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3 best low-income cards in South Africa

Check out the list of the best three credit cards for low-income earners in South Africa, and start the New Year by taking advantage of valuable perks while enjoying low costs.

Cards for low-income earners: rewards and extra perks at a reasonable price

These credit cards are suitable for people with low income: check the options! Source: Canva.
These credit cards are suitable for people with low income: check the options! Source: Canva.

If you are a low-income earner, there are some amazing cards for you on the list below.

Usually, the best credit cards are designed for those who both earn a high income and have excellent creditworthiness.

Well, that might be true in most cases. But, there are some financial institutions that offer great card options for those who want to access good services at a very reasonable price, without having to worry about how much income is necessary for the application.

Then, check out the list of the best three credit cards for low-income earners in South Africa now!

How to choose the best card when you earn a low income?

Traditionally, only high-income earners have access to fantastic financial products and services.

However, times are changing, and most banks are working to include low-income earners as potential consumers.

In fact, people who earn low income usually try their best to build a solid financial path, which means offering great financial products and services for them leads to loyalty.

Consequently, banks achieve a higher range of clients, and clients reach their financial goals.

Capitec Bank

Capitec Bank review: Save money!

If you're in the market for a bank with incredible financial products, from credit cards to personal and banking accounts, read our Capitec Bank review!

But, it is important to pay attention to the offerings. 

Not all products are good and not all will fit your needs and goals, even if a card features low-income requirements.

In essence, it is essential to address your budget and profile to decide which credit card will be the best for you.

In the first place, before moving on with this article, consider updating your financial planning so you can choose a card that fits your finances and future plans.

Also, it is crucial to know if you can handle a credit card, otherwise consider choosing a debit card for better management and control.

Lastly, if you decide to go on with a credit card, check out the best three cards for low-income earners listed below!

Which cards are the best for low-income earners?

A good credit card can help you manage your finances. Source: Adobe Stock.
A good credit card can help you manage your finances. Source: Adobe Stock.

Summing up, the list below considers costs, rewards, perks, and extra benefits, as well as requirements in the application process.

Thus, all three credit cards below require low incomes when you apply for one of them. 

In addition, all three cards listed offer basic benefits as main financial products offered worldwide: accessibility, convenience, and flexibility.

On the other hand, as mentioned above, it is crucial to first address your finances, needs, and goals to decide which fits better your profile, then.

1. Woolworths Gold Credit Card

In the first place, if you love buying at Woolies, a Woolworths Gold Credit Card might be worth considering for low-income earners since it only requires an R3 000 as minimum monthly income.

In essence, this card has a cheap cost. So, it charges an R57.00 monthly service fee and an initiation fee of R193.00.

Other fees apply.

On the other hand, it provides you with an amazing reward rate, as follows:

  • 2% back in vouchers each quarter on all Woolies purchases;
  • 0.75% back in vouchers each quarter on all other purchases, including fuel (excludes EFT).

The card also offers access to the WRewards program, in which you get promotions and exclusive perks.

Furthermore, take a look at the other valuable advantages of getting a Woolworths Gold Credit Card:

  • Free additional cards up to 8;
  • Lost card protection;
  • Visa purchase protection & extended warranty;
  • Basic travel insurance for those who are under 75, when purchasing international airline tickets;
  • Assistance services, including medical and legal advice.

Certainly, a fantastic credit card for daily usage for those who earn a low income.

Woolworths Gold credit card

How to apply for a Woolworths Gold Credit Card?

Check out how to apply for a Woolworths Gold Credit Card and earn 2% back in vouchers each quarter on all your favorite Woolies purchases.

2. African Bank Gold Credit Card

Don't worry about your income: you can still get these credit cards. Source: Canva.
Don’t worry about your income: you can still get these credit cards. Source: Canva.

Firstly, an African Bank Gold Credit Card requires a minimum monthly income of only R5000. Plus, the requirements in the application are not many.

Furthermore, the card is one of the cheapest credit cards in South Africa.

In summary, it charges an R69.00 monthly service fee. Other fees apply, such as R5.55 for funds transfers, R11.50 for ATM cash withdrawals above R100 (plus 1.5% of transaction value), and R23.00 below R100.

On the other hand, this Gold card comes with some valuable benefits, as follows:

  • Global Emergency Assistance as well as Travel Assistance;
  • Credit Life Insurance;
  • Interest-free credit on POS purchases for up to 60 days when paying your outstanding balance in full by the due date.

Additionally, it offers worldwide acceptance since it is a Visa.

Finally, there are no extra costs for the extra perks. So, basically, you won’t find a card with good coverage, especially when you travel abroad, rather than this one.

African Bank Gold Credit Card

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 Flexi Core Credit Card

An Absa Flexi Core Credit Card features amazing perks for only an R14.00 monthly service fee.

Although branch fees are not so accessible, this card offers amazing rewards, as follows:

  • Absa Rewards: up to 30% real cash back on groceries, fuel, health & beauty, and at partners (conditions apply), and up to 1.15% on everything else;
  • Absa Advantage: complete challenges and get rewarded.

Also, it only requires a minimum income of R2 000.00. 

The card offers a credit limit of up to R90 000.00, and many other benefits at no extra cost, such as automatic basic travel insurance, lost card protection for free, up to 57 days of interest-free on qualifying transactions, no transaction fees on purchases, and more.

Moreover, this Flexi Core might be one of the best options for those who need to build a credit history.

Absa Flexi Core Credit Card

How to apply for the Absa Flexi Core Credit Card?

Learn how easy and fast it is to apply for an Absa Flexi Core Credit Card and start earning rewards and building your credit history today!

Recommendation: 7 financial tips for a fresh start in 2023

Now you know you can get a good credit card even if you earn a low income and pick the best among these cards.

But, as mentioned before, some steps must be taken in order to make wise decisions. For example, it is important to have financial planning to decide which card fits your budget better.

So, take a look at the other financial tips you can follow in order to have a fresh start in 2023!

financial tips start 2023

7 financial tips for a fresh start in 2023

Want to start 2023 on the right foot? Then, check out the list of the 7 best financial tips for you to achieve success in finances.

About the author  /  Aline Augusto

My name is Aline Mesquita; I'm a writer here on the blog, where I write about finance in general and other subjects. I have been working with content creation for ten years. Also, I'm post-graduated in Project Management, with expertise in SEO practices. Currently, I am studying finance, market trends, and cryptocurrencies.

Reviewed by  /  Aline Barbosa

Senior Editor

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