Best corporate credit cards (and their alternatives) in Australia [2026]

Considering a corporate credit card in Australia for your business? This guide compares the top options in Australia and covers alternatives for managing everyday and international payments

Key takeaways

• Corporate credit cards can help businesses manage employee spending, access short-term credit and track business expenses from one place
• Some credit cards may incur foreign transaction fees, FX markups and interest charges on international business spending
• Multi-currency cards allow businesses to spend from already held foreign currency balances instead of a credit line, while offering spending controls and no purchase interest charges
• The World Card supports payments in 150+ currencies, with zero foreign exchange fees on 15+ supported currencies when spending from already held balances

Corporate credit cards are designed for businesses that want employees to spend on the company’s behalf without using personal cards or reimbursing expenses later. Along with access to a business credit facility, many cards include employee spending controls, expense reporting and accounting integrations.

This guide compares the top virtual credit card for international payments in Australia and explains when a multi-currency business payment card like the World Card can be used.

What is a corporate credit card?

Banks issue corporate credit cards to businesses rather than individuals. It allows employees to make approved business purchases using the company’s credit, with spending tracked under the organisation’s account.

Depending on the provider, businesses may be able to issue multiple employee cards, set individual spending limits, monitor transactions, access zero-interest periods on eligible purchases and earn rewards points or travel benefits. Many corporate cards also integrate with accounting platforms like Xero to ease out expense reporting and reconciliation tasks.

Why use corporate credit cards?

Corporate credit cards can help businesses separate company and personal spending while giving employees access to approved business funds. Some of the common features offered by corporate credit cards include:

• Separate business spending from personal expenses
• Issue employee cards with individual spending controls
• Access short-term financing and interest-free days on eligible purchases
• Simplify reconciliation through integrations with accounting software
• Earn rewards points, travel benefits or corporate discounts, depending on the card

Top corporate credit cards in Australia

Here are Australia’s leading corporate cards compared one-by-one below:

1. CommBank corporate low rate card

The CommBank Corporate Low Rate Card lets businesses issue unlimited employee cards linked to a central credit facility.¹ Businesses can set individual spending limits, monitor expenses with electronic reporting, and manage cards through the CommBank app.¹ Users can also make international payments from this card but at a fee of 3%.¹

*Fees checked in July 2026

2. American Express business gold plus card

The American Express business gold plus card offers flexible spending power with up to 55 days to pay for eligible purchases, along with membership rewards points.² Businesses receive two employee cards at no additional cost, with extra cards available for an annual fee.² The card integrates with Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks Online.² Users can also make payments to international suppliers that do not accept American Express directly via AccessLine.²

*Fees checked in July 2026

3. NAB virtual corporate card

The NAB virtual credit card is a digital corporate card designed for businesses that want to issue employee payment cards without using physical plastic cards.³ Cards can be created via FlexiPurchase and added to Apple Pay or Google Pay for in-store, online and in-app payments.³ Users can set spending limits, card expiry dates and where each card can be used.³ Transactions can also be synced with expense management systems to make tracking and reconciling business expenses easier.³

NAB does not publish standard corporate credit card pricing publicly. Fees are quoted on application.

4. HSBC corporate card

The HSBC corporate card offers users with spending limits and transaction controls for individual cardholders.⁴ The card also offers up to 55 no-interest days on eligible purchases.⁴ Additional features include travel-related insurance, overseas transit accident insurance and unauthorised transaction insurance, together with 24-hour customer support for cardholders.⁴

HSBC does not publish standard corporate credit card pricing publicly. Fees are quoted on application.

5. Westpac BusinessChoice rewards platinum

The Westpac BusinessChoice rewards platinum card let users earn Qantas Points while managing employee spending.⁵ Businesses can request a credit limit between AU$2,000 and AU$250,000, issue up to 99 employee cards and set individual credit limits for each cardholder.⁵ The card includes up to 55 no-interest days, insurance benefits, digital wallet support and accounting integrations through Westpac business money tools and bank feeds.⁵

*Fees checked in July 2026

6. ANZ Qantas business rewards

The ANZ Qantas Business Rewards Card is designed for businesses that want to earn Qantas Points on everyday spending while managing expenses with a business credit facility.6 Cardholders can also get up to 55 no-interest days.⁶ Businesses can issue unlimited employee cards, apply spending controls and merchant category restrictions, and integrate transaction data with accounting software including Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks.⁶

*Fees checked in July 2026

The challenges of corporate credit cards for global businesses

Foreign transaction fees

Many Australian corporate credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee when purchases are made in a foreign currency. Among the cards covered in this guide, these fees range from 3% to 3.5%. While this may seem small, the cost can add up for businesses that regularly pay overseas suppliers, software subscriptions or advertising platforms.

FX markups

Foreign currency transactions are converted into Australian Dollars using the card issuer’s or payment network’s exchange rate, which may include a currency conversion margin. If your business makes frequent international payments, these conversion costs can become a significant part of your overall payment expenses.

Interest charges and late payment fees

Corporate credit cards let businesses borrow money instead of spending from their own account balance. If the full balance isn’t repaid within the no-interest period, interest charges may apply. Businesses may also be charged late payment fees if repayments are missed, increasing the overall cost of using the card.

Credit limits and employee spending

Corporate credit cards operate against a shared business credit limit. While many providers let businesses set individual spending limits for employee cards, purchases still reduce the available company credit limit. Without regular monitoring, business spending can exceed planned budgets.

Intermediary banking costs

Some international card payments are processed through intermediary banks before reaching the recipient. Depending on the payment route, additional banking or processing charges may apply alongside the card issuer’s own fees, increasing the total cost of the transaction.

Corporate credit card alternatives for international businesses

Business debit cards: Standard business debit cards draw funds directly from the linked business account whenever a payment is made. Because spending is limited to the available account balance, businesses do not incur purchase interest charges or late payment fees associated with a credit facility. Some providers also allow businesses to issue employee cards and set individual spending limits, although available features vary between providers.

→ Read more about best business debit cards in Australia

Multi-currency cards: Multi-currency cards are linked to a multi-currency account, allowing businesses to hold and spend in multiple currencies from a single account. When a payment is made in a currency already held in the account, the funds are taken directly from that balance, avoiding a currency conversion and FX markups at the time of purchase. For example, if your account holds USD, USD purchases can be paid directly without converting from AUD at the time of payment.

This can be useful for businesses that regularly pay overseas suppliers, software subscriptions, digital advertising platforms or travel expenses in different currencies. Many providers also let businesses issue employee cards and set spending controls, although available features vary by provider.

Here are some reasons why businesses would want to choose multi-currency cards for global payments:

• Spend from foreign currency balances: Pay directly from the currency your business already holds, avoiding a currency conversion when making payments in that currency
• Use your own business funds: Multi-currency cards are linked to your account balance, so payments are made using existing funds rather than a credit facility
• Manage team spending: Many providers let businesses issue employee cards, set spending limits and track expenses from a central account
• Connected to one account: The card links directly to your multi-currency account, making it easier to send, hold, receive, convert and spend multiple currencies from one place

World Card: A multi-currency card for global businesses

The World Card is linked to the World Account, WorldFirst’s multi-currency business account. The World Account lets businesses hold, receive, send and convert funds in 20+ currencies from a single dashboard. It works alongside an existing Australian business bank account, giving businesses a way to manage foreign currency operations without opening separate accounts in each currency.

The World Card is linked to the World Account and draws its balance from the currencies held there. It’s a Mastercard-powered business payment card, so it can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted globally.

When paying in one of the 15+ supported currencies, transactions are deducted from the matching currency balance in the World Account. As long as sufficient funds are available, no foreign exchange fee is charged on those purchases. The multi-currency card can also be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted, supporting payments in more than 150 currencies.

The card supports a range of international business payments, including supplier invoices, SaaS subscriptions, online advertising and travel expenses. Businesses can issue up to 20 virtual cards at no additional cost, set spending limits for individual employees, freeze cards instantly and monitor transactions through the WorldFirst dashboard.

What the World Card offers:

• Zero foreign exchange fees on 15+ supported currencies when spending from already held currency balances in your World Account
• Business payments in 150+ currencies anywhere Mastercard is accepted
• Up to 20 virtual cards with individual spending controls and real-time expense tracking
• Cashback on eligible international card spending (terms and conditions apply)
• Accounting integrations with Xero and NetSuite for reconciliation

World Card pricing

*Fees checked in July 2026

→ Take a look at an in-depth guide to World Card

Choose the corporate card that fits your business

Corporate credit cards are only one way to manage business spending, particularly for businesses that want access to credit. Businesses with different priorities, such as reducing international payment costs or improving spending controls, may find other payment options better suited to their needs. If international payments are a regular part of your business, you can consider using the World Card, designed for spending in multiple currencies globally.

FAQs

1. How do corporate cards differ from traditional credit cards?

Corporate cards are designed for business spending rather than personal use. They often include features such as employee cards, spending controls, expense reporting and accounting software integrations.

2. Are virtual business credit cards better for corporate travel?

Instant virtual credit cards can be created and accessed within minutes. Users can add them to digital wallets, making them useful for travel. Many providers also offer spending controls, although some merchants may still require a physical card.

3. How do I get a corporate credit card?

Businesses typically apply directly with the card provider and must provide details about their business and authorised representatives. Eligibility requirements vary and may include an ABN or minimum turnover.

Sources

1. https://www.commbank.com.au/business/business-credit-cards/corporate-low-rate-card.html
2. https://www.americanexpress.com/en-au/credit-cards/business-gold-plus-card/
3. https://www.nab.com.au/business/business-credit-cards/nab-purchasing-and-corporate-cards/virtual-card
4. https://www.business.hsbc.com.au/en-au/solutions/corporate-card
5. https://www.westpac.com.au/business-banking/credit-cards/rewards-cards/businesschoice-rewards/
6. https://www.anz.com.au/business/credit-cards/qantas-business-rewards/

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or professional advice. This article should not be regarded as constituting an offer or a solicitation to buy or sell any regulated or financial products or services. WorldFirst makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content, and readers are encouraged to consult with legal professionals or other professionals for advice tailored to their specific situation. WorldFirst does not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of this article and expressly disclaims any and all liability to any person in respect of the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done wholly or partly in reliance on this article.