Africa Digest News

As credit cards gain popularity in Kenya, with only about 250,000 in circulation compared to 10 million debit cards, choosing the right one can unlock convenience, rewards, and financial flexibility.

Whether you’re shopping at Two Rivers Mall, dining at Carnivore, or planning a trip to Mombasa, the right card can match your lifestyle while helping you build a strong Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) status.

However, with annual interest rates of 24–36% and varying fees, it’s crucial to pick a card that fits your needs and budget.

This guide highlights the top five credit cards in Kenya for 2025 from reputable banks like KCB, Equity, and Standard Chartered, tailored to different needs. Always verify current terms with banks, as fees and benefits may change.

Why Choose a Credit Card in Kenya?

Credit cards offer benefits like interest-free periods (30–55 days), rewards (cashback, points, or miles), and global acceptance for online or international purchases.

They’re ideal for planned expenses like electronics, travel, or emergencies, but disciplined use is key to avoid high interest or debt.

Below, we compare five top credit cards for 2025, detailing their features, fees, and why they stand out for Kenyan cardholders.

Top 5 Credit Cards in Kenya for 2025

1. KCB Platinum Visa Card

• Best for: Professionals or travellers seeking rewards and high limits.
• Features:
  • Up to a 45-day interest-free period for purchases.
  • Earn Simba Points per shilling spent, redeemable for airtime, cash, or discounts at 200+ KCB merchants (e.g., Naivas, hotels).
  • High credit limits (KSh 300,000+ based on income).
  • 3D security for safe transactions, global Visa acceptance.
• Fees:
  • Annual fee: KSh 4,000–10,000.
  • Monthly interest: 3.5% (42% APR).
  • Over-limit fee: KSh 1,000.
  • Cash advance: 6% of amount withdrawn.
• Eligibility: Minimum net salary of KSh 300,000 or KSh 50,000 account turnover for self-employed.
• Why Choose It: Perfect for big purchases (e.g., electronics at Two Rivers Mall) or travel perks, with no joining fee. The Simba Points program adds value for frequent shoppers.

READ ALSO:How to Leverage Credit Card Rewards in Kenya: Maximising Benefits in 2025

2. Equity Gold Credit Card

• Best for: High-income earners needing global acceptance.
• Features:
  • High credit limits (KSh 200,000–1,000,000).
  • 45-day interest-free period.
  • Worldwide Visa acceptance, ideal for online shopping or international travel.
  • Chip-and-PIN security, SMS transaction alerts.
  • No transaction fees at merchant outlets (e.g., Carrefour, QuickMart).
• Fees:
  • Annual fee: KSh 3,000–7,000.
  • Monthly interest: 3.5% (42% APR).
  • Cash advance: 6% of amount withdrawn.
• Eligibility: Minimum monthly income of KSh 50,000.
• Why Choose It: Suits upscale purchases (e.g., furniture at Sarit Centre) or international transactions, with robust security and reasonable fees.

3. Standard Chartered Platinum Card

• Best for: Urban Kenyans seeking rewards and flexible payments.
• Features:
  • 5% cashback on dining (e.g., Java House, Artcaffe) and fuel (e.g., Shell, Rubis).
  • 1.5 points per KSh 100 spent via the 360° Rewards Program (double points for supermarkets, triple for online/international spending).
  • Flexible repayments (10–100% of balance).
  • 45–50-day interest-free period, global Visa acceptance.
  • Convert purchases over KSh 20,000 into 6- or 12-month installments with no processing fees.
• Fees:
  • Annual fee: KSh 3,000–7,000.
  • Monthly interest: 3% (36% APR).
  • Late payment fee: KSh 1,500.
• Eligibility: Minimum monthly income of KSh 80,000, existing Standard Chartered account.
• Why Choose It: Ideal for city dwellers dining at Carnivore or fuelling up, with cashback and flexible payment options.

4. I&M Visa Infinite Credit Card

• Best for: Frequent travellers wanting premium perks.
• Features:
  • Unlimited access to 800+ LoungeKey airport lounges globally (one free guest per visit).
  • Travel insurance up to $1 million for medical emergencies.
  • Reward points per shilling spent, redeemable for cash or travel.
  • SMS alerts, chip-and-PIN security, and global Visa acceptance.
• Fees:
  • Joining fee: KSh 5,000.
  • Annual fee: ~$75 (approx. KSh 9,600 at 2025 rates).
  • Monthly interest: 3% (36% APR).
• Eligibility: High-income earners (specific income not disclosed, premium-focused).
• Why Choose It: Perfect for travellers to Mombasa or abroad, offering luxury perks like lounge access and insurance.

5. NCBA Gold Visa Card

• Best for: Those needing a long grace period and travel benefits.
• Features:
  • Up to a 50-day interest-free period, the longest among these cards.
  • Credit limit up to KSh 599,999.
  • Two free airport lounge entries annually.
  • Extended warranty and buyer’s protection for purchases.
  • Global Visa acceptance, chip-and-PIN security.
• Fees:
  • Joining fee: KSh 3,000.
  • Annual fee: KSh 2,500.
  • Monthly interest: 3.5% (42% APR).
• Eligibility: Minimum monthly income of KSh 50,000.
• Why Choose It: Great for large purchases (e.g., school fees) or emergencies, with a low annual fee and generous grace period.

How to Choose the Right Credit Card

Selecting the best card depends on your lifestyle and financial habits. Follow these steps:

1. Match Your Spending: Choose a card aligned with your habits. For dining, pick Standard Chartered Platinum (5% cashback). For travel, go for I&M Visa Infinite (lounge access).
2. Compare Fees: NCBA Gold’s KSh 2,500 annual fee is the lowest, while KCB Platinum’s KSh 4,000–10,000 suits higher spenders.
3. Check Rewards: Opt for cards with rewards you’ll use, like Simba Points (KCB) for airtime or cashback (Standard Chartered) for fuel.
4. Verify Eligibility: Ensure you meet income requirements (e.g., KSh 50,000 for Equity Gold, KSh 80,000 for Standard Chartered).
5. Consider Security: All cards offer chip-and-PIN and SMS alerts, but check for 3D security (e.g., KCB, Equity) for online safety.
6. Prioritise Grace Periods: NCBA Gold’s 50-day interest-free period is ideal for those needing more repayment time.

Example: If you spend KSh 20,000 monthly at Naivas, KCB Platinum’s Simba Points could save you KSh 2,000 in airtime annually, but only if you pay off the balance within 45 days to avoid 3.5% monthly interest (KSh 700).

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

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overspending: Exceeding your limit (e.g., during Jumia Black Friday sales) incurs fees (KSh 1,000 for KCB) or declined transactions.
• Missing Payments: Late payments harm your CRB status and add fees (e.g., KSh 1,500 for Standard Chartered). Set up auto-payments via bank apps.
• Using Cash Advances: Withdrawing cash (e.g., at KCB ATMs) costs 6% plus immediate interest. Use M-Pesa for cash needs.
• Ignoring Terms: Check for hidden fees (e.g., I&M’s $75 annual fee) or reward conditions (e.g., Standard Chartered’s cashback excludes points for dining/fuel).

Top Tips for Kenyan Cardholders:

1. Pay your balance in full within the 45–50-day interest-free period to avoid 36–42% APR.
2. Choose a card with rewards you’ll use, like cashback for dining (Standard Chartered) or lounge access (I&M).
3. Stay within 30% of your credit limit (e.g., KSh 60,000 on a KSh 200,000 limit) to protect your CRB status.
4. Avoid cash advances; use M-Pesa or debit cards for cash withdrawals.
5. Monitor statements via bank apps (e.g., Equity Mobile) to track spending and rewards.

Ready to take control of your finances? Apply for your credit card 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.