Credit cards to open for low credit scores in South Africa?

Before granting approval for a credit card, financial institutions typically assess applicants’ credit history and credit score. Many banks have a minimum credit score requirement for credit card eligibility, which some individuals may not meet. Fortunately, there are banks that are willing to provide credit cards to those with lower credit scores. Today, we have all the information you need to apply for and get credit cards for a low credit scores South Africa.

• Everything to know about Nedbank credit cards SA
• How to pay Nedbank credit card via EFT in SA
• How long is Nedbank credit card application?
• How to send Nedbank credit card application online
• Best 10 Trusted Quick online loan apps in South Africa
• How to send money to TymeBank account online
• Top 10 banks with the best credit cards in SA

Top 10 Credit Cards for low credit scores South Africa

Here are the 10 best Credit Cards for low credit scores you can open affordably in South Africa at the following banks:

1. ABSA Student Credit Card

First on our list of credit cards for low credit scores to open in South Africa is the student credit card from Absa. You can build positive credit behaviors while reaping rewards on various purchases. As a cardholder, you’ll enjoy up to 57 days interest-free, with no transaction fees on your purchases. Moreover, the card ensures secure online shopping experiences.

Additional benefits include no monthly fee, the opportunity to establish a good credit history, and the chance to earn cashback through Absa Rewards. To qualify for the card you’ll need:

• Minimum monthly income or allowance of R800
• Be between 18 and 30 years
• Valid South African ID book or smart card
• Proof of residence
• Latest proof of income for three consecutive months
• You must be a registered full-time student at an FET college, SAQA-approved institution, university, university of technology or private institution

2. ABSA Gold Credit Card

Next on our lineup is Absa bank’s gold credit card, which comes with a monthly charge of R57 and requires a minimum monthly income of R4000. It grants you the freedom to shop online and provides cashback through Absa Rewards.

Additionally, the card provides 57 days of interest-free purchases and allows you to utilize the Credit Card facility or access an Overdraft or Absa Personal Loan. To acquire the card, you must have the following documents:

• Valid South African ID book or Smart card
• Proof of residence
• Latest proof of income for three consecutive months

This is an ideal credit card for people with low credit scores South Africa.

3. Standard Bank Blue Credit Card

If you are looking for the best Credit Cards for low credit scores to open in South Africa, then Standard Bank Blue card should be one of your options. Even with a less-than-ideal credit score, Standard Bank offers the Blue Credit Card, requiring a minimum monthly income of R5000 and a modest R40 monthly fee. This card provides a credit limit of up to R250000, featuring personalized interest rates. It serves as a straightforward credit solution, offering convenience and financial flexibility.

As your credit score improves, you can expand your credit limit with this card. Required documents for the application include:

• A copy of your South African ID (or passport for non-citizens)
• Recent payslip
• 3-month bank statement
• Proof of residence not exceeding 3 months old.

Additionally, Standard Bank Credit Card holders can enjoy up to 3 times more UCount Rewards Points, up to R10 in Fuel Rewards, and 55 days interest-free.

4. Discovery Bank Gold Credit Card

The Discovery Bank Gold Credit card is another option of the best Credit Cards for low credit scores you can open in South Africa. It offers a variety of benefits and features such as setting up third-party debit orders, conducting digital payments, and receiving salary deposits. Enjoy up to 55 days of interest-free credit on specific transactions and effortlessly manage your credit with the most adaptable credit facility available.

Additionally, you have the option to include numerous free savings accounts to fulfill your objectives.With a Discovery Bank Gold Card Account, you gain access to:

• Up to 2% interest on your positive balances in your everyday accounts
• 6.75% interest on demand savings accounts
• Over to 5% less interest on your borrowing rate

Discovery Bank Gold cards employ secure chip and pin technology, ensuring safe transactions, including fast and secure tap-and-go payments.

5. Woolworths Gold Credit Card

With this credit card, you’ll incur a monthly card fee of R27.50, along with 55 interest-free days followed by a 21% interest charge. There are no transaction fees applied. Being a Woolworths Gold Credit Cardholder grants you automatic enrollment in the Woolworths Rewards Program, providing access to discounted prices and exclusive benefits.

You’ll receive 2% Back in Woolies Vouchers for all Woolworths purchases and can use your Woolworths Gold Credit Card internationally wherever the Visa logo is displayed.

6. African Bank Black credit card

The Black credit card offers 62 days of interest-free credit for point-of-sale and online purchases, allowing you to establish your preferred credit limit. It incurs a monthly fee of R55 and initiation fees of R125. Upon approval, the card is promptly issued at any African Bank Branch.

With a positive balance, you can earn interest rates of up to 3% with this card. Benefits include worldwide acceptance at all ATMs displaying the logo, enabling transactions from anywhere, and the ability to set your own transactional limits.

7. FNB Aspire credit card

Another option available for individuals with a low credit score is the Aspire credit card offered by FNB. The Aspire credit card provides a credit limit of R250,000, and there are no fees associated with credit card and budget purchases.The required income ranges from R60,000 to R449,999.

The card benefits include:

• Personalised and competitive interest rate.
• A free budget facility linked to your credit card, making it ideal for larger purchases.
• Up to 55 days interest-free on purchases made on your straight FNB Credit Card facility.
• Consolidate your debt and make one repayment with a balance transfer.
• Get 500MB data + an extra 500MB when you top up your FNB Connect SIM.

8. Nedbank Gold Credit Card

Another option for low credit scores you can open in South Africa is the Nedbank Gold credit card, which comes with a monthly service fee of R50 along with personalized interest rates and up to 55 days interest-free. With this card, you enjoy complimentary and unlimited credit checks without any obligations. It provides an economical credit solution while allowing you to earn Greenbacks on eligible expenditures.

The gold card offers flexible repayment options, enabling you to spread out your purchases over time with the budget facility. You have the flexibility to adjust your credit limit as needed, and you can utilize the card for online shopping or ATM transactions from any country.

Additionally, you can block and replace or freeze and unfreeze your card using the Money app or cellphone banking. Receive guidance and insights on enhancing your credit score with the gold card. Nedbank’s complimentary credit-scoring tool offers helpful suggestions to elevate your credit score, making it simpler to secure a loan when necessary.

9. Nedbank Greenbacks

Renowned as one of the most accessible credit cards in South Africa, the Greenbacks credit card offers numerous advantages. Some of them include cash back on card purchases, exclusive discounts from partner establishments, and unlimited earnings when you use your Greenbacks-linked American Express® Debit or Credit Card.

This credit card features a preferential interest rate, along with a personalized credit limit and an initiation fee of R189.65. Additionally, there are monthly fees of R20, depending on the card type. To be eligible for this credit card, you must earn a minimum monthly income of R100,000.

Key benefits of the card include:-

• Earn Greenbacks every time you make purchases using your Greenbacks-linked debit or credit card.-
• Enjoy discounted shopping with Greenbacks Exclusive deals at Avo SuperShop.

10.TymeBank credit card

Concluding our list of the best Credit Cards for low credit scores you can open in South Africa, we introduce the TymeBank credit card, accessible to individuals with a low credit score and with a minimum monthly income of R3000. This card facilitates the improvement of credit scores, rendering it highly convenient for conducting transactions locally and internationally.

Similar to the other credit cards we’ve discussed, the TymeBank credit card also offers up to 55 days interest-free, allowing you to manage your expenses effectively.

Editor’s Remarks

In conclusion, if you’re looking to open a credit card for low credit score South Africa, there are many options available. Explore your choices carefully, considering factors like fees, benefits, and eligibility requirements. With the right research and planning, you can find a credit card that suits your needs and helps you build your credit score over time.

We hope this guide has helped you identify your best option of the Credit Cards for low credit scores you can open South Africa. In case you still have more inquiries, kindly check through our FAQ section.

Frequently Asked Questions