9 Best Credit Cards for Beginners in South Africa

The Top 9 Credit Cards for Beginners in South Africa (2025) – Reviewed. We have Rated and Reviewed the 9 Best Credit Card options for Beginners and Students in South Africa with top Rewards, Impressive Benefits, Instant Approval, and more.

In this in-depth guide, you will learn:

• The Best Credit Cards for Beginners in South Africa – a List
• Which Bank (Capitec, African Bank, FNB, Standard Bank, ABSA) gives a Credit Card to Beginners and Students easily?
• How do You get a Credit Card for the First time in South Africa with no credit history, bad credit, a low credit score, no credit score, and no deposit?
• How do You get a Credit Card in South Africa without a credit check or Payslip to build credit?

And much, MUCH more!

9 Best Credit Cards for Beginners in South Africa – a Comparison

9 Best Credit Cards for Beginners in South Africa (2025)

1. ☑️ Discovery Bank Gold Card – Overall, the Best Credit Card for Beginners
2. ☑️ ABSA Gold Card – Low Fees and Competitive Interest Rates
3. ☑️ ABSA Transact Card – Unlimited card swipes
4. ☑️ Capitec Global One Card – Tap Payments and Live Better Rewards
5. ☑️ Standard Bank Blue Card – 0% interest rate on a 6-month budget payment option
6. ☑️ African Bank Gold Card – Interest-free periods on Purchases
7. ☑️ Standard Bank Gold Card – Free Automatic Travel Insurance
8. ☑️ FNB Gold Card – Up to 55 days interest-free
9. ☑️ Woolworths Gold Card – Up to 2% CashBack in WRewards

Discovery Bank Gold Credit Card

The Discovery Gold Credit Card offers several great incentives for beginners applying for credit, particularly the opportunity to be rewarded through interest rates for good financial conduct. This goes a long way in allowing those starting to build their credit history to learn about sound financial management.

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, create an account, and apply for any Discovery Bank product in under five minutes. On the Discovery website, you may also leave your contact information and request a callback.

Your credit utilization rate, also known as your credit utilization ratio, is calculated as the amount of revolving credit you are currently using divided by the total amount of revolving credit you have available. In other words, it equals your credit limit divided by the total of your outstanding debt.

Commonly, it is expressed as a percentage. Your credit utilization rate is 50%, meaning that you are using half of the total credit available. You can determine your per-card ratio by computing both your total credit utilization rate and a rate for each of your credit accounts.

Discovery Bank Gold Credit Card Customer Review

🥇 Amazing Rewards.

As my first credit card, I found Discovery to be helpful, and professional and to offer some amazing rewards. – Malcolm

Discovery Bank Gold Credit Card Pros and Cons

Absa Gold Credit Card

The ABSA Gold Credit Card is an entry-level credit card that offers exceptional value, a low monthly cost, and traditional credit card benefits.  Credit cardholders can also use their credit card anywhere in the world.

The card also has cutting-edge technologies that allow for simple in-store and online transactions. Discounts, cashback incentives, travel bonuses, and other lifestyle benefits are also available.

There is a credit limit that competes with competitors, with credit that may be utilized for a variety of purchases based on the customer’s preferences.

The account fee is 55 ZAR per month, and the maximum credit limit is 90 000 ZAR, with a 3% monthly minimum payable on outstanding sums.  When used abroad, a 2.75% transaction fee is applied. The annual interest rate on this credit card is 18%.

Absa Gold Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

• ✅ Monthly account fee: R55

You get up to 57 days interest-free on qualifying transactions. Interest rates will be determined by your credit profile.

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

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

• ✅ Monthly income required: R4 000
• ✅ Age: 18 years or older
• ✅ Documentation required: Valid South African ID book or Smart card, proof of residence, and the latest proof of income for three consecutive months
• ✅ Subject to an affordability assessment

The amount of revolving credit you’re utilizing divided by the entire amount of revolving credit you have available is your credit utilization rate, also known as your credit utilization ratio. It is calculated by dividing your total existing debt by your credit limit.

It is most commonly stated as a percentage. You can compute both an overall credit utilization rate and a rate for each of your credit accounts (known as your per-card ratio).

Absa Gold Credit Card Customer Review

🥇 Great Choice!

I get great rewards from this credit card even though this is my first credit card and I have no real credit history. – Sifiso

Absa Gold Credit Card Pros and Cons

Absa Transact Credit Card

The Absa Transact Credit Card is another first-time, entry-level credit card for consumers wishing to build credit. Customers must earn at least R2,000 ZAR each month to qualify. Customers may expect a 20.50% interest rate, a maximum credit interest rate of 0.20%, and 57 interest-free days with this credit card.

The Absa transact account is a competitive offering designed to address market issues brought on by the rise of digital banks.

The product is intended to entice newcomers by giving them access to a tiny bank account. Account fees, on the other hand, have been decreased at the expense of other high-level bank products.

Absa Transact Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

• ✅ Monthly card fee: R12

The interest rate that customers can expect with this credit card is 20.50%, with a maximum credit interest of 0.20% and access to 57 interest-free days.

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

To apply for an ABSA Transact Credit Card, you must fulfill the following requirements:

• ✅ Monthly income required: R2 000
• ✅ Age: 18 years or older
• ✅ Documentation required: Valid South African ID book or Smart card, proof of residence, and the latest proof of income for three consecutive months
• ✅ Subject to an affordability assessment

To apply, take the following steps:

• ✅ Click on the Apply Now button on the website
• ✅ On the Online Account Application page, enter the characters as displayed in the image
• ✅ Please complete the six-step assessment
• ✅ You may Save and continue later, or Continue at each stage of your assessment
• ✅ Click Apply when you have completed your assessment

The amount of revolving credit you’re utilizing divided by the entire amount of revolving credit you have available is your credit utilization rate, also known as your credit utilization ratio. It is calculated by dividing your total existing debt by your credit limit.

Absa Transact Credit Card Customer Review

🥇 Easy Application.

I liked that I could get a credit card from Absa even though I don’t have the highest income yet. – Janine

Absa Transact Credit Card Pros and Cons

Capitec Global One Credit Card

The Capitec Bank Global One credit card is a hybrid that offers benefits for both travel and leisure. The monthly charge for the credit card is R40.00, and the interest rate is variable and starts at 7.25%. The credit card has a maximum credit limit of R500,000.00, although the credit limit is determined by income and affordability.

To be eligible for the Capitec Bank Global One credit card, you must be employed and earn at least R5,000.00 per month. Self-employed individuals must earn at least R10,000.00 per month to be eligible for the credit card. You must also have a good credit score to be eligible for the account.

Capitec Global One Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

• ✅ Initiation fee: R100
• ✅ Monthly fee: R40

Depending on your credit profile, the interest rate starts at 7.25 %

Capitec Global One Credit Card Conditions, Application, Limits, and, Utilization Rates

To apply for the Capitec Bank Global One Credit Card you will need the following:

• ✅ Original ID document (must be 18 years or older)
• ✅ Latest salary slip
• ✅ 3-month bank statement
• ✅ The minimum salary requirement for a credit card application is R5 000 and R10 000 for self-employed clients

Your credit utilization rate, also known as your credit utilization ratio, is the amount of revolving credit you’re using divided by the total amount of revolving credit you have available. It is the total of your existing debt divided by your credit limit.

Capitec Global One Credit Card Pros and Cons

Standard Bank Blue Credit Card

The Standard Bank Blue Credit Card is one of the most affordable credit cards that provides everyday banking comfort. However, because it is the least priced, one disadvantage is that it does not provide many benefits.

Customers must repay their credit in full within 55 days of receiving it to qualify for 55 interest-free credit days.

Standard Bank Blue Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

• ✅ Monthly card fee: R40

Interest rates are personalized ranging from a minimum of 11.75% (prime – 0.25%) to a maximum of 22.25% (Repo rate + 14%) as per the NCA regulation.

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

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

• ✅ Sign in to your Internet Banking profile to apply online
• ✅ On the top navigation menu, select Borrow and complete your information
• ✅ Follow the on-screen steps to find out which credit card you qualify for

Your credit utilization rate, also known as your credit utilization ratio, is the amount of revolving credit you’re using divided by the total amount of revolving credit you have available. It is determined by dividing your total outstanding debt by your credit limit.

Standard Bank Blue Credit Card Customer Review

🥇 Good Choice.

I got a lot of benefits even though this credit card is more affordable.” – June

Standard Bank Blue Credit Card Pros and Cons

African Bank Gold Credit Card

The African Bank Gold Credit Card provides you with all of the basic credit card functions and more at no extra cost. This makes them popular among other credit facilities because they provide standard insurance plans at no extra expense.

The Gold Credit Card simplifies transactions by eliminating the need to carry cash. Simply swipe it on any Visa-affiliated machine and enter your PIN to complete the transaction. Thousands of merchants who accept Visa payments accept the African Bank Gold Credit Card.

You must wait four months after receiving your Credit Card before increasing your credit limit.

African Bank Gold Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

• ✅ Monthly fees: from R55
• ✅ Initiation fee: R125

Positive African Bank credit card balances earn up to 3% interest.

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

For an online Credit Card offer suited to your lifestyle, you will need to have the following documents on hand:

• ✅ Most recent proof of income.
• ✅ You must be over 18 to apply for a Credit Card
• ✅ The latest bank statement reflects three months’ salary deposits.

The amount of revolving credit you’re utilizing divided by the entire amount of revolving credit you have available is your credit utilization rate, also known as your credit utilization ratio. In other terms, it is the sum of your current debt divided by your credit limit.

African Bank Gold Credit Card Customer Review

🥇 Low Fees.

I get everything I want from a credit card with really low fees. – James

African Bank Gold Credit Card Pros and Cons

Standard Bank Gold Credit Card

The Standard Bank Gold Credit Card provides some of the best benefits available for a first-tier credit card in South Africa. Few first-tier credit cards in the South African market compare to the Standard Bank Gold Credit Card, which provides insurance, travel, and lifestyle benefits.

Furthermore, the account is excellent for first-time credit card buyers.

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

For the Standard Bank Gold Credit Card, the Interest rates are personalized ranging from a minimum of 11.75% (prime – 0.25%) to a maximum of 22.25% (Repo rate + 14%) as per the NCA regulation.

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:

• ✅ Sign in to your Internet Banking profile to apply online
• ✅ On the top navigation menu, select Borrow and complete your information
• ✅ Follow the on-screen steps to find out which credit card you qualify for

The amount of revolving credit you’re utilizing divided by the entire amount of revolving credit you have available is your credit utilization rate, also known as your credit utilization ratio. In other terms, it is the sum of your current debt divided by your credit limit.

Standard Bank Gold Credit Card Customer Review

🥇 Excellent.

I like the fact that the interest rates are personalized so I was able to get something I can afford. – Jane

Standard Bank Gold Credit Card Pros and Cons

FNB Gold Credit Card

The FNB Business Gold Credit Card is suitable for business owners who wish to allow their managers and sales reps to pay for goods and services.

The account includes free swiping and no transaction costs on certain purchases, but you must pay for petrol and cash withdrawals.

Through the Visa IntelliLink Spend Management system, you will be able to manage expenses, view your spending patterns, and analyze transaction details.

FNB Gold Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

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

While the interest rate is not provided it appears that personalized interest is offered depending on your credit profile.

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

To apply for an FNB Business Gold Credit Card you will need the following:

• ✅ A Business Account with FNB
• ✅ Ask the Relationship Manager for the required application forms for completion

Your credit utilization rate, also known as your credit utilization ratio, is the amount of revolving credit you’re using divided by the total amount of revolving credit you have available. It is the total of your existing debt divided by your credit limit.

It is usually expressed as a percentage. You can calculate an overall credit utilization rate and a rate for each of your credit accounts (known as your per-card ratio).

FNB Gold Credit Card Customer Review

🥇 Very Happy.

I took out this as my first credit when starting my new business and it has helped me so much with cashflow. – Erica

FNB Gold Credit Card Pros and Cons

Woolworths Gold Credit Card

This Woolworths credit card is intended for consumers who appreciate receiving rewards, with 2% coupons redeemable at Woolworths stores throughout South Africa and 0.75% at non-Woolworths stores. Furthermore, 1% of fuel purchases can be refunded, and users are given 55 days of interest-free credit.

The Woolworths Credit Card has a 21% interest rate and a monthly admin fee of 50.50 ZAR. The application procedure is straightforward and takes only a few minutes to complete. Customers must earn over 3000 ZAR per month, be over the age of 18, and have a valid bank account to qualify.

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

To apply for a Woolworths Gold Credit Card, you must fulfill the following requirements:

• ✅ Be at least 18 years old
• ✅ Have a valid South African ID
• ✅ Earn in excess of R3000 monthly

Your credit utilization rate, also known as your credit utilization ratio, is the amount of revolving credit you’re using divided by the total amount of revolving credit you have available. It is the total of your existing debt divided by your credit limit.

It is usually expressed as a percentage. You can calculate an overall credit utilization rate and a rate for each of your credit accounts (known as your per-card ratio).

Woolworths Gold Credit Card Customer Review

🥇 Easy Process.

I was surprised at how easy the sign-up process was and I got excellent rewards which take my credit further. – Sam

Woolworths Gold Credit Card Pros and Cons

Factors to consider when choosing credit cards for beginners

There are several things you should consider before applying for your first credit card:

• ✅ The credit score requirements.
• ✅ Your reason for the credit card.
• ✅ The Credit Card fees and Interest Rates.
• ✅ The Annual Percentage Rates.
• ✅ The rewards, cash back, points, or miles.
• ✅ Your credit limit.

Your credit card limit is the most money you can borrow with your credit card. Your initial credit limit may be determined by factors such as your credit history, credit score, relationship with the issuer, and others.

Pitfalls to avoid when using a credit card for beginners

As a beginner credit card user, there are certain pitfalls you should avoid:

• ✅ Making late payments. One of the most common blunders in credit card management is paying your account beyond the due date.
• ✅ Not paying the full balance. Another folly to avoid when opening your first credit card is paying less than the full debt each month.
• ✅ It is vital to avoid overspending on your credit card account if you want to prevent credit card debt and be able to afford to pay off your statement balance each month.

Finally, making only the minimum payments. Paying only the minimal amount due on your credit card statement, whether you’re a new or seasoned user, is another key mistake to avoid.

Why get a Credit Card for beginners?

Here’s why it is a good idea to get a credit card for beginners:

• ✅ You can build credit. If you already have student loans and other installment loans, such as a vehicle loan, a new credit card account improves your “credit mix,” because it reflects a distinct sort of borrowing.
• ✅ You can earn rewards. Many credit cards have point or cashback programs that allow you to earn rewards in the form of gift cards, travel, shopping, or cash back.

Credit cards often give consumers with fraud protections that other payment methods may not. And, even though “cash is king,” you have no protection if you lose or steal money. Using a credit card can help make your purchases more secure in general.

In Conclusion

 Now it is your turn to participate:

 Which Credit Card for Beginners 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do beginner credit cards work?

A credit card for beginners is designed for people who have little or no credit history. If you use these cards correctly and pay your bills on time each month, you can gain access to the credit system, which can help you develop a favorable credit history.

How many beginner credit cards should one have?

As a beginner, it is best to open one credit card and carefully build a good credit score before applying for your next credit card.

Is it good to keep your first credit card?

You should cancel a credit card with a high annual fee or interest rate since it will cost you more money in the long term. However, if you have a no-annual-fee card, as I do, keep it open. When used correctly, it can assist you in maintaining a decent credit score.

Why should you want a credit card?

Credit cards can help you finance large purchases, provide emergency finances, and protect you from fraud. Responsible credit card use is also an excellent method to establish credit.

What is considered a good credit score?

Although ranges vary depending on the credit scoring algorithm, credit scores ranging from 580 to 669 are generally considered fair.

How long does it take to build credit?

A solid credit history is required to have good credit. History does not happen in an instant. If you’ve never used credit before, it can take at least six months to build a credit score – and even longer to achieve a good or exceptional score.

How do You get a Credit Card for the First time in South Africa with no credit history, bad credit, a low credit score, no credit score, and no deposit?

Beginners with no credit history can apply for Secured credit cards, Student Credit Cards, and Retail Store credit cards.

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