6 Best Credit Cards for a Small Business in South Africa

The Top 6 Credit Cards for Small Businesses in South Africa – Reviewed.  We have Rated and Reviewed the 6 Best Credit Cards for a Startup Business, New Small Businesses, and Small Businesses overall.

In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn:

• Which Bank Offers the Best Credit Card for Small Businesses in South Africa (2025) – a List
• Can a Business in SA apply for a Credit Card and Which credit card is most accepted in South Africa?
• Which Bank (Discovery Business, FNB Business, Standard Bank Business, ABSA Business, Capitec Bank Business) offers the best credit cards in South Africa?
• The most Exclusive, Cheapest, or Easiest credit cards to get for Small Businesses.
• What is a Business LLC, a 625 Credit Score, Fair Business Credit, No Business Credit, and,  Bad Business Credit?
• The Best Credit Card for Small Businesses with Rewards and Cashbacks.

and much, MUCH more!

6 Best Credit Cards for a Small Business in South Africa – A Comparison

6 Best Credit Cards for a Small Business in South Africa – A Comparison

• ☑️ Discovery Bank Gold Card – Overall, the Best Credit Card for a Small Business in South Africa
• ☑️ FNB Gold Card – The Best Credit Card for Rewards
• ☑️ Nedbank Small Business Card – Top Credit Card for Startups and Sole-proprietors
• ☑️ Standard Bank Business Card – Excellent Cardless Payment Solutions
• ☑️ ABSA Visa Business Revolve Card – Top Choice for Business Travel
• ☑️ Capitec Business Card – Best Credit Card with a Business Overdraft Facility

Discovery Bank Gold Credit Card

The Discovery Bank Gold Card Account is the best option for Small Business Owners who are interested in having a small business credit card that is not only flexible and reasonable but also provides them with other benefits in addition to a credit card.

Responsible financial behavior will unleash incredible value and benefits plus small business owners will be provided with a credit card that has complete transactional capabilities.

On select transactions,  interest-free credit of up to 55 days is granted, and the most flexible credit facility available on the market will make it simple for business owners to manage and monitor their credit.

Furthermore, Discovery Bank Gold Credit Card holders are permitted to open as many additional cost-free savings accounts as are required in order to accomplish their objectives.

Discovery Bank Gold Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

Gold Credit Card Fees

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

Gold Credit Card 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

It will take less than five minutes to apply for any Discovery Bank product after the App has been downloaded. Simply put, the Business owner will be required to create an account and log in, with an option of requesting a callback for assistance.

The credit utilization rate, also known as a credit utilization ratio, will be calculated as the amount of revolving credit that the business owner is currently using divided by the total amount of revolving credit they have available, equaling the Business Owners credit limit divided by the total of their outstanding debt.

Commonly, it is expressed as a percentage. The credit utilization rate will be 50%, meaning that the Business Owner will be using half of the total credit available. For example, if they have R10,000 ZAR in credit available on two credit cards and an R5,000 ZAR amount on one they can determine their per-card ratio by computing both their total credit utilization rate and a rate for each of their credit accounts.

Discovery Bank Customer Review

🥇 Excellent!

The Gold Credit card has helped my small business by leaps and bounds and Discovery has really been there for me during the hard times. – Mandla

Discovery Bank Gold Credit Card Pros and Cons

FNB Gold Business 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 Business Credit Card Fees and Interest Rate

• ✅ 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 Business 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

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. For example, suppose you have R10,000 in credit available on two credit cards and R5,000 on one. In that case, your credit utilization rate is 50%, suggesting that you are utilizing half of the total available credit.

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

FNB Gold Business Credit Card Customer Review

🥇 Easy and Affordable

The FNB Gold Business Credit Card has made banking much easier and more affordable for my small business – Michael Adams

FNB Gold Business Credit Card Pros and Cons

Nedbank Small Business Credit Card

The Nedbank Small Business Credit Card is designed for new business owners, small-to-medium-sized firms, or sole proprietors with a minimum annual turnover of R150,000.

The business credit card provides a credit facility, which is a preapproved loan facility, that is tailored to the needs of the individual firm and based on what they can afford.

This company credit card aids cash flow by allowing you and your staff to use the card for business expenses and to withdraw cash using the primary credit card or supplementary cards.

Nedbank Small Business Credit Card Fees and Interest Rate

• ✅ Monthly service fee: R57
• ✅ Once-off initiation fee: R262

If you get a Nedbank Small Business Credit Card you pay no interest if your outstanding card balance is settled in full every month

Nedbank Small Business Credit Card Conditions, Application, Limits and Utilization rates

To apply for a Nedbank Small Business Card you will need the following:

• ✅ Be over 18 years of age;
• ✅ Be a South African resident or have a valid work permit;
• ✅ Have a minimum turnover of R150 000 or more.

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).

Nedbank Small Business Credit Card Customer Review

🥇 Excellent Benefits

The Nedbank Small Business Credit Card provides me with excellent benefits and has truly helped my business grow. – John de Beer

Nedbank Small Business Credit Card Pros and Cons

Standard Bank Business Credit Card

The Standard Bank Business Credit Card is suitable for business owners who wish to provide their employees and themselves with a secure online buying experience.

Business owners can have peace of mind knowing that one of the business credit card features is a 3D Secure verification for safe online shopping, whether it is to refill your store or to buy office supplies.

You will also receive a corporate liability waiver, which means you will be automatically covered against card fraud or card misuse.

Standard Bank Business Credit Card Fees and Interest Rate

• ✅ Monthly account fee: from R45

Interest is personalised depending on your credit profile while you do get 55 interest-free days.

Standard Bank Business Credit Card Conditions, Application, Limits, and, Utilisation Rate

To apply for a Standard Business Credit Card you will need the following:

• ✅ A Business Account with Standard Bank
• ✅ 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 determined by dividing your total outstanding debt by your credit limit.

It is usually expressed as a percentage. For example, if you have R10,000 in credit available on two credit cards and R5,000 available on one, your credit utilization rate is 50%, indicating that you are using half of the total available credit.

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

Standard Bank Business Credit Card Customer Review

🥇 Great Card!

This card makes it super easy to track my business spend, which I find very important for budgeting reasons. – Clint van der Merwe

Standard Bank Business Credit Card Pros and Cons

Absa Visa Business Revolve Credit Card

ABSA’s Visa Business Revolve Credit Card provides revolving credit, which means you can take and repay funds. This is great for small and medium-sized businesses looking to control their daily banking expenses and increase their cash flow.

One of the advantages of this credit card is that there are no fees when you use it for POS purchases; however, you do have to pay transaction fees for things like cash withdrawals, casino transactions, and Internet banking transfers. The credit card automatically gives travel insurance.

Absa Visa Business Revolve Credit Card Fees and Interest

• ✅ Monthly account fee: from R34

Interest is personalized depending on your credit profile.

Absa Visa Business Revolve Credit Card Conditions, Application, Limits, and, Utilization rates

To apply for an Absa Visa Business Revolve Credit Card you will need the following:

• ✅ ID book/smart card (per business member/individual member and or director)
• ✅ Proof of address (per business member/individual member and or director)
• ✅ Proof of physical address of business (if absent, an affidavit is required for a sole proprietor)
• ✅ Company registration documents (not required for sole proprietors)
• ✅ Company resolution (where more than one signatory is applicable)

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. Divide your total outstanding debt by your credit limit to calculate it.

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

Absa Visa Business Revolve Credit Card Customer Review

🥇 Excellent!

This account really helped me to consolidate my business expenses and improve my overall cash flow. – Elaine Johnson

Absa Visa Business Revolve Credit Card Pros and Cons

Capitec Bank Business Credit Card

Grow your business with fast funding and no lengthy documentation or business plans required when you get a Capitec Bank Business Credit Card. You get quick overdraft, vehicle, and asset financing to free up cash flow for other business needs, property financing, including bespoke commercial and residential property financing, and much more.

Capitec Bank Business Credit Card Fees and Interest Rate

• ✅ Monthly account fee: from R40

Interest is calculated based on your credit history.

Capitec Bank Business Credit Card Conditions, Application, Limits, and Utilization rates

To apply for a credit card from Capitec Bank 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

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. Divide your total outstanding debt by your credit limit to calculate it.

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

Capitec Bank Business Credit Card Customer Review

🥇 Great Choice.

Capitec has done great things for my business since opening a business account with them. – Nathan

Capitec Bank Business Credit Card Pros and Cons

Factors to consider when choosing credit cards for small business

There are several important factors that you should consider when choosing a credit card for a small business:

• ✅ Understand the purpose of a small business credit card. Only use business credit cards for company expenses.
• ✅ Analyze your business expenditures. Looking over your books for the last six months and determining your two or three highest running costs gives you a window into the type of benefits you should be looking for in a small business credit card. Then, begin looking for a credit card that offers significant rewards in these categories.
• ✅ Consider the lifestyle of your business. Aside from considering where your firm spends its money, selecting the correct incentives program necessitates taking into account your organization’s “lifestyle.”
• ✅ Decide whether you want an annual fee. Consider the annual spending of your small business as well as the rewards rates of the cards you’re considering.

Finally, look at the fringe benefits. Before making your final decision, consider the additional perks provided by your top rivals. These extra benefits can sometimes make or break a credit card.

Pitfalls to avoid when using a credit card for small business

There are certain mistakes you should avoid when using a credit card for small business:

• ✅ Don’t mix personal and business expenses.
• ✅ Financing the wrong expenditures.
• ✅ Not using your rewards.

Finally, making late payments. Always make an effort to pay your small business credit card account on time.

Why get a credit card for a small business?

There are several great benefits to owning a credit card for small business:

• ✅ Streamlined cash flow.
• ✅ Streamlining employee expenses.
• ✅ Access to rewards.
• ✅ Travel and purchase cover.

Finally, Account management tools. Most business credit cards include quarterly and annual summaries, as well as the ability to export purchase details to accounting software such as Excel and Quickbooks.

In Conclusion

 Now it is your turn to participate:

Which Credit Card for a Small Business 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 small business credit cards work?

Small business credit cards aren’t just for emergencies; they may also be used for day-to-day expenses like buying gas, ordering office supplies online, and withdrawing funds to pay suppliers or freelancers.

How many small business credit cards should one have?

This depends on the size and scope of your business. Start-ups with smaller employee pools should start with one small business card at first.

What are the advantages of a small business credit card?

With a company credit or charge card, you only have to pay one bill each month, regardless of how many purchases you make. Monthly itemized statements can aid your accounting and administrative procedures by making it easier to distinguish between business and personal spending.

Can I use my small business credit card for personal expenses?

Using a small business credit card for personal expenses is not unlawful. However, this does not imply that it is a good idea. Most credit card companies do not permit small-company owners to charge personal costs to a business credit card. If you do, you may be violating the terms of your cardmember agreement.

What role do credit cards play in financing small businesses?

Small business credit cards make it simple to get a small amount of cash when you need it, allowing you to maintain your balance positive while you wait to be paid. If some of your clients are late with their payments it might have an impact on your operations in the long run.

What is small business credit?

Business credit is a method of determining a company’s financial strength. A good company credit score can help you receive better terms on business loans, cut your business insurance costs, and negotiate better terms with suppliers. However, businesses do not begin with an excellent credit score.

Can a Business in SA apply for a Credit Card?

Yes. Multiple banks offer Credit Cards to Small Business Owners in South Africa.

Which credit card is most accepted in South Africa?

Visa and MasterCards are widely accepted in South Africa.

Which Bank offers the best credit cards in South Africa?

The Top Credit Card providers in South Africa include Discovery Bank, First National Bank, Nedbank, Standard Bank, Absa, and Capitec.

What are the most exclusive credit cards to get in South Africa?

Some of the most exclusive credit cards in South Africa include The Discovery Bank Purple Suite, The FNB Private Wealth Credit Card, and, The Nedbank Private Wealth Bundle Account.

What are the Cheapest, and, Easiest credit cards to get for Small Businesses in South Africa?

The Cheapest, and, Easiest credit cards to get for Small Businesses in South Africa include the African Bank Black Credit Card and the Absa Student Card.

What is a Business LLC?

An LLC is a Limited liability company.

What is a 625 Credit Score?

A FICO^® Score of 625 places the consumer within a population of consumers whose credit may be seen as Fair.

What is Fair Business Credit?

Fair credit scores are scores that fall within a certain range – 580 to 669 for FICO^® Scores and 601 to 660 for VantageScore credit scores.

What is No Business Credit, or  Bad Business Credit?

You are generally seen as having bad credit if your score is below 50.

What is the Best Credit Card for Small Businesses with Rewards and Cashbacks in South Africa?

The Best Credit Card for Small Businesses with Rewards and Cashback includes offers by Nedvabk, FNB, and, ABSA.

Other Resources