Online and in-person transactions involving South Africans are becoming increasingly popular. The question is, which credit card is the most appropriate for you?
Even if each credit card has its own set of terms and restrictions, there are some general principles to follow to ensure that you make the best decision possible.
First and foremost, you must determine whether your existing bank or retailer offers reward points or cash back. This will be the most important factor in determining whether or not this card is beneficial to you.
Some store cards provide unique discounts when purchasing specific items, while others provide additional on-the-spot perks such as the waiver of late payment penalties.
Credit cards, of course, carry interest rates, so it’s crucial to understand what they are before deciding on one of the available options. In the case of a low interest rate but no desire for cash back, you could opt for a 0% APR loan.
Table of Contents
Best Credit Cards in South Africa 2022
1. Standard Bank Titanium Credit Card
 Pros |
 Cons |
|---|---|
| High credit limit offered | High interest rate when compared to other credit cards |
| Industry standard 3% minimum repayment | Monthly fee applicable on most accounts, Prestige Account is the only exception to this |
| Interest-free period of 55 days for payments made before the due date | |
| Low initiation fee that is once-off | |
| Reasonable minimum income requirements | |
| Services can be customised | |
| Variety of benefits offered |
2. Virgin Money Credit Cards
Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
| Exclusive rewards and benefits | Unpaid amount on the balance transfer reverts to the cash advance rate |
| Irregular detection with FraudShield | |
| Lost card insurance | |
| No monthly or annual fees | |
| Up to 4 additional cards offered at no additional cost | |
| Visa payWave | |
| VISA Zero liability |
3. Nedbank Platinum Credit Card
Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
| Acceptable at all ATMS in South Africa and internationally | Additional card fee charged |
| Extended credit facility | Credit facility service fee can become high |
| Low maintenance fee | Linkage fee for Greenbacks |
4. African Bank Gold Credit Card
Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
| 60 days interest-free credit on POS purchases | Cashback on POS is offered at a fee |
| Affordable and risk profile offered | Free POS only available in South Africa |
| Clients can only get credit that they qualify for |
5. FNB Gold Credit Card
Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
| Case-based minimum salary requirements | High interest rate |
| Low initiation fee when compared to other banks | High monthly repayment |
| Low monthly fee |
6. Capitec Credit Card
Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
| Case-based minimum salary requirements | High interest rate |
| Low initiation fee when compared to other banks | High monthly repayment |
| Low monthly fee |
7. ABSA Student Credit Card
Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
| Free purchase swipes | High repayment fees |
| Lower income requirement than other banks | High withdrawal fee charged |
| Low credit card limit | |
| Low interest rate paid for positive balances |
8. Standard Bank Gold Credit
Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
| Credit card protection offered | UCount rewards requires a subscription and fee |
| High credit limit and low monthly fee | |
| Travel insurance offered | |
| Numerous benefits and advantages offered | |
| Various flight and travel discounts offered |
9. BlueBean Credit Card
Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
| 55 days interest free | Stringent requirements to qualify |
| Low initiation and monthly fee required | |
| Lower income requirement than other banks |
10. Nedbank Gold Credit Card
Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
| Automatic travel insurance | High salary requirements on some credit cards |
| Free access to international ATMS | |
| Reasonable fees charged |