12 Best Credit Cards in South Africa (2024)

The best credit cards in South Africa include Capitec Global One Credit Card, FNB Gold Credit Card, Standard Bank Gold Credit, Nedbank Gold Credit Card, and ABSA Private Banking Credit Card. Each of these credit cards offers unique features and benefits, from low-interest rates, cashback rewards, travel insurance, and more.

Are you looking for the best credit card to suit your needs in South Africa? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We’ve compiled a list of the 12 best credit cards in South Africa to help you make an informed decision.

Whether you’re looking for a credit card with great rewards, low-interest rates, or a high credit limit, our list has something for everyone.

Our team of experts has carefully reviewed each credit card on the list, taking into consideration the benefits, fees, and overall value they offer.

In this blog post, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about the top credit cards in South Africa, so you can choose the best one for your financial needs.

So, sit back, relax, and read on to discover the credit card that’s perfect for you.

1. Capitec Global One Credit Card

The Capitec Global One Credit Card is an excellent choice for South Africans looking for the best credit card.

With no international fees and an up to 3.5% cash back on all purchases, online or offline, it provides a great value proposition both at home and abroad.

Plus, there is no annual fee associated with this Visa card.

The monthly fee is only R40 and applicants must earn a minimum of R5,000 per month in order to be eligible for the credit limit of up to R250,000.

Depending on one’s credit history also factors into the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) which can range from 7%-17.50%.

Customers are able to access their account balance and transactions right away through the App available for Android and iOS users.

To add further convenience and protection against overdraft charges, they will also receive real-time notifications if their balance runs low or when spending exceeds their limit.

2. FNB Gold Credit Card

The FNB Gold Credit Card is one of the most rewarding options for those looking for a perfect credit card solution in South Africa.

This card offers an array of benefits that make it stand out from the crowd, including debt protection, travel insurance, and more.

With an initiation fee of R175 and monthly fees starting at R89, this card is exceptionally affordable and accessible to all South African citizens with an annual salary ranging between R120 000 AND 340 000.

The FNB Gold Credit Card offers several advantages such as an 8% fixed interest rate on purchases or cash withdrawals (from selected supermarkets), unlimited free swipes, higher credit limits (between R10 000 and R60 000) plus 55 days interest-free period so you can hold off on payments without extra charges.

Users will enjoy 15% back in ebucks when they purchase prepaid electricity or airtime through FNB; 15% back when shopping at Shoprite/Checkers; Double ebucks when filling up at any filling station or using Uber domestically; double ebucks when shopping online; and even free cellphone banking subscriptions.

3. Standard Bank Gold Credit

For those looking for the best credit card in South Africa, “Standard Bank Gold Credit” is an excellent option.

Ideal for people with a mid-range to low income, this card requires a minimum monthly salary of 5 000 ZAR and allows users access to a generous 250 000 ZAR credit limit – all for just 54 ZAR per month.

Benefiting from customised interest rates and up to 35% discounts on Emirates flights, holders of this prestigious card will also enjoy automatic travel insurance as well as numerous lifestyle advantages.

For only 19 ZAR, you can purchase four Ster-Kinekor movie tickets, 1GB AlwaysOn Wi-Fi and up to 11GB of free data!

Furthermore, use the MasterCard or UCount Rewards programme to benefit from additional food and lifestyle offers when making purchases with your Credit Card A.

4. Nedbank Gold Credit Card

If you’re looking for the best credit cards in South Africa, then Nedbank Gold Account is your go-to choice. It’s perfect for minimal transactions, and it features a range of unparalleled benefits that will meet all your needs.

To apply, you must be at least 18 years old and have proof of an earnings income of R3000 or more – companies, trusts and legal entities are excluded from applying.

Once approved, this gold cheque card offers users unlimited swipes, stop/debit orders, cash withdrawals at participating retailers’ Point-of-Sale Devices (POSD), eNotes notifications via SMS and eStatements to keep track of expenses.

5. ABSA Private Banking Credit Card

The ABSA Private Banking Credit Card is hands down one of the best credit cards available in South Africa, combining a highly competitive interest rate and balance transfer rate with incredible rewards.

With this card, you’ll get to enjoy a variety of benefits such as up to 2% cash back on all your purchases, no annual fee, and a generous credit limit of up to R228 000.

The monthly fee for this card is R80 and requires a minimum income requirement of R62 500 per month.

Furthermore, it offers an introductory APR that allows you zero interest for 57 days if you make all payments in full before then.

Convenience-wise, this card really stands out; for instance, it comes with travel insurance worth R10 million for international trips plus visa airport dining privileges.

6. Standard Bank Titanium Credit Card

Standard Bank, one of South Africa’s leading financial institutions, has just released its state-of-the-art Titanium Credit Card.

It is designed for those who are looking for the best of the best when it comes to credit cards ᅳ without hidden charges, zero annual fees during the first year and an amazing rewards scheme.

For added security and peace of mind, the card has been enhanced with Mastercard 3D Secure technology to ensure your private details are not compromised.

With a Titanium Credit Card from Standard Bank, you can access exclusive private lounges at SA international airports free WiFi on board flights operated by SAA, discounts on hotels through the Hilton HHonors loyalty programme plus much more ᅳ making it easily one of the best credit cards available in South Africa!

7. ABSA Premium Banking Credit Card

The ABSA Premium Banking Credit Card is South Africa’s premier choice for credit cards, offering a range of generous rewards and benefits.

With an incredibly low 0% interest rate on both purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, plus the additional perk of 1-3% cashback on fuel purchases at participating Caltex stations and 15% off eligible products when spending R10,000 or more at Woolworths Group stores – it’s easy to see why this card is considered one of the best credit cards in South Africa.

On top of this, customers can rest assured knowing that with over two decades of experience as a respected financial organisation, ABSA provides unparalleled customer service.

8. ABSA Flexi Core Credit Card

Looking for a credit card that can be your go-to for everyday use? The ABSA Flexi Core Credit Card could be the perfect fit for you! This new credit card from ABSA is designed to be versatile and user-friendly.

One of the standout features of this credit card is the balance transfer facility, which allows you to pay off the card’s balance in instalments, making it easier to manage your finances.

The ABSA Flexi Core Credit Card also offers a 50% discount on an extra supplementary card, which means that you can easily share the benefits of the card with your family members or friends.

Another great benefit of this credit card is that it doesn’t charge any interest for purchases and cash withdrawals made on international transactions, thanks to Mastercard’s Zero Rate Program.

9. Nedbank Platinum Credit Card

The Nedbank Platinum Credit Card is the best credit card in South Africa because of its ample features and benefits.

It is a MasterCard product meaning it can be used in more than 210 countries around the world, so you can have peace of mind when travelling abroad.

On top of that, you get an introductory period of 6 months with no interest rates (or 10% depending on your credit rating) p.a.

To welcome new customers, there’s also a bonus of 20,000 points when you spend R5000 on your card during the first three months – to be sure to make the most out of it!

As if all these weren’t enough already, this card ensures unlimited access to Nedbank’s award-winning customer service team plus free internet and overseas transaction fees, as well as complimentary insurance for up to R500 000 for baggage and personal effects while travelling.

10. ABSA Gold Credit Card

The ABSA Gold Credit Card is one of the best credit cards in South Africa today. Offering a wide range of benefits, it is designed to serve as an all-in-one financial product for its holders.

From savings to travel insurance, car hire insurance and much more, the card provides you with everything that you need to run your finances smoothly.

It has an introductory annual fee of R199 for the first year only which makes it a cost-effective option when financing large purchases.

With discounts at major stores like Woolworths and Edgars along with access to Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), located at CTICC North Wharf in Cape Town, this card truly is one of South Africa’s best credit cards!

11. ABSA Student Credit Card

As a student, managing money can be tough and building a credit history can seem impossible. However, with the ABSA Student Credit Card, you can address both of these challenges and set yourself up for financial success.

This credit card is specifically designed for students, and it offers all the benefits of a regular credit card but at a lower interest rate.

So not only can you start building your credit score, but you can also do so without breaking the bank. Getting started with the ABSA Student Credit Card is easy.

All you need is a minimum monthly income or allowance of R800, a valid South African ID book, or smart card evidence of residency.

Once you meet these requirements, you can apply and start enjoying the benefits of this great credit card.

12. African Bank Gold Credit Card

The African Bank Gold Credit Card is one of the best credit cards available in South Africa.

It provides customers with features and benefits that far exceed those offered by traditional bank cards, such as a monthly limit, balance limit and competitive interest rates of 11%.

For added convenience, it also comes with a personal chequebook and allows for cash withdrawals and advances in foreign exchange at any bank in South Africa.

Unlike many regular credit cards, there are no annual fees or monthly charges associated with this card; making it an economical choice for everyday banking transactions.

12 Best Credit Cards in South Africa (2024)
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