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Best card in South Africa: 4 options!

Are you searching for the best card in South Africa to suit your lifestyle needs? If so, you can find your best card options in this post. Read on!

by Victória Lourenço

Published on 02/01/2023

What is the best credit card to use in South Africa? Find out here!

Find the best card to pay for your expenses and give you benefits! Source: Canva.

If you’re looking for the perfect card to suit your lifestyle, you’ve undoubtedly explored all the options available in South Africa. But which is the best card in South Africa? We can help you find it!

Moreover, with so many cards available, it’s hard to know which is ultimately the best. Don’t worry; we have saved you the trouble of researching and narrowing down four cards that cater to various needs!

Whether you need something for everyday spending or travel rewards, we’ve got comprehensive reviews right here! Read on to see which is the best card in South Africa!

How to use a credit card to your advantage?

If you’re going to use credit, the most important thing you can do is to pay your bills on time each month.

Moreover, establishing a positive credit history and avoiding expensive late fees in this manner is the best option.

Therefore, you should develop a payment schedule to assist you in keeping track of when payments are due.

In addition, one more thing that might help your score is maintaining an open line of credit for a long time.

So, aim to pay off the entire credit card balance as quickly as possible, in addition to the minimum monthly payments. Also, these are only some ways to make the best out of your credit card.

4 best credit card options in South Africa

A credit card can help you manage your finances and build a credit history. Source: Canva.

Now that you read some tips on how to use your card responsibly, you can see which is the best card in South Africa.

However, keep in mind that the best credit card can be good for some and not so good for others.

Therefore, always do your research before applying for a credit card. So, read our list below to see the 4 four best South African cards!

1 – Standard Bank Titanium Credit Card: best travel credit card in South Africa

This Standard Bank card can be the best one in South Africa because it has a reasonable monthly fee and it offers an incredible credit limit of R250,000.

Moreover, you can earn up to 5% cashback for domestic or international hotels, travel insurance, and much more!

Requirements	R5000 minimum monthly income; South African ID copy, and more.
Initiation Fee	R180.
Monthly Fee	R82.00.
Rates	You’l get personalized interest rates! Plus, there is a 0% interest rate if you choose the 6-month budget plan when paying for in-store or online purchases.
Rewards*	Up to 5% cashback after you book any domestic or international hotels, apartments, or other related; 10% off after you spend R300 or more on ProGifts; Flight discounts with Emirates (up to 20%); Discounts for car rentals with Avis (up to 15%). *Terms apply.

Like what you see on this table? If you do, you can learn how to apply for this credit card at the following link. Or keep reading to see the other credit cards we’ll present here.

How to apply for the Standard Bank Titanium card?

When choosing a good card, you need to consider many things. But if you learn how to apply for the Standard Bank Titanium Credit Card, you'll find incredible perks!

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2 – African Bank Gold Credit Card

With this card, you can find travel assistance, credit life insurance, and more! Plus, this card can be a good option for those needing card insurance and other types of insurance.

Also, you can get up to 60 days interest-free on POS purchases!

Requirements	Be over 18 years old, and show your latest bank statements, proof of income, and more.
Initiation Fee	N/A.
Monthly Fee	R69.00 per month.
Rates*	Card replacement fee: R115.00; Funds transfer fee: R5.55; Cash back at POS: R7.50; Deposit fee (Plus 1.3% of transaction value over R250): R5.75; ATM cash withdrawals above R100 (Plus 1.5% of transaction value): R11.50; ATM cash withdrawal (Plus 1.5% of transaction value): R23.00. *Terms apply.
Rewards*	You can get 3% interest per year on a positive balance. *Terms apply.

Learn how to apply for the African Bank Gold Credit Card with our comprehensive walkthrough of the application process.

How to apply for the African Bank Gold Credit Card

See how easy it is to apply for an African Bank Gold Credit Card and get your card issued instantly in a branch so you can enjoy its perks!

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3 – ABSA Student Credit Card: best credit card to build credit in South Africa

There are many credit cards for different purposes, like student credit cards! Source: Canva.

This credit card can be the best for students who need to build a credit history and earn rewards. Also, you can Absa rewards for everyday spending.

However, you’ll need to use your card responsibly to improve your credit and get the rewards.

Requirements	You’ll need a minimum monthly income of R800, a valid student registration, and others.
Initiation Fee*	Up to an R175 maximum. *Terms apply.
Monthly Fee	None.
Rates*	Cash deposit: at Absa ATM – R2.50 per R100.00 / Absa branch – R4.00 per R100.00; Cash withdrawal: Any local bank (assisted) – R80.00 plus R2.50 per R100 / Absa / POS – local – ATM – R2.50 per R100; Credit card purchases: Free; Balance inquiry: Free / Assisted: R9.00; Insufficient funds fee: R10.00. *Terms apply.
Rewards	Absa Rewards: up to 30% cash back on groceries, fuel, health & beauty, and at partners (conditions apply); up to 1.15% on everything else; Absa Advantage: complete challenges and get rewarded

If you’d like to build your credit history with a great credit card to prepare for your life after graduation, consider applying for this credit card, as you can see on the following link.

How to apply for the Absa Student Credit Card?

You must meet specific requirements and eligibility criteria in order to apply for an Absa Student Credit Card. Learn how the process works!

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4 – Nedbank Platinum Credit Card

This Nedbank credit card is for those with a little bit more income and money. However, you can make it fit your lifestyle if you like premium travel perks and rewards.

Moreover, this card offers discounts on Nu Metro movie tickets and other perks! Also, you’ll earn Greenbacks rewards while purchasing on eligible places.

In addition, you can get access to incredible restaurant deals. And this card can be perfect for those who love to travel with style because you can get travel discounts on car hire, flights, and more!

Requirements*	You need to be at least 18 years old to apply, live in South Africa and have a South African ID or a valid passport, earn at least R29,000 per month, and others; Also, you’ll need to have a good credit score. *Terms apply.
Initiation Fee	N/A.
Monthly Fee*	R96 per month; Credit facility fee from R32 per month; Greenbacks linkage fee: R27. *Terms apply.
Rates*	There are no card delivery fees; Additional card: R35; Up to 55 days interest-free. *Terms apply.
Rewards*	Get 50% off your Nu Metro movie tickets; Buy at bp and get a chance to win R20,000 worth of fuel; You’ll earn Greenbacks rewards on all eligible purchases made with your Nedbank Platinum Credit Card; Access great restaurant deals and travel discounts, including car hire, flights, and accommodation; Get exclusive deals on airtime, data vouchers, electricity, shopping, and others. *Terms apply.

If you’re looking for excellent rewards rates, the Nedbank Platinum Credit Card is a great option. Check the following post to learn even more about this platinum card.

How to apply for the Nedbank Platinum Credit Card?

Do you need a card with travel perks and rewards? If so, read on to learn how to apply for the Nedbank Platinum Credit Card!

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About the author

Victória Lourenço

Victória Lourenço is part of the finance writer team for The Mister Finance website. She is a translator and copywriter, having worked on finance topics for over four years. She has a goal to keep studying finances to help people learn more about how to use their credit cards, make loans, and use other money-related products in a way that they can find a more meaningful and healthy financial life!