Looking for a new credit card? Well Look no further! There are many credit card companies in South Africa, but sometimes it can be challenging to select the right one. Here we’ve listed 5 of the most popular credit cards in South Africa. Take a look at some of their major benefits to help decide which one is right for you!
1. Virgin Money Credit Card
This credit card can work very well for those who have low incomes. It has no annual fee and balance transfer fee. But still, there are some costs you have to pay if you apply for this card. For example, 6.9% p.a. on balance transfers for up to 36 months if you apply before the given deadlines. If you make international transactions your costs will be 3.3%. Balance Transfer Rate reverts to the Cash Advance Rate of 20.99% p.a. as soon as the offer period ends. You can apply only if your income reaches their minimum requirement R5 000. You can add four cardholders without any fee. They offer 44 days interest-free period. [1]
2. Absa Student Credit Card
This is another no annual fee credit card in South Africa. To be eligible You must be a registered full-time student with a valid SA ID and earn a monthly income of at least R200. The ABSA student credit card lets you swipe for purchases for free. If you want to withdraw money from your credit card, you will be charged with a fee of R3.95 plus 1.15% from an ABSA ATM and R9.95 and the 1.15% from different banks’ ATM. If you have a positive balance, you will be paid an interest rate of 0.2%. In the case of the outstanding balance, your monthly minimum repayment is 3%. Their credit card limit is R200 and the fee is of the interest rate of 18%. [2]
3. Capitec Global One Credit
This card is perfect for those who can manage their credits well. If you have a positive balance you can earn 4.75% per year. The bank offers up to 55 days interest-free period. The credit limit is up to R250 000. You can personalise your credit card options based on your profile and affordability and pay a personalised interest rate from 10% per year. You can do cashless payments worldwide at Mastercard®, card machines, online and for telephone and mail orders. They don’t charge you with currency conversion fees for card purchases overseas. Their initiation fee is R100, the monthly fee is R35 and the interest rate is 10.00% – 20.50% that can vary based on your credit profile. [3]
4. FNB Gold Credit Card
The FNB Gold Credit Card offers you a lot of benefits such as free comprehensive global travel insurance, free automatic debt protection, free AA emergency roadside assistance with a linked Petro card. There is even more! You can earn between R84 000 – R299 999 per year, earn up to 15% back in eBucks on your qualifying FNB Connect contract or prepaid purchases, online shopping, domestic Uber rides and Uber Eats orders and whenever you use your Gold card. The bank offers personalised interest rates as well up to 55 days interest-free period. They have balance transfer and budget facility options too. To be eligible you need to earn between R84 000 – R299 999 per year. [4]
5. Standard Bank Gold Credit
The Standard Bank Gold Credit Card is also a good option for people with low income. They require a R5000 minimum monthly income. The credit limit is R 250.000 and the monthly fee is R54. You can personalise the interest rates as well. They offer flight discounts with Emirates for up to 35%, automatic basic travel insurance and Credit Card Protection Plan. You can have various lifestyle advanteges like 4 Ster-Kinekor movie tickets, 1GB of AlwaysOn Wi-Fi for a once off fee of R19 and get 11GB FREE, food and lifestyle offers on the MasterCard and UCount Rewards points every time you use your Credit Card. [5]
Conclusion
Now that you have a better idea of some of the most popular options available, you’re all set to choose the best card for you! However, it’s always best to remember to do your own research before making a final decision. A credit card is a financial tool, so we recommend always being aware of the risks and benefits, as well as any potential black market scam offers.
[1]https://businesstech.co.za/news/banking/292584/south-african-credit-cards-compared-2/
[2]http://www.wheretobank.co.za/students/student-credit-cards
[3]https://www.capitecbank.co.za/global-one/credit/credit-card/
[4]https://www.fnb.co.za/credit-card/gold-credit-card.html
[5]https://www.standardbank.co.za/southafrica/personal/products-and-services/bank-with-us/credit-cards/our-cards/gold-credit-card