Credit cards offer a host of benefits, from rewards and cashback to complimentary travel insurance and extended warranties. The best credit cards in Kenya combine these advantages and provide excellent perks and benefits for both businesses and individuals. Therefore, we have searched the market to find the best credit cards in Kenya to help you make the right choice.
If you’re looking to buy something, whether it be a new sofa or a few groceries, there’s no shame in using a credit card. There’s also no shame in having a bit of knowledge in hand when it comes to the best credit cards in Kenya — here are our top picks.
How Do Credit Cards work?
The bank offers you a credit card with a limit on how much you can spend. The limit you get depends on your income or that of your business.
You can use your credit card to buy items online or pay for fuel. Once you swipe the credit card, the details are sent to the bank. The bank reviews the transactions and sends approval to process the transaction. The bank pays the merchant, and your credit limit is reduced.
The credit card issuer gives you a grace period. This is the time between the purchase date and the payment date. At the end of the month, the bank will send you a statement with your current balance, minimum payment due, and payment date. If you pay the amount you spent, then there will be no interest charged.
If you carry forward the amounts spent, the bank charges you interest.
Credit Card Charges You Should Know About
Credit cards come with numerous fees, some of which can be avoided. These fees and terms are outlined in the cardholder agreement. The agreement outlines all the fees you will be charged for using the card. These are the main fees you incur when using a credit card.
Annual fees
Most credit card providers will charge an annual fee. In Kenya, most banks charge KSH 3000 to 8,000 in annual credit card fees. Most credit card companies charge an annual fee. However, they may waive the joining fees occasionally.
Interest charge
Credit cards will charge interest on the pending balance at the end of the month. The rate is stated in the cardholder agreement as the annual percentage rate (APR). Some cards charge a fixed APR while others charge a variable one. Most credit cards in Kenya charge a variable interest rate ranging from 1.18% to 5% per month.
Most credit card companies will give you an interest-free grace period of up to 60 days. During this period, any balance on your credit card is interest-free.
Late payment fees
Every time you pay your credit card bill late, you will incur a charge. The charge is a percentage of the pending balance or standard figure. For instance, Standard Chartered Bank Kenya charges a late payment fee of Ksh 2,000 for their platinum credit card while Stanbic Bank charges Ksh 1000.
Foreign Transaction fees.
You will incur a foreign transaction fee of 1% to 3%. This is a fee you incur for purchases items outside Kenya.
Cash advance fees
If you withdraw cash from your credit card, you will incur a cash advance charge. Credit cards typically charge a cash advance fee of 4% to 6%.
‘Over the limit’ fees
Card issuers will charge you for exceeding the limit. Some credit cards will have a block when you reach your limit, while other cards charge a fee. The over-the-limit fee ranges from Ksh 1000 to Ksh 4,000.
Balance transfer fees
A balance transfer fee is charged when you transfer the balance from one credit account to another account.
Credit card replacement fees
Credit can get lost or damaged. Most credit card issuers will charge a fee to get you a new card.
Returned payment fees
The returned payment fee is incurred when you schedule a credit card payment without enough cash in your account. The amount you can be charged varies from one card issuer to another.
Credit Cards vs. Personal Loans
Both credit cards and personal loans offer the borrower a way to access credit. In both instances, the lender offers the borrower money at an interest rate. The two forms of credit offer the borrower a limited amount of money that can incur fees such as late payment fees.
Beyond the above similarities, credit cards and loans have major differences. Let us look at the main differences.
| Credit cards | Personal loans | |
| Lending model | Credit cards offer access to a specified amount on an ongoing basis | The borrower receives the money upfront |
| Monthly repayments | Variable month repayments | Fixed monthly repayments |
| Use | Used for everyday expenses as long as the account is in good standing | Used for larger purchases |
| Access to cash | Credit cards are revolving credit that gives the borrower access to cash as long as the account is in good standing | Personal loans are disbursed once. |
| Interest rates | They have up to 50 days of interest-free | Interest is charged on the first month after disbursement |
| Rewards and cashback | You earn rewards and receive cash back when you use your credit card. | No rewards or cashback. |
Credit Card vs. Debit Card
Credit and debit cards are similar. They have a 16-digit card number, an expiry date, and magnetic strips, and you can use both to make purchases. But they have some stark differences. Here are the main differences.
| Credit cards | Debit cards | |
| Source of funds | You borrow money from the card issuer | You spend money you deposit in your account. |
| Interest | You get the funds at an interest | No interest |
| Rewards and cash backs | You get rewards and cashback when you use the card. | No reward or cashback |
| Fees | You will be charged fees such as annual fees, late payment fees, and over-the-limit fees | No fees are charged for using the card. You may have to pay to withdraw money from an ATM |
| Credit rating | It will help you build credit if well managed | It does not help build your credit score |
| Debt | It’s a form of debt and increases your debt. | It’s not debt |
| Fraud protection | In case of theft, the cardholder suffers minimal liability as long as they report the | The cardholder suffers liability in the event fraud happens. |
How to choose the best credit card
There are many credit cards available in Kenya. As such, it’s important to pick the right one. Here is what to look out for when choosing a credit card.
The purpose of the credit card
The purpose of the credit card will determine the kind of credit card you choose. For instance, if you want a card to pay for foreign purchases, make sure you pick one that charges a low foreign transaction fee. If you need a card for cash withdrawals, look out for one with low cash advance fees.
Fees and expenses
Choose a credit card that charges you lower fees. Look out for the annual fees, interest, and other card fees. Choose one that has lower fees.
Cashback and reward points
Rewards and cashback are given to those with good credit. You earn a reward every time you spend money. Review the rewards and cashback from the credit cards and choose the one with the best. This should not be the only consideration. Most credit cards have the following rewards:
- Air miles
- Cashback
- Free travel insurance
How to Apply for a Credit Card
You can apply for a credit card online or visit the credit card issuer to apply. You can apply for a credit card online or visit the credit card issuer to apply. Before you apply for credit, you will need the following:
- Kenyan ID or passport
- KRA PIN
- Document proving source of income
- Bank statement
- Duly filled credit card application form
After filling out the application form, you can submit your application by visiting the nearest branch or submitting your online application.
Should I Apply for a Credit Card?
Getting the first credit card is always a momentous occasion for most people. Having that credit card that you can use at any moment is usually a great adulthood moment. However, beyond that moment of excitement, is having a card credit a good idea?
The answer to that question depends on whether the card serves your needs and whether you are disciplined enough to manage it. When managed well, a credit card is one of the best forms of credit to help you improve your credit rating history. Before you sign up for a credit card, here are the pros and cons.
Advantages of having a credit card
Access to revolving credit that is interest-free for up to 60 days.
Most credit cards have an interest-free grace period. The period ranges from 50 to 60 days depending on the card issuer. If you need to borrow money for a short time, then you have access to interest-free funds.
Your credit card is a safety net for when you need short-term funds. You don’t have to withdraw your emergency funds every time you need to purchase an important item. Use your credit card.
Get rewards and cashback.
Most credit cards have rewards and cash-back schemes. You get a reward and cash back when you use your card in supermarkets, petrol stations, or many other stores. Some credit card issuers even offer free basic travel insurance.
Protection from fraud
When your credit card is fraudulently used, you are protected from such liability. Unlike with a debit card, where all the liability is on the card owner. Most credit cards have zero liability coverage for unauthorized purchases to encourage people to use their cards.
Convenience
A credit card is convenient as you don’t have to carry cash around. You have access to money without carrying it around.
Accepted worldwide
You can use your credit card to pay for things abroad.
Build your credit report
A good credit report gives you access to more credit facilities that you may require. Good management of a credit card gives you a positive credit rating.
Tips to Help You Manage Your Credit Cards
Credit cards are one of the best forms of borrowing if they are well-managed. They offer the holder a zero-cost or low-cost way to get funds. Here is how to manage your credit card like a pro.
Understand your billing cycle.
Your billing ends at the end of every month. It may be the 1st or 5th of every month. The credit issuer adds interest to your card at the end of the billing cycle. Make sure your balance is zero or low before the billing cycle ends.
Don’t exhaust your credit card balance in one go.
Don’t use all the credit card balances at once; instead, leave some for a rainy day. Also, avoid going over the limit, as you will incur over-the-limit fees.
Pay the amount you spend every month.
To avoid over-the-limit fees and lower the interest you pay on your card, pay the amounts you spend every month. If you are not able to pay the whole amount, make sure you pay more than the minimum.
Avoid taking cash out.
When you take out cash, you will incur cash advance fees. Taking out cash is an expensive way of using your card.
Avoid making late payments
If you pay your credit card late, you will incur late payment fees. In addition, this ruins your credit rating.
15 best credit cards in Kenya
| Credit card Issuer | Minimum Income | Annual fees | Interest rate | Late payment fees | Over-the-limit fees | Cash advance fees | Foreign transaction fees | Rewards and cash backs |
| Visa Gold Credit card Standard Chartered | Net income of Ksh 50,000 | Ksh 6,000 | 3.0% | Ksh 1500 | Ksh 2000 | 5% | 2.50% | 5% cash on fuel Free travel accident insurance of up to USD 4k. Up to 55 days of interest-free grace period |
| Visa Platinum credit card Standard chartered | Net income of over Ksh 50,000 | Ksh 7,000 | 3.0% | Ksh 1,500 | Ksh 3000 | 4% | 2.50% | 5% cash on fuel and dining Free travel accident insurance of up to USD 4k 15% discount on featured merchants Up to 55 days of interest-free grace period |
| Standard Chartered Infinite credit card | Net income of over Ksh 50,000 | Ksh 8,000 | 3.0% | Ksh 1,500 | Ksh 3,000 | 4% | 2.50% | 5% cash on fuel and dining Free travel accident insurance of up to USD 4k 15% discount on featured merchants Interest-free period of up to 55 days |
| KCB Classic Visa Card | Income or turnover of 20,000 to 49,999 | Ksh 3000 | 3.5% | 5% of the outstanding | Ksh 1000 | 6% | 45 days interest-free grace period Discounts at over 200 merchants | |
| KCB Gold Visa card | Ksh 200,000- 299,000 | Ksh 4000 | 3.5% | 5% of the outstanding | Ksh 1000 | 6% | 45 days interest-free grace period Discounts at over 200 merchants | |
| KCB platinum visa card | Ksh 300,000 and above | Ksh 4260 | 3.5% | 5% of the outstanding | Ksh 1000 | 6% | 45 days interest-free grace period Discounts at over 200 merchants | |
| KCB Gold master card | Ksh 50,000 to Ksh 199,999 | Ksh 4,000 | 3.5% | 5% of the outstanding | Ksh 1000 | 6% | 45 days interest-free grace period Discounts at over 200 merchants | |
| Equity Bank American express( green) | Ksh 25,000 | Ksh 7000 | 1.5% | 6% of the outstanding | none | 6% | 50 days interest-free grace period Travel insurance and purchase protection Earn membership rewards points when you spend. | |
| Co-operative bank classic credit card | Ksh 3000 | 3.5% | 5% of the outstanding | Ksh 1100 | 10% | |||
| NCBA Infinite credit card | Ksh 15,000 | 3.5% | 5% of the outstanding Ksh 3000 for autopay failure | 5% of the above limit amount | 6% | Multi-trip insurance of 2.5 million 50 days interest-free An emergency cash disbursement of up to USD 5,000 Up to 5 free supplementary cards | ||
| NCBA signature credit card | Ksh 10,000 | 3.5% | 5% of the outstanding Ksh 3000 for autopay failure | 5% of the above limit amount | 6% | Buyer protection of up to Ksh 3million Access to worldwide airport lounges Up to 5 free supplementary cards | ||
| NCBA classic credit card | Ksh 2750 for unsecured cards | 3.5% | 5% of the outstanding Ksh 3000 for autopay failure | 5% of the above limit amount | 6% | Buyer protection for items more than Ksh 5000 Credit bonus of up to Ksh 5000 | ||
| Stanbic Bank Gold credit card | Ksh 150,000 | Ksh 4,000 | 3.3% | 5% of the outstanding | Ksh 1000 | 4% | 2% | 55 days interest-free Free supplementary card |
| Stanbic Bank Silver credit card | Ksh 30,000 | Ksh 4,000 | 3.3% | 5% of the outstanding | Ksh 1000 | 4% | 2% | 55 days interest-free Free supplementary card |
| Credit card Absa-Classic credit card | Ksh 20,000 for Absa customers, Ksh 40,000 for non-customers | Ksh 3000 | 3.99% | 50 days interest-free 0.5% cashback rewards on all your purchases |
Credit cards can be a great way to build credit, earn rewards, and get cash back or other perks. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know which card is right for you. Our list of the best credit cards can help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect card for your needs. Whether you are looking for a card with low-interest rates, great rewards, or a 0% intro APR period, we’ve got you covered.