The best corporate cards in Australia compared

Key takeaways:

• A corporate card is a business debit or credit card tied to your company rather than personal finances, giving employees a way to make business purchases with built-in controls and tracking.

• When comparing corporate cards, focus on multi-currency access, annual fees, expense management tools, spending controls, and whether the card links to a business account.

• Airwallex Corporate Cards charge no foreign transaction fees and include 10 free company cards on the Explore plan, 50 on Grow, and unlimited on Accelerate – plus 2 free active spend users, then A$15 per additional user per month.

Managing business expenses across teams, suppliers, and countries can quickly become complex. As your business grows, reimbursing employees and tracking expenditure manually becomes unsustainable. This is where the right corporate card makes all the difference.

Australian businesses are leaning on cards more than ever:there are now around 733,000 commercial credit card accounts in the country, with the average business putting around $12,359 a month on cards¹. Choosing the right one matters – cards can include granular spending controls, cashback and expense management features, but these capabilities vary significantly from provider to provider.

This guide compares six popular corporate card options in Australia, helping you evaluate key features, costs, and capabilities so you can choose the best fit for your business.

What is a corporate card?

A corporate card is a type of business debit or credit card that typically has higher eligibility requirements than personal cards. The card is tied to the business and its financials, so cardholders can spend on behalf of the business without putting their own money on the line.

Aside from the company owning the card account and a few business-specific features, it operates a lot like a typical card. You can choose a corporate debit or credit card, each with its own perks:

• Credit cards are convenient, come with rewards programmes, and can extend your line of credit.

• Debit cards simplify expense management and help you control spending without debt or interest.

Corporate card pros and cons

Corporate cards may not be right for every type of company. Here are some advantages and drawbacks to consider:

Pros

• Improved oversight and visibility across team spending

• Easier to reconcile expenses with consolidated statements

• Higher spending limits than personal credit cards and standard business cards

• Can come with rewards programmes and cashback

Cons

• May include monthly or annual fees depending on the provider

• Some providers require extensive application and approval processes

How do corporate cards work?

Corporate cards give businesses a simple, controlled way to manage employee purchases and company spending. Here's a simplified breakdown of how they typically work:

1. Issuance: The company applies for corporate cards from a financial institution. Once approved, it issues cards to employees who need them for business-related expenses.

2. Spending: Employees use corporate cards to make purchases for business purposes, such as travel, meals, or office supplies. The company can preset spending limits and allowed purchase categories.

3. Tracking: Each transaction is recorded, making it easy for the company to track spending in real time and monitor compliance with company policy.

4. Reconciliation: At the end of the billing cycle, the company receives a consolidated statement covering all employee transactions, which it reconciles against its accounting system.

5. Payment: The company pays the card issuer for the total amount spent during the billing cycle in a single payment, rather than reimbursing individual employees.

6. Expense reporting: Employees may still submit expense reports, but the process is faster because transactions are already recorded. Platforms like Airwallex reduce the admin burden further with built-in expense management.

7. Rewards and benefits: Some corporate cards offer rewards, cashback, or other benefits based on spending, adding extra value for the business.

Corporate cards can help businesses manage expenses more effectively, improve cash flow, and give employees a convenient way to make necessary purchases – increasingly important as organisations' recurring monthly expenses grow.

6 top corporate cards in Australia

To save you time, we've compiled our top corporate card picks and their key details below:

• Airwallex Corporate Card is a multi-currency debit card that pays from existing currency balances to reduce FX fees.

• Revolut Corporate Card is a multi-currency debit card that draws from existing balances or exchanges at the interbank rate when payments are made.

• CommBank Corporate Card spans a low-rate card and an interest-free days card, both built around cash flow management.

• NAB Business Card is a straightforward business credit card with a virtual-issue option for fast access to funds.

• American Express Business Gold Plus Card is a charge card that earns Membership Rewards points, now Amex's most accessible business card following the Business Explorer's discontinuation.

• Westpac Altitude Rewards Business Card is tied to the Altitude rewards program and also offers complimentary insurances. You can have up to two cardholders and earn uncapped points with this card.

Common fees to expect on corporate spending cards

Understanding the fee structure of corporate cards helps you accurately compare total costs. Not all cards include all fees, and many premium cards offer fee waivers for qualifying spend or higher annual packages. Here's what to look out for:

• Account maintenance charges: Typically A$30–A$400+ annually, depending on card tier and included features.

• Extra cardholder charges: Usually A$10–A$75 per card when issuing to additional team members.

• Credit interest charges: If your corporate card is a credit card, credit cards typically carry interest rates between 14% and 20%+ p.a. on unpaid balances. Debit cards don't charge interest, since you're spending your own funds.

• Cash withdrawal fees: Around A$2.50–A$5 can apply, or 2–3% of the withdrawal amount.

• Missed payment penalties: Typically A$20–A$35 can apply to credit or charge cards.

• Cross-border transaction charges: Usually 2–3.5% of the transaction amount, though some providers waive this entirely.

• Currency exchange margins: A markup on the exchange rate itself, ranging from 0.5% to 3%.

• Administrative charges: Some providers charge for replacement cards, paper statements, or transaction copies.

In-depth: Features of the top corporate cards in Australia

Airwallex Corporate Cards

Airwallex Corporate Cards are multi-currency debit cards built for businesses operating globally, with local bank details in 20+ countries and no foreign transaction fees when you spend from an existing currency balance.

Pros

• No foreign transaction fees, with an FX margin of 0.5% on major currencies and 1% on others – lower than traditional banks

• Two free active spend users per month on every plan, plus 10 Company cards on Explore

• Issue cards to 60+ regions globally

• Real-time expense tracking with Xero, QuickBooks and NetSuite integrations

• All-in-one financial platform with Expense Management, Billing, Global Accounts, FX, and more

Cons

• Company cards are currently virtual-only

• Requires an Airwallex Business Account subscription rather than a standalone card product

Fees

• Business Account: Explore A$29/month ($0 with $5k+ monthly deposits or $10k+ balance), Grow $99/month, Accelerate from $999/month

• A$15 per additional active spend user per month, beyond the 2 free users included per tier (a per-user fee, not a per-card fee)

Revolut Corporate Card

Revolut's corporate card is a multi-currency debit card that draws from existing balances or exchanges at the interbank rate, with spend supported across 150+ currencies.

Pros

• Spend in 150+ currencies, drawing from balances or interbank-rate exchange within plan allowances

• Up to 3 physical and 50 virtual cards per team member

• Granular card controls, including spending limits, merchant category and country restrictions

Cons

• No-fee currency exchange and international transfers are capped by plan; fees apply beyond the allowance or outside market hours

• Expense management is more basic than dedicated platforms at the entry-level Basic plan

Fees

• Basic A$15/month, Grow A$30/month, Scale A$150/month, Enterprise from A$1,250/month

See our full Revolut Business Account review for a detailed breakdown.

CommBank Corporate Card

CommBank offers AUD-only corporate card options built around cash flow management rather than multi-currency spend.

Pros

• The Corporate Low Rate Card offers a comparatively low 14.55% p.a. purchase rate for businesses funding larger expenses over time

• Unlimited cardholders, with complimentary transit accident and unauthorised transaction insurance

• Bank feed integrations with Xero and MYOB

Cons

• AUD only – no multi-currency support, so international transactions cost more

• Expense management capabilities are basic compared with fintech platforms

Fees

• Corporate Low Rate Card: 14.55% p.a., A$300 establishment fee, annual fee A$40/card (1–49 cards), A$32/card (50–499), A$24/card (500+)

• Corporate Interest-Free Days Card: 17.57% p.a., up to 55 interest-free days, no establishment fee

NAB Business Credit Cards

NAB offers charge and credit card options for businesses managing employee expenses, including a virtual-only card issued instantly.

Pros

• The NAB Virtual Corporate Card issues in minutes, with no physical card wait

• FlexiPurchase software for expense control, transparency and reporting

• Complimentary unauthorised transaction insurance

Cons

• AUD only – international transaction fees apply to overseas purchases

• Expense management is more basic than modern fintech platforms

Fees

• NAB Business Card: $9/month per card, 16.50% p.a. purchase rate, A$5,000 minimum credit limit

• NAB Purchasing and Corporate Card: 12.65% p.a. cash advance rate, customised limits for larger organisations

American Express Business Cards

American Express offers a range of AU business and charge cards. The Business Gold Plus Card (A$395 p.a.) is now the most accessible entry point, following the Business Explorer Card's discontinuation.

Pros

• Earns 3 points per A$1 at select merchants, 2 points with AccessLine, and 1.5 points per A$1 on everyday spend – accelerated earn rates apply on the first 200,000 points per calendar year, then 1 point per A$1 across all spend

• Up to 55 interest-free days on eligible products

• Receive travel benefits such as insurance (terms apply) and Hilton Honors Silver Status

Cons

• AUD only – international transaction fees apply

• Acceptance can be limited at smaller Australian merchants

Fees

• Business Gold Plus Card: $395 p.a.

• Other charge cards for context: Platinum Business Card $1,750 p.a., Qantas Business Rewards Card $450 p.a.

Westpac Business Credit Cards

Westpac offers four business credit cards, spanning the Altitude and BusinessChoice Rewards points programs through to a low-rate BusinessChoice option.

Pros

• Uncapped Altitude Points on the Platinum tier; Qantas Points on BusinessChoice Rewards Platinum

• Complimentary insurances across all four cards

• Up to 55 interest-free days on purchases

Cons

• AUD only – no multi-currency support

• Individual card limits can only be set on certain cards

• Points caps apply on some cards (e.g. 20,000 points per statement cycle on Altitude Gold)

Fees

• Altitude Business Platinum Mastercard: $200 p.a. (first year waived for new cards)

• Altitude Business Gold Mastercard: $150 p.a. (first year waived)

• BusinessChoice Rewards Platinum Mastercard: $150 p.a. per card; $89.50 Qantas Business Rewards joining fee waived

• BusinessChoice Everyday Mastercard: $75 p.a. per card, 14.25% p.a. purchase rate

How to compare and choose the top corporate cards in Australia

Business needs vary by size, spending, and accounting processes, so take stock of your goals as you compare providers. While you shop for corporate cards, think about:

• Multi-currency support: Look for cards that support multiple currencies so you can transact without incurring foreign exchange or international transaction fees.

• Foreign exchange rates: Prioritise cards with low FX rates – this can mean significant savings if you frequently transact internationally.

• Cashback and rewards: Look for benefits like cashback, air miles, or rewards points that can offset some of your spend.

• Spending habits: Determine who needs card access, what they're spending on, and whether you need multi-currency features.

• Spending controls: Some cards let you see and manage employee spending, and integrate with accounting software.

• Customer support: Evaluate the quality and availability of support for each provider – this matters most when an issue is time-sensitive.

• Security features: Consider fraud protection, chip-and-PIN technology, and virtual card capabilities.

How to apply for a corporate card

Once you've selected your preferred card, you can apply online. The process varies between providers, but generally follows these steps:

1. Research and compare options to determine which features matter most for your business, such as multi-currency support or low foreign transaction fees.

2. Confirm eligibility with the card provider based on business size, spending, and location. Some cards are restricted to certain types of businesses.

3. Gather business documents, including your business's legal status, financial statements, and supplementary documents.

4. Apply online or in person, providing all required information and documentation.

Approval can take one to five business days, though most providers will send a card to you within that timeframe.

How does a corporate card differ from a business credit card?

Corporate cards are typically issued to the business itself, with centralised billing and higher eligibility requirements, while business credit cards extend a revolving line of credit that's more flexible but often less centrally controlled.

In practice, corporate cards suit larger businesses that want one consolidated bill and tight, centralised spending controls across many employees. Business credit cards suit smaller businesses or sole traders that want a simpler application process and more flexibility in how the balance is repaid, even if that means less granular oversight per cardholder.

Streamline your international business transactions with Airwallex

Corporate cards are tools to carry out business and work-related expenses without using your or your employees' personal line of credit. They also give you visibility of business spending and let you set customised card controls.

This can sometimes come at a cost, with expensive credit card interest rates, FX charges, and foreign transaction fees. Consider alternatives like Airwallex's Virtual Cards for flexible international spending without the hidden fees.

These come included with your Airwallex Business Account, which also gives you access to Global Accounts – local currency accounts with local bank details so you can collect and hold payments in multiple currencies. This means you can eliminate FX fees when you spend from your existing balances. Airwallex also integrates with accounting software and offers Expense Management and Billing features, so you never have to manage your financial operations on disparate systems.

Corporate cards: Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between corporate cards and business debit cards?

The main distinction lies in how they access funds and their eligibility criteria. Corporate credit cards extend a line of credit with attractive rewards programs, though they carry interest charges and require stronger financial credentials. Debit cards connect straight to your business bank account with simpler approval processes and lower fees, which makes them particularly appealing for smaller companies prioritising budget discipline.

How much does a corporate card cost in Australia?

Most Australian corporate cards cost between $50 and $400+ a year in account or card fees, plus $15–$75 for each additional cardholder. Credit cards typically add interest of 14–20%+ p.a. on unpaid balances, while debit cards – like Airwallex's – carry no interest since you're spending your own funds instead of borrowing.

Do corporate cards charge foreign transaction fees?

Most single-currency corporate cards charge a foreign transaction fee, typically 2–3.5% of the transaction, when you spend overseas. Multi-currency cards like Airwallex's charge 0% foreign transaction fees when you spend from an existing currency balance, applying only a 0.5–1% FX margin if a conversion is needed.

How do corporate cards support wholesale and trade payments?

These cards streamline bulk purchasing by letting businesses manage payments across multiple vendors efficiently. They support transactions in various currencies, let you set spending parameters, and generate reports that help with stock management and financial reconciliation. Virtual cards are especially useful for processing supplier payments quickly and securely.

What are alternatives to company cards for employee expenses?

Beyond traditional corporate cards, businesses can choose from prepaid expense cards, virtual card systems, reimbursement management platforms, procurement cards, and digital petty cash tools. These alternatives all provide spending oversight and live transaction monitoring without requiring a corporate credit facility.

How can businesses track corporate card spending in real time?

Modern card platforms connect directly with your accounting systems to show transactions as they occur. They send immediate spending alerts, let employees capture receipts digitally, and create a continuous flow of financial data that gives management instant visibility into company expenditure.

Which corporate card providers offer customisable controls for team-based spending?

Both Airwallex and Revolut stand out for granular control features, including per-card spending limits, transaction-level monitoring, and the ability to restrict specific merchant types. Traditional banks such as CommBank, NAB, American Express, and Westpac offer more fundamental controls, like overall spending limits and basic transaction visibility through their banking platforms.

Sources

1. https://www.money.com.au/credit-cards/research-insights/credit-card-statistics 

2. https://www.revolut.com/en-AU/business/business-account-plans/ 

3. https://www.commbank.com.au/business/business-credit-cards.html 

4. nab.com.au/business/business-credit-cards/nab-business-card 

5. https://www.nab.com.au/business/business-credit-cards 

6. westpac.com.au/business-banking/credit-cards/compare-business-credit-cards