Updated 05.06.2023

Top 25+ Credit Cards Compared in South Africa 2023

Aside from personal loans, credit cards in South Africa are becoming increasingly popular. Banks and many alternative lenders offer a variety of credit cards to South Africans that are suitable for your specific needs.

Comparison of Credit Cards in South Africa

Whether you’re looking for a credit card with travel and rewards benefits, a low interest rate, or no annual fee, you’ll find them all at MoneyToday. Compare credit cards to find the one that’s suits your needs using our credit card comparison tool below.

Best Credit Cards in South Africa 2023

The biggest banks in South Africa are the best providers of credit cards. Here’s a comparison of the credit cards available to apply for today:

Credit CardBenefitsMinimum SalaryInitial FeeMonthly FeeApplication
Woolworths Gold Credit Card

Woolworths Gold Credit Card

  • 2% CashBack in WRewards quarterly vouchers on Woolworths purchases
  • 0.75% back in WRewards quarterly vouchers on purchases outside of Woolworths
  • Automatic Basic Travel Insurance
  • Cash withdrawals at any ATM displaying the Visa logo
  • Lost Card Protection
  • 1% CashBack in WRewards quarterly vouchers on fuel
  • Medical & Legal Assistance
Full list of benefits here.
R3,000R165.00R50.50APPLY NOW
Woolworths Silver Credit Card
Woolworths Silver Credit Card
  • 1% Back in WRewards quarterly vouchers on all Woolworths purchases
  • 0.5% back in WRewards quarterly vouchers on purchases outside of Woolworths
  • Automatic Basic Travel Insurance
  • Lost Card Protection
  • 1% CashBack in WRewards quarterly vouchers on fuel
  • Comprehensive Balance Protection on your Woolworths Credit Card.
Full list of benefits here.
R3,000R0.00R0.00APPLY NOW
ABSA Student Credit Card

ABSA Student Credit Card
  • No monthly service fee
  • Helps you build a credit history
  • Accepted worldwide
  • Up to 57 days interest-free on purchases
  • Automatic basic travel insurance
R800R0.00R0.00APPLY NOW
ABSA Flexi Core Credit Card

ABSA Flexi Core Credit Card
  • Fixed monthly payments that ensure you pay more of your capital debt monthly and allow for easy budgeting
  • Helps you build a credit history
  • Up to 57 days interest free
  • No transaction fees on purchases
  • Free Lost card protection
  • Automatic basic travel insurance
Full list of benefits here.
R2,000R0.00R0.00APPLY NOW
ABSA Gold Credit Card

ABSA Gold Credit Card
  • Bidvest Airport Lounge access at preferential rates 
  • Worldwide acceptance 
  • Customizable interest rates and repayment periods.
  • Get up to 57 days of interest-free purchases on your Gold Credit Card when you always pay your outstanding balances in full by their due dates.
  • Automatic basic travel insurance
  • Make Contactless payments on the go
Full list of benefits here.
R4,000R166.45R27.00APPLY NOW
ABSA Premium Banking Credit Card

ABSA Premium Banking Credit Card
  • One card solution
  • Basic Travel Insurance
  • Bidvest Airport Lounge access*
  • Absa Rewards Programme
  • Contactless payments
  • Dedicated Premium Line
  • Purchase Protection feature 
Full list of benefits here.
R25,000R170.00R80.00APPLY NOW
ABSA Private Banking Credit Card

ABSA Private Banking Credit Card
  • Global acceptance
  • Lost card protection
  • eStatements
  • Chip & PIN security
  • Budget facility
  • Card can be used for online purchases 
  • Up to 57 days interest free period
  • NO transaction fee on purchases
  • Lost card protection
  • Online payments with One Time Pin/3D secure transaction verification
R62,500R170.00R99.00APPLY NOW
African Bank Silver Credit Card

African Bank Silver Credit Card
  • Accepted by thousands of merchants who recognize Visa-affiliated credit cards. 
  • Shed 2% interest off from your positive balance for making on-time payments for a year.
  • Free SMS updates on transactions
  • Interest-free purchases at till points for up to 60 days, as long as you fully settle any outstanding balance by the due date.
  • Travel Insurance coverage gives you free access to legal and medical advice.
  • Enjoy convenient and free of charge transactions by registering your Silver Credit Card to Connect Online.
Full list of benefits here.
R2,500R0.00R69.00APPLY NOW
African Bank Gold Credit Card

African Bank Gold Credit Card
  • Earn up to 3% interest back for having prompt payments throughout the year.
  • Enjoy interest-free POS purchases using your Gold Credit Card for up to 60 days.
  • Free SMS updates on transactions
  • No initiation fee
  • Travel Insurance coverage gives you free access to legal and medical advice.
  • Receive the option to avail the Life Insurance offered to help you cover outstanding balances in case of disability or death.
Full list of benefits here.
R2,000R0.00R69.00APPLY NOW
Capitec Credit Card

Capitec Credit Card
  • Personalised credit based on your profile and affordability
  • 4.75% interest per year on a positive balance 
  • Up to 55 days to pay for purchases, interest free 
  • A credit limit of up to R250 000 
  • Pay from 10% interest per year on outstanding amounts
  • Secure online purchases  
  • Free basic travel insurance
  • No currency conversion fees for international payments. 
Full list of benefits here.
R3,000R100R35APPLY NOW
Woolworths Black Credit Card

Woolworths Black Credit Card
  • 3% CashBack in WRewards quarterly vouchers on Woolworths purchases
  • 1% back in WRewards quarterly vouchers on purchases outside of Woolworths
  • Automatic Basic Travel Insurance
  • Voucher for a free TASTE magazine each month.
  • Cash withdrawals at any ATM displaying the Visa logo
  • Medical and Legal Assistance
  • 1% CashBack in WRewards quarterly vouchers on fuel
  • Shop Anywhere internationally using Woolworths Credit Card
Full list of benefits here.
R41,666R0.00R69.00APPLY NOW
FNB Gold Credit Card

FNB Gold Credit Card
  • Earn up to 15% back in eBucks on your qualifying FNB Connect contract or prepaid purchases.
  • Earn up to 15% back in eBucks on your domestic Uber rides and Uber Eats orders.
  • Earn up to 1.5% back in eBucks whenever you swipe or shop online in-store or internationally using your FNB Gold Credit Card
  • Up to 55 days interest-free 
  • Free automatic debt protection
  • Free comprehensive Global Travel Insurance
  • Free AA Emergency Roadside Assistance with a linked Petro Card
Full list of benefits here.
R7,000R175.00R34.00APPLY NOW
FNB Premier Credit Card

FNB Premier Credit Card
  • Slow airport lounge access
  • Personalized interest rate
  • Up to 55 days interest rate
  • Pay no monthly fee when you maintain a minimum balance of R50 000 in your Premier Cheque Account.
  • Free membership to the eBucks Rewards programme
  • Comprehensive Global Travel Insurance
  • AA emergency roadside assistance wine a linked Petro Card
  • Automatic data protection
Full list of benefits & features here.
R20,000R175.00R75.00APPLY NOW
FNB Petro Credit Card

FNB Petro Credit Card
  • Personalised interest rates that suit your lifestyle 
  • Tap and pay technology with the card 
  • Smart technology for quicker contactless payments
  • AA emergency roadside assist
  • Key lock-out service to a maximum of R300 inclusive of VAT
Full list of benefits here.
R84,000R175.00R38.00APPLY NOW
Avios Credit Card

Avios Card Card
  • Earn Avios on all purchases on the card, 1 Avios for every R10.
  • Interest-free purchases on select products for up to 55 days.
  • Earn double Avios at Pick 'n Pay and BP.
  • Receive electronic billing statements, free of charge.
Full list of benefits here.
R8,000R166.45R70.61APPLY NOW
Virgin Money Credit Card

Virgin Money Credit Card
  • No annual fees or monthly service charges.
  • Competitive interest rates
  • Basic Travel Insurance coverage.
  • Access exclusive benefits from Virgin Money Rewards. 
  • Get up to 10% discount on purchases. 
Full list of benefits here.
R5,000R170.00R0APPLY NOW
FNB Private Clients Credit Card

FNB Private Clients Credit Card
  • Enjoy a personalised interest rate tailored to your unique credit profle
  • 55 days interest free period
  • Repayment period of between 6 and 60 months
  • Airport lounge access
  • Up to 5 free additional credit cards
R62,500R175.00R199.00APPLY NOW
FNB Private Wealth Credit Card

FNB Private Wealth Credit Card
  • Airport Lounge access
  • Comprehensive Global Travel Insurance
  • AA Emergency Roadside Assistance
  • Get up to 55 days interest free
  • Enjoy a personalised interest rate tailored to your unique credit profile
  • Repayment period of between 6 and 60 months
  • Receive Automatic Debt Protection on the outstanding debt on your credit card
  • Self-service banking for when you're on the go
  • You own private banker will attend to everything you need.
  • Contactless Card for quick and easy payments. 
R125,000R175.00R249.00APPLY NOW

FNB Petro Credit Card

FNB Petro Credit Card

  • Free subscription to in Contact. This means we’ll SMS you every time more than R100 goes in or out of your account 
  • Free subscription to Cellphone Banking, Online Banking, Telephone Banking and the FNB Banking App. You only pay for the data you use
  • Free lost card protection and PIN replacement
  • Free Auto Payment, offering you the convenience of having your account paid on time each month
  • AA Emergency Roadside Assistance
  • Chip & PIN card for extras security
  • Contactless Card for quick and easy payments. 
Full list of benefits here.
R7,000R175.00R58.00APPLY NOW

American Express Platinum Credit Card

American Express Platinum Credit Card

  • Exclusive access to the Bidvest Premier Lounge
  • Automatic basic travel insurance, up to R4 million.
  • Automatic membership to the Hertz #1 Club Gold program
  • Free local domestic airport lounge visits
  • Earn one Membership Rewards™ point for every R5 spent.
  • Free secondary cards for your partner, friends, and family.
Full list of benefits & features here.
R16,667R189.65R99.00APPLY NOW

American Express Gold Credit Card

American Express Gold Credit Card

  • Get automatic basic travel insurance of up to R1 million.
  • Automatic participation to the Membership Rewards (MR) Programme.
  • Get up to 55 days’ interest-free credit.
  • Transfer balance from a store card or another credit card to your AMEX Gold Credit Card for an interest rate of 9.90% for 6 months
  • Repay a minimum of 5% of the outstanding balance monthly.
  • Earn one Membership Rewards™ point for every R5 spent.
  • Get free supplementary cards for family or friends.
Full list of benefits & features here.
R5,000R189.65R75.00APPLY NOW
Standard Bank Gold Credit Card

Standard Bank Gold Credit Card
  • Up to 35% off on Emirates flights when you book through Leisure Desk.
  • Enjoy up to 55 days of interest-free purchases using your SB Gold Credit Card
  • Basic travel insurance cover
  • 3D Secure verification for safe online shopping
  • Tap to Pay™ in-store for R 500 or less
  • Access to food and lifestyle offers on the MasterCard Buy 1 Get 1 App.
  • UCount Rewards points every time you use your Credit Card
Full list of benefits here.
R5,000R175.00R54.00APPLY NOW
Standard Bank Platinum Credit Card

Standard Bank Platinum Credit Card
  • Up to 35% off on Emirates flights when you book through Leisure Desk.
  • Get up to 55 days free interest on your account if your account is paid in full.
  • Basic travel insurance cover
  • 3D Secure verification for safe online shopping
  • Wine of the Month purchases receives 15% to 33% off its price when total value exceeds R500.
  • Automatically receive Silver Legacy Lifestyle Membership.
  • Enjoy up to 10% off on Hertz Car rentals.
Full list of benefits here.
R58,000R175.00R89.00APPLY NOW
Standard Bank Titantium Credit Card

Standard Bank Titanium credit card
  • Up to 35% off on Emirates flights when you book through Leisure Desk.
  • Get up to 55 days of interest-free purchases using your Titanium Credit Card
  • Enjoy up to 15% off your next rental when you book with Avis
  • Get 20% off trips in the Middle East and Africa using the Careem cab hailing app
  • Get up to 10% off your car rental booking from participating Hertz branches.
  • Basic travel insurance cover
  • Access to food and lifestyle offers on the MasterCard Buy 1 Get 1 App.
  • UCount Rewards points every time you use your Credit Card
Full list of benefits here.
R25,000R175.00R69.00APPLY NOW
Standard Bank Blue Credit Card

Standard Bank Blue Credit Card
  • Chip- and PIN-enabled Mastercard credit card
  • Shop at millions of merchants and ATMs worldwide
  • 3D Secure verification for safe online shopping
  • Tap to Pay™ in-store for R500 or less
  • Link your card to the SnapScan or Masterpass apps to pay by phone
  • Manage your Blue Credit Card on your phone, in-app, online or at their ATMs
  • Single limit for straight and budget facilities
  • Change your credit limit on request
  • Automatic lost card protection
Full list of benefits here.
R7,500R180.00R40.00APPLY NOW
Standard Bank World Citizen Credit Card

Standard Bank World Citizen Credit Card
  • Get up to 55 days free interest if your account is paid in full
  • Get up to 35%* off on Emirates flights when you book through Leisure Desk
  • Get personalised travel concierge assistance whenever you need it
  • Enjoy access to local and international lounges
  • Get 10%* off at Hotels.com when booking with your credit card
  • Use your credit card to pay for your AA subscription and get 15% off
Full list of benefits here.
R25,000R180.00R264.00APPLY NOW
Diners Club Platinum Credit Card

Diners Club Platinum Card
  • Get up to 55 days free interest if your account is paid in full
  • Get up to 35%* off on Emirates flights when you book through Leisure Desk
  • Get personalised travel concierge assistance whenever you need it
  • Enjoy access to local and international lounges
  • Get 10%* off at Hotels.com when booking with your credit card
  • Use your credit card to pay for your AA subscription and get 15% off
Full list of benefits here.
R500,000R0R98APPLY NOW
British Airways Credit Card

British Airways Credit Card
  • Chance to earn up to 9 000 Avios when you purchase using your BA Credit Card.
  • Earn one Avios for every R7.50 you spend using your BA Credit Card.
  • Earn faster by collecting one Avios for every R5.00 spent at British Airways, Pick n Pay and BP
  • Automatic membership to the British Airway Executive Club.
  • Interest-free credit for up to 55 days on qualified purchases.
Full list of benefits here.
R8,000R166.45R75.66APPLY NOW
Discovery Bank Gold Credit Card

Discovery Bank Credit Card
  • Get up to 4% interest on the money sitting in your everyday account
  • Get up to 5% interest on your demand savings
  • Pay up to 6% less on your borrowing rate
  • Pay anyone using  just  their cellphone number
  • Get cash back on your fuel spend, Uber, Gym membership, food, flights and more!

Full list of benefits here.
R7,000R0R185APPLY NOW

What is a Credit Card?

It is a form of financial product that lets you borrow money from a line of credit. There’s a limit on how much you can borrow and this limit depends on your credit rating and the type of card you’re holding.

There are many different types of credit cards available in South Africa:

  • Prepaid

This is also called a debit card because you don’t have a credit line to use in your transactions. Instead, you get a reloadable card which can help control spending. This card, still allows you to transact with Visa and Mastercard partners.

  • Virtual Credit Card

This form of South African credit card is specially made for online transactions. You won’t have the physical plastic card on your hand but you’ll get instead a virtual credit you can top up anytime.

  • Student Credit Card

This credit card for students is meant to help university students build a credit history at a young age. It has no service fee but it requires you to have a certain amount of monthly allowance to qualify for the credit card debt.

South African credit cards for foreigners may be more challenging to acquire because they don’t have a credit record in the country. They’ll have to build up your credit score first to get a good rating on their record.

However, there won’t be issues if they use any existing credit card they have since these cards are usually accepted worldwide.

How Does Credit Card Work?

Credit cards are basically unsecured loans since the creditor extends a credit facility you can use. It’s somewhat similar to overdrafts but it’s more convenient and affordable to use.

You can borrow money from the credit line up to a certain credit limit and do cashless payments wherever credit is accepted. After the transaction, you’ll have a credit debt you have to repay over a period of time.

Creditors require a minimum payment you must comply with on a set deadline. After this period, any outstanding balance you have on your credit card will be charged with interest. The maximum annual interest rate that you may be charge on a credit card each year is 17.5% – which is the repo rate plus 14% – as per the National Credit Act.

Virtual credit cards like those offered by VCpay work the same way as ordinary ones except for their limited use in online transactions.

Advantages of Credit Cards

Many banks offer additional credit card benefits such as access to airport lounges, basic travel insurance, medical cover, cash back benefits and/or a rewards programme. Another advantage of credit cards is the protection you can receive from online purchases, if an online retailer does not comply with their obligations, you can report this to the the credit card company who can then withhold payment to the retailer. 

Using a credit card can also help you in building up your credit health and credit score, making it easier to borrow in the future or apply for loans. This is providing you are careful with your card purchases, making sure your account stays with a positive balance, keeping up with the monthly repayments.

Some cards may charge a monthly account fee or a credit facility fee, so it’s always best to check that you are making the most of the benefits of credit and advantages before paying these fees. 

How to Get a Credit Card in South Africa?

You can get credit cards in South Africa from the leading banks in the country. You can do this either by submitting credit applications usually via an online application form, calling the bank over the phone, or visiting any of their branches personally.

If you’re looking for credit for people with bad credit records, there are alternative providers aside from banks. Credit card application for those with bad credit in South Africa are handled by lesser-known lenders like New Blacklisted Finance, Get a Card, and Get Loans.

Applying for Credit Card

Applying for a card is easy as long as you satisfy the following requirements:

  • You should be at least 18 years old
  • You’re a South African citizen with an ID book
  • You should be earning a monthly income, the minimum income requirement will vary depending on the type of card you’re applying for
  • You should have a good credit profile

You need to satisfy the minimum monthly salary requirement for specific card types. The bigger the limit of the South African credit card, the greater the annual salary required.

Banks will require you to submit the following documents along with the application form:

  • Copy of your ID book
  • 3 months’ worth of bank statements
  • Most recent payslips
  • Proof of residence

A slightly different set of requirements is given to applicants of cards for students. On the other hand, stricter rules are enforced on those applying for credit cards for blacklisted individuals in South Africa.

To apply for a virtual credit, you may have to download a mobile app and register an account with the credit provider. After this, the next step is to load the card with the money you can use for online transactions.