Ever wonder which credit card gives you the most bang for your buck?
Whether you’re chasing rewards points, low fees, or travel perks, choosing the right credit card in South Africa can save you money and unlock great benefits.
We’ve reviewed the top cards to help you find ones that help you make the most of your credit.
Best credit card in South Africa
The best credit cards in South Africa offer a combination of credit card benefits like low fees, competitive interest rates, rewards, and added benefits such as discounts or cashback.
Credit card benefits:
- Rewards program
- Cashback options
- Interest-free period
- Discounts on purchases
- Flexible repayment options
- Low fees
Credit card providers include:
- Capitec
- FNB
- Nedbank
- Absa
- Standard Bank
- Discovery Bank
- Woolworths
- Investec
Let’s go over the benefits that stand out for each card.
Best credit cards
Capitec credit card
Capitec’s credit card is widely known for its affordability and simplicity.
Credit card benefits
- Interest-free period of up to 55 days interest-free if the balance is paid off during that time
- Account holders earn interest on a positive account balance
- Free card swipes locally and internationally.
- No currency conversion fees for international payments.
- Can provide access to international travel insurance while travelling abroad when purchasing tickets with the card.
Other bank benefits include access to personal loans with lower interest rates when linked to a Capitec credit card.
FNB credit card
FNB credit cards cater to a variety of customers, from entry-level to premium banking clients.
Credit card benefits
- Interest-free period of up to 55 days interest-free if the balance is paid off during that time
- Tiered rewards through eBucks, allowing customers to earn on fuel, groceries, and travel.
- Access to travel insurance and concierge services for premium cardholders.
Other bank benefits include access to FNB’s SLOW Lounges at airports for qualifying cardholders.
Nedbank credit card
Nedbank credit cards are designed to provide flexibility and rewards for everyday spending and travel.
Credit card benefits
- Interest-free period of up to 55 days interest-free if the balance is paid off during that time
- Membership in the Greenbacks Rewards Programme earns points for purchases that can convert to cash, fuel, or gifts.
- Select cards offer up to 2% unlimited cash back on credit card spend.
- Select cards offer up to 30% off flights and 12 free domestic airport lounge visits a year.
- Select cards offer unlimited access to domestic and International airport lounges.
- Select cards offer monthly Avo vouchers.
- Select cards offer up to 10% off on Apple and Samsung devices.
Absa credit card
Absa credit cards are tailored to suit different financial needs, with options ranging from entry-level to premium.
Credit card benefits
- An interest-free period of up to 57 days is allowed if the balance is paid off during that time.
- No transaction fees for purchases made with the card.
- Cash rewards through Absa Rewards are redeemable for airtime, fuel, or shopping discounts.
- Travel perks, including access to airport lounges for premium cardholders.
- Qualifying can get automatic basic travel insurance when purchasing tickets with the card.
Other bank benefits include the ability to complete simple challenges on Absa Advantage.
Standard Bank credit card
Standard Bank credit cards combine affordability and value with a variety of rewards and features.
Credit card benefits
- An interest-free period of up to 55 days is allowed if the balance is paid off during that time.
- Earn UCount Rewards on everyday purchases, redeemable for travel, groceries, or fuel.
- Access to domestic Bidvest lounges and airport lounges.
- Travel benefits, such as basic travel insurance and emergency assistance.
- Select cards offer discounts on car rentals, flights, wine, coffee, olive oils, and more.
Other bank benefits include access to offers on the Priceless Specials app, including food and lifestyle deals.
Discovery credit card
Discovery credit cards are ideal for health-conscious individuals looking to maximise rewards for healthy living and everyday spending.
Credit card benefits
- Up to 55 days of interest-free credit, depending on the card type.
- Account holders earn interest on a positive account balance
- Discounts on gym memberships, selected retail purchases, flights, accommodation, and car hire through the Vitality Travel platform.
- Borrowing interest rates may be reduced by up to 5%–6%, depending on the credit card tier.
- Select cards get access to The Lounge in South Africa and over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide.
- Qualifying cardholders get free international travel insurance when tickets are purchased using the card.
Other bank benefits include integrated reward systems through Discovery Vitality.
Woolworths credit card
Woolworths credit cards are designed for customers who frequently shop at Woolworths stores and want to earn while spending.
Credit card benefits
- An interest-free period of up to 55 days is allowed if the balance is paid off during that time.
- WRewards points on every purchase, offering discounts on Woolworths products and services.
- Affordable fees and interest rates tailored for everyday spending.
- Access to exclusive in-store promotions and offers.
- Select cards offer free hot beverages at Woolies Cafe, To Go, or NOW NOW.
- Select cards offer free delivery options for Woolies app purchases when paying with Wooles credit cards.
- Qualifying cardholders get travel insurance when tickets are purchased using the card.
Investec credit card
Investec credit cards cater to high-income individuals, offering premium benefits and personalised financial services.
Credit card benefits
- A credit facility priced at the prime lending rate, offering competitive interest rates without additional markups for qualifying cardholders.
- An interest-free period of up to 45 days is allowed if the balance is paid off during that time.
- Rewards points on qualifying transactions and balances, redeemable for travel, accommodation, and other services.
- Complimentary travel insurance for qualifying cardholders when international travel tickets are purchased using the card.
- Access to Bidvest and SAA Premium lounges within South Africa is available for qualifying cardholders.
- Access to over 1,200 international lounges through the InTransit program for qualifying cardholders.
Other bank benefits include access to a dedicated private banker for personalised wealth management and Investec Rewards.
⭐ Related content:
- How do credit cards work in South Africa? (An inside guide)
- Credit scores and credit cards — how to get your card
Final thoughts
So, which credit card fits your goals best? Whether it’s saving on fees, earning rewards, or enjoying luxury perks, South Africa’s top banks offer a variety of perks.
A lot of the perks are the same across most card providers. This means the choice may boil down to a unique perk or other services from the bank.
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