10 Best Credit Cards to Build Credit in South Africa

 

 

The 10 Best Credit Cards to Build Credit in South Africa (2025) – Reviewed. We have Rated and Reviewed the 10 Best Easy to Get, First Time, Starter Credit Card Options for College Students, Beginners with no Credit, and 18-year-olds to start building credit.

 

In this in-depth guide, you will learn:

 

1. The Best Credit Cards in South Africa to Build Credit – a List.
2. Which Banks, Providers, or, Companies (Discovery Bank, Woolworths, FNB, Standard Bank, African Bank, Capitec, Absa) offer the Best Secure Credit Cards for first-time users with no credit to establish and build a credit score fast and easily?
3. What is the minimum credit score required to get a credit card in South Africa?

 

 

And much, MUCH more!

 

 

 

 

10 Best Credit Cards to Build Credit in South Africa – a Comparison

 

🔎 Provider	💳 Card Option	💶 Monthly Fee	📉 Interest Rate (from)
🥇 Discovery Bank	Gold	R30 ZAR	2%
🥈 Woolworths	Gold	R50.50 ZAR	21%
🥉 FNB	Gold Business	R85 ZAR	Customized
🏅 Standard Bank	Gold	R23 ZAR	11.75%
🎖️ African Bank	Gold	R55 ZAR	3%
🏆 Standard Bank	Blue	R40 ZAR	11.75%
🥇 Capitec	Global One	R40 ZAR	7.25%
🥈 Absa	Transact	R12 ZAR	20.50%
🥉 Absa	Gold	R55 ZAR	Customized
🏅 FNB	Aspire	R45 ZAR	Customized

 

 

10 Best Credit Cards to Build Credit in South Africa (2025)

 

1. ✅ Discovery Bank Gold Card – Overall, the Best Credit Card in SA for Building Credit
2. ✅ Woolworths Gold Card – Up to 2% CashBack in WRewards
3. ✅ FNB Gold Business Card – Up to 55 days interest-free
4. ✅ Standard Bank Gold Card – Mid Range to Low Income Required
5. ✅ African Bank Gold Card – Interest-free periods on Purchases
6. ✅ Standard Bank Blue Card – 0% interest rate on a 6-month budget payment option
7. ✅ Capitec Global One Card – No Currency Conversion Fees
8. ✅ Absa Transact Card – Popular Choice from a Trusted Credit Provider
9. ✅ Absa Gold Card – Low Monthly Fee, Exclusive Discounts and Deals
10. ✅ FNB Aspire Card – Automatic Debt Protection

 

 

Discovery Bank Gold Credit Card

 

Many first-time credit card applicants hoping to build credit will benefit from the Discovery Gold Credit Card‘s many perks, including the possibility of being rewarded through interest rates for excellent financial behavior.

For individuals just starting out, this is a huge step towards establishing a solid financial foundation on which to build their future.

 

 

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

 

In less than five minutes, download the Discovery Bank app, set up an account, and submit an application for any Discovery Bank product. You can also leave your contact information and ask for a callback on the Discovery website.

The amount of revolving credit you are currently utilizing divided by the total amount of revolving credit you have available yields your credit utilization rate, also known as the credit utilization ratio. In other terms, it is the sum of your outstanding debt divided by your credit limit.  It is frequently expressed as a percentage.

 

 

Discovery Bank Gold Credit Card Customer Review

 

🥇 Very Impressed.

Discovery was my first credit card, and I was impressed by their customer service, professionalism, and generous rewards program. – Gladys

 

 

Discovery Bank Gold Credit Card Pros and Cons

 

✅ Pros	❎ Cons
Dynamic interest rates	High Monthly Rate

 

 

Woolworths Gold Credit Card

 

Customers who enjoy collecting rewards should use this credit card, which offers 2% coupons redeemable at Woolworths locations across South Africa and 0.75% coupons at non-Woolworths locations. Furthermore, consumers receive 55 days of interest-free credit and can get 1% of their fuel expenses reimbursed all while being able to build their credit.

The monthly admin fee for the Woolworths Credit Card is 50.50 ZAR, and the interest rate is 21%. The application process is simple and only needs a few minutes to finish. Customers must have a valid bank account, be over the age of 18, and earn more than 3000 ZAR per month to be eligible.

 

 

Woolworths Gold Credit Card Monthly Fee and Interest Rates

 

• ✅ Monthly admin fee: R50.50

 

The Woolworths Credit Card has a 21% interest rate.

 

 

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

 

You must meet the following criteria in order to apply for a Woolworths Gold Credit Card:

 

• ✅ Have a valid South African ID;
• ✅ Be at least 18 years old;
• ✅ Earn more than R3000 every month

 

 

The amount of revolving credit you are utilizing divided by the total amount of revolving credit you have available is your credit utilization rate, also known as the credit utilization ratio. It is calculated by dividing your total outstanding debt by your credit limit.  Typically, a percentage is used to express it.

 

 

Woolworths Gold Credit Card Customer Review

 

🥇 A Pleasant Suprise!

I was pleasantly surprised by how simple the sign-up process was, and I received excellent rewards that helped me build my credit. – Abby

 

 

Woolworths Gold Credit Card Pros and Cons

 

 

 

FNB Gold Business Credit Card

 

The FNB Business Gold Credit Card is good for business owners who want their managers and sales workers to be able to pay for goods and services.  The account lets you swipe for free and doesn’t charge you for some purchases, but you have to pay for gas and cash withdrawals.

With the Visa IntelliLink Spend Management system, you’ll be able to keep track of your costs, see how you spend your money, and look into the details of each transaction.

 

 

FNB Gold Business Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

 

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

 

Despite the lack of a stated interest rate, it appears that individualized interest is offered based on your credit profile.

 

 

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

 

You’ll need the following to apply for a FNB Business Gold Credit Card:

 

• ✅ A FNB Business Account
• ✅ Request the necessary application forms from the relationship manager to be filled out

 

Your credit utilization rate also called your credit utilization ratio, is the amount of revolving credit you are using split by the total amount of revolving credit you have available. It is the sum amount of your debts divided by the amount of money you can borrow.  Most of the time, it is given as a number.

 

 

FNB Gold Business Credit Card Customer Review

 

🥇 A Great Help!

This was the first credit I got when I started my new business, and it has helped me greatly to build business credit. – Mpho

 

 

FNB Gold Business Credit Card Pros and Cons

 

✅ Pros	❎ Cons
Low monthly charges	Interest rate not supplied

 

 

Standard Bank Gold Credit Card

 

The Standard Bank Gold Credit Card is a top-tier credit card in South Africa, and it has some of the best perks you can get while building credit. The Standard Bank Gold Credit Card is one of the best first-tier credit cards in South Africa. It comes with insurance, travel, and living perks. Also, the account is great for people who are getting their first credit card.

 

 

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 NCA rules, the interest rates for the Standard Bank Gold Credit Card can range from a minimum of 11.75 percent (prime minus 0.25 percent) to a maximum of 22.2 percent (Repo rate plus 14 percent).

 

 

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

 

Here are the steps you can take to get a Standard Bank Gold Credit Card:

 

• ✅ Log in to your Internet Banking account to apply online.
• ✅ From the top menu, choose Borrow and fill out your information.
• ✅ Follow the steps on the screen to find out which credit card you are eligible for.

 

 

Your credit utilization rate also called your credit utilization ratio, is the amount of revolving credit you’re using split by the total amount of revolving credit you have available. In other words, it is the total amount of your existing debt divided by the amount of money you can borrow.

 

 

Standard Bank Gold Credit Card Customer Review

 

🥇 Affordable.

I like that the interest rates can be changed so that I can get something I can afford. – Lanê

 

 

Standard Bank Gold Credit Card Pros and Cons

 

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

 

 

African Bank Gold Credit Card

 

The African Bank Gold Credit Card has all of the basic features of a credit card and more, and it doesn’t cost anything extra. Because they offer basic insurance plans at no extra cost, they are popular among credit facilities.

The Gold Credit Card makes it easier to do business because you don’t have to carry cash. Swipe it on any machine that accepts Visa and enter your PIN to finish the transaction. The African Bank Gold Credit Card can be used at thousands of stores that accept Visa.  Before you can raise your credit amount, you have to wait four months after getting your Credit Card.

 

 

African Bank Gold Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

 

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

 

African Bank gives up to 3% interest on credit card amounts that are in the green.

 

 

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

 

For an online Credit Card deal that fits your way of life, you’ll need the following documents:

 

• ✅ Your most recent pay proof.
• ✅ You have to be at least 18 years old to get a credit card.
• ✅ The most recent bank balance, which shows three months’ worth of salary deposits.

 

Your credit utilization rate also called your credit utilization ratio, is the amount of revolving credit you are using split by the total amount of revolving credit you have available. In other words, it is the total of your current debts split by the amount of money you can borrow.

 

 

African Bank Gold Credit Card Customer Review

 

🥇 Low Fees.

This is a credit card that gives me everything I want and has really low fees. – Rick

 

 

African Bank Gold Credit Card Pros and Cons

 

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

 

 

Standard Bank Blue Credit Card

 

One of the cheapest credit cards that makes everyday banking easy is the Standard Bank Blue Credit Card. But because it is the cheapest, it doesn’t offer as many perks as the others.

To get 55 interest-free credit days, a customer must pay back their credit in full within 55 days of getting it.

 

 

Standard Bank Blue Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

 

• ✅ Monthly card fee: R40

 

According to NCA rules, interest rates differ for each person and can be anywhere from 11.75% (prime – 0.25%) to 22.25% (Repo rate + 14%).

 

 

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

 

Here are the steps you can take to get a Standard Bank Blue Credit Card:

 

• ✅ Log in to your Internet Banking account to apply online.
• ✅ From the top menu, choose Borrow and fill out your information.
• ✅ Follow the steps on the screen to find out which credit card you are eligible for.

 

Your credit utilization rate also called your credit utilization ratio, is the amount of revolving credit you’re using split by the total amount of revolving credit you have available. It is found by dividing your total debt by how much credit you can get.

 

 

Standard Bank Blue Credit Card Customer Review

 

🥇 A lot for Less!

Even though this credit card costs less, I got a lot out of it. – Mike

 

 

Standard Bank Blue Credit Card Pros and Cons

 

✅ Pros	❎ Cons
A variety of benefits	High Repo Rate

 

 

Capitec Global One Credit Card

 

The Capitec Bank Global One credit card is a mix of travel and leisure perks. The credit card costs R40 a month, and the interest rate starts at 7.25% and can go up or down. The credit card has the highest credit limit of R500,000.00, but the actual limit depends on how much money you make and how much you can afford to spend while building credit.

To be qualified for the Capitec Bank Global One credit card, you must have a job and make at least R5,000.00 per month. Self-employed people who want a credit card must make at least R10,000 per month. To be qualified for the account, you must also have good credit.

 

 

Capitec Global One Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

 

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

 

Depending on how good your credit is, the interest rate starts at 7.25 percent.

 

 

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

 

You’ll need the following to apply for the Capitec Bank Global One Credit Card:

 

• ✅ Original proof of age (at least 18 years old)
• ✅ Most recent pay stub
• ✅ Bank account from the last three months
• ✅ The minimum salary for a credit card application is R5,000 and R10,000 for self-employed people

 

 

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.

 

 

Capitec Global One Credit Card Customer Review

 

🥇 Great Support!

The customer support team who helped me get this card was very helpful. – Eddy

 

 

Capitec Global One Credit Card Pros and Cons

 

✅ Pros	❎ Cons
Free lost card protection offered	High Salary Requirement for the Self-Employed

 

 

Absa Transact Credit Card

 

The Absa Transact Credit Card is another first-time credit card for people who want to start building their credit. To qualify, a customer must make at least 2,000 ZAR per month. With this credit card, customers can expect an interest rate of 20.50%, a highest credit interest rate of 0.20%, and 57 interest-free days.

The Absa Transact Account is a competitive product that was made to solve problems in the market caused by the rise of digital banks.  The idea behind the offering is to attract new customers by giving them access to a small bank account. On the other hand, account fees have gone down at the cost of other high-end bank goods.

 

 

Absa Transact Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

 

• ✅ Monthly card fee: R12

 

This credit card has an interest rate of 20.50%, with a maximum credit interest rate of 0.20% and 57 days without interest.

 

 

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

 

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

 

• ✅ Need a monthly income of R2000
• ✅ Must be at least 18 years old.
• ✅ Must have proof of age. Valid South African ID book or Smart card, proof of residence, and the most recent proof of pay for the last three months.

 

To apply, take the following steps:

 

• ✅ Click the “Apply Now” button on the website.
• ✅ On the “Online Account Application” page, type in the characters shown in the picture.
• ✅ Complete the six-step assessment.
• ✅ You can save your work and return to it later, or you can move on to the next step.
• ✅ When you’re done, click “Apply.”

 

 

Your credit utilization rate, also known as your credit utilization ratio, is calculated as the amount of revolving credit you currently use divided by the total amount of revolving credit you have available. It is computed by dividing your credit limit by the entire amount of debt you now owe.

 

 

Absa Transact Credit Card Customer Review

 

🥇 Great Card!

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

 

 

Absa Transact Credit Card Pros and Cons

 

✅ Pros	❎ Cons
You receive 57 interest-free days	Several additional account costs

 

 

Absa Gold Credit Card

 

The Absa Gold Credit Card is a basic credit card that provides typical credit card privileges in addition to an amazing value, a low monthly cost, and other attractive features.

Credit card owners can use their cards virtually anywhere in the world without any additional fees. Additionally, the card features cutting-edge technology that makes it easy to conduct transactions both in-store and online. There are also other lifestyle benefits available, such as discounts, cashback incentives, travel bonuses, and other perks.

There is a credit limit that is competitive with other businesses in the industry, and customers have the option of using their credit for a wide variety of purchases according to their own tastes.

 

 

Absa Gold Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

 

• ✅ Monthly account fee: R55

 

On purchases that meet certain criteria, you could be eligible for 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

 

The following criteria must be met in order to submit an application for the ABSA Gold Credit Card:

 

• ✅ 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, and the application must pass an affordability assessment.

 

 

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.  It is almost always presented in the form of a percentage.

 

 

Absa Gold Credit Card Customer Review

 

🥇 Great Rewards!

Despite the fact that this is my very first credit card and I don’t have much of a credit history, I’ve been able to accumulate a lot of rewards with it. – Birdie

 

 

Absa Gold Credit Card Pros and Cons

 

✅ Pros	❎ Cons
Low required minimum income	Limited Reward Options

 

 

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 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

 

🥇 Very Happy!

The Aspire Credit Card provides me with low monthly fees at a fixed interest rate that is within my financial means.- Kate

 

 

FNB Aspire Credit Card Pros and Cons

 

✅ Pros	❎ Cons
Fixed interest rate provided	high-income requirement

 

 

 

 

 

Factors to consider when choosing credit cards to build credit.

 

There are a few important considerations to factor in when choosing a credit card to build credit:

 

• ✅ Understand the credit card you qualify for. If this is your first credit card, you should probably look for a product that is designed for those who have little or no credit history so that you can begin with a lower credit limit.
• ✅ Try a security credit card. Try applying for a secured credit card if you’re having problems getting approved for your first credit card — for example, if you’re just starting out and have no credit history at all.
• ✅ Your first credit card can make or break your credit. Increasing your credit score is one of the primary benefits that come along with getting your first credit card. However, if you are not careful, it may have the reverse of the desired result. Everything is dependent on the choices you make.

 

 

If you pay off your credit card balance in full every month, regardless of how high your annual percentage rate (APR) may be, you won’t be required to pay any interest on that balance at all.

 

 

Pitfalls to avoid when using a credit card to build credit.

 

There are some mistakes to avoid on your journey to build credit:

 

• ✅ Don’t run a high credit balance. Having a low credit utilization rate (CUR) is a hard and fast rule for having a good credit score. Your CUR shows how much of your total credit you’re using.
• ✅ Don’t default on your account. The worst thing you can do to hurt your credit score is to pay a bill late. In fact, 35% of your credit score is based on how well you’ve paid your bills in the past.

 

 

Finally, don’t get new credit accounts you don’t need. Lenders see it as a risk when someone applies for a lot of credit accounts in a short amount of time. Also, each application shows up on your credit record as a “hard inquiry,” which can lower your score by a few points.

 

 

Why get a credit card to build credit in South Africa?

 

Here’s why it is a good idea to get a credit card to build credit in South Africa:

 

• ✅ Better approval rates. If you have a good credit score, you’re more likely to get credit cards, loans, and other credit products. A person with a 760 credit score will look better to lenders than someone with a 550 credit score.
• ✅ Lower interest rates. The better your credit score, the less you’ll have to pay in interest. When it comes to personal loans, mortgages, and credit card debt, having a low interest rate can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

 

 

Most of the time, you’ll need a good or great credit score to get good credit card benefits. The best credit cards offer yearly credits on dining and travel, high rewards rates, access to lounges, and much more.

 

 

 

 

 

In Conclusion

 

 Now it is your turn to participate:

 

 Which Credit Card for Building Credit 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.

 

 

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You might also like: 10 Best Credit Cards to Improve Credit Score

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do credit cards for building credit work?

Credit cards help you build credit because card companies often send information about your account and what you do with it to national credit agencies. The agencies then use these data to make your credit reports, which are what your credit scores are based on.

 

How many credit cards for building credit should one have?

While you are building credit you should not apply for too many credit cards at once as this can negatively affect your credit score.

 

Is a credit card a good way to build credit?

One of the best ways to build a credit past is to use a credit card in a smart way. You should always pay on time, and you shouldn’t spend much of your card limit. With that kind of behavior, you can get a good credit score.

 

Why is it a good idea to use a credit card?

At first, using a credit card might seem scary, but it’s an alternative way to pay that comes with a number of perks. A credit card can come in handy in an emergency, but it can also help you build credit, make rewards, pay for a big purchase, combine debt, and do a lot of other things.

 

How do I build credit fast?

Start by making payments on time. Then work on paying off old debts and adding new lines of credit to your business. As your credit score goes up, keep doing things like keeping your balances low and avoiding credit requests that aren’t necessary.

 

How do I get credit in South Africa?

Taking care of your bank account shows that you are responsible for your money, which goes a long way towards building a good credit past. If there is an overflow option, you should use it, but only up to a certain point.

 

What is the minimum credit score required to get a credit card in South Africa?

In South Africa, most creditors consider a credit score of 650 or higher a good credit score and applicants with scores above 650 should get approved.

 

Other Resources

10 Best Credit Cards in South Africa

Low Interest Rate Credit Cards

Cheapest Credit Cards in South Africa

Easiest Credit Cards to Get Approved

Credit Cards for Debt Consolidation

Credit Cards for Low Income Earners

Credit Cards to Build Credit