Best Credit Cards in South Africa

When it comes to finding the best credit cards in South Africa, there are various factors to consider such as monthly fees, interest charged, value added benefits and overall service from the credit card provider. ThinkMoney subscribers rated and reviewed various credit cards in South Africa out of a maximum score of 5. This was based on subscribers' experience with service, integrity, internet banking, retail discounts, rewards programmes, telephone banking and value for money.

Virgin credit cards came out far ahead of its competitors as one of the best credit cards in South Africa among ThinkMoney users. With a typical monthly cost at R55.61, it rates as one of the cheapest credit cards on the market. Out of 661 reviews, it was given an overall star rating of 4.1 stars out of 5. Subscriber Lorraine Maree stated that her Virgin Money credit card “gives me the lowest interest rate of all my credit cards”. Adrian Botha praised the simple online application option, while Samantha Coetzee remarked on the great overall service offered by Virgin.

The Virgin Money credit card also charges one of the lowest interest rates at 14% and allows you to be part of Virgin Money World, a rewards programme that provides discounts on a variety of lifestyle products.

The African Bank Gold Credit Card received an overall star rating of 3.7 stars. A popular choice of credit card in South Africa, it has no minimum salary requirement, high approval rates and a low interest rate of 16,2%. It also offers free transaction fees for purchases made at till points, free SMS notification services and free ATM withdrawals. It offers 60 days free interest free on credit purchases. The African Bank’s Mobile Services allows you to check your balances, buy airtime and stop your card if it’s lost or stolen. 

Out of the major local banks offering credit cards in South Africa including ABSA, Standard Bank, Nedbank and FNB, Nedbank credit cards including the Nedbank Classic, Gold and Greenbacks range were popular amongst the subscribers and received high ratings. This was mainly due to Nedbank's balance transfer offer. This feature lets you transfer credit card debt from another card onto your Nedbank credit card, thereby paying off your other credit card. Although monthly charges for cardholders are above R100 for all the Nedbank cards, subscribers pointed out the amount of money paid was rewarded with great service from the institution.

The Go Banking credit card was rated an overall 4 stars out of 57 reviews. It stood out for subscribers because of the great discounts for purchases made at Pick n Pay stores. The Kulula credit card with a 22.1% interest rate and average monthly fee of R115 is one of the more expensive credit cards in South Africa, but does offer great discounts for flights on Kulula Airline, making this a good option for frequent fliers.

Looking for the best credit cards in South Africa for your lifestyle and financial needs? Read our credit card reviews written by ThinkMoney subscribers, and then apply quickly and easily online. You can also compare credit cards side by side, looking at various features such as products details and fees.