Standard Bank Credit Card Review 2021

Standard Bank has a credit card for individuals of different income brackets ranging from those that earn a minimum wage to high net individuals.

The bank has four types of credit cards, available for anyone who earns a monthly income of R5000.00 or more.

To get a Standard Bank credit card you need to have an income of some sort. Therefore in applying for a standard bank credit card you need to have a proof income.

In some cases, you may be required to produce your income tax return document from SARS as proof of income.

Standard Bank has been closing most of its customer service centers across the country since 2019. It seems the plan is to go digital.

This article will analyse standard bank credit cards in detail and look at their competitive advantages and disadvantages.

We will further look into benefits, rates, and requirements that come with each standard bank credit card.

Credit Cards offered by Standard Bank

The four credit cards offered by Standard Bank for individuals are; Gold, Blue, Platinum and the Diners Club Credit Card.

The comparison of each type of Standard Bank Credit Card will be made on the same tier credit cards from other banks in South Africa.

Standard Bank Platinum Credit Card

The standard bank Platinum credit card is a premium black card and it is available for those that earn R58,000.00 per month or more.

It is one of the most prestigious black cards in South Africa. Compared to its competitors it charges less monthly service fees of just R97.00.

You will have a dedicated private banker assigned to you whom you will gain access to at any given time. Your private banker will assist you with all your banking needs, from applying for a mortgage loan to getting a new card. This card comes with a credit limit of up to R250,000.00.

Here are some of the perks and costs that come with the Platinum Credit Card.

Travel benefits

• Get up to 35% off on Emirates flights when you book through Leisure Desk
• Enjoy up to 15% off your next car rental when you book with Avis
• Rent a car with Gold Plus rewards from Hertz and get up to 10% at participating Hertz locations worldwide
• Get 20% off trips in the Middle East and Africa using the Careem cab-hailing app
• Access handpicked experiences and offers in cities around the world with Priceless Cities

Lifestyle benefits

• Book a treatment at Health Spa retailers and get 10%* off your Health Spa voucher when you pay with your credit card
• Get 10%* off when you swipe your card  in-store at Hirsch’s
• Get 10%* off on selected properties on Hotels.com when you book accommodation
• Spend R300 or more at A place to Shop and get up to 10%* off
• Get 10%* off when you spend at least R300 on Pro Gifts using your credit card
• Use your credit card at Gift Experience and get 5%* off your experience voucher
• Get up to 33%* off purchases when you purchase online at Wine of The Month
• Pay less for shipment when you buy online at thousands of U.S. online stores through MyUS
• Get exclusive offers at 9 shopping villages in  Europe when you use your credit card
• Buy 1GB of AlwaysOn Wi-Fi  for a once-off fee of R19 and get 11GB free*
• Get access to food and lifestyle offers on the MasterCard Buy 1 Get 1 App
• Earn UCount Rewards Points every time you use your credit card, no matter where you shop

Insurance benefits

• You are covered with automatic basic travel insurance
• Get coverage in case you’re robbed or forced by threat to withdraw cash from an ATM through the ATM Robbery Insurance
• Get Purchase Protection and swipe your credit card with confidence
• Optional Credit Card Protection Plan to ensure that your credit card debt is covered in case of an unfortunate event
• Get 15%* off your AA subscription

Credit Card features

• Chip- and PIN-enabled Mastercard credit card
• Shop at millions of merchants and ATMs worldwide
• 3D Secure verification for safe online shopping
• Tap to Pay™ in-store for R500 or less
• Link your card to the SnapScan or Masterpass apps to pay by phone
• Manage your card on your phone, in-app, online or at our ATMs
• Activate or disable till-point, ATM and online card functionality using our app
• Single limit for straight and budget facilities
• Change your credit limit on request
• Automatic lost card protection

Fees

• Get up to 55 days of free interest on your account if your account is paid in full.
• 3% minimum monthly repayment
• R94  monthly fee
• R180 initiation fee
• No monthly fee if bundled with a  Private Banking  account

Requirements

• South African ID copy (or passport if not an SA citizen)*
• A recent payslip and  3 months bank statement
• Proof of residence not older than 3 months
• Must earn R58 000 or more per month

Standard bank Platinum credit card competitive advantage

You get a 15% off on your AA Subscription fee for roadside assistance. This is a plus because as a motorist you wouldn’t want to be stuck on the road without any help. Therefore the 15% slash comes in handy.

No other bank offers any percentage off for roadside assistance. Banks like Discovery will require a minimum monthly repayment of 5%. However, with Standard Bank Platinum credit card you get to pay 3% minimum monthly repayment.

You get a free 11gig of always-on data when you buy a 1gig always-on data for R19.

If you have always-on network coverage then this can be utilized and you can save so much money on data purchases.

Standard Bank Platinum credit card competitive disadvantage

To qualify for a platinum credit card it is a prerequisite to have a platinum debit card with Standard bank. Obviously, this is something that frustrates most none Standard Bank account holders.

If you are a none standard bank platinum debit cardholder and you want to apply for the platinum credit card expect this message “the product applied for is exclusive to Standard Bank private banking customers” in advance.

Overall the rewards offered by Standard bank on this credit card are very low compared to the discovery bank black credit card and FNB private client’s credit card. You cannot save 35% or more in any of the platinum credit card rewards while discovery bank can save its clients up to 75% on selected purchases and 100% on a gym membership.

The rewards are not very much enticing for a black card considering the amount that will be spent on this credit card. Rewards and spending need to balance and Standard Bank Platinum Credit Card doesn’t give away as much as it is willing to take.

This card charges for electricity purchase and prepaid airtime. On the other hand FNB, Absa and Discovery don’t charge any amount for prepaid purchases for a private banking credit card.

Standard Bank Gold credit card

Best option to start your credit card lifestyle. With this card not much is required own one.

You need a minimum of R5000.00 to obtain one. You can receive up to R250,000.00 depending on your income. The more you pay your credit on or before time, you will receive limit increments.

Interest rate is charged according to your spending.

Travel benefits

• Get up to 35%* off on Emirates flights when you book through Leisure Desk
• Access handpicked experiences and offers in cities around the world with Priceless Cities

Lifestyle benefits

• Book a treatment at  Health Spa retailers and get 10%*off your Health Spa voucher when you pay with your credit card
• Get 10%* off when you swipe your card at Hirsch’s in-store
• Swipe your credit card for R300 or more at A Place to Shop and get up to 10%* off
• Get 10%*off when you spend at least R300 on Pro Gifts  using your credit card
• Use your credit card at Gift Experience and get 5% off  your experience voucher
• Buy 1GB of AlwaysOn Wi-Fi for a once-off fee of R19 and get 11GB free
• Get access to food and lifestyle offers on the MasterCard Buy 1 Get 1 App
• Earn UCount Rewards Points every time you use your credit card, no matter where you shop

Insurance benefits

• You are covered with automatic basic travel insurance
• Get an optional Credit Card Protection Plan to ensure that your credit card debt is covered in case of an unfortunate event
• Get 15%* off AA when you use your credit card to pay for your subscription

Card features

• Chip- and PIN-enabled Mastercard credit card
• Shop at millions of merchants and ATMs worldwide
• 3D Secure verification for safe online shopping
• Tap to Pay™ in-store for R500 or less
• Link your card to the SnapScan or Masterpass apps to pay by phone
• Manage your Gold Credit Card on your phone, in-app, online or at our ATMs
• Activate or disable till-point, ATM and online card functionality using our app
• Single limit for straight and budget facilities
• Change your credit limit on request
• Automatic lost card protection

Fees

• Get up to 55 days free interest if your account is paid in full
• 3% minimum monthly repayment with an automatic payment option
• R54 monthly fee
• R180 initiation fee

Requirements

• Sign in to your Internet Banking profile to apply online
• South African ID copy (or passport if not an SA citizen)*
• A recent payslip and 3 months bank statement
• Proof of residence not older than 3 months
• Must earn R5 000 or more per month

Standard Bank Gold Credit Card Competitive advantage

This card comes with an optional credit card debt cover, something that is not usual for a gold card. The gold credit has automatic lost card protection that comes free. Therefore the moment you report that you have lost your credit card you won’t be liable for any transactions that are made after reporting.

You can activate or disable certain card features like atm functionality which gives you more control over your credit card without looking for help from a consultant.

If you have a Gold Debit Card then you can easily apply for a gold credit card using the standard bank mobile app, your card will then be delivered to you without going to the bank.

Standard Bank Gold Credit Card Competitive Disadvantage

Standard bank doesn’t allow a discount for a Gold Credit Card if you have a fixed arrangement with the bank due to loss of income.

The minimum required income to qualify for a gold credit card is R5000 which is R2000 more when compared to the minimum required for a Capitec bank gold credit card. Interest on this account depends on your credit score

. Therefore those with a low credit score are bound to pay more interest.

Standard Bank Blue credit card

The Standard Bank Blue Credit card is for customers who are looking for a simple credit facility. There are no additional loyalty features or benefits attached to this card. 

Standard Bank has made it easy for those who want a credit facility with no added or complicated changes. If you are looking for something that you can call a ‘regular ‘ credit card then Standard Bank blue credit card may be what you are looking for.

With monthly service fees as little as R40.00 it is no surprise that many in the working-class prefer this card. You need to earn a minimum of R5000.00 per month and have a good credit score then you can get your self this card.

The card has a maximum credit limit of R250,000.00. Interest rates are personalized on this card so the less you use your credit card the less your cost will be.

Insurance Benefits

• Credit Card Protection Plan provides you with the peace of mind that, regardless of an unfortunate event, any credit card debt you may have will be covered. (Optional)

CARD FEATURES

• Chip- and PIN-enabled Mastercard credit card
• You can use your Credit Card at millions of merchants and ATMs worldwide – and to shop securely online.
• 3D Secure verification for safe online shopping
• Tap to Pay™ in-store for R 500 or less
• Link your card to the  SnapScan or Masterpass apps to pay by phone
• Manage your card on your phone, in-app, online or at our ATMs
• Activate or disable till-point, ATM and online card functionality using our app
• Single limit for straight and budget facilities
• Credit limit changes on request
• Automatic Lost Card Protection

Fees

• R40.00 monthly fee
• Initiation fee of R175.00
• Get up to 55 days of free interest on your account if your account is paid in full.
• 3% minimum monthly repayment with Automatic Payment Option

Requirements

• South African ID copy (or passport if not an SA citizen)*
• A recent payslip and 3 months bank statement
• Proof of residence not older than 3 months
• Must earn R5000 or more per  month

This is probably the best low cost credit card in South Africa. Not much is charged on transactions and you pay way too low monthly fees

Standard Bank Titanium Credit Card

The Standard bank titanium credit card is one of the famous credit cards in South Africa. Admired by professionals and graduates, rewarding hasn’t gone this mad crazy before on credit cards.

Those that are in their youth like to save up for that beautiful dream house or nice car. Titanium credit card make this possible by allowing a long list of benefits to help users save by earning points.

This card has a monthly service fee of R74.00. To qualify you need to earn a minimum of R25,000.00 per month.

Best suited for graduates and professionals , standard bank titanium credit card integrates saving with smart rewards. There is countless of rewards to be earned from this card. If you can tally your spending with your rewards you will earn more value for your money

Travel Benefits

• Up to *35% off on Emirates flights (T&Cs apply) when you book through Leisure Desk
• Enjoy up to 15% off your next rental when you book with Avis
• Rent a car, hassle-free with Gold plus rewards from Hertz, get up to 10% off best publicly available rates at participating Hertz locations worldwide
• Get 20% off trips in the Middle East and Africa using the Careem cab-hailing app
• Find a key to your city with Priceless Cities; access handpicked experiences and offers in cities around the world
• Lifestyle benefits
• Book a treatment at the Spa with your credit card at  Health Spa retailers and get 10% off your Health Spa voucher
• Get 10% off when you use your credit card at Hirsch’s
• 10% off when you shop at “A Place to Shop” using your credit card.
• Get 10%off when you spend at least R300 on “Pro Gifts “ using your credit card
• Use your credit card at Gift experience and get 5% of your experience.
• Get up to 33% off purchases when you purchase online on Wine of The Month. T&Cs apply
• Buy 1GB of AlwaysOn Wi-Fi for a once-off fee of R19 and get 11GB FREE. 1GB per month, valid for 12 months
• Access to food and lifestyle offers on the MasterCard Buy 1 Get 1 App

Insurance benefits

• You are covered with basic travel insurance
• Your ATM bodyguard. Get coverage in case you’re robbed or forced by threat to withdraw cash from an ATM with ATM Robbery Insurance
• Shop with confidence in case of theft or accidental damages of purchases, your card has your back through Purchase Protection
• Credit Card Protection Plan provides you with the peace of mind that, regardless of an unfortunate event, any credit card debt you may have will be covered. (Optional)
• Use your credit card to pay for your AA subscription and get 15% off.

Card features

• Chip- and PIN-enabled Mastercard credit card
• You can use your Credit Card at millions of merchants and ATMs worldwide – and to shop securely online.
• 3D Secure verification for safe online shopping
• Tap to Pay™ in-store for R 500 or less
• Link your card to the  SnapScan or Masterpass apps to pay by phone
• Manage your card on your phone, in-app, online or at our ATMs
• Activate or disable till-point, ATM and online card functionality using our app
• Earn UCount Rewards for using your card
• Single limit for straight and budget facilities
• Credit limit changes on request
• Automatic Lost Card Protection

Fees

• Get up to 55 days free interest on your account if your account is paid in full.
• 3% minimum monthly repayment
• R 74.00 monthly fee
• No monthly fee if bundled with a  Prestige Banking account
• Initiation fee of R 175.00

Requirements

• South African  ID copy (or passport if not an SA citizen)*
• A recent payslip and 3 months bank statement
• Proof of residence not older than 3 months
• Must earn R25 000 or more per month (OR hold a tertiary education degree).

Standard bank titanium credit card competitive advantages

The Standard Bank Platinum credit card has a minimum income requirement of R25,000.00 that’s cheaper than the FNB premier credit card which requires a minimum of R28,000.00 income.

The monthly fee on this account comes at a standard rate like many other credit cards that fall under the same category. You need to repay 3% of the balance per month while for a discovery platinum credit card one needs to pay 5% of the balance per month.

Standard Bank Titanium credit card competitive disadvantages

Applying for an overdraft can take longer than expected with the Standard bank prestige banking. A foul cry from users that they can’t access their dedicated private banker is something that cannot go unnoticed. From one standard bank titanium credit card holder with further details from hellopeter complained about reactivation their titanium credit card and the reactivation was never successful and had to move to get credit elsewhere.

Standard Bank Diners Club Platinum Credit Card

Standard Bank has collaborated with Diners Club to present us with this awesome credit card. If you are a frequent traveller you will enjoy so many great deals that come with this card if not too much to handle.

This card is somewhat exclusive and if you don’t earn more than R500,000.00 or more per annum unfortunately you can’t own this card. For those who earn above R500,000.00 per annum can get your hands on this card and pay just R80.00 per month on service fees.

Interest is personalized on this card so don’t be a bad spender because you will pay high interest.

On this Credit Card, Standard bank ensures that you earn R500,000.00 or more per annum by making sure that your tax returns state so. By paying your taxes roughly more than R110,000.00 on income tax if you earn R500,000.00 it means you can afford to take this card.

Before applying for this card make sure that your credit score is good or excellent so that your credit application don’t get declined

Travel Benefits

• Access to pre-arranged Airport Transfers and Meet & Greet: members get exclusively negotiated rates for transport to the airport and fast-tracking of airport check-ins and arrivals for international flights. (Available at all major South African airports).
• Access to over 1000 airport lounges around the world in over 131 countries and 501 cities using ONE CARD (At some larger airports – access to multiple alliance lounges available to visit for convenience of access).
• Complimentary express spa treatments at O.R. Tambo (International departures) – Letsema manicures, pedicures, back & foot massages & Cape Town (Domestic departures) – Yemaya manicures & pedicures.
• Flight discounts with Emirates (30% off economy flights, 30% off first class flights and 35% off business flights excl. airport taxes on any international roundtrip airfare).
• Avis Club – Priority service, Car rental upgrades & discounts via automatic “Avis Preferred Plus” status through Diners Club and International discounts.
• Ease of access to Forex via Concierge: using Travelex, where they deliver at any business address and residential address (special approval in place) anywhere in the country.
• Access to International networks of Diners Club via Diners Club International App with its network of global partners.
• The Diners Club Travel Tools mobile app has information on airport lounge locations and the latest Privileges offers.
• Rewards Programs that allow you to earn and redeem miles on flights and accommodation with either ClubMiles, BA Avios or SAA Voyager.

Lifestyle Benefits

• Complimentary Lifestyle Concierge Service.
• Sporting lifestyle needs i.e. Golf Club benefits including discounts at golf shops, Signature & Signature Golf Magazines.
• Invitations to lifestyle experiences aimed at enhancing the overall quality of your life.
• Invitations to Connoisseur events such as wine, whiskey, coffee, olive products, chocolates.
• Special offers through the Diners Club International network of privileges.
• Access to partner restaurants of Diners Club network and 50 Worlds Best Restaurants and special offers in place for occasions.
• Access to special offers through Diners Club Winelist award-winning restaurants.
• Wine of the Month – Preferential rates with Wine of the Month as part of the Diner Club Wine Club.
• Exclusive members-only Signature Magazine covering content related to Travel, Business, Wine & Dine, Motoring, Style, Property, Well-being, Golf.
• Access to over 30 partners across Travel, Lifestyle, Entertainment and Retail partners.
• Earn & Redeem your ClubMiles on the online ClubStore for:
• Occasions Hampers & Gifts.
• Conversion to vouchers to use at lifestyle stores associated with Diners Club.
• Global Complimentary Access to over 65 million WiFi hotspots accessed via Diners Club Travel Tools App.

Insurance Benefits

• Get Complimentary Phase 1 Travel Insurance with every public conveyance ticket purchased using your Diners Club card (be it air, road or rail, local & International medical and related expenses included).
• You are also automatically insured and get immediate replacement of lost or stolen cards.
• Credit Card Protection Plan  provides you with the peace of mind that, regardless of an unfortunate event, any credit card debt you may have will be covered. (Optional)

Card features

• Account issued within 48 hours
• 55 days’ interest free
• Free secondary cards
• Real-time Transaction updates and notifications
• Statements Online/E-mail/Post
• 24/7 Customer Service
• Quick and easy Card Replacement
• No initiation fee charged for new card & loyalty programmes
• The Diners Club Platinum credit card is also accepted at POS, ATM, Online and on various digital platforms like MasterPass.

Fees

• Monthly Fee:   R80.00per month.
• Minimum Annual Income: R500 000
• Credit Limit: Personalised
• Interest Rate: Fixed
• Minimum Monthly repayment: 3%
• Primary Card: R840 (Free secondary cards)

Requirements

• Certified South African ID copy or valid passport (if not SA citizen)
• Residential address verification (utility bill not older than 3 months)
• Latest copy of income tax return (IRP5) or
• 3 months original bank statements, if copies they must bear a bank stamp and not print outs from the internet (if no salary advice available)
• Tax number / SARS Payslip / salary advice
• If living with another person and has no proof of residential address, an Affidavit from other person confirming that applicant resides with them and the nature of the relationship

Diners Club credit card competitive advantages

Insurance on the Diners Club credit card pays for stolen credit card and any amount stolen from the credit card. One Diners club credit card holder had their credit card used to purchase goods worth R35000. Diners Club issued a new card with the balance paid off.

One of the best features of the diners club credit card is the ability to fast-track airport check-ins and the ability to negotiate rates for transport to and from the airport. This feature is something that you don’t get from Nedbank SAA Voyager Credit Card. You get invitations to connoisseur events and lifestyle experience, this more value for money to experience different things in life and meet new people.

Diners Club Credit Card competitive disadvantages

Customer help centre is of little to no use at times and consultants are generally unable to help in most of the issues. Maybe diners club can learn a few tricks about customer service from Nedbank American Express credit division team who are doing way better than diners club when it comes to service delivery. Card cancellation was a hassle for me, it can take up to two weeks to cancel the card.

Standard Bank Credit Card Application

• Select your credit card choice
• Make sure your choice matches the minimum income requirement
• Must have a South African ID
• Be 18 years or older
• Have proof of income /payslip not older than 3 months
• Have a bank statement showing income for 3 months. If you have a transactional account with Standard bank then there is no need for a bank statement.
• Use your mobile app to apply for a credit card or
• Visit your nearest standard bank branch to start your application with assistance from a consultant.

Conclusion

Standard bank offers different credit cards to different credit card users and each credit card has its own pros and cons.

It is important to understand the type of credit cards before you apply for one. This will help you in whether or not you want the credit card and you will be able to compare it with other similar credit cards from other institutions.

Different banks offer different rewards. Standard bank rewards may be suitable for your lifestyle spending and you can get rewarded for living the life that you are already living.

When choosing a credit card you need to take note of the benefits that come with your credit card and whether the benefits can be enjoyed while sustaining your lifestyle.

There is no point in getting a credit card that gives points for travelling frequently when you are not a frequent traveller, it is just not worth it. Rather have a credit card that allows you to save on your daily necessities like fuel and food to enjoy the full rewards of your spending.

Your spending behaviour should definitely influence your credit card choice.

Credit Card Tips

• Take credit that you can afford.
• Use your credit wisely so don’t overspend
• Make debit order agreements
• Keep your credit score healthy        
• Avoid making too much credit