10 Cheapest Credit Cards in South Africa

The 10 Cheapest Credit Cards in South Africa (2025) – Reviewed. We have Rated and Reviewed the 10 Best, Cheapest, and Most Affordable Credit Card Options in South Africa for Students, Business Owners, Foreigners, and Travelers with no annual fee, low-interest rates, and much more.

In this in-depth guide, you will learn:

1. The 10 Cheapest Credit Cards in South Africa – a List.
2. Which Banks, Providers, or, Companies (Discovery Bank, Woolworths, FNB, Standard Bank, Absa, African Bank) offer the Best, Easiest, Cheapest, and most Affordable Credit Card Options in SA?

And much, MUCH more!

10 Cheapest Credit Cards in South Africa – A Comparison

10 Cheapest Credit Cards in South Africa (2025)

1. ☑️ Discovery Bank Gold Card – Overall, the Cheapest Credit Card in South Africa
2. ☑️ Woolworths Gold Card – 3% CashBack in WRewards
3. ☑️ FNB Aspire Card – Automatic Debt Protection
4. ☑️ FNB Gold Business Card – The Best Credit Card for Rewards
5. ☑️ Absa Gold Card – Customizable interest rates
6. ☑️ Absa Transact Card – Restaurant deals, travel discounts on car hire, flights, and more.
7. ☑️ Absa Student Card – Interest-Free Credit and Travel Insurance
8. ☑️ Standard Bank Gold Card – Mid Range to Low Income Required
9. ☑️ Standard Bank Blue Card – 0% interest rate on a 6-month budget payment option
10. ☑️ African Bank Black Card – Up to 62 days of interest-free credit

Discovery Bank Gold Credit Card

The variable interest rates that come with the Discovery Gold Credit Card are one of the nicest perks that come with the card since they reward you for being responsible with your money. This makes it one of the cheapest credit cards in South Africa.

Discovery Bank is a reliable provider of credit cards, and it provides its customers with a variety of privileged advantages, lifestyle rewards, and other advantages.

The Discovery Bank Gold Credit Card comes with a number of benefits, one of which is a cashback rebate of up to forty percent on certain transactions, such as those made at grocery stores, on Uber rides, and at petrol stations.

You will receive 10 Discovery Miles as a reward for every R1 that you earn in rewards, and these Discovery Miles can be used for airline tickets. When a customer makes the decision to spend their miles, they are eligible for savings of up to thirty percent.

Discovery Bank Gold Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

• ✅ Monthly account fee: R30
• ✅ Monthly Vitality Money premium: R25
• ✅ Monthly single credit facility fee: R35
• ✅ Total monthly account fee: R90

Interest rate:

• ✅ Up to 2% interest on your positive balances in your everyday accounts.
• ✅ Up to 6.75% interest on demand savings accounts.
• ✅ Up to 4% less interest on your borrowing rate.

Discovery Bank Gold Credit Card Conditions, Application, Limits, and, Utilization Rates

Download the Discovery Bank app on your mobile device to apply for any product offered by Discovery Bank and open an account in less than five minutes. You also have the option of leaving your information on the Discovery website, and a representative will call you back.

Your credit utilization rate, also known as your credit utilization ratio, is calculated by taking the amount of revolving credit you are now using and dividing it by the total amount of revolving credit you have available. In other words, it is the total amount of your current debt divided by the maximum amount of credit you are allowed to have.

Discovery Bank Gold Credit Card Customer Review

🥇 Outstanding.

When I was applying for this credit card from Discovery, the service that I received was outstanding. – Monika

Discovery Bank Gold Credit Card Pros and Cons

Woolworths Gold Credit Card

This credit card is geared towards customers who like the benefits of obtaining rewards, including 2% coupons that can be redeemed at Woolworths stores located throughout South Africa and 0.75% coupons that can be used at stores that are not owned by Woolworths.

In addition, customers can get a refund of up to 1% of the amount they spend on fuel, and they are granted 55 days of interest-free credit.

The interest rate on the Woolworths Credit Card is 21%, and there is a monthly administration fee of 50.50 ZAR. The application process is really simple, and finishing it won’t take more than a few minutes of your time. To be eligible, customers must have a valid bank account, be at least 18 years old, and earn more than 3000 South African Rand (ZAR) every month.

Woolworths Gold Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

• ✅ Monthly admin fee: R50.50

The Woolworths Credit Card interest rate is 21%

Woolworths Gold Credit Card Conditions, Application, Limits, and, Utilization Rates

In order to submit an application for a Woolworths Gold Credit Card, you are required to satisfy the following criteria:

• ✅ Earn more than R3000 per month and be at least 18 years old to qualify.
• ✅ Have a valid South African identification card.

Your credit utilization rate, also known as your credit utilization ratio, is calculated by dividing the total amount of revolving credit you have available by the amount of revolving credit you are now using. It is the sum of all of your existing debts divided by the maximum amount of credit you are allowed to have.

Woolworths Gold Credit Card Customer Review

🥇 Great Assistance.

The fact that I have a large purchasing power thanks to this credit card has been of great assistance to me during challenging times. – Cathy

Woolworths Gold Credit Card Pros and Cons

FNB Aspire Credit Card

The FNB Aspire Credit Card is a well-liked choice since it provides holders with access to exclusive deals at select merchant partners, automated debt protection, and free global travel insurance coverage.

The FNB Aspire Credit Card gives its customers access to a variety of digital platforms offered by FNB, as well as monthly eBucks bonuses and no restrictions on the types of transactions that can be made using the card.

FNB Aspire Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

• ✅ Monthly card fee: R45

FNB provides you with a customized interest rate, and you can go up to 30 days without paying any interest.

FNB Aspire Credit Card Conditions, Application, Limits, and, Utilization Rates

The following must be completed before submitting an application for a FNB Aspire Credit Card:

• ✅ You need to have a copy of your most recent pay stub, three months’ worth of bank statements, a South African ID book or card, and proof of domicile.
• ✅ Your annual income must be between R84,000 and R449,999.

Your credit utilization rate, also known as your credit utilization ratio, is calculated by taking the amount of revolving credit you are now using and dividing it by the total amount of revolving credit you have available. In other words, it is the total amount of your current debt divided by the maximum amount of credit you are allowed to have.

FNB Aspire Credit Card Customer Review

🥇 Low Monthly Fees.

The Aspire Credit Card provides me with low monthly fees at a fixed interest rate that is within my budget. – Claude

FNB Aspire Credit Card Pros and Cons

FNB Gold Business Card

The FNB Business Gold Credit Card is an excellent choice for proprietors of companies who wish to provide their managers and sales representatives with the capacity to make purchases of goods and services on behalf of their companies.

The account allows for free swiping and does not charge transaction fees on certain purchases; nevertheless, there are expenses associated with withdrawing cash and paying for petrol.

Using the Visa IntelliLink Spend Management system, you will be able to exercise control over your expenses, gain insight into your spending patterns, and investigate the specifics of your transactions.

FNB Gold Business Card Fees and Interest Rates

• ✅ Monthly account fee: from R85 / R159 (for Trust Entity)

Despite the fact that the interest rate is not disclosed, it would appear that customers are offered customized interest rates according to their credit profiles.

FNB Gold Business Card Conditions, Application, Limits, and, Utilization Rates

You will need the following items in order to apply for a Business Gold Credit Card with FNB:

• ✅ An FNB Business Account for your company
• ✅ You need to ask the Relationship Manager for the necessary application paperwork so that you can fill them out.

Your credit utilization rate, also known as your credit utilization ratio, is calculated by dividing the total amount of revolving credit you have available by the amount of revolving credit you are now using. It is the sum of all of your existing debts divided by the maximum amount of credit you are allowed to have.

FNB Gold Business Card Customer Review

🥇 Free Insurance.

I really like that this card provides me with free insurance for all of my travels around the world. – Andy

FNB Gold Business Card Pros and Cons

Absa Gold Credit Card

The ABSA Gold Credit Card is an entry-level credit card that offers exceptional value, has a low monthly cost, and gives typical credit card capabilities. These characteristics make it an attractive option for consumers.

Absa Credit card owners can use their cards virtually everywhere in the globe with no additional fees or restrictions. Additionally, the card is equipped with cutting-edge technologies to make purchases both in-store and online as simple as possible. There are also a variety of lifestyle advantages that can be obtained, such as discounts, cashback incentives, travel benefits, and more.

There is a maximum credit that is issued that competes with competitors’ maximums, and customers have the option of using that credit for a wide variety of products depending on their own preferences.  The monthly account fee is 55 ZAR, the maximum credit limit is 90 000 ZAR, and there is a 3% monthly minimum payment due on any balances that are carried over from the previous month.

When used in other countries, a transaction fee equal to 2.75% of the total purchase amount is assessed. The interest rate on this credit card is 18% per year and is calculated annually.

Absa Gold Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

• ✅ Monthly account fee: R55

On purchases that meet certain criteria, you could receive an interest-free extension of up to 57 days. Your credit history will be used to establish the interest rate that you will be charged.

Absa Gold Credit Card Conditions, Application, Limits, and, Utilization Rates

To apply for ABSA’s Gold Credit Card, these are the following requirements:

• ✅ The minimum age requirement is 18, and the required monthly income is R4,000.
• ✅ The required documentation includes: Proof of domicile, the most recent proof of income for the preceding three months, and a valid South African ID book or smart card are all required, and the application must pass an affordability assessment.

To get your credit utilization rate, which is also referred to as your credit utilization ratio, divide the entire amount of revolving credit you have available by the amount of revolving credit you are currently utilizing. This will give you your credit utilization rate. It is calculated by taking the total value of all of your current debts and dividing that number by the maximum amount of credit you are permitted to have.

Absa Gold Credit Card Customer Review

🥇 Great First Card.

This is my first credit card, and it has already given me a lot of great value. – Janine

Absa Gold Credit Card Pros and Cons

Absa Transact Credit Card

A further first-time, entry-level credit card option for customers who are looking for a cheap credit card is the Transact Credit Card. In order for customers to qualify, they need to have a monthly income that is at least 2,000 ZAR.

With this credit card, customers may anticipate an interest rate of 20.50%, with a maximum credit interest rate of 0.20% and 57 days where they won’t be charged any interest.  The ABSA transact account is a competitive service that was developed with the intention of minimizing the market issues brought about by the proliferation of digital banks.

The provision of access to a little bank account is one of the features included in the product that is intended to entice newbies. On the other hand, account expenses have been cut, but this has come at the expense of other high-tier bank items.

Absa Transact Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

• ✅ Monthly card fee: R12

Customers who use this credit card will be subject to an annual percentage rate (APR) of 20.50%, with a maximum credit interest rate of 0.20%, and they will have access to 57 interest-free days.

Absa Transact Credit Card Conditions, Application, Limits, and, Utilization Rates

In order to submit an application for an ABSA Transact Credit Card, you are required to satisfy the following criteria:

• ✅ The minimum amount of monthly revenue necessary is R2000.
• ✅ You must be at least 18 years old.
• ✅ Proof of domicile, the most recent proof of income for the preceding three months, and a valid South African ID book or smart card are all required, and the application must pass an affordability assessment.

To apply, take the following steps:

• ✅ On the website, navigate to the Apply Now button;
• ✅ On the Online Account Application page, enter the characters as they appear in the image;
• ✅ Please finish the six-step assessment;
• ✅ You have the option to Save and continue later, or Continue at each stage of your assessment;
• ✅ Click Apply when you have finished your assessment;

Your credit utilization rate, also known as your credit utilization ratio, is calculated by dividing the total amount of revolving credit you have available by the amount of revolving credit you are now using. It is the sum of all of your existing debts divided by the maximum amount of credit you are allowed to have.

Absa Transact Credit Card Customer Review

🥇 Great Choice.

This is a great first-time credit card that really helped me build up my credit score. – Richard

Absa Transact Credit Card

Absa Student Credit Card

The ABSA student credit card does not charge any fees on a monthly basis. For the ABSA student credit card, you need to be a registered full-time student, have a valid South African ID, and have a monthly income of at least R800. In addition, you need to be able to prove that you are eligible for the card.

Your ABSA student credit card grants you the ability to make purchases at no additional cost. The fee to withdraw money from an ATM belonging to ABSA is R3.95 in addition to 1.15% of the total amount withdrawn.  The fee to withdraw money from an ATM belonging to another bank is R9.95 in addition to 1.15% of the total amount withdrawn.

The credit card issued by ABSA has a limit rate of R200. There is a need for a monthly minimum payback of 3% of the total amount still owed. When you have a balance that is positive, you will receive interest at the rate of 0.20%.

Absa Student Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

• ✅ No monthly fee

You are not supplied with the potential interest rate upfront; but, on qualified transactions, you are eligible to receive up to 57 days of interest-free financing.

Absa Student Credit Card Conditions, Application, Limits, and, Utilization Rates

In order to submit an application for an ABSA student card, you are required to satisfy the following criteria:

• ✅ Income per month: a minimum income or allowance of R800 per month is required.
• ✅ Age requirement: between 18 and 30 years old
• ✅ Student registration: you must be a registered full-time student at a FET college, SAQA-approved institution, university, university of technology, or private institution.
• ✅ Valid South African ID book or smart card, evidence of residency, and the most recent proof of income for three consecutive months.

Your credit utilization rate, also known as your credit utilization ratio, is calculated by dividing the total amount of revolving credit you have available by the amount of revolving credit you are now using. It is the sum of all of your outstanding obligations expressed as a fraction of your entire credit limit.

Absa Student Credit Card Customer Review

🥇 Cheap and Easy.

The use of this credit card was easy and it is really cheap which is great for me as a student. – Cathy

Absa Student Credit Card Pros and Cons

Standard Bank Gold Credit Card

Users of the Standard Bank Gold Credit Card are entitled to some of the most desirable benefits that are available from a top-tier credit card in South Africa. There aren’t many if any, other cards that can compete with the benefits that this card provides.

This credit card offers a variety of advantages in the areas of insurance, traveling, and lifestyle, in addition to the additional perk that is tailored specifically to meet the needs of customers who are applying for their very first credit card. Customers who have a gold credit card are required to pay a minimum of three percent of the total balance that is carried over from month to month on their credit card.

The gold credit card has a variable interest rate that ranges anywhere from 0% to a maximum of the repo rate plus 14%.

Standard Bank Gold Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

• ✅ Monthly card fee: R23
• ✅ All secondary cards: R25
• ✅ Cash withdrawal at ATM: R8 per R1 000 up to R3 000 thereafter R2.20 per R100

According to the NCA legislation, the interest rates on the Standard Bank Gold Credit Card can be customized to range from a minimum of 11.75% (prime minus 0.25%) to a maximum of 22.25% (Repo rate plus 14%). This range is for the minimum interest rate.

Standard Bank Gold Credit Card Conditions, Application, Limits, and, Utilization Rates

To apply for a Standard Bank Gold Credit Card you can take the following steps:

• ✅ In order to apply online, you will need to sign into your Internet Banking profile first.
• ✅ Choose Borrow from the main navigation menu at the top of the page, and then fill out the form with your information.
• ✅ Then, follow the instructions on the screen to find out which credit card you are eligible for.

Your credit utilization rate, also known as your credit utilization ratio, is calculated by dividing the total amount of revolving credit you have available by the amount of revolving credit you are now using. It is the sum of all of your existing debts divided by the maximum amount of credit you are allowed to have.

Standard Bank Gold Credit Card Customer Review

🥇 Great Benefits.

Great benefits that are offered on a really cheap credit card. – Jack

Standard Bank Gold Credit Card Pros and Cons

Standard Bank Blue Credit Card

The Standard Bank Blue Credit Card is one of the credit cards that offers the most convenient and economical everyday banking services, and it is issued by Standard Bank. On the other hand, although having the lowest price, it does not offer very many advantages, which is one of its disadvantages.

To be eligible for 55 days of credit with no interest charged, the customer’s balance must be paid in full within 55 days of the day the credit was issued.

Standard Bank Blue Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

• ✅ Monthly card fee: R40

According to the NCA rule, interest rates can be customized to range anywhere from a low of 11.75 percent (prime minus 0.25 percent) to a high of 22.2 percent (repo rate plus 14 percent).

Standard Bank Blue Credit Card Conditions, Application, Limits, and, Utilization Rates

The following is a list of the steps that need to be taken in order to apply for a Standard Bank Blue Credit Card:

• ✅ To apply for a credit card online, sign into your Internet Banking profile;
• ✅ On the top navigation menu, pick Borrow;
• ✅ Complete the application by entering your information;
• ✅ Follow the procedures displayed on the screen to determine which credit card you are eligible for.

Your credit utilization rate, also known as your credit utilization ratio, is calculated by taking the amount of revolving credit you are now using and dividing it by the total amount of revolving credit you have available. To determine it, divide the entire amount of debt you currently have by the credit limit you have available.

Standard Bank Blue Credit Card Customer Review

🥇 Reasonable Cost.

A credit card option that is very reasonable in cost. – Amanda

Standard Bank Blue Credit Card Pros and Cons

African Bank Black Credit Card

The African Bank Black Credit Card comes with a low annual fee and a 62-day grace period during which there is no interest charged.  Customers who require the capability of a credit card but do not wish to go over their allotted spending limit on monthly groceries can consider applying for the African Bank Black Credit Card.

African Bank Black Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

• ✅ Monthly service fee: R55.00
• ✅ Card replacement fee: R125.00
• ✅ Initiation fee: R125.00

Credit card accounts with positive balances at African Bank can earn up to 3% interest.

African Bank Black Credit Card Conditions, Application, Limits, and, Utilization Rates

You will need to have the following documents on hand in order to qualify for an online credit card offer that is tailored to your way of life:

• ✅ The most recent evidence of your income.
• ✅ To apply for a credit card, you have to be at least 18 years old.
• ✅ The most recent bank statement, which details the salary deposits made during the past three months.

Your credit utilization rate, also known as your credit utilization ratio, is calculated by dividing the amount of revolving credit you are now utilizing by the total amount of revolving credit you have access to. In other terms, it is the total amount of your current debt divided by the maximum amount of credit you are allowed to have.

African Bank Black Credit Card Customer Review

🥇 Outstanding.

Applying for credit with African Bank was a breeze, and the quality of service I received from them was outstanding. – June

African Bank Black Credit Card Pros and Cons

Factors to consider when choosing the cheapest credit cards in South Africa.

There are a few important considerations when choosing the cheapest credit cards in South Africa:

• ✅ Look at the interest. This is the cost of using the card to borrow money if you don’t pay off the whole amount every month. You can compare the interest rates of different cards to find the one with the lowest rate. You should also compare other things about the cards, like the fees, charges, and perks.
• ✅ Consider the minimum amount. If you don’t pay off the sum every month, you’ll have to pay at least a certain amount.

Finally, look at the annual fee. Some cards have an annual fee for using them. The fee is added to the amount you owe, and unless you pay it off in full, you will have to pay interest on both the fee and your spending.

Pitfalls to avoid when using the cheapest credit cards in South Africa.

There are some pitfalls to avoid in order to make the most out of the cheapest credit cards in South Africa:

• ✅ Not reading the fine print. Credit card terms aren’t always easy to understand, but you need to know them if you don’t want to get hit with fees and charges you didn’t expect. Read the small print on your bill. It will tell you more about your introductory rates, balance transfer fees, and any other fees you might have to pay.
• ✅ Running high balances. Carrying a big debt or using your card up to its limit is also a bad idea, and not just because the interest rates are so high.

Your credit utilization ratio, or how much of your credit amount you’re using, is an important part of how your credit score is calculated.

Why get the cheapest credit card in South Africa?

During the introductory time, you won’t have to pay interest on anything you buy. Most credit card offers give you interest-free purchases or debt transfers for six to eighteen months.

In Conclusion

 Now it is your turn to participate:

Which Cheap Credit Card Option from this list do you intend to test out?

 What was the determining factor in your decision to engage with a certain broker?

 Was it because of the Fees, Interest Rates, or, the Pros and Cons?

 Regardless, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

You might also like: The 9 Best Credit Cards for Beginners

You might also like: The 10 Best Credit Cards for Cashback

You might also like: The 10 Best Credit Cards for Rewards

You might also like: The 10 Best Credit Cards to Build Credit

You might also like: The 10 Best Credit Cards for Fuel

Frequently Asked Questions

How do the cheapest credit cards in South Africa work?

The cheapest credit cards in South Africa are those with low minimum monthly rates, decent interest rates, and great rewards that let you save money or get cash back.

How many of the cheapest credit cards should one have?

This depends on how much money you want to spend and how much debt you can comfortably take on.

How to get the lowest credit card rate?

Most of the time, a good way to get a lower interest rate is to improve your credit score. If you can’t get a cheaper interest rate, you could apply for a balance transfer card with a 0% introductory interest. This will give you a set amount of time to pay down your debt without paying interest.

How do I choose the right credit card for me?

Find a card that will work for you. Different types of credit cards have different perks and may be better for different spending and payingback habits.

What is a good credit card rate?

A good credit card interest rate is 14% or less. That’s about the average rate of interest on a credit card for someone with good credit. Even a decent interest rate on a credit card for someone with a bad credit score is not that low.

How can a person avoid paying interest on a credit card?

Every month, pay your bill in full. Most credit cards come with a grace period that lasts at least 21 days from the date of your monthly bill.

Other Resources