Apply for an Absa Bank credit card, reviewed by our experts. On 17.02.2025, you have access to credit cards options. Increase your chances of approval by filling out a multi-application with a free credit rating check.
Update 20.11.2024
Absa Bank offers a comprehensive selection of credit cards tailored to meet the diverse financial needs and lifestyles of its clients. With options designed for travel enthusiasts, cash-back seekers, and those looking for low fees or interest rates, Absa ensures there is a card for every purpose. The bank provides a user-friendly online comparison tool, allowing potential cardholders to evaluate various features such as monthly fees, reward programs, travel benefits, and credit limits.
Key Features
Comprehensive Travel Benefits. Absa credit cards provide automatic travel insurance and access to Bidvest Premier Airport Lounges, with complimentary visits based on the card type, ensuring added value for frequent travelers.
Flexible Credit Limits. Credit cards are tailored with credit limits that align with individual affordability, ranging from R90,000 on Gold and Flexi Core cards to R228,000 on Private Banking Credit Cards, offering financial flexibility for varied spending needs.
Contactless Payments. All Absa credit cards support secure and convenient contactless payments for transactions up to R500, enhancing ease of use at point-of-sale terminals.
Interest-free period. Up to 57 days of interest-free credit on purchases if you pay the balance in full by the due date
Enhanced Security Features. With NotifyMe SMS alerts and lost card protection, Absa ensures real-time transaction notifications and zero liability for fraudulent transactions once reported, adding robust security to cardholder accounts.
Credit Cards Offered by Absa Bank
Gold Credit Card. Monthly fee: R57. Recommended income: R7,000 per month. Credit limit: Up to R90,000. Features include up to 57 days interest-free on qualifying transactions, Bidvest Premier Lounge access at preferential rates, R1.5 million in basic travel insurance, free lost card protection, and participation in Absa Rewards and Absa Advantage programs for cashback and other benefits.
Premium Banking Credit Card. Monthly fee: R97. Recommended income: R25,000 per month. Credit limit: Up to R138,000. Offers 12 complimentary Bidvest Premier Lounge visits per year, R3 million in travel insurance, priority banking services, Visa Buyers Protection, and extended warranties. Also includes cash-back rewards and Absa Advantage challenges.
Private Banking Credit Card. Monthly fee: R200. Recommended income: R62,500 per month. Credit limit: Up to R228,000. Features 24 complimentary Bidvest Premier Lounge visits per year plus two guest entries, Lounge Key access with six free visits annually, travel insurance, and exclusive Visa benefits such as Buyers Protection and collision damage waivers. Tailored for high-net-worth individuals with dedicated 24/7 Private Assist service.
Flexi Core Credit Card. Monthly fee: R49. Recommended income: R7,000 per month. Credit limit: Up to R90,000. Offers up to 57 days interest-free, Absa Rewards, Absa Advantage, and secure online and contactless payment options. Includes travel insurance and SMS notifications for added security.
Student Credit Card. Monthly fee: R0. Recommended income: R800 per month. Age requirement: 18–30 years. Credit limit: Determined by individual assessment. Features include Absa Rewards, three complimentary Bidvest Lounge visits per year, R1 million travel insurance, and exclusive Visa benefits. Applicants must be full-time students at recognized institutions.
Ultimate with Gold Credit Card. Monthly fee: R98 (as part of the Ultimate Account). Recommended income: R4,000 per month to qualify for embedded credit. Credit limit: Embedded Enhanced Credit Facility up to R100,000. Offers up to R1.5 million in travel insurance, access to Bidvest Premier Lounges, and no additional monthly fee for the linked Gold Credit Card.
Ultimate Plus with Premium Credit Card. Monthly fee: R220 (as part of the Ultimate Plus Account). Recommended income: R4,000 per month. Credit limit: Enhanced Credit Facility up to R100,000. Provides R3 million travel insurance, 12 free Bidvest Lounge visits annually, and a premium experience with the optional linked Premium Credit Card at no additional monthly fee.
British Airways Credit Card. Monthly fee: R100. Recommended income: R8,000 per month. Features include eight complimentary Bidvest Lounge visits annually (four domestic and four international), earning Avios points for everyday and British Airways purchases, and up to 55 days interest-free credit on qualifying transactions. Users earn 5,000 Avios on the first transaction and an additional 4,000 Avios for spending R24,000 in the first three months, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Wide Card Variety. Absa offers a range of credit cards tailored to different income levels and lifestyles, including student cards, travel-focused cards, and premium options with exclusive benefits.
Integrated Banking Features. All credit cards seamlessly integrate with Absa Online Banking and the mobile app, allowing for efficient management, including payments, tracking, and reward redemptions.
Reward Programs. Absa Rewards and Absa Advantage incentivize card usage with cash-back offers and exclusive perks, including free meals and other lifestyle rewards for completing challenges through the Banking App.
Cons
Unavailable for Foreign Nationals. Absa credit cards are only accessible to South African citizens and residents with a valid ID, excluding non-residents, even if they meet income requirements.
Mandatory Insurance Costs. Some cards require additional services, such as credit life insurance, which can increase the overall cost of card ownership for clients who may already have personal insurance coverage.
Limited Flexibility of Rewards. Loyalty programs like Absa Rewards are tied to specific partners, making them less versatile compared to cards that offer unrestricted cash-back rewards.
How to Choose Absa Bank Credit Card?
Evaluate Your Spending Needs. Determine your primary expenses, such as travel, dining, or everyday purchases. For frequent travelers, the Private Banking Credit Card offers exclusive perks like Lounge Key access and comprehensive travel insurance, while the Gold Credit Card is ideal for general lifestyle and basic travel benefits.
Compare Credit Limits and Income Requirements. Review the credit limits and income thresholds for each card. The British Airways Credit Card, with its Avios rewards and moderate R8,000 income requirement, is a strong option for travelers. Meanwhile, the Private Banking Credit Card suits high-net-worth individuals with its R228,000 credit limit and income requirement of R62,500.
Consider Rewards Programs. Look into Absa Rewards and Absa Advantage programs offered across most cards. For instance, the Gold and Flexi Core Credit Cards offer cashback and rewards for completing challenges, whereas the British Airways Credit Card focuses on Avios points for flights and travel.
Analyze Fees and Interest-Free Days. Compare monthly fees and interest-free days. The Student Credit Card is a great no-fee option for young adults, while the Gold Credit Card balances affordability (R57 monthly fee) with up to 57 days interest-free. For premium services, the Private Banking Credit Card’s R200 monthly fee offers higher-tier benefits.
Use Absa's Online Comparison Tool. Simplify your decision-making by leveraging the bank’s online comparison feature to compare card benefits, fees, and requirements side by side. This ensures you select the card that best aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle needs.
How to Apply for an Absa Bank Credit Card?
Apply via the Bank's Website. Go to the official Absa Bank website and navigate to the "Credit Cards" section under "Personal Banking." Use the comparison tool to evaluate card options and select the one that fits your needs. Click "Apply Now" under your chosen card to start the application process.
Complete the Online Application Form. Fill in the required personal details, including your South African ID number, contact information, employment details, and monthly income. Upload the necessary documents, such as proof of residence and the latest three months’ payslips, for verification.
Log in or Register as a New User. If you are an existing customer, log in using your Absa Online credentials to auto-fill certain sections of the form. If you are new to Absa, register by providing basic details and setting up a secure login.
Apply via the Absa Banking App. Log in to the Absa Banking App and select "Apply for Credit Card" from the menu. Choose your preferred card, complete the form, and upload the required documents directly in the app. Review and submit your application for processing.
Visit a Branch. Use the "Locate Us" feature on the website or app to find the nearest Absa branch. Bring your ID, proof of residence, and proof of income to the branch. Speak with a consultant, who will assist in completing the application process in person.
Follow Up for Approval. Once your application is submitted, Absa will review your information and conduct a credit assessment. You will receive a notification of your approval status via SMS, email, or in-app message.
Activate Your Credit Card. Upon receiving your card, activate it by following the instructions provided. This may involve logging into the Absa Banking App or calling the activation hotline. Once activated, your card is ready to use.
Eligibility Requirements
Residency. Applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents with a valid South African ID book or Smart ID card to qualify for an Absa credit card.
Age. Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Income. A minimum monthly income is required, depending on the specific credit card. For instance, the Flexi Core Credit Card requires R7,000, while the Private Banking Credit Card demands R62,500 monthly income.
Documents Required. Applicants need to provide a valid South African ID, proof of residence not older than three months, and the latest proof of income, such as three consecutive months of payslips or bank statements.
Creditworthiness. Absa assesses creditworthiness based on factors such as credit history, payment behavior, and debt-to-income ratio to determine eligibility and set credit limits.
Affordability Assessment. All applications are subject to an affordability assessment to ensure the applicant can manage the credit responsibly.
Reasons You May Be Denied
Insufficient Credit History. Applicants with little or no credit history may be denied because the bank lacks sufficient data to assess their creditworthiness.
Low Credit Score. A poor credit score or a history of defaults and late payments can lead to rejection, as Absa prioritizes responsible credit usage.
Inadequate Income. If your income does not meet the minimum requirement for the card you are applying for, such as R800 for the Student Credit Card or R7,000 for the Flexi Core Credit Card, your application may be declined.
High Debt-to-Income Ratio. If your existing financial obligations consume too much of your monthly income, the bank may view you as a high-risk borrower and reject your application.
Incomplete or Inaccurate Documentation. Missing or incorrect documents, such as proof of residence or payslips, can cause delays or outright rejection, as they are critical for verifying eligibility.
Unverified Employment Status. If the bank cannot verify your employment or income source, your application may be denied, especially for higher-tier credit cards requiring proof of stable income.
Non-Compliance with Residency Requirements. Applicants who are not South African residents or fail to provide a valid ID may not qualify for any Absa credit card.
How to Pay Off My Credit Card Debt
Online Banking. Log in to Absa Online Banking, navigate to the "Payments" section, and add your credit card as a beneficiary. Enter the payment amount and confirm the transaction to settle your credit card balance securely.
Mobile Banking App. Use the Absa Banking App to make payments directly to your credit card. Select the "Pay Credit Card" option, input the payment amount, and confirm the details to complete the process conveniently from your mobile device.
ATMs. Visit any Absa ATM, insert your card, and choose the "Credit Card Payment" option. Follow the prompts to enter the payment amount and complete the transaction.
Branch Payments. Pay off your credit card at an Absa branch by depositing cash or using your debit card. Provide your credit card details to the bank representative to process the payment.
Payments from Other Banks. Use another bank’s online banking platform to transfer funds to your Absa credit card. Add your credit card as a beneficiary, provide the account and payment reference details, and confirm the payment.
Cellphone Banking. Dial *120*2272# on your mobile phone, log in with your PIN, and select "Credit Card Payments." Enter the required details to settle your outstanding balance directly from your cellphone.
Editorial Opinion
Absa Bank offers a diverse range of credit cards to suit various needs, from student options to premium cards with travel perks like Avios points and lounge access. While the rewards programs and benefits are attractive, mandatory income thresholds and insurance costs may limit accessibility for some. Overall, Absa’s cards are a strong choice, combining valuable features with robust management tools, ideal for those who match the eligibility criteria.
What is the process for increasing your Absa credit card limit, and how often can it be adjusted?
Absa allows cardholders to request a credit limit increase through their online banking profile, the mobile app, or by visiting a branch. Adjustments are subject to a credit assessment and affordability review. Limit increases can typically be requested every six months, depending on the cardholder's payment history and financial circumstances.
Are there any special offers or promotions for new Absa credit card applicants?
Yes, certain Absa cards, like the British Airways Credit Card, provide introductory bonuses such as Avios points. For instance, users can earn 5,000 Avios on their first purchase and an additional 4,000 for spending R24,000 within three months. Other promotional offers may vary seasonally and should be reviewed on the Absa website.
Can existing Absa customers benefit from reduced application requirements or faster approval times?
Existing Absa customers often experience faster processing times since their financial and personal details are already stored within the system. In some cases, they may qualify for pre-approved credit cards or skip certain document submissions, like proof of residence, if already verified for other accounts.
Does Absa offer any tailored credit card options for frequent online shoppers?
Yes, Absa credit cards come with advanced security features like NotifyMe alerts and 3D Secure for online transactions. Additionally, cashback programs and rewards, such as Absa Rewards and Absa Advantage, allow online shoppers to maximize value on eligible purchases.
Are there flexible repayment options for cardholders facing financial difficulties?
Absa provides support for customers experiencing financial strain through repayment plans or restructuring options. Cardholders can contact Absa's customer service to explore tailored solutions, such as adjusting payment schedules or consolidating debt into a manageable repayment structure.