10 Best Credit Cards for Dining in South Africa

 

The 10 Best Credit Cards for Dining in South Africa (2025) – Reviewed. We have Rated and Reviewed the 10 Best Credit Card Options that Offer rewards and points on Dining, Groceries, Food Shopping (Woolworths), Food Delivery, Restaurants, Entertainment, and much more!

 

In this in-depth guide, you will learn:

 

1. The Best Credit Cards for Dining in South Africa (2023) – a List
2. The Best Credit Cards for Dining and Flights, Restaurants, Foreign Travel, Fuel, Shopping, Groceries, and more.
3. The Best Credit Cards with Cashback Rewards on Dining for First Timers, College Students, and Foreigners.
4. Is there a Food Credit Card and what does Dining on a Credit Card mean?
5. Which Bank or Provider (Discovery Bank, Absa, FNB, Standard Bank, American Express, African Bank) offers Credit Cards for dining with no annual fee, High limits, High Reward Points, dining by Families, low-interest rates, and more?
6. Should You use your Debit or Credit Card when dining or buying dinner at a restaurant?
7. What is the most classy, prestigious credit card for dining in South Africa?

 

 

And much, MUCH more!

 

 

 

 

10 Best Credit Cards for Dining in South Africa – a Comparison

 

🔎 Provider	💳 Card Option	💴 Monthly Fee	📉 Interest Rate (from)
🥇 Discovery Bank	Gold	R30 ZAR	2%
🥈 Absa	Flexi Core	R40 ZAR	Personalized
🥉 FNB	Premier	Customized	Personalized
🏅 Standard Bank	Gold	R23 ZAR	11.75%
🎖️ Absa	Transact	R12 ZAR	20.50%
🏆 Standard Bank	Diners Platinum	R120 ZAR	11.75%
🥇 American Express	Platinum	R32 ZAR	19.75%
🥈 Woolworths	Black	R69 ZAR	21%
🥉 FNB	Private Wealth	R575 ZAR	Personalized
🏅 African Bank	Gold	R55 ZAR	3%

 

 

 

10 Best Credit Cards for Dining in South Africa (2025)

 

1. ☑️ Discovery Bank Gold Card – Overall, the Best Credit Card for Dining in South Africa
2. ☑️ Absa Flexi Core Card – Fixed monthly payments 
3. ☑️ FNB Premier Card – Free membership to the eBucks Rewards program
4. ☑️ Standard Bank Gold Card – Wide range of value-added services
5. ☑️ Absa Transact Card – Unlimited card swipes
6. ☑️ Standard Bank Diners Platinum Card – Expert Financial Support
7. ☑️ American Express Platinum Card – Exclusive Credit Card Option
8. ☑️ Woolworths Black Card – 3% CashBack in WRewards
9. ☑️ FNB Private Wealth Card – Personalised Interest Rate
10. ☑️ African Bank Gold Card – Low Monthly Fee and Competitive Interest Rate

 

 

 

Discovery Bank Gold Credit Card

 

The Discovery Gold Credit Card offers excellent rewards including up to 40%  back on healthy groceries at Pick n Pay or Woolworths with HealthyFood and incredible miles when traveling.

 

 

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, register, and apply for any product in five minutes. Request a callback on Discovery’s website.

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.

 

 

Discovery Bank Gold Credit Card Customer Review

 

🥇 Great Savings.

I have saved a lot through rewards from Discovery when shopping for food to make the best meals for my family.  – Claire

 

 

Discovery Bank Gold Credit Card Pros and Cons

 

✅ Pros	❎ Cons
Dynamic interest rates	High Monthly Rate

 

 

ABSA Flexi Core Credit Card

 

The Absa Flexi Core Credit Card offers a generous cash-back incentive of up to 30% on select in-store and online transactions. In addition, every three weeks, there are simple challenges that can be completed to receive food stamps.

There will be no interest charged to your account for the first 57 days. Debts are thus “frozen” for close to two months. This card provides a vital service for those venturing abroad. At long last, it’s a Visa card, valid virtually anywhere Visa is accepted.

 

 

ABSA Flexi Core Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

 

• ✅ Monthly administration fee: R40.00
• ✅ Digital fraud warranty: No Charge
• ✅ Rewards membership fee: No Charge
• ✅ Senior Rebate Banking minimum balance: R5 000

 

Your credit profile will be used to calculate interest rates. On eligible transactions, you can get up to 57 days without paying interest.

 

 

ABSA Flexi Core Credit Card Conditions, Application, Limits, and, Utilization Rates

 

You need to meet the following requirements in order to apply for an ABSA Flexi Core Credit Card:

 

• ✅ 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

 

 

Your credit utilization rate, also known as your credit utilization ratio, is the amount of revolving credit you’re utilizing divided by the total amount of revolving credit you have available. In other words, it is your total debt divided by your credit limit.

 

 

ABSA Flexi Core Credit Card Customer Review

 

🥇 Very Happy Client!

The cash-back incentive on this credit card is really good and hard to beat. – Mandi

 

 

ABSA Flexi Core Credit Card Pros and Cons

 

✅ Pros	❎ Cons
Free lost card insurance	Limited Benefits

 

 

FNB Premier Credit Card

 

FNB is a terrific bank to be a part of. The EBucks rewards program allows you to save points year after year, which you can then use to purchase anything. The nicest thing is that you are rewarded for purchasing items that you were planning to purchase anyhow.

The 55-day interest-free period helps you to repay your bank credit before spending unneeded money. The interest rate is also customized, which means you pay a percentage based on how much you spend on your card. If you do not use your card that week, you do not overpay.

 

 

FNB Premier Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

 

• ✅ Monthly account fee: R250

 

The FNB Premier Credit Card has a customized interest rate.

 

 

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

 

To apply for FNB’s Premier Credit Card you need to fulfil the following requirements and conditions:

 

• ✅ You need to earn between R350 000 and R849 999 per year
• ✅ Copy of your recent pay slip
• ✅ Three months’ bank statements
• ✅ South African ID book/card
• ✅ Proof of residence

 

 

The credit utilization rate, also known as the credit utilization ratio, is the ratio of the amount of revolving credit you are now using to the total amount of revolving credit you have available. Simply said, it’s the total amount of your outstanding debt expressed as a percentage of your available credit.

 

 

FNB Premier Credit Card Customer Review

 

🥇 Best Service!

The service from FNB is some of the best I have experienced. – Stuart

 

 

FNB Premier Credit Card Pros and Cons

 

✅ Pros	❎ Cons
Great Support	Very Few Benefits

 

 

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

 

Follow these steps to apply for a Standard Bank Gold Credit Card:

 

• ✅ To apply for a credit card online, go into your Internet Banking account and choose Borrow from the top navigation menu.
• ✅ After entering your information, follow the on-screen instructions to determine which credit card you are eligible for.

 

 

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.

 

 

Standard Bank Gold Credit Card Customer Review

 

🥇 Affordable.

I can’t believe the benefits I get on this card, considering how affordable it is. – Sue

 

 

Standard Bank Gold Credit Card Pros and Cons

 

✅ Pros	❎ Cons
A plethora of vacation bonuses	Cash Withdrawal Fee

 

 

Absa Transact Credit Card

 

The Absa transact account is a competitive offering designed to counteract market pressures created by the advent of digital banks.

The product is aimed to entice newbies and provide them with access to a modest bank account. However, account fees have been decreased at the expense of other high-tier bank products.

 

 

Absa Transact Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

 

• ✅ Monthly card fee: R12

 

Customers using this credit card can anticipate an interest rate of 20.50%, a credit interest cap of 0.20%, and 57 days of interest-free use.

 

 

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

 

You must meet the following criteria in order to apply for an ABSA Transact Credit Card:

 

• ✅ Required monthly income: R2,000
• ✅ Age: 18 years or older
• ✅ Required documentation: Valid South African ID book or Smart card, evidence of residency, and the most recent evidence of income for three months running

 

To apply, take the following steps:

 

Please complete the six-step assessment by clicking the Apply Now button on the website, entering the characters shown in the image on the Online Account Application page, and then clicking Apply when you are finished. You can save and continue your assessment later or click Apply at each stage.

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. In other words, it equals your total outstanding debt divided by your credit limit.

 

 

Absa Transact Credit Card Customer Review

 

🥇 Great for Building a Credit Score

This was my first credit card and it really helped me build my credit score. – Melissa

 

 

Absa Transact Credit Card Pros and Cons

 

✅ Pros	❎ Cons
Interest-free days are offered for 57 days each year	Several additional fees

 

 

Standard Bank Diners Platinum Credit Card

 

Diners Club International, in conjunction with Standard Bank, has made the Diners Club Platinum Credit Card available in South Africa. The Diners Club Platinum Credit Card is primarily intended for people who enjoy traveling throughout the world and have a unique taste in entertainment.

The credit card provides world-class perks as well as additional services that go beyond banking. Lifestyle benefits, insurance benefits, and travel perks are examples of benefits.

 

 

Standard Bank Diners Platinum Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

 

• ✅ Monthly card fee: R120

 

Interest rates are customized and start at a minimum of 11.75% (prime – 0.25%), but once they are established, they become fixed.

 

 

Standard Bank Diners Platinum Credit Card Conditions, Application, Limits, and, Utilization Rates

 

You will require the following in order to apply for a Standard Bank Diners Platinum Credit Card:

 

• ✅ If not a citizen of South Africa, a certified copy of a passport
• ✅ Verification of residential address (utility bill no more than three months old).
• ✅ The most recent copy of your income tax return (IRP 5), or
• ✅ The original copies of your last three bank statements (if there is no salary advice available), must contain a bank stamp.
• ✅ Tax identification number; SARS payslip; salary advice
• ✅ If living with someone else but without documentation of their address, an affidavit from that person attesting to the applicant’s residence there and the nature of their relationship

 

 

Your credit utilization rate, sometimes referred to as your credit utilization ratio, is calculated by dividing the amount of revolving credit you are now using by the total amount of revolving credit you have available. It is the total of your outstanding debt divided by the credit limit, to put it another way.

 

 

Standard Bank Diners Platinum Credit Card Customer Review

 

🥇 Great Rewards.

I pay for every meal with my Diners Club card and really get the most out of it. You are rewarded for eating out. – Martin

 

 

Standard Bank Diners Platinum Credit Card Pros and Cons

 

✅ Pros	❎ Cons
Possibility of using the Diners Club Premium Concierge Service	If interest rates fall overall, you might not benefit from fixed interest rates.

 

 

American Express Platinum Credit Card

 

The Platinum Credit Card is one of the most popular credit cards offered by American Express.  The minimum income is not considered when applying for an American Express card, and this credit card is great for those who spend a lot of time dining out, whether for personal or business reasons.

Customers who use the American Express Platinum card enjoy access to over 1,000 local and international airport lounges in over 130 countries, as well as automatic travel insurance and countless additional benefits.

 

 

American Express Platinum Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

 

The American Express® Platinum Credit Card:

 

• ✅ Credit facility service fee* (monthly): R32
• ✅ Primary Card (monthly): R458
• ✅ Additional Card (monthly): Free

 

At the time of writing, the average interest rate for all Amex credit cards is 19.75%.

 

 

American Express Platinum Credit Card Conditions, Application, Limits, and, Utilization Rates

 

Through Nedbank, you can apply for an Amex card in South Africa. You must meet the following prerequisites and conditions in order to apply:

 

• ✅ You must be at least 18 years old.
• ✅ You must be a resident of South Africa with a current South African ID or a current passport and work permit.
• ✅ You must have a good credit score and make at least R17,000 per month before taxes.

 

 

The credit utilization rate, also known as the credit utilization ratio, is the ratio of the amount of revolving credit you are now using to the total amount of revolving credit you have available. Simply said, it’s the total amount of your outstanding debt expressed as a percentage of your available credit.

 

 

American Express Platinum Credit Card Customer Review

 

🥇 Ten Times Easier!

All my travels abroad were made ten times easier by using an Amex card. – Damon

 

 

American Express Platinum Credit Card Pros and Cons

 

✅ Pros	❎ Cons
Great Rewards	Some cards can be more expensive

 

 

Woolworths Black Credit Card

 

The Woolworths Black Credit Card is a high-end credit card with a monthly income requirement of R41,666.00 or an annual income requirement of R500,000.00. The credit card comes with automatic enrolment in the WREWARDS program, which gives members an extra 5% off WREWARDS purchases.

Woolworths credit cardholders receive an additional 3% back on all Woolworths purchases in the form of quarterly vouchers. Furthermore, Woollies black credit card holders earn 1% back on purchases made outside of Woolworths in the form of quarterly vouchers.

 

 

Woolworths Black Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

 

• ✅ Accounts from 6 May 2016: R69.00
  Secondary card: Free
• ✅ Domestic Card Purchases: Free
• ✅ Account Payments

 

The Woolworths Black Credit Card interest rate is 21%

 

 

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

 

To apply for a Woolworths Black Card, you will need to:

 

• ✅ Being at least 18 years old
• ✅ Possess a legitimate South African ID
• ✅ Making at least R41,666 per month
• ✅ Provide a copy of your most recent pay stub, as well as an actual bank statement or utility bill

 

 

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.

 

 

Woolworths Black Credit Card Customer Review

 

🥇 Great Rewards.

I was offered this option by Woolworths and have enjoyed making the most of the rewards. – Clint

 

 

Woolworths Black Credit Card Pros and Cons

 

 

FNB Private Wealth Credit Card

 

The FNB Private Wealth Credit Card is without a doubt the most sought-after credit card in South Africa. The Private Wealth Credit Card has been redesigned in metal and retains its tap functionality.

To be qualified for the FNB private wealth credit card, you must have an annual income of R1,800,000 or assets worth R15,000,000.00 or more. The monthly service cost for the credit card is R529.00.

As a credit cardholder, you are automatically enrolled in FNB’s rewards system, where you can earn up to 40% in eBucks. Airline tickets, car rentals, hotel reservations, Netflix subscriptions, and Spotify subscriptions are examples of qualifying transactions that can earn you points.

The credit card offers a 55-day interest-free term on purchases made with it. Customers who utilize a linked credit facility may be eligible for up to 30 days of interest-free credit on credit card purchases.

 

 

FNB Private Wealth Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

 

• ✅ Monthly fees: from R575

 

You will be given an individual interest rate that is calculated based on the specifics of your credit profile.

 

 

FNB Private Wealth Credit Card Conditions, Application, Limits, and, Utilization Rates

 

You will require the following in order to apply for the FNB Private Wealth Credit Card:

 

• ✅ A valid South African passport or a bar-coded South African ID book (resident of South Africa).
• ✅ Passport with a current employment or retirement permission (for non-residents of SA)
• ✅ Residence documentation (in your name, and no more than three months old).
• ✅ Recent pay stubs or bank statements from the last three months

 

Qualifying criteria include:

 

• ✅ Earn an income of 1 800 000 or more per year to qualify
• ✅ OR has a net asset value in excess of R15 million.

 

 

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.

 

 

FNB Private Wealth Credit Card Customer Review

 

🥇 Great for Dining and Entertaining.

I have used this credit card as a staple when dining out and particularly when entertaining clients. – Grant

 

 

FNB Private Wealth Credit Card Pros and Cons

 

✅ Pros	❎ Cons
Global travel insurance	Expensive monthly fee

 

 

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 Rate

 

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

 

Positive balances on credit cards from African Bank can earn interest of up to 3%.

 

 

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

 

You must have the following paperwork on hand in order to get an online Credit Card offer that fits your lifestyle:

 

• ✅ The most current evidence of revenue.
• ✅ The minimum age to apply for a credit card is 18.
• ✅ The most recent bank statement shows deposits for three months of wages.

 

 

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.

 

 

African Bank Gold Credit Card Customer Review

 

🥇 Great Stuff!

I get a lot of mileage out of this credit card at no real cost. Great option. – Jason

 

 

African Bank Gold Credit Card Pros and Cons

 

✅ Pros	❎ Cons
up to 3 percent interest for timely installments	An initiation fee is charged

 

 

 

 

 

Factors to consider when choosing credit cards for dining

 

There are numerous credit card offers available, making it difficult to select the best one. You want something that will work with your budget and, of course, your financial status. Here are the top four variables to consider when selecting a credit card for dining, among many others:

 

• Your APR, or Annual Percentage Rate, is the annual interest rate you pay. But keep in mind that not everything is as it appears. You could have a fixed rate or a variable rate based on your balance. You’ll also have different types of credit card rates depending on what you use it for.
• Rewards cards can be extremely beneficial because they provide numerous advantages and bonuses.
• You can earn a lot if you know how to use them correctly and don’t get caught up in the complications. But you also need something that fits your recreational style.
• You’ll want to look at each of these different fees on any card you consider. You want to know what they mean and when they occur. Plus, you want to know if the APR and the fees are related in any way.

 

 

You want a credit limit that gives you some wiggle room, but not so much that you get into trouble. If you’re just getting started with credit, you might want to go for a low-limit card. As your earnings increase, you may want to consider increasing the credit limit on your card.

 

 

Pitfalls to avoid when using a credit card for dining

 

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a total newbie, there are some pitfalls to avoid:

 

• When using a credit card, your primary goal should be to make at least the minimum payment required by the credit card issuer each month but preferably to pay off your entire balance.
• There are various advantages to paying off your entire credit card statement each month. You’ll avoid paying interest on the overdue balance and keep your credit utilization rate low. Credit utilization is the percentage of available credit that you use on each credit card and across all of your cards.
• According to experts, a reasonable goal is to never allow utilization to exceed 30% and, if possible, to maintain it below 10%. That will almost certainly help you get an exceptional grade.
• Your credit card number, expiration date, and security code are all significant pieces of personal information that must be kept secure. Don’t disclose your credit card information if you receive a text message, email, or phone call seeking it.

 

 

Consider paying monthly utility and subscription bills with your credit card, then selecting a cash-back card that would essentially reward you with a discount on those payments if you can consistently commit to paying off your amount each month.

 

 

 

 

 

In Conclusion

 

 Now it is your turn to participate:

 

 Which Credit Card for Dining 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 dining credit cards work?

Credit cards for dining are those that grant bonus rewards for eating, such as additional points, miles, or cash back.

 

How many dining credit cards should one have?

This will depend on how often you eat out. Get more than one dining credit card if you want elite perks, and rewards across several different restaurants.

 

How to choose the best dining credit card?

Consider the following factors when choosing a dining credit card:  Consider the APR, Look at the rewards, Consider the fees, and, Consider the credit limit.

 

What is the credit card billionaires use?

The ultra-wealthy utilize a variety of credit cards, many of which have stringent eligibility conditions, such as invitation only or a high minimum net worth. American Express Centurion (Black Card) and JP Morgan Chase Reserve are two examples of such cards.

 

What is the best credit card for restaurants?

This is determined by your desired reward — points or cash back.

 

Is it good to use a credit card for food?

Using a credit card for grocery shopping is a fantastic option because it is quick, secure, and a terrific way to earn points – with the potential to save you up to 6% on each purchase.

 

Can I use my credit card to pay for restaurants?

Yes. The Merchant is the company that sells goods and/or services to the Cardholder and accepts credit/debit cards as payment (for example, your restaurant). Although merchants are not compelled to take credit or debit cards, the vast majority do.

 

What is the Most classy and Prestigious credit card for Dining in South Africa?

The American Express Platinum Card is the most classy and Prestigious credit card for Dining in South Africa.

 

Should You use your Debit or Credit Card when dining out in South Africa?

When dining out in South Africa, use a Credit card or Cash. Always use a Debit card with caution, and stay ahead of card hackers and identity thieves.

 

Is there a Food Credit card and what does dining on a credit card mean?

Yes, stores like Shoprite, Pick ‘n Pay, and Woolworths allow food purchases on credit. Dining on a Credit Card means users can earn bonus rewards at sit-down and fast-food restaurants.

 

Other Resources

10 Best Credit Cards in South Africa

Credit Cards for Fuel

Credit Cards for Dining

Credit Cards for Entertainment

Credit Cards for Hotels

Credit Cards for Groceries

Credit Cards for Online Shopping

Credit Cards for Food