Often times, credit card companies use ‘lounge visits’ as benefits to get your attention. However, make sure you do your research. Not all lounge visits are as great as they are made out to be.
To help you find the best credit card that gives you free lounge access in South Africa, I spent around 6 hours reading through all the small print I could find to finally reveal 11 of the best credit cards that give free airport lounge access in South Africa.
I ranked these credit cards based on three important ranking factors:
Do you get complimentary visits?
Some credit cards MAY give you access to lounges, however, they’re not always complimentary visits. While other credit cards will offer lounge visits, with very strict qualifying criteria in the small print. In the guide, I’ll reveal credit cards that offer FREE lounge visits with reasonable qualifying criteria so that you don’t get ripped off.
How many lounges are there available to use in South Africa and abroad?
Lounges such as the Slow and Bidvest lounge only have locations within South Africa. So if you’re traveling abroad, make sure you select a credit card that has partnered with international lounges, such as DragonPass, and LoungeKey.
Are you allowed to take guests?
No point enjoying the comfort of an airport lounge alone while your family or friends are waiting at the gate. Make sure you’re allowed to take a guest or family member in with you for free.
While taking those ‘ranking factors’ into consideration, here are my top picks.
01. WINNER: Standard Bank World Citizen Credit Card
***I chose this card as my winner because you get a whopping 24 complimentary visits to over 1000 lounges worldwide with very lenient qualifying criteria. WELL DONE Standard Bank!***
- Monthly card maintenance fee: R264
- Qualifying income per month: R25,000
Airport access rules:
With the Standard bank world citizen credit card, you’ll get access to a variety of different lounges. Namely, Bidvest Domest, Bidvest International, Lounge Key International, Library Lounge, and finally the Blue Lounge.
How many complimentary lounge visits do you get with the Standard Bank World Citizen Credit Card?
You’ll get a whopping 24 lounge visits per year. There is a slight catch, though. To get the lounge visits, you’ll need to spend at-least R5000 on your credit card in the previous month or R15,000 in the last three months.
That said, if the lounge visits are essential to you, I would get into the habit of using your credit card for everyday purchases, then paying it back before the end of the month so you won’t have to pay interest on it.
Number of lounges available to use in South Africa and abroad?
- Bidvest – Bloemfontein, Cape Town domestic, Cape-Town International, Durban Kinshaka, Eat London, George, OR Tambo domestic, OR Tambo International, OR Tambo Sky Lounge, Lanseria domestic, and Port Elizabeth.
- Lounge Key – LoungeKey gives you access to over 1000 lounges at 400 airports worldwide, so I can’t mention all the locations in this article. However, click this link to use their ‘find a lounge’ feature if you would like more information on where they are.
- Standard Bank Library Lounge – OR Tambo Johannesburg
- Standard Bank Blue Lounge – OR Tambo Johannesburg
Are you allowed to take guests?
Unfortunately, you can’t use your complimentary to take guests into these lounges with you. They will have to pay full rates. That said, children under the age of 2 can come in for free.
Lounge access costs?
Bidvest International Lounge Rate: | Bidvest Domestic Lounge Rate: | LoungeKey: | Library Lounge: | Blue Lounge: | |
Card holder without free visits | R372 | R222 | R450 ($27) | – | – |
Guest/Child | R372 | R222 | R450 ($27) | – | – |
Public Walk-In | R413 | R247 | – | – | – |
Learn more or apply for this credit card here.
02. American Express Platinum Credit Card
A close second place! The only thing that put me off is the steep monthly maintenance fee.
- Monthly card maintenance fee: R388
- Qualifying income per month: R16,600
Airport access rules:
With the American Express Platinum credit card you get access to a whopping 3 different lounges:
- Priority pass.
- Bivest domestic and international.
- The Centurion Lounge.
How many complimentary visits do you get?
- Priority pass – Unlimited access,
- Bidvest domestic and international – Unlimited access.
- The Centurion Lounge – Unlimited access.
Number of lounges available to use in South Africa and abroad?
- Priority pass – There are too many to mention here. They have over 1200 lounges located locally and abroad. For more information, click here.
- Bidvest domestic and international – Bloemfontein, Cape Town domestic, Cape-Town International, Durban Kinshaka, Eat London, George, OR Tambo domestic, OR Tambo International, OR Tambo Sky Lounge, Lanseria domestic, and Port Elizabeth.
- The Centurion Lounge – Also has over a dozen lounges worldwide, so click here to find out more.
Are you allowed to take guests?
- Priority pass – Take one guest for free.
- Bivest domestic and international – Not sure.
- The Centurion Lounge – You can take two guests per visit for free
Learn more or apply for this credit card here.
03. Standard Bank Diners Club Platinum Credit Card
- Monthly card maintenance fee: R80
- Qualifying income per month: R41,000
Airport access rules:
How many complimentary visits do you get?
With the Diners Club Platinum credit card, you’ll get 1 complimentary lounge visits for every R5000 you spend on your credit card in the last three months.
Number of lounges available to use in South Africa and abroad?
Diners Club is an international club that has partnered with a variety of lounges locally and abroad. Once you’re a part of the club, you’ll get access to over 1000 lounges. Click here to view where.
Are you allowed to take guests?
You’re allowed to use your complimentary visits on three children below the age of 16. All other guests must pay at a discounted rate.
Lounge access costs?
International Lounge Rate: | Domestic Lounge Rate: | |
Diners Club Platinum Card Holder | R390 | R234 |
Guest/Child | R390 | R234 |
Learn more or apply for this credit card here.
04. ABSA Private Banking Credit Card
- Monthly card maintenance fee: R80
- Qualifying income per month: R62,500
Airport access rules:
With an ABSA private banking credit card, you’ll get access to any DragonPass lounge in South Africa or around the world.
How many complimentary visits do you get?
You will get 6 complimentary visits per year. What’s great about this card is that there are no qualifying criteria. As long as you hold an ABSA Private Banking credit card, you are good to go.
Number of lounges available to use in South Africa and abroad?
DranonPass lounges are located at a total of 835 airports world-wide, which includes OR Tambo, Lanseria International, KingShaka, and Cape-Town international airport to name a few. Use the DragonPass search feature here to see where else they are located.
Are you allowed to take guests?
Each lounge has its own policies, but you can check the mobile app once you’ve registered to view rules for lounges you’re planning to visit. That said, generally speaking, you’re allowed to take children under the age of 2 for free, and you’re also allowed to use your complimentary lounge visits to bring in any guests.
Learn more or apply for this credit card here.
05. Nedbank Platinum Credit Card
- Monthly card maintenance fee: R57
- Qualifying income per month: R29,000
Airport access rules:
As a Nedbank card holder, you’ll only get access to domestic Bidvest airport lounges.
Biggest drawback?
Bidvest lounges are only located in South Africa. If you need lounge access abroad, select a credit card that offers LoungeKey or DragonPass access.
How many complimentary visits do you get?
You’ll get 12 complimentary lounge visits per year. That said, to qualify, your card needs to be active, and you have to spend at-least R4000 per month.
Number of Bidvest lounges available to use in South Africa?
You’ll get access to these Bidvest lounges: Bloemfontein, Cape Town domestic, Cape-Town International, Durban Kinshaka, Eat London, George, OR Tambo domestic, OR Tambo International, OR Tambo Sky Lounge, Lanseria domestic, and Port Elizabeth.
Keep in mind that your complimentary visits will only work for domestic lounges.
Are you allowed to take guests?
You’re not allowed to use your complimentary visits on your guests. That said, they may walk in for a fee.
Lounge access costs?
International Lounge Rate: | Domestic Lounge Rate: | |
Nedbank Platinum Credit Card Card Holder | R351 | R210 |
Guest/Child | R351 | R210 |
Public Walk-In | R413 | R247 |
Learn more or apply for this credit card here.
06. Standard Bank Platinum Credit Card
- Monthly card maintenance fee: R94
- Qualifying income per month: R58,000
Airport access rules:
With the Standard Bank Platinum credit card, you’ll get complimentary access to Bidvest Domestic, Bidvest International, Library Lounge, as well as the Blue Lounge.
Biggest drawback?
None of these lounges are only located in South Africa. If you need lounge access abroad, select a credit card that offers LoungeKey or DragonPass access.
How many complimentary visits do you get?
You’ll get 12 complimentary visits every year. Based on my online research, it doesn’t seem like there are any qualifying criteria apart from keeping the card active.
Number of lounges available to use in South Africa and abroad?
- Bidvest – Bloemfontein, Cape Town domestic, Cape-Town International, Durban Kinshaka, Eat London, George, OR Tambo domestic, OR Tambo International, OR Tambo Sky Lounge, Lanseria domestic, and Port Elizabeth.
- Library Lounge – OR Tambo Johannesburg
- Blue Lounge – OR Tambo Johannesburg
Are you allowed to take guests?
You’re only allowed to take children under the age of 2 in for free. Apart from that, all other guests or family members must be paid for at the discounted rate.
Lounge access costs?
International Lounge Rate: | Domestic Lounge Rate: | |
Standard Bank Platinum Credit Card Holder | R390 | R234 |
Guest/Child | R390 | R234 |
Learn more or apply for this credit card here.
07. Absa Premium Banking Credit Card
- Monthly card maintenance fee: R59
- Qualifying income per month: R25,000
Airport access rules:
With the Absa Premium credit card, you’ll get complimentary access to both international and domestic Bidvest lounges.
Biggest drawback?
Bidvest lounges are only located in South Africa. If you need lounge access abroad, select a credit card that offers LoungeKey or DragonPass access.
How many complimentary visits do you get?
If you meet the qualifying criteria, you’ll get 4 complimentary domestic and 2 international Bidvest lounge visits.
To qualify, you’ll need to spend at-least R5000 using your Absa Premium credit card in the past month, or R15,000 in the last 3 months.
Number of lounges available to use in South Africa and abroad?
You’ll get access to these Bidvest lounges: Bloemfontein, Cape Town domestic, Cape-Town International, Durban Kinshaka, Eat London, George, OR Tambo domestic, OR Tambo International, OR Tambo Sky Lounge, Lanseria domestic, and Port Elizabeth.
Are you allowed to take guests?
With this card you won’t be able to use your complimentary visits on guests or children, however, they will be able to join you at a discounted rate.
Lounge access costs?
International Lounge Rate: | Domestic Lounge Rate: | |
Absa Premium Banking Credit Card Holder | R351 | R185 |
Guest/Child | R372 | R222 |
Public Walk-In | R413 | R247 |
Learn more or apply for this credit card here.
08. FNB Private Wealth
- Monthly card maintenance fee: R265
- Qualifying income per month: R125,000
Airport access rules:
FNB Private Wealth credit card will give you access to domestic and international Slow via the eBucks rewards system.
Biggest drawback?
Slow lounges are only located in South Africa. If you need lounge access abroad, select a credit card that offers LoungeKey or DragonPass access.
INSIDER TIP: If you want more international lounge choices while staying with FNB, open up an FNB Global Debit Card instead. You’ll get free LoungeKey access that has over 1000 lounges world-wide. A much better option when compared to Slow Lounges.
How many complimentary visits do you get?
Your complimentary visits can be used on domestic and international Slow Lounges and will vary depending on your eBucks rewards level:
- Rewards level 01: Get 0 complimentary visits
- Rewards level 02: Get 2 complimentary visits
- Rewards level 03: Get 8 complimentary visits
- Rewards level 04: Get 18 complimentary visits
- Rewards level 05: Get 36 complimentary visits
Number of lounges available to use in South Africa and abroad?
To date, there are no slow lounges overseas, however there are 5 located here in South Africa:
- OR Tambo Domestic
- OR Tambo International
- Capetown Domestic
- KingShaka Domestic
- Lanseria Domestic
Are you allowed to take guests?
You’re allowed to take one guest or child using your complimentary lounge visits. Any other additional guests will have to pay R250 per visit. That said, children under the age of 2 get free lounge access without using complimentary lounge visits.
Lounge access costs?
If you don’t meet any of the criteria, or if you’re taking in any additional guests, access domestic Slow lounges costs R250 per entry and R400 per entry for international Slow lounges.
Learn more or apply for this credit card here.
09. FNB Private Clients Credit Card
- Monthly card maintenance fee: R209
- Qualifying income per month: R62,200
Airport access rules:
FNB Private Client’s credit card will give you access to domestic and international Slow via the eBucks rewards system.
Biggest drawback?
Slow lounges are only located in South Africa. If you need lounge access abroad, select a credit card that offers LoungeKey or DragonPass access.
How many complimentary visits do you get?
Your complimentary visits can be used on domestic and international Slow Lounges and will vary depending on your eBucks rewards level:
- Rewards level 01: Get 0 complimentary visits
- Rewards level 02: Get 0 complimentary visits
- Rewards level 03: Get 4 complimentary visits
- Rewards level 04: Get 8 complimentary visits
- Rewards level 05: Get 20 complimentary visits
INSIDER TIP: If you book your flight using the eBucks Travel platform then you’ll automatically get 12 complimentary lounge visits.
Number of lounges available to use in South Africa and abroad?
To date, there are no slow lounges overseas, however there are 5 located here in South Africa:
- OR Tambo Domestic
- OR Tambo International
- Capetown Domestic
- KingShaka Domestic
- Lanseria Domestic
Are you allowed to take guests?
You’re allowed to take one guest or child using your complimentary lounge visits. Any other additional guests will have to pay R250 per visit. That said, children under the age of 2 get free lounge access without using complimentary lounge visits.
Lounge access costs?
If you don’t meet any of the criteria, or if you’re taking in any additional guests, access domestic Slow lounges costs R250 per entry and R400 per entry for international Slow lounges.
Learn more or apply for this credit card here.
10. FNB Premier
- Monthly card maintenance fee: R92
- Qualifying income per month: R20,000
Airport access rules:
As an FNB Premier credit cardholder, you’ll also need to open an FNB premier account and get your debit card to get free access to Slow domestic lounges across South Africa.
Biggest drawback?
Slow lounges are only located in South Africa. If you need lounge access abroad, select a credit card that offers LoungeKey or DragonPass access.
You get access to the lounges through the eBucks rewards program. That said, you need to be at a minimum rewards level 03. Some people complain about this. However, getting to rewards level 03 is actually really easy.
*I wrote a full guide on how eBucks work and ways you can increase your rewards level with ease here. Make sure you check it out if you’re thinking of getting this credit card.
How many complimentary visits do you get per year?
Once you get to eBucks rewards level 03, you’ll get 2 complimentary lounge visits per year.
BONUS TIP: When you book your flight using the eBucks platform, you’ll get 12 complimentary lounge visits you can use over the course of 12 months no matter what your eBucks rewards level is, so make sure you book your flights through the eBucks platform.
Number of Slow lounges available to use in South Africa?
There’s a total of 4 Slow domestic lounges located across South Africa. They include OR Tambo, Kingshaka, Lanseria, and Cape-Town domestic.
Are you allowed to take guests?
You’re allowed to take one guest or child using your complimentary lounge visits. Any other additional guests will have to pay R250 per visit. That said, children under the age of 2 get free lounge access without using complimentary lounge visits.
Lounge access costs?
If you don’t meet any of the criteria, or if you’re taking in any additional guests, access Slow domestic lounges cost R250 per entry and R400 per entry for Slow international lounges.
Learn more or apply for the FNB Premier credit card here.
11. Absa Gold Credit Card
- Monthly card maintenance fee: R23
- Qualifying income per month: R4,000
Airport access rules:
With the ABSA Gold Credit card, you’ll get access to domestic and international Bidvest lounges within South Africa at a discounted rate.
Biggest drawback?
Bidvest lounges are only located in South Africa. If you need lounge access abroad, select a credit card that offers LoungeKey or DragonPass access.
How many complimentary Bidvest lounge visits do you get with the ABSA Gold Credit Card?
Unfortunately, you don’t get any free complimentary visits. However, you will get lounge access at a discounted rate.
Number of Bidvest lounges available to use in South Africa?
There are 11 Bidvest lounges located across South Africa. They include Bloemfontein, Cape Town domestic, Cape-Town International, Durban Kinshaka, Eat London, George, OR Tambo domestic, OR Tambo International, OR Tambo Sky Lounge, Lanseria domestic, and Port Elizabeth.
Are you allowed to take guests?
You’re allowed to take one guest or child at the discount rate. All other guests must pay full costs.
Bidvest lounge access costs?
International Lounge Rate: | Domestic Lounge Rate: | |
ABSA Gold Card Holder | R372 | R222 |
Guest/Child | R372 | R222 |
Public Walk-In | R413 | R247 |