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Credit cards in Kenya are more than just a payment tool; they offer exciting rewards like cashback, points, and travel miles that can save you money or fund your next adventure.

Whether you’re dining at Java House, shopping at Naivas, or dreaming of a flight to Mombasa, rewards programs from banks like Standard Chartered and Absa can make your spending work harder.

However, with high interest rates (24–36% annually), maximising these benefits requires discipline to avoid debt.

This beginner-friendly guide explains how to use credit card rewards effectively in Kenya, with practical examples and tips to ensure you don’t lose your rewards to interest charges.

Why Credit Card Rewards Matter in Kenya

Rewards programs are a major draw for Kenyan cardholders, especially as credit card usage grows (only 250,000 cards in circulation compared to 10 million debit cards).

Rewards like cashback on fuel at Rubis or points for airtime can stretch your budget, while travel miles can make trips to Diani or international destinations more affordable.

The catch? You must pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest wiping out your benefits. This guide shows you how to make the most of rewards while staying financially smart.

Types of Credit Card Rewards in Kenya

Kenyan banks offer three main types of rewards, each suited to different lifestyles:

• Cashback: A percentage of your spending returned as cash, credited to your card or account. Example: The Standard Chartered Platinum Card offers 5% cashback on dining at places like Carnivore or fuel at TotalEnergies.
• Points: Earn points per shilling spent, redeemable for airtime, gift vouchers, or gadgets. Example: KCB’s Simba Points can be used for airtime or cashback after shopping at Carrefour.
• Travel Miles: Points or miles redeemable for flights, hotel stays, or travel perks. Example: The Absa British Airways Visa Credit Card earns Avios for flights with British Airways.

READ ALSO:What Is a Credit Card, and How Does It Work? A Beginner’s Guide

Top Credit Card Rewards Programs in Kenya for 2025

Here are some of the best rewards programs from Kenyan banks, tailored to common spending habits (always verify current terms with banks, as offers may change):

1. Standard Chartered Platinum Card
   • Rewards: 1.5 points per KSh 100 spent, 5% cashback on dining (e.g., Java House) and fuel (e.g., Shell). Double points for supermarket purchases and triple for online/international spending.
   • Redemption: Redeem points for flights, hotel stays, or gift vouchers via the 360° Rewards Program (register at sc.com/ke).
   • Fees: Annual fee ~KSh 3,000–7,000, 3% monthly interest (36% APR), late payment fee ~KSh 1,500.
   • Why It’s Great: Ideal for urban Kenyans who dine out or buy fuel regularly. Example: Spend KSh 2,000 at Java House and get KSh 100 cashback.
2. Absa Platinum Credit Card
   • Rewards: Cashback on all purchases (100 points = KSh 0.50 for Platinum, KSh 0.25 for Gold/Classic). Up to 30% cashback on flights/accommodation booked via absarewardstravel.co.ke (capped at KSh 7,000 per cycle).
   • Redemption: Cashback credited to your card or used for travel (e.g., a flight to Mombasa with Travelstart).
   • Fees: Annual fee ~KSh 3,000–7,000, 3.5% monthly interest, joining fee ~KSh 3,000.
   • Why It’s Great: Perfect for travellers or frequent shoppers. Example: Book a KSh 10,000 flight to Mombasa and get up to KSh 3,000 cashback.
3. KCB Platinum Visa Card
   • Rewards: Simba Points per shilling spent (rate varies by merchant), redeemable for airtime, cash, or discounts at 200+ KCB partners (e.g., supermarkets, hotels).
   • Redemption: Redeem via KCB mobile banking for airtime or cashback.
   • Fees: Annual fee ~KSh 4,000–10,000, 3.5% monthly interest, KSh 1,000 over-limit fee.
   • Why It’s Great: Suits everyday spending like groceries at Naivas or fuel at Rubis. Example: Earn points for a KSh 5,000 shop at Carrefour, redeemable for KSh 500 airtime.
4. I&M Visa Infinite Credit Card
   • Rewards: Points per shilling spent (rate not specified), redeemable for cash or travel. Includes unlimited LoungeKey access (800+ lounges globally) and travel insurance (up to $1 million).
   • Redemption: Redeem via I&M’s rewards portal for flights or cash.
   • Fees: Joining fee KSh 5,000, annual fee ~$75, 3% monthly interest.
   • Why It’s Great: Best for frequent travellers to Mombasa or abroad. Example: Use lounge access at JKIA before a flight.
5. Absa British Airways Visa Credit Card
   • Rewards: 1 Avios per KSh 7.50 spent, up to 9,000 Avios as a welcome bonus (first 3 months’ spend). Redeem for British Airways flights or upgrades.
   • Redemption: Redeem via britishairways.com for flights (e.g., Nairobi to Mombasa).
   • Fees: Annual fee ~KSh 3,000–7,000, 3.5% monthly interest.
   • Why It’s Great: Ideal for frequent flyers. Example: Spend KSh 75,000 to earn 10,000 Avios, enough for a discounted flight.

How to Maximise Your Credit Card Rewards

To get the most from rewards without falling into debt, follow these strategies:

1. Spend Strategically
   Use your card for categories that earn the most rewards. Example: Use Standard Chartered Platinum for dining at Artcaffe (5% cashback) or Absa Platinum for flights via absarewardstravel.co.ke (up to 30% cashback). Avoid low-reward categories like cash advances, which don’t earn points and incur 3–6% fees.
   Tip: Check your bank’s rewards program (e.g., Standard Chartered’s 360° Rewards) for bonus categories like supermarkets or online shopping.
2. Pay Your Balance in Full
   Pay within the interest-free period (30–55 days) to avoid high interest (24–36% APR). Example: If you spend KSh 10,000 at Java House and don’t pay by the due date, 3% monthly interest (KSh 300) can erase your 5% cashback (KSh 500). Set up auto-payments via your bank’s app (e.g., Absa Mobile Banking) to stay on track.
3. Track and Redeem Rewards Regularly
   Monitor points via bank apps or statements (e.g., Absa Internet Banking, KCB Mobile Banking). Redeem before points expire (e.g., Standard Chartered points expire every 3 years). Example: Redeem Absa cashback for a KSh 3,000 flight discount to Mombasa or KCB Simba Points for airtime.
4. Combine with Other Offers
   Stack rewards with merchant discounts. Example: Use KCB Platinum at partnered supermarkets for Simba Points plus in-store discounts, or book flights via absarewardstravel.co.ke for Absa’s 30% cashback. Check bank websites for partner offers (e.g., KCB’s 200+ merchants).
5. Avoid Overspending
   Only spend what you can repay. Example: Don’t spend money on a KSh 50,000 TV at Carrefour just to earn points if you can’t pay it off. Stick to a budget and use M-Pesa for small transactions like matatu fares to avoid mixing daily expenses with credit.

READ ALSO:Understanding CRB and Credit Scores in Kenya: What Every Borrower Should Know

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Carrying a Balance: Interest (3–3.5% monthly) can outweigh rewards. Example: KSh 500 cashback on a KSh 10,000 spend is lost if you pay KSh 300 interest.
• Ignoring Expiry Dates: Points (e.g., Standard Chartered’s) expire after 3 years. Redeem regularly to avoid losing value.
• Using Cash Advances: Cash withdrawals don’t earn rewards and incur high fees (3–6%) plus immediate interest. Use M-Pesa instead.
• Missing Payments: Late fees (KSh 1,000–1,500) and CRB status damage hurt your financial future. Set calendar reminders or auto-payments.
• Not Checking Terms: Some rewards (e.g., Absa’s travel cashback) require booking via specific platforms (absarewardstravel.co.ke). Always read the fine print.

Real-Life Examples of Using Rewards in Kenya

• Dining: Spend KSh 5,000 at Java House with Standard Chartered Platinum to earn KSh 250 cashback (5%). Pay off the balance within 50 days to keep the full benefit.
• Travel: Book a KSh 10,000 flight to Mombasa via absarewardstravel.co.ke with Absa Platinum for up to KSh 3,000 cashback. Use it to fund a weekend getaway.
• Everyday Shopping: Spend KSh 20,000 at Naivas with KCB Platinum to earn Simba Points, redeemable for KSh 2,000 airtime or cashback.
• Fuel: Fill up KSh 4,000 at Rubis with Standard Chartered Platinum for KSh 200 cashback, credited to your card if paid off in full.

How to Get Started

1. Choose a Rewards Card: Pick a card matching your habits (e.g., Standard Chartered Platinum for dining, Absa British Airways for travel). Check eligibility (e.g., KSh 50,000–80,000 minimum income for most cards).
2. Apply: Visit bank websites (e.g., sc.com/ke, absabank.co.ke) or branches in Nairobi, Mombasa, or Kisumu. Prepare your ID, KRA PIN, and payslips.
3. Register for Rewards: Sign up for programs like Standard Chartered’s 360° Rewards or Absa Rewards via their websites or apps.
4. Track Spending: Use bank apps (e.g., Absa Mobile Banking) to monitor points and statements. Redeem via online portals or by calling the bank (e.g., Standard Chartered: +254 20 329 3900).
5. Pay on Time: Set up auto-payments or reminders to clear your balance within the interest-free period (30–55 days).

Top Tips for Kenyan Cardholders:

1. Use your card for high-reward categories like dining (Standard Chartered) or travel (Absa Rewards Travel).
2. Pay your full balance within the 30–55-day interest-free period to avoid 24–36% APR.
3. Track points via bank apps or statements and redeem before they expire (e.g., every 3 years for Standard Chartered).
4. Avoid cash advances; use M-Pesa for cash needs to skip high fees.
5. Check terms for rewards (e.g., Absa’s travel cashback requires booking via absarewardstravel.co.ke).

Ready to make your credit card work for you? Apply today and spend smarter!

Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.