The Best Credit Cards for Travel Rewards: Options for South African Travelers
Maximising travel miles & points through credit cards in South Africa isn’t as straightforward as it is for many global travellers. While international credit card users enjoy generous sign-up bonuses and high conversion ratios, South Africans often face lower bonuses, weaker earn rates, and restricted redemption options. But that doesn’t mean there’s no value to unlock, choosing the right card and strategy can still make a difference.
Below, we compare three local cards:
- American Express Platinum Card – issued by Nedbank
- British Airways Visa Credit Card – issued by ABSA
- SAA Voyager Premium Card – issued by Nedbank
Global vs. South African Travel Credit Cards
Globally, experienced travellers use card churning, a strategy that involves opening new credit cards frequently to Maximise massive sign-up bonuses—sometimes exceeding 200,000 points. Many international cards also allow 1:1 points conversions, meaning rewards can be transferred seamlessly to airline or hotel loyalty programs. Additionally, spending earns points at competitive rates, such as 1 point per $1 spent.
For South Africans, however, the reality is far less favourable:
- Sign-up bonuses are modest compared to international offers.
- Conversion ratios to airline reward programs are weaker.
- Earn rates are significantly lower, meaning you need to spend more to accumulate points.
Despite these limitations, selecting the right travel rewards card can still help you Maximise value, especially if you align it with your preferred airline and hotel ecosystem.
Local Credit Card Breakdown: How They Stack Up
American Express Platinum Card
This premium card comes with below average customer service and frustrating online portals, but some good travel perks. The earn rates per R10,000 spent are:
- Around 3,000 Membership Rewards (MR) points, convertible at:
- 5 MR → 1 Avios
- 3.3 MR → 1 SAA Voyager mile
- 2.5 MR → 1 Virgin Atlantic mile
Although American Express isn’t accepted everywhere, its acceptance is growing, including Takealot, Amazon, and major retailers. For airline rewards alone, this isn’t the strongest option. However, the Hilton Gold status is great, and concierge service through Tourvest offer decent airline discounts, particularly on higher-class fares with Qatar Airways, which Maximise Avios earning and upgrade potential.
One of the best features? Unlimited Priority Pass lounge visits, plus a free secondary card—some lounges even allow guests at no extra charge.
ABSA British Airways Visa Credit Card
A straightforward, reliable Visa card with the best Avios earn rate in South Africa. The key numbers:
- Around 1,300 Avios per R10,000 spent—far better than Amex, which earns 600 Avios for the same spend.
Everything is seamless, Avios accrues monthly to your account, allowing instant transfers to Qatar Airways and certain other Oneworld Alliance airlines. For South African travellers who rely on Avios, this card has opportunities to maximise unlimited spend. Boosting Avios earned is also possible.
SAA Voyager Premium Card
With SAA’s limited network, this card is not ideal for global travel. However, for frequent Africa-based travellers, it may be worthwhile. Key numbers:
- Around 950 Voyager miles per R10,000 spent.
As SAA expands its routes, Voyager miles could become more useful, but at present, redemption remains limited, and star alliance partner redemptions frustrating.
Diners Club Miles
Diners Club, issued by Standard Bank, operates through its own ClubMiles portal, meaning points aren’t transferable to major airlines. Earn rate:
- Around 1,250 ClubMiles per R10,000 spent.
This card is best suited for travellers who frequently book flights through the Diners Club platform, but less useful for airline mileage programs. It can be a bit challenging using Diners Cards easily in South Africa.
What About Traditional Bank Reward Schemes?
This analysis excludes eBucks, Discovery Miles, and other local bank rewards programs. While these schemes offer strong general rewards, they aren’t directly focussed for travel and have a somewhat diminishing value each year. Additionally, many enforce caps on spending earn.
Summary- How to Maximise Travel Rewards
If you take travel seriously and want to get better value from your card, follow these steps:
- Think long-term – plan your rewards strategy around future travel goals.
- Commit to an airline and hotel ecosystem – sticking to one program improves upgrades and redemption value.
- Choose a card that Maximises earn rates – select the best option for your travel needs.
- Look for innovative ways to boost your points – certain spending and boost strategies can increase rewards accumulation.
South African credit cards aren’t as rewarding as global options, but with careful planning, you can still unlock meaningful value from your travel spending.
Kwaai Travel