How To Apply For A Credit Card With Low Credit Ratings

By Dave Nyam •  Updated: 02/20/24 •  5 min read

Trying to get a charge card in South Africa with a low loan score may sound very daunting initially. Well, here is some hope for you. Still, with your not-so-good credit score, options remain open to you. Some credit cards come with rewards and a low fee, particularly for people with a bad credit history. They are a potential stepping stone toward improving your credit rating

and thus getting more favourable opportunities in the financial field farther down the road. Here is a detailed walkthrough showing you how to navigate the gold card landscape with a low score.

How To Apply For Credit Card With A Low Credit Rating

You could still attempt to get a charge plate, even if you are on the lower end of the loan rating, but this comes with a few steps and a list of the fulfilled requirements. Below is how to apply for a gold card with a low loan reading in South Africa:

Can I Still Process Credit Cards With A Low Credit Score?

A low-level reading does not imply a total inability to take out a charge plate—it curtails your options and makes qualifying for the best gold cards tougher. Depending on the kind of credit card one is looking for and their credit history, there will be a need for a credit score to get a credit card. Generally, credit cards in South Africa require over 550 for the lowest score for a person to get. It can be found by getting your credit report for free and knowing your credit score.

For someone whose credit score falls under 550, there is still a chance of getting a credit card if alternative options are considered. Those include:

Which Bank Gives Credit Cards Easily?

The response to this query relies on one’s earnings, expenditures, and monetary objectives. But among many, a few banks have a reputation for having easy application processes and flexed credit card offers. For example, Capitec Global One Credit Card offers basic simplicity, affordability, and travel insurance. Discovery Bank Gold Credit Card gives you value for healthy living and a competitive rate. FNB Premier Credit Card offers eBucks rewards, travel insurance, and lifestyle discounts. These are some of the hassle-free charge plates to apply for in SA. 

What Is The Lowest Credit Rating To Get Credit Cards In South Africa?

Your three-digit rating shows your capacity to handle loans, with a nine hundred and ninety-nine ceiling. Most credit cards require at least a score of 550, yet there are differences from card to card. This means it’s fair, and you have the advantage of really qualifying. However, some bank cards may require a higher reading, especially if they offer more benefits or lower interest rates.

Which Credit Card Does Not Require A Credit Score?

Imagine jumping into the sphere of loans for the first time or having to re-enter after some extended period off. You are likely to have no credit score or one that has gone cold, and you may struggle to get a credit card with many banks. But fear not! In South Africa, there are those credit cards that don’t hinge on your credit score. Cards like the ABSA Student Credit Card, the Nedbank Gold Credit Card, and the Capitec Global One Credit Card come to the rescue. These cards are tailor-made for beginners, students, or even those with a low income so that they can open their golden opportunity of building your credit history.

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