Not everyone needs a fancy rewards card with airport lounge access. If you just want a credit card with no monthly fee or the cheapest monthly fee in South Africa, this guide is for you.
Quick answer: Capitec and TymeBank both offer credit cards with R0 monthly fees. If you need a basic card from a traditional bank, Nedbank Ke Yona at R36/month is the cheapest.
I compared the cheapest credit cards in South Africa from all the major banks so you can find one that won’t eat into your budget.
Why Monthly Fees Matter
A credit card with a R300 monthly fee costs you R3,600 per year before you even swipe it. If you don’t spend enough to earn rewards that cover that cost, you’re losing money just by having the card.
Low-fee cards are perfect if you:
- Want a credit card for emergencies only
- Are building your credit history
- Don’t spend enough to justify premium card fees
- Just need it for online purchases or subscriptions
Cheapest Credit Cards In South Africa Compared
| Bank | Card Name | Monthly Fee | Min. Income | Credit Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capitec | Capitec Credit Card | R0 | R3,500 | Up to R250,000 |
| TymeBank | TymeBank Credit Card | R0 | R3,500 | Up to R100,000 |
| Nedbank | Nedbank Ke Yona | R36 | R3,500 | Up to R150,000 |
| FNB | FNB Easy Credit Card | R39 | R3,500 | Up to R100,000 |
| Standard Bank | Standard Bank Blue | R45 | R5,000 | Up to R150,000 |
| Absa | Absa Gold Credit Card | R55 | R5,000 | Up to R200,000 |
1. Capitec Credit Card - R0 Monthly Fee
Capitec disrupted the market by offering a completely free credit card. No monthly fee, no annual fee, nothing. You only pay interest if you don’t pay your full balance.
Why it’s great:
- R0 monthly fee
- Up to 55 days interest-free
- Manage everything from the Capitec app
- No hidden fees
The catch: No rewards programme. But if you don’t care about points, this is the cheapest option in SA.
Minimum income: R3,500 per month
2. TymeBank Credit Card - R0 Monthly Fee
TymeBank also offers a zero-fee credit card with a simple, digital-first approach.
Why it’s great:
- R0 monthly fee
- Apply in minutes via the app
- Works at any Visa merchant worldwide
The catch: Lower credit limits compared to traditional banks.
Minimum income: R3,500 per month
3. Nedbank Ke Yona Credit Card - R36/month
Nedbank’s entry-level card is affordable and gives you access to the Nedbank ecosystem without premium pricing.
Why it’s great:
- Low R36 monthly fee
- Access to Greenbacks rewards (basic tier)
- Free balance notifications
- Can upgrade later as income grows
Minimum income: R3,500 per month
4. FNB Easy Credit Card - R39/month
FNB’s entry-level card still lets you earn basic eBucks while keeping costs low.
Why it’s great:
- Earn eBucks on every swipe (lower rate than Premier)
- R39 is still very affordable
- Full FNB app integration with spend tracking
- Virtual card available immediately
Minimum income: R3,500 per month
5. Standard Bank Blue Credit Card - R45/month
Standard Bank’s most affordable credit card gives you the basics without the fluff.
Why it’s great:
- Access to UCount rewards (basic tier)
- Accepted worldwide (Visa)
- Easy upgrade path to Gold/Platinum
- Free fraud protection
Minimum income: R5,000 per month
6. Absa Gold Credit Card - R55/month
Slightly more expensive than the others, but Absa’s Gold card comes with a few extras that make it worth considering.
Why it’s great:
- Absa Rewards cashback included
- Travel insurance on the card
- Higher credit limits from the start
- Good balance transfer options
Minimum income: R5,000 per month
How To Apply For A Low-Fee Credit Card
The process is basically the same at every bank:
- Check your credit score - Use a free service like ClearScore or MyCredit Check
- Compare your options - Use the table above
- Apply online - Most banks let you apply via app or website
- Submit documents - ID, proof of income (3 months payslips or bank statements), proof of address
- Wait for approval - Usually 24-48 hours
Tips For Using A Credit Card Responsibly
- Pay your full balance every month - This avoids interest charges completely
- Don’t use more than 30% of your limit - This keeps your credit score healthy
- Set up a debit order for at least the minimum payment - This prevents missed payments
- Use it for planned purchases only - A credit card is not extra money, it’s borrowed money
FAQs
What is the cheapest credit card in South Africa?
Capitec and TymeBank both offer credit cards with R0 monthly fees. You only pay interest if you carry a balance.
Can I get a credit card with bad credit?
It’s difficult but not impossible. Some banks like Capitec look at your income and behaviour rather than just your credit score. You might get approved with a lower limit.
Is a R0 fee credit card actually free?
The monthly fee is free, yes. But you still pay interest (typically 15%-22% per year) if you don’t pay your full balance each month. Always pay in full to avoid charges.
What minimum salary do I need for a credit card?
Most banks require at least R3,500 per month. Some premium cards need R10,000+.
