Highly rated for everyday utility with a $0 annual fee, making it a favorite for people who want a reliable transaction card without the overhead cost.\nKogan Money Black Card / Virgin Money Low Fee: Popular alternative digital-first or retail-backed cards that keep fees low while tying into domestic shopping ecosystems or offering competitive interest-free promotional windows.\n\n3. Best for Balance Transfers\n\nANZ Low Rate: Recognized for offering some of the longest promotional 0% p.a. balance transfer periods on the market (stretching up to 26 months), ideal if you are consolidating debt from other higher-interest cards.\n\n4. Best Low Rate Everyday Cards\n\nCommunity First Bank Low Rate / Bankwest Low Rate: Ideal for everyday shoppers who tend to carry a small balance from month to month, keeping standard purchase rates significantly lower than standard rewards cards (often sitting under 10%–13% p.a. compared to the 20%+ standard on rewards cards).\n\nKey Factors to Keep in Mind:\n\nThe \"Interest-Free Days\" Catch: Most rewards cards offer up to 44 or 55 interest-free days, but only if you pay your closing balance in full every single month. If you carry a balance, high interest rates quickly wipe out the value of any points you earned.\nAmex Acceptance: While American Express is widely accepted at major supermarkets, petrol stations, and airlines, you'll still need a Visa or Mastercard (like those issued by ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, or NAB) as a backup for smaller independent retailers.","extractedBrands":[{"name":"ANZ","domain":"anz.com","position":1},{"name":"American Express","domain":"americanexpress.com","position":2},{"name":"Bankwest","domain":"bankwest.com.au","position":3},{"name":"Kogan Money","domain":null,"position":4},{"name":"Virgin Money","domain":"virginmoney.com.au","position":5},{"name":"Community First Bank","domain":null,"position":6},{"name":"Commonwealth Bank","domain":"cba.com.au","position":7},{"name":"Westpac","domain":"westpac.com.au","position":8},{"name":"NAB","domain":"nab.com.au","position":9},{"name":"Finder","domain":"finder.com.au","position":10},{"name":"Canstar","domain":"canstar.com.au","position":11}]},{"provider":"google_aio","run":1,"model":"google_aio","capturedAt":"2026-10-03T04:57:23.254Z","text":"Choosing the best credit card in Australia depends on whether you want frequent flyer points, low interest, or zero annual fees. Australians actively use products from major banks and alternative providers mapped to specific financial goals.\n\n✈️ Frequent Flyer & Rewards Cards\n\nAmerican Express Explorer\nBest for: High everyday point-earning power and travel perks.\nKey detail: Earns up to 2 points per $1 spent and includes a $400 annual travel credit; $395 annual fee.\nANZ Rewards Black\nBest for: Comprehensive Visa-network reward points.\nKey detail: Generous sign-up bonus point offers and up to 2 points per $1; high annual fee offset by perks.\nBankwest More World Mastercard\nBest for: Strong ongoing point accumulation on a Mastercard network.\nKey detail: High earn rate (up to 2.5 points per $1) with competitive travel insurance.\n\n📉 Low Rate & Low Fee Cards\n\nANZ Low Rate\nBest for: Managing existing balances with long balance-transfer windows.\nKey detail: Features promotional 0% p.a. balance transfer periods (up to 26 months).\nBankwest Zero Platinum\nBest for: Everyday shopping without an annual fee.\nKey detail: $0 annual fee with streamlined digital app features.\nCommonwealth Bank Low Fee / Smart Awards\nBest for: Everyday banking integration.\nKey detail: Monthly fees waived conditional on meeting minimum monthly spend thresholds.\n\n💡 Core Selection Factors\n\nPay in full: Rewards cards carry higher standard purchase rates (around 20.99% p.a.), meaning you should only use them if you clear the balance monthly.\nInterchange changes: Recent RBA regulatory adjustments affect reward earn rates on traditional Visa and Mastercard products, making card comparison vital.\n\nExplore detailed choices and current sign-up offers using comparison platforms like Canstar , Finder , or Mozo .","extractedBrands":[{"name":"American Express Explorer","domain":"americanexpress.com","position":1},{"name":"ANZ Rewards Black","domain":null,"position":2},{"name":"Bankwest More World Mastercard","domain":null,"position":3},{"name":"ANZ Low Rate","domain":null,"position":4},{"name":"Bankwest Zero Platinum","domain":null,"position":5},{"name":"Commonwealth Bank Low Fee / Smart Awards","domain":"commbank.com.au","position":6}]},{"provider":"grok","run":1,"model":"grok-4.3","capturedAt":"2026-10-03T04:57:23.254Z","text":"**The best credit cards in Australia right now (as of October 2026) depend on your spending habits, whether you pay off the balance in full each month, and your goals (e.g., rewards points, low interest, balance transfers, or no annual fees).**[[1]](https://www.finder.com.au/credit-cards/best-credit-cards)[[2]](https://www.mozo.com.au/best/best-credit-cards)\n\nAlways pay off your balance monthly on rewards cards—average interest rates hover around 20.99% p.a., so carrying a balance quickly erodes any benefits. From 1 October 2026, surcharges on Visa, Mastercard, and eftpos are banned, which may influence future rewards rates.[[2]](https://www.mozo.com.au/best/best-credit-cards)\n\nHere are the standout cards based on recent expert comparisons from Finder and Mozo (which review 200+ cards). These factor in sign-up bonuses, ongoing earn rates, fees, perks, and value for typical Aussies:\n\n### Top Rewards/Frequent Flyer Cards (Great if you pay off in full and love points for flights)\n- **Qantas American Express Ultimate Card**: Often tops \"best frequent flyer\" lists. Up to 120,000 bonus Qantas Points (with spend requirements), $450 annual Qantas travel credit (offsets the $450 fee), strong earn rates (up to 1.25 pts per $1), and lounge access. Popular among points chasers.[[1]](https://www.finder.com.au/credit-cards/best-credit-cards)[[2]](https://www.mozo.com.au/best/best-credit-cards)\n- **ANZ Rewards Black Credit Card**: Frequently wins \"best rewards\" awards. Up to 180,000 bonus points, solid earn rates (up to 2 pts per $1 on some spending), $320 annual fee, and travel perks. Strong all-rounder from a major bank.[[1]](https://www.finder.com.au/credit-cards/best-credit-cards)\n- **American Express Velocity Platinum Card**: Top pick for Velocity Frequent Flyer points, with big bonuses (often 100,000+), lounge access, and a complimentary flight perk. Good alternative to Qantas-focused cards.[[1]](https://www.finder.com.au/credit-cards/best-credit-cards)\n\nOther notables: ANZ Frequent Flyer Black, Qantas Money Platinum, and Westpac Altitude cards (Qantas or Velocity variants).\n\n### Best No Annual Fee or Low-Cost Options\n- **Kogan Money Credit Card** (Balance Transfer offer): Regularly wins \"best no annual fee\" awards. $0 ongoing fee, rewards points, and competitive balance transfer deals. Ideal everyday card or for those avoiding fees.[[1]](https://www.finder.com.au/credit-cards/best-credit-cards)[[2]](https://www.mozo.com.au/best/best-credit-cards)\n\n### Best for Balance Transfers or Low Rates\n- **Latitude Low Rate Mastercard** (Balance Transfer offer): Strong for 0% p.a. on balance transfers (e.g., 18 months), low ongoing purchase rates. Good if you're consolidating debt.[[1]](https://www.finder.com.au/credit-cards/best-credit-cards)\n- **ANZ Low Rate** cards: Often top balance transfer and low-rate categories.[[3]](https://www.finder.com.au/credit-cards)\n\n### Best Cashback\n- **ANZ Platinum Credit Card**: Frequently recommended for cashback-style offers (e.g., $450 credit back with spend), low first-year fee. Simple rewards without points programs.[[1]](https://www.finder.com.au/credit-cards/best-credit-cards)\n\n### Other Popular Mentions\n- **American Express Platinum Card/Business variants**: Premium perks (lounges, travel credits) but high fees—best for high spenders who value status and redemptions. Amex wins multiple business and rewards categories.[[1]](https://www.finder.com.au/credit-cards/best-credit-cards)\n- Big Four bank cards (CommBank, ANZ, NAB, Westpac) dominate actual usage/market share (CBA leads with ~40%, followed by ANZ ~20%, Westpac/NAB ~17% each). These are widely accepted and often bundled with banking.[[4]](https://agilemarketintelligence.com.au/news/consumer-lending-remains-major-bank-territory-as-non-majors-compete-in-deposits)\n\n**What people actually use**: The big banks' cards (especially from CBA, ANZ, NAB, Westpac) make up the majority of cards in circulation due to convenience and integration with everyday banking. Rewards-focused users gravitate toward Amex (Qantas/Velocity/Membership Rewards) and ANZ/NAB premium cards for points. Low-fee or balance transfer cards like Kogan or Latitude appeal to cost-conscious Aussies.[[4]](https://agilemarketintelligence.com.au/news/consumer-lending-remains-major-bank-territory-as-non-majors-compete-in-deposits)[[5]](https://www.creditcardcompare.com.au/statistics/)\n\n**Tips for choosing**:\n- **Rewards chaser?** Prioritise Amex or ANZ Qantas/Velocity cards—compare current sign-up bonuses (often 80k–130k+ points).\n- **Paying off debt?** Look at low-rate or 0% balance transfer offers (check fees and terms).\n- **Travel?** Factor in no FX fees (e.g., some Bankwest or NAB cards) and insurance.\n- Always compare live offers on Finder.com.au or Mozo.com.au, check eligibility (credit score, income), and read the PDS. Rates/fees change, and bonuses have spend requirements.\n\nShop around based on your annual spend and goals—the \"best\" is personal. If you share more details (e.g., monthly spend, travel habits, or if you carry a balance), I can refine this further!","extractedBrands":[{"name":"Qantas","domain":"qantas.com","position":1},{"name":"American Express","domain":"americanexpress.com","position":2},{"name":"ANZ","domain":"anz.com","position":3},{"name":"Kogan Money","domain":"kogan.com","position":4},{"name":"Latitude","domain":"latitude.com.au","position":5},{"name":"CommBank","domain":"cba.com.au","position":6},{"name":"NAB","domain":"nab.com.au","position":7},{"name":"Westpac","domain":"westpac.com.au","position":8},{"name":"Bankwest","domain":"bankwest.com.au","position":9}]},{"provider":"openai","run":1,"model":"gpt-5.5-2026-04-23","capturedAt":"2026-10-03T04:57:23.254Z","text":"As of **3 October 2026**, the Australian credit-card market has just gone through big rewards/fee changes: the RBA’s card-surcharge reforms took effect on **1 October 2026**, and a number of issuers have cut or restructured rewards. So I’d choose based on **how you actually use the card**, not just headline points. ([rba.gov.au](https://www.rba.gov.au/payments-and-infrastructure/review-of-retail-payments-regulation/2026-03/conclusions-paper/faqs/?utm_source=openai))\n\n## Quick take: best cards/brands Australians actually use\n\nAustralia’s credit-card market is dominated by the **Big 4 banks**—CBA, Westpac, NAB and ANZ—with one 2025 industry submission citing APRA data that the Big 4 held about **78.3% of personal credit-card balances**. But “most used” doesn’t always mean “best value”: comparison groups like Canstar and Finder regularly rate mutual banks, supermarket cards and Amex highly for specific use cases. ([rba.gov.au](https://www.rba.gov.au/payments-and-infrastructure/review-of-retail-payments-regulation/2025-07/submissions/pdf/fintech-australia-and-the-small-business-association-of-australia.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n### My shortlist\n\n| Best for | Product/brand | Why I’d consider it |\n|---|---|---|\n| **No-fee, overseas spending, simple backup card** | **Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard** | $0 annual fee, 0% foreign transaction fee for Platinum, up to 55 days interest-free; good if you pay in full and want a Visa/Mastercard-style travel/online-spend card without rewards complexity. ([bankwest.com.au](https://www.bankwest.com.au/credit-cards/no-annual-fee?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Qantas points / high spender** | **American Express Qantas Ultimate** | Strong Qantas earn: up to 1.25 Qantas Points per $1, $450 annual fee, $450 Qantas Travel Credit and 2 Qantas Club lounge invitations; best if you’ll actually use the travel credit and Amex is accepted where you spend. ([americanexpress.com](https://www.americanexpress.com/en-au/credit-cards/all-cards/view-cards/qantas/?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Qantas sign-up bonus with a major bank** | **NAB Qantas Rewards Signature** | Popular “churner” style card: NAB lists up to 130,000 bonus Qantas Points plus $250 cashback, with annual fee moving to $449 for new applications from 1 Oct 2026 and lower earn caps from 1 Oct 2026. ([nab.com.au](https://www.nab.com.au/personal/credit-cards/qantas-rewards/nab-qantas-rewards-signature-card?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Velocity points** | **Westpac Altitude Velocity Black** or **Amex Velocity Platinum** | Westpac’s Altitude Velocity Black has a large Velocity bonus offer and high earn positioning; Finder named Amex Velocity Platinum its 2026 Best Velocity Frequent Flyer Credit Card. ([westpac.com.au](https://www.westpac.com.au/credit-cards/reward/altitude-velocity-black?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Flybuys / Coles shoppers** | **Coles Rewards Mastercard** | Very practical for households that shop at Coles: $99 annual fee, 2 Flybuys points per $1 at Coles and 1 point per $1 elsewhere up to caps; Canstar gave Coles awards for both frequent flyer and rewards value in 2026. ([coles.com.au](https://www.coles.com.au/credit-cards?cid=mcard%3Acpcggl%3ABrand%7CPureBrand%7CRemarketing%7CNSW%7CExact&utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Cashback, not points** | **ING Orange One Rewards Platinum** | 1% cashback up to $30/month, $149 annual fee, no ING international transaction fee and complimentary international travel insurance if approved for eligible limit; simple if you prefer cash over points. ([ing.com.au](https://www.ing.com.au/credit-cards/orange-one-platinum.html?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **No annual fee + some rewards** | **Kogan Money Credit Card** | $0 annual fee with rewards and Kogan perks; Finder named it 2026 Best No Annual Fee Credit Card and Best No Annual Fee Rewards Credit Card. Good if you actually shop at Kogan. ([finder.com.au](https://www.finder.com.au/finder-awards/product-awards/credit-card-awards)) |\n| **Low interest / carrying a balance** | **MOVE Bank Low Rate, G&C Mutual Low Rate, Heritage Gold Low Rate, Teachers Mutual/UniBank Visa, Westpac Lite** | If you don’t always pay in full, skip rewards and prioritise low rates. Canstar’s 2026 low-cost winners included MOVE, Heritage, Teachers Mutual/UniBank and Westpac; Finder’s 2026 low-rate winner was G&C Mutual. ([canstar.com.au](https://www.canstar.com.au/star-ratings-awards/credit-cards/)) |\n| **CommBank loyalists** | **CommBank Smart / Ultimate under Yello** | CBA is widely used, but its Awards program closed on 29 Sep 2026 and rewards have shifted to CommBank Yello eligibility. Worth looking at if you already bank with CBA; less compelling if you just want a clean standalone points card. ([commbank.com.au](https://www.commbank.com.au/credit-cards/card-updates.html?utm_source=openai)) |\n\n## My practical recommendation\n\nIf you’re in Australia and want a **sensible setup**, I’d pick:\n\n1. **Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard** as the everyday/travel backup: no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, widely accepted, low maintenance.  \n2. **One rewards card only if you’ll extract value**:  \n   - **Amex Qantas Ultimate** if you fly Qantas and can use the $450 travel credit.  \n   - **NAB Qantas Rewards Signature / Westpac Altitude Qantas Black / ANZ Frequent Flyer Black** if you’re chasing Qantas sign-up bonuses.  \n   - **Coles Rewards Mastercard** if you’re a regular Coles/Flybuys household.  \n   - **ING Orange One Rewards Platinum** if you prefer predictable cashback.  \n3. **Avoid rewards cards entirely if you carry a balance**—the interest will usually wipe out the value of points. Canstar specifically notes that purchase rates matter most when you carry a balance, while rewards value depends heavily on redemption and can change. ([canstar.com.au](https://www.canstar.com.au/star-ratings-awards/credit-cards/))\n\n## Top brands Australians actually recognise/use\n\nFor mainstream acceptance and apps: **CommBank, NAB, Westpac, ANZ, Bankwest**.  \nFor points: **American Express, NAB, Westpac, ANZ, Qantas Money, Virgin Money, Coles/Flybuys**.  \nFor value/no-fee/low-rate alternatives: **Bankwest, ING, Kogan Money, Heritage, MOVE Bank, Teachers Mutual/UniBank, G&C Mutual, Hume Bank**.\n\n**Bottom line:**  \n- **Best all-round no-fuss card:** Bankwest Zero Platinum.  \n- **Best Qantas card:** Amex Qantas Ultimate if you use the travel credit; otherwise compare NAB/ANZ/Westpac bonus offers.  \n- **Best supermarket/rewards card:** Coles Rewards Mastercard.  \n- **Best cashback-style card:** ING Orange One Rewards Platinum.  \n- **Best if you ever pay interest:** forget points—look at MOVE, G&C Mutual, Heritage, Teachers Mutual/UniBank or Westpac Lite.","extractedBrands":[{"name":"Bankwest","domain":"bankwest.com.au","position":3},{"name":"American Express","domain":"americanexpress.com","position":4},{"name":"NAB","domain":"nab.com.au","position":5},{"name":"Westpac","domain":"westpac.com.au","position":6},{"name":"Coles","domain":"coles.com.au","position":7},{"name":"ING","domain":"ing.com.au","position":8},{"name":"Kogan Money","domain":null,"position":9},{"name":"MOVE Bank","domain":null,"position":10},{"name":"G&C Mutual","domain":null,"position":11},{"name":"Heritage","domain":null,"position":12},{"name":"Teachers Mutual","domain":null,"position":13},{"name":"UniBank","domain":null,"position":14},{"name":"CommBank","domain":"commbank.com.au","position":15},{"name":"Qantas Money","domain":null,"position":16},{"name":"Virgin Money","domain":null,"position":17}]},{"provider":"perplexity","run":1,"model":"sonar","capturedAt":"2026-10-03T04:57:23.254Z","text":"The **best credit cards in Australia** depend on what you actually use them for, but the most consistently recommended brands are **ANZ, American Express, Westpac, Commonwealth Bank, and NAB**.[3][4][7] If you want the cards people most often use in practice, the strongest picks are usually **rewards**, **Qantas points**, **cashback/low-fee**, and **travel** cards.[3][5][10]\n\nHere are the top options that show up repeatedly in Australian comparison rankings and provider awards:\n\n| Best for | Card / brand | Why it stands out |\n|---|---|---|\n| **Rewards points** | **ANZ Rewards Black** | Finder named ANZ’s Rewards Black as a top rewards card, and ANZ won multiple 2026 awards overall.[4] |\n| **Qantas points** | **ANZ Frequent Flyer Black** | Finder highlighted it as a best Qantas frequent flyer card in 2026.[4] |\n| **Cashback / simple value** | **ANZ Platinum Credit Card** | Finder listed it as the best cashback credit card in September 2026.[3] |\n| **Travel premium card** | **American Express Platinum Card** | Expatica highlights premium travel perks like lounge access, travel credit, and transfer partners, aimed at frequent travellers.[6] |\n| **Low-fee / low-rate** | **A low-fee card from Canstar’s top-rated options** | Canstar’s 2026 rankings emphasize low-fee cards, and the average standard purchase rate is around 20.99% p.a.[10][5] |\n| **Popular big-bank choice** | **Westpac Altitude Rewards Black / Qantas Black** | Westpac appears repeatedly in Australian comparison sites and offers major rewards cards with large bonus-point promotions.[2][9][17] |\n\nIf you want the *most broadly useful* shortlist for Australia, I’d narrow it to these:\n\n- **ANZ Rewards Black** if you want flexible rewards points.[4]\n- **ANZ Frequent Flyer Black** if you want **Qantas points**.[4]\n- **ANZ Platinum** if you want **cashback** or a simpler value card.[3]\n- **American Express Platinum** if you travel a lot and will use the perks enough to justify the high fee.[6][12]\n- **Westpac Altitude Rewards Black** if you want a mainstream big-bank rewards card with strong signup offers.[2][9]\n\nA practical rule in Australia is that the “best” card is usually the one that matches your spending style, because standard purchase rates are around **20.99% p.a.**, so carrying a balance is expensive.[5][14][15] Moneysmart also notes that introductory rates can be temporary, so the ongoing rate matters if you won’t pay in full each month.[19]\n\nIf you want, I can give you a **top 5 for Australians by use case**:\n- **best for Qantas points**\n- **best for cashback**\n- **best low-fee card**\n- **best travel card**\n- **best for balance transfers**","extractedBrands":[{"name":"ANZ","domain":"anz.com","position":1},{"name":"American Express","domain":"americanexpress.com","position":2},{"name":"Westpac","domain":"westpac.com.au","position":3},{"name":"Commonwealth Bank","domain":"commbank.com.au","position":4},{"name":"NAB","domain":"nab.com.au","position":5}]}]}