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In a year that’s already seen Aussies itching to stretch their legs beyond our sunburnt shores, one thing remains clear: a sound travel credit card can make all the difference between first-class perks and cattle-class headaches. Enter Mozo’s 2025 Experts Choice Credit Card Awards — the industry’s equivalent of the Brownlow for your back pocket.

After wading through a veritable jungle of plastic — complete with fine print, fluctuating interest rates, and all manner of loyalty programs promising the moon — the money mavens at Mozo have declared the crème de la crème of travel and rewards credit cards for 2025. And the big winner this year? American Express, which has snapped up an impressive 11 accolades, waltzed away with the title of Australia’s Best Credit Card Provider.

✈️ Travelling Smart: A Must for Modern Aussies

“Everyone has different spending habits and priorities when choosing a credit card,” explained Peter Marshall, resident banking expert and judge for the Mozo Experts’ Choice Awards. “That’s why we assessed travel and rewards credit cards across a wide range of categories to help Aussies choose the right one for their needs.”

With international travel well and truly back on the agenda — and interest rates still doing their slow waltz — Aussies are more mindful than ever about how they spend, earn, and save. According to Marshall, the annual fee on rewards credit cards has risen 4.49% since last year, putting even more pressure on consumers to hunt down a high-value card that won’t quietly bleed their bank balance in the background.

Mozo’s Secret Sauce: No Bias, Just Value

The Mozo team didn’t pick these winners out of a hat, nor were they dazzled by shiny ads or freebies. Each card was subjected to a thorough evaluation, focusing on those offering 0% foreign transaction fees, free travel insurance, and reward schemes that give back more than they take. Yes, they do exist.

“The awards are not influenced by commercial arrangements. We looked at real-world value — not marketing spin,” said Marshall. “It’s about finding the cards that give Australians the most bang for their buck.”

🏆 The Standout Winners in 2025

Let’s dive into the glittering line-up of champions. American Express led the charge, with cards like the Explorer® and Qantas Discovery making multiple appearances across the board.

American Express: The Crown Jewel

With wins in 11 categories, including the top gong of Best Credit Card Provider, American Express demonstrated a rare blend of rewards generosity and innovative financial structuring.

Among its category wins were:

Explorer® Credit Card – A repeat winner in the Premium Rewards and Cashback categories
Qantas Discovery Card – Best Rewards and Qantas Frequent Flyer Credit Card
Velocity Platinum Card – A hit with Velocity loyalists

“American Express has really nailed the balance between premium benefits and competitive fees,” said Marshall. “They’re offering both aspirational perks and practical value.”

Other Notable Winners

But Amex didn’t have the stage to itself. Mozo also shone a light on big and boutique banks.

Best Premium Travel Credit Cards:

Bankwest – More World Mastercard
Bank First – Visa Platinum Credit Card
Bendigo Bank – Ready Credit Card

Best Low Rate Travel Cards:

Westpac – Lite Card
Bank First – Visa Platinum Credit Card

Best Rewards Travel Credit Cards:

NAB – Rewards Signature Card
Commonwealth Bank – Smart Awards Credit Card

Qantas Frequent Flyer Cards:

Qantas Money – Qantas Premier Platinum
ANZ – Frequent Flyer Black
HSBC – Platinum Qantas Credit Card

Velocity Frequent Flyer Premium:

Virgin Money – Velocity High Flyer Card
BOQ Specialist – Velocity Signature Card
HSBC – Premier World Mastercard (Rewards Plus)

These cards tick both boxes for those with one eye on the skies and the other on their savings.

💳 Rewards Without the Runaround

Now, let’s talk turkey — or rather, points. The rewards card winners were picked using a rather clever formula: calculate the total retail value of rewards earned in a year, subtract the annual fee, and voilà — actual net value. This, dear reader, is what separates the wheat from the chaff.

“We looked at cashback programs, frequent flyer points, shopping rewards — all of it,” explained Marshall. “It’s a long and confusing process if you’re doing it on your own, but the Mozo list gives Aussies a solid head start.”

And in a world where ‘loyalty’ is often code for “you’ll pay more for less,” that’s rather refreshing.

🧳 Travel Smarter, Spend Wiser

It’s no secret that Australians love to travel — try finding a local in Bondi in January. But with the rising cost of living, airport delays, and the ever-present risk of a surprise surcharge, being prepared is no longer optional.

That’s why cards offering 0% foreign exchange fees and complimentary travel insurance were given extra kudos in this year’s awards. Not only do they cushion the cost of globetrotting, but they also offer peace of mind — a faithful travel companion in your wallet.

🏁 Final Boarding Call

Whether you’re chasing Qantas points for a Euro escape, looking to cash in rewards at Coles, or simply seeking a no-fuss card that won’t slug you with hidden fees, Mozo’s 2025 awards deliver the clarity many Aussies crave.

In a sea of options, Mozo has become something of a lighthouse — guiding us toward smarter financial choices with a steady beam of common sense. As Peter Marshall aptly sums it up, “Now’s the time to shop around, compare, and avoid paying the loyalty tax.”

Because let’s face it — your money should work for you, not vice versa.