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African Bank: Black credit card
Black credit card explained using the existing African Bank coverage on AfrifinHub. Review the sections below and use the bank navigation to explore related topics.
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African Bank Black Credit Card: Limits, Fees & Benefits
Source: existing AfrifinHub article. Original WordPress modification: 2026-09-17. This is not a new fact-check date.
What is special about the Black Credit Card?
African Bank positions the Black Credit Card as a lifestyle card that also rewards responsible use: customers can earn up to 3% interest on a positive balance, and get up to 62 days interest-free on point-of-sale and online purchases if the outstanding balance is settled in full by the due date. Approved applicants can qualify for a credit limit of up to R500,000, subject to affordability and credit assessment, and the card is accepted globally at any merchant or ATM displaying the Visa logo. Customers can also withdraw cash back at point-of-sale tills at participating retailers such as Checkers, Shoprite, Spar and Pick n Pay.
Instant issue and app access
Once approved, there’s no waiting period for the physical card: customers collect a personalised, embossed Visa Credit Card at any African Bank branch and receive an SMS once it’s activated. From there, the African Bank App and Online Banking let customers check balances, pay the card online, get a statement, settlement quote, paid-up letter or tax certificate, and view or change their own transaction limits.
Black Credit Card fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly service fee | R69.00 |
| Initiation fee | R147.00 |
| Card replacement fee | R136.50 |
| Purchases in South Africa (POS) | Free |
| POS balance enquiry | R3.00 |
| Cash back at POS | R7.50 |
| Declined transaction | R10.00 |
| ATM cash withdrawal (R100 or less) | R10.00 |
| ATM cash withdrawal (above R100) | R14.00 plus 2% of transaction value |
| ATM balance enquiry | R10.00 |
| International ATM cash withdrawal | R80.00 plus 2% of transaction value |
| SMS messaging service | R0.60 |
| Statement reprint | Free |
| PIN change | Free |
| Disputed transaction (local POS/ATM, unsuccessful) | R50.00 |
| Disputed transaction (international POS/ATM, unsuccessful) | R150.00 |
| Credit interest rate (on positive balance) | 3% p.a. |
International purchases carry an additional conversion fee of 2.75% of the transaction value, and international card-not-present transactions are capped at R50,000 per transaction. All fees include VAT and are subject to change with written notice, in line with the National Credit Act.
Setting your own transaction limits
Cardholders can set their own transaction limits through the App or Online Banking; if no personal limit is set, African Bank’s discretionary default applies. The defaults are: ATM withdrawals — R6,000 default, R10,000 maximum; POS purchases — R100,000 default and maximum; Card Not Present (online) transactions — R10,000 default, R50,000 maximum.
Eligibility and how to apply
To apply, customers need to be over 18, provide their most recent proof of income, and a latest bank statement reflecting three months of salary deposits. Applications can be started online through African Bank’s website or App by requesting a quote. Credit Life Insurance is required alongside the card — covering events such as retrenchment, death and disability — and is underwritten by Guardrisk Life Limited. Existing cardholders whose card is 6 months or older may qualify for a credit limit increase, subject to a fresh credit assessment, which can be requested in branch, online, via the App, by dialling *120*225#, or by calling 0860 333 004.
Since approval depends on a credit assessment, it’s worth checking your own credit score before applying — African Bank customers can get a free credit report through the App or Online Banking, giving you a sense of where you stand before you apply.
Lost or stolen Black Credit Card
Inside South Africa, report a lost or stolen card immediately on 0861 000 555 or +27 11 256 9988, or dial *120*225# from a cellphone. Cards can also be stopped through Online Banking or the App. Travelling outside South Africa, contact African Bank on +27 (11) 256 9988, or the Visa Global Customer Assistance Service collect on +1 410 581 3836 (USA).
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum limit on the African Bank Black Credit Card?
Up to R500,000, subject to affordability and a credit assessment.
Does the Black Credit Card have an interest-free period?
Yes — up to 62 days interest-free on point-of-sale and online purchases, provided the outstanding balance is settled in full by the due date.
How much does the Black Credit Card cost per month?
A monthly service fee of R69, plus a once-off R147 initiation fee when the card is issued.
Do I need to visit a branch to get my card?
Yes. Once approved, the personalised embossed card is collected at any African Bank branch, with no additional waiting period.
What documents do I need to apply?
Proof of income, a latest bank statement showing three months of salary deposits, and you must be over 18.
What are the default transaction limits on my card?
ATM withdrawals default to R6,000 (max R10,000), POS purchases default to R100,000 (also the max), and online Card Not Present transactions default to R10,000 (max R50,000). You can change these yourself in the App or Online Banking.
Who underwrites the Credit Life Insurance on my card?
Guardrisk Life Limited underwrites African Bank’s Credit Life Insurance, which is compulsory alongside the card.
How do I check my credit score before applying?
African Bank customers can get a free credit report through the App or Online Banking — useful for checking where you stand before applying for the card.