Best Credit Cards in South Africa for Cashback and Rewards (2025)

A good credit card is more than just a payment tool. In South Africa, choosing the right credit card can help you earn cashback, rewards points, or loyalty perks on everyday purchases. Whether you shop online, travel, or pay bills, a rewards card can turn your spending into savings or future benefits.

In 2025, South Africans have access to a wide variety of credit cards from FNB, Absa, Nedbank, Standard Bank, Capitec, Discovery Bank, and American Express. Each card offers different rewards, fees, and interest rates. Picking the right one can increase your financial efficiency, help manage cash flow, and maximise value from every rand spent.

This guide will show you:

• How cashback and rewards credit cards work

• Which cards offer the best rewards and lowest fees

• How to compare cards side-by-side

• Step-by-step strategies to maximise your rewards

By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped to choose the best credit card in South Africa for cashback and rewards that fits your lifestyle.

Key Benefits of Cashback and Rewards Credit Cards

Using the right credit card provides multiple financial advantages:

• Earn cashback on everyday purchases like groceries, petrol, and online shopping.

• Collect rewards points redeemable for flights, vouchers, or gift cards.

• Build credit history when used responsibly.

• Access exclusive promotions and partner discounts.

• Manage cash flow with interest-free periods of up to 55 days.

• Travel perks like airport lounge access or travel insurance with premium cards.

• Motivate smarter spending by directing expenses to reward-earning categories.

Even small rewards can grow significantly over time if used strategically.

What You Need to Know About Rewards and Cashback Credit Cards

Before applying, it’s important to understand the terms and mechanisms behind rewards cards.

1. Cashback vs Rewards Points

• Cashback: A percentage of your spending returned to your account (e.g., 1–3% of total purchases).

• Rewards points: Points accumulate per rand spent and can be redeemed for flights, vouchers, or merchandise.

Some cards combine both cashback and points, giving flexibility in how you redeem benefits.

2. Interest Rates and Fees

High-interest rates can erase rewards benefits if you carry a balance. Key fees to check:

• Annual fees (R0–R2,500+)

• Foreign transaction fees (often 2–3%)

• Late payment fees (R250–R500)

3. Eligibility and Credit Score

Most premium rewards cards require a good to excellent credit score (around 650+ on South African credit bureaus). Some basic cashback cards are available for first-time applicants with moderate scores.

4. Annual Fee Justification

Paying an annual fee can make sense if the rewards earned exceed the fee. For example, a card with R1,500 annual fee may earn R3,000+ in cashback annually for a frequent spender.

5. Reward Expiry and Terms

Check if points or cashback expire and what restrictions apply for redemption. Some cards may have points that expire after 12–24 months or limit transfer to partner programmes.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Choose the Best Credit Card for Cashback and Rewards

Step 1: Identify Your Spending Habits

Track monthly expenses in categories such as groceries, fuel, dining, travel, and online shopping. This helps match the card to your spending pattern.

Step 2: Compare Cashback and Reward Rates

Look for:

• High cashback percentages in categories you spend most on

• Bonus points for select merchants or online shopping

• Tiered rates that reward higher spend

Step 3: Check Fees vs Benefits

Evaluate whether the annual fee is justified based on potential rewards. A no-fee card may earn less but save on costs.

Step 4: Review Interest Rates

Avoid carrying balances. If you plan to pay off monthly, focus on rewards potential rather than interest rates.

Step 5: Evaluate Redemption Options

Consider how easy it is to redeem rewards or cashback. Some cards allow instant credit, while others require online booking or third-party platforms.

Step 6: Consider Additional Perks

Look for travel insurance, extended warranties, purchase protection, and airport lounge access. These perks increase the card’s overall value.

Step 7: Read Terms and Conditions Carefully

Pay attention to:

• Rewards expiry

• Maximum cashback per month

• Excluded merchant categories

• Penalties for late payment

Comparison Table: Top Cashback and Rewards Credit Cards in South Africa (2025)

Detailed Reviews / Case Studies of Top Credit Cards

1. FNB Premier Rewards Credit Card — Best for Everyday Rewards

Features:

• 1–3% cashback on groceries, fuel, and selected retail

• eBucks points for additional redemption options

• Complimentary travel insurance and lounge access

Ideal for: Frequent shoppers and travelers seeking flexible rewards with extra perks.

Example: Spending R20,000/month with 2% cashback yields R4,800/year. Add eBucks points for flights or vouchers.

2. Capitec Global One Credit Card — Best for Low Fees

Features:

• No annual fee

• 0.5–1% cashback on everyday spending

• Integrated with Capitec Global One account

Ideal for: Beginners or budget-conscious users wanting rewards without paying annual fees.

3. Absa Rewards Credit Card — Best for Online Shopping

Features:

• 1–2.5% cashback on groceries, online shopping, and travel

• Points can be redeemed for flights, gift cards, or cashback

• Low to moderate annual fee (R595–R1,250)

Ideal for: Online shoppers who want consistent rewards for everyday purchases.

4. Discovery Miles Card — Best for Lifestyle and Travel

Features:

• Earn 1–3 Discovery Miles per R1 spent

• Miles can be redeemed for flights, experiences, and partner retailers

• Integrated with Vitality Money for bonus rewards

Ideal for: Professionals using Discovery products seeking high-value lifestyle rewards.

5. Nedbank Greenbacks — Best for Petrol and Grocery Cashback

Features:

• 0.5–2% cashback on groceries, fuel, and select retail

• Instant cashback credited monthly

• No annual fee option for basic version

Ideal for: Families and daily commuters wanting predictable cashback with minimal fees.

6. American Express Platinum Cashback — Best for Premium Users

Features:

• Up to 5% cashback on select categories

• High annual fee (R1,995) justified by rewards potential

• Additional travel perks, concierge services, and purchase protection

Ideal for: High spenders who maximise cashback in premium categories.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Carrying balances: High interest rates can nullify cashback benefits. Always pay in full.

2. Ignoring annual fees: Calculate if rewards exceed the fee.

3. Focusing on points over real value: Not all points have equal redemption value.

4. Overlooking foreign fees: Some cards charge 2–3% for international purchases.

5. Missing bonus categories: Use cards strategically to maximise category-specific rewards.

Cost, Earnings, and ROI Example

Example for a card with R1,500 annual fee, earning 2% cashback on R30,000 monthly spend:

• Annual spending: R30,000 × 12 = R360,000

• Cashback: 2% × R360,000 = R7,200

• ROI: R7,200 – R1,500 annual fee = R5,700 net benefit

This shows high cashback cards can easily offset annual fees for regular spenders.

Tools & Resources for Maximising Rewards

• Expense tracking apps: 22seven, FNB Money, Standard Bank Money App

• Cashback calculators: Estimate rewards before applying

• Bank loyalty apps: Track points, redeem offers, and monitor expiry

• Credit score monitoring: Ensure eligibility for premium cards

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best credit card in South Africa for cashback?
The FNB Premier Rewards and American Express Platinum Cashback cards offer top-tier cashback rates on everyday purchases.

2. Can I earn rewards and cashback on the same card?
Yes. Some cards like Absa Rewards combine both cashback and points for flexible redemption.

3. Are rewards and cashback taxable in South Africa?
No. Cashback and loyalty points are considered a rebate, not taxable income.

4. How do I redeem credit card rewards?
Through online banking portals, bank apps, or via partner retailers. Some cards allow cashback credit directly to your account.

5. Which card is best for international travel?
American Express Platinum and Discovery Miles cards provide travel perks, insurance, and higher foreign currency benefits.

6. Do I need a high credit score for rewards cards?
Yes, most premium cashback/rewards cards require good to excellent credit (650+).

7. Can I have multiple rewards credit cards?
Yes, as long as you manage spending responsibly to avoid debt.

8. How do I maximise rewards points?
Use the card in bonus categories, pay in full monthly, and redeem before expiry.

9. Are there no-annual-fee options?
Yes, Capitec Global One and Nedbank Greenbacks offer cashback cards without annual fees.

10. Can I use rewards for bills or online shopping?
Yes, many banks allow redemption for airtime, utility payments, e-commerce, or gift vouchers.

Conclusion: Choose Your Rewards Card Wisely

The best credit card in South Africa for cashback and rewards depends on your spending habits, lifestyle, and financial goals. Whether you want:

• Maximum cashback for groceries and fuel

• Points for travel and experiences

• A combination of rewards and lifestyle perks

There’s a card for you.

Start today:

• Compare top cards based on fees, cashback, and points

• Apply online with your preferred bank

• Track your spending to maximise rewards

• Pay off balances monthly to avoid interest charges

By using a rewards credit card strategically, you can turn everyday spending into tangible financial benefits. Make 2025 the year your credit card works for you.

Next Steps & Resources

• Compare cashback and rewards credit cards on official bank apps

• Track monthly spend categories for optimal rewards

• Set automatic payments to avoid interest

• Review your rewards strategy every 6–12 months