Credit Card companies or Institutions in Nigeria are financial platforms that issues Credit cards to individual, while Credit Card scheme (such as MasterCard, Verve and Visa) processes and authorized transactions.
18 Best Credit Cards in Nigeria
Today, I'm going to discuss 13 Best platforms or institutions where you can get a Credit Card in Nigeria, types of credit cards they offers and best Credit Cards in Nigeria. Also, I will get answers to some common questions people usually asked about Credit Cards in Nigeria. Below are the list of companies/banks that offer free credit card in Nigeria.
13 Best Platforms/Banks to get a Credit Card in Nigeria
- 03 Capital One Nigeria Limited (03 Card)
- Standard Chartered Bank
- Guarantee Trust Bank GTB
- First City Monument Bank FCMB
- First Bank of Nigeria FBN
- Union Bank Of Nigeria
- United Bank For Africa
- Zenith Bank PLC
- Access Bank PLC
- Stanbic IBTC Bank
- Sterling Bank
- Fedelity Bank
- WEMA Bank
These are the list of my recommended platform/Banks to get a Credit Card in Nigeria. For further details, I will share here the types of credit cards each platforms offers, their interest rates, transfer rates and annual fees.
But before I dive into that, here are what I'll be discussing in this article.
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What are Credit Cards? How does Credit Card Works in Nigeria?
Credit Cards are ATM cards issues by some financial institutions such as banks, that enabled customers to shop or spend on Credit. It can also be called loan card.
In Nigeria, Credit Cards works in the sense that their are special scheme for them (such as MasterCard, Verve and Visa). These manage process and authorized transactions and the Central Bank of Nigeria monitor and manage the activities going on those Credit cards.
Currently, there are many credit card issuer in the world, in which MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Axis Bank are among the top list.
However, a Credit Cards works in such a way that you'll be able to lend money on your ATM card (Credit Card) and the money can be used at any POS terminal or ATMs center. You can also use the credit online for goods and services. Long story short, it can be used to purchase what ever you want.
Every month, you will receive your transactions history (credit card statement) such as what you've spent, what's left, and other transactions charges, fees and interest rates. Also, your issuer will includes your minimum monthly repayment which is expected to be paid back at-least before the end of the month.
What's the difference between a Credit Card and a Debit Card?
The difference between Credit Card and debit card in Nigeria is that you will be able to use money you don't own (bank money) and pay back later with interest rate. While debit cards only allows you to spend money you own on your bank account.
The sad story about Credit Cards is that if you don't repay your minimum monthly Credit Card loan, and you have an outstanding balance, and the following month is added, simply means a higher interest will be added for you to repay. No doubt.
In some banks in Nigeria, they charged fees only on withdrawal while some banks charges per transactions. Infact, some even promises 100 percent of what you've used on your credit card.
What's the difference between a Prepaid Credit Card and a Credit Card in Nigeria?
A Prepaid Credit Card is type of card in which you have to fund your bank account to be able to make use of the it. While a Credit Card is the one you make a repayment for every money you've spent on it at the end of the month.
Furthermore about prepared Credit cards and debit cards. They works similarly, you will need to fund your account before you can make use of them. So I can't really featured out the different between them.
Is Credit Cards Available in Nigeria? How Common is Credit Cards Usage in Nigeria?
Yes Credit Card is available in Nigeria. Meanwhile, the usage is still very minimal and it's available in the Nigerian local bank. Customer can get depending on the relationship between them and the bank.
Why Do I Need a Credit Card in Nigeria?
Getting a Credit Card in Nigeria comes with many purposes. As far as I'm concerned, Credit Card works alot like a loan because you will need to pay back the money you've already spent.
Now talking about loan, you'll need a guarantor and a collateral before you could obtain a loan. But credit card doesn't requires all that before you could use them.
Additionally, getting a Credit Card in Nigeria will actually helps build your credit scores. And you know Credit Scores helps boost financial immunity when it comes to getting a car loan, house loan and other large loan which can not be given to untrusted customer with bad Credit Scores.
Advantages of getting a Credit Card in Nigeria?
- Enjoy upto 45 days Interest free credit
- Making payments anywhere either local or International.
- Get discounts on International purchases such as plane ticket, hotel booking and restaurant.
- Easy and Convinent Repayment fee - as low as 10 percent monthly payback.
- Enjoy top protection and security on the web purchases.
- Will be able to withdraw cash at any atm in the world.
- Make internet bills or pay for car rental service.
- Enjoy affordable annual fees and issuance fees.
- Most of those Credit Card required no collateral and no guarantor.
- There is room for late repayment but with fees.
- Enjoy Interest card limit.
How can I get a Credit Card in Nigeria?
To get a Credit Card in Nigeria, some banks allow application online while some required you to visit their nearest branch to obtain Credit Card Application form.
What are Documents required to apply for credit card in Nigeria?
Number one document I will advise you to take note of why applying for credit card is Credit Score. If you have bad Credit Scores, it will be unfortunately that your application will be declined. So work hard in building your credit scores to 800 percent and above.
Secondly, you need to have a steady income source (salary). Some Nigerian banks least salary is 80,000 Naira for their customer to be eligible for Credit Card.
However, you will need to provide proof of employment or Business.
Some Nigerian bank will want you to open an account with them before they can offer you a credit card.
A valid ID card ( such as Voters card, passport Photograph and National identity card), proof of resident ( such Electricity bill, waste management bill, water supply bill etc. any utility bill will have address of residence) will also be needed to complete your credit card application.
How Can I Apply for Credit Card in Nigeria?
Applying for credit card in Nigeria is easy and quit no time wasting. You can simply apply online or visit your local bank branch to obtain application form.
If you decide to apply online, your application will be reviewed and you will be given a feedback within 24 hours of submission whether your application is accepted or declined and reasons for their actions.
However, if you're qualify, your credit card will be delivered to your preferred pick-up place.
Best Credit Cards Companies in Nigeria and type of Credit Cards they offers.
- 03 Capital One Nigeria Limited (03 Card) gives Classic, Platinum and Prestige Credit cards.
- Standard Chartered Bank gives Visa Gold and Visa Platinum Credit Cards.
- Guarantee Trust Bank (GTBank) offers World MasterCard Credit Card and Visa Dollar Classic Credit Card.
- First City Monument Bank FCMB offers Classic and gold Credit Cards.
- First Bank of Nigeria FBN offers Visa Infinite, Visa gold and Naira Credit Cards.
- Union Bank Of Nigeria Credit Cards
- Zenith Bank PLC Credit Cards
- Union Bank of Nigeria Credit Cards
- Access Bank PLC gives Platinum Dollar Credit cards.
- Stanbic IBTC Bank Offers Visa Platinum Dollar Credit Card and Visa Infinite Naira Credit Cards.
- Sterling Bank offers Visa Credit Cards
- Fedelity Bank offers Classic Credit Cards
- WEMA Bank Gives Classic Credit Cards.
List of 18 Best Credit Cards in Nigeria
Here are the best Credit Cards in Nigeria
- 03 Card Classic Credit Card
- 03 Card Prestige Credit Card
- 03 Card Platinum Credit Card
- Visa Gold Credit Card by Standard Chartered Bank
- GTBank World MasterCard Credit Card
- Visa Infinite Credit Card by First bank
- Visa Platinum Credit Card by Standard Chartered Bank
- Classic Credit Card by FCMB
- GTBank Visa Classic Credit Card
- Visa Gold Credit Card by First Bank
- Gold Credit Card by FCMB
- First Bank Naira Credit Card
- Stanbic IBTC Visa Platinum Dollar Credit Card
- Stanbic IBTC Visa Infinite Naira Credit Card
- Fidelity Classic Credit Card
- WEMA Bank Classic Credit Card
- Access Bank Platinum Dollar Credit Card
- Sterling bank Visa Credit Card
Best Credit Cards in Nigeria to Choose in 2021.
03 Card Classic, Prestige and Platinum Credit Cards
03 Capital One Nigeria Limited allows you to complete your credit card application online and deliver it to your preferred destination if your application is approved.
One of the advantages of this card is that you do not need any collateral or guarantor before you can obtain the Credit Card.
Also no form of account opening or deposited is demanded before your application can be granted.
These Credit Cards are valid for good 24 months with a 4 to 5 percent interest rate. These cards are manage under the verve scheme which is the most used card in Nigeria.
- 03 Card Classic Credit Card - comes with 100,000 Naira to 500,000 Naira Credit limit.
- 03 Card Prestige Credit Card - Comes with 1.1 Million Naira to 1.5 Million Naira Credit limit.
- 03 Card Platinum Credit Card - comes with501,000 Naira to 1,000,000 Naira Credit limit.
How to apply for 03 Card Credit Card?
To Apply for 03 Card Credit Card, visit 03 Card official website to complete your credit card application form.
Visa Gold, Platinum Standard Chartered Bank Credit Cards
These Credit Cards comes with an insurance fees of 1000 Naira and interest free credit for up to a minimum of 50 days.
- Standard Chartered Bank Visa Gold Credit Card - Comes with 30,000 Naira to 749,999 Naira Credit limit.
- Standard Chartered Bank Platinum Credit Card - comes with 750,000 Naira to 1 Million Naira.
Card users have the options to pay as little as 1 percent of the total spend or 5000 Naira (outstanding balance) plus any interest, fees, charges and over limit amount which is getting higher every month.
One of the most advantages of these cards is that a Standard Chartered Bank Visa Gold Credit Card holder have the opportunity to be issued up to five (5) supplementary cards to their families and friends.
How to apply for Standard Chartered Bank Credit cards?
To Apply for these Credit cards, you will need to visit Standard Chartered Bank Credit Cards Official Website to fill and submit an application form. Not more than seven days, you will be contacted about your eligibility status, whether your application is accepted or declined and reasons for their actions.
To obtain the online form and for further details, Visit the official website - Standard Chartered Bank.
What are the requirements to apply for Standard Chartered Bank Credit Cards?
- Your monthly income or salary must be at-least 75,000 Naira.
- A valid Nigerian Phone Number is also required.
- You must be of aged (22 to 60 years)
- A valid ID Card ( National identity card, International passport and Voters card)
- Proof of residence (a physical address)
GTBank World MasterCard Credit Card.
This Credit Card come in various card limit depending on the types of transactions you performed;
- ATM Withdrawal - $1000 USD which is also equivalent to local currency.
- POS and Online Transactions - No limit
- Spending? - No limit
The GTB World MasterCard Credit Card is one of the types you can use anywhere around the globe.
Advantages of GTbank MasterCard Credit Card
- Worldwide usage is accepted
- Have access to personalised relationship management
- Cardholder have access to a lifestyle manager
- Travel & Medical Insurance Complimentary access to a minimum Over 800 Lounge-Key airport lounges.
- 24 hours of MasterCard global service to provide emergency assistance via telephone.
For more details and how to apply for GTbank MasterCard Credit Card - visit the official website - GTBank World MasterCard Credit Card.
First Bank Visa Infinite Credit Card
The first bank Visa Infinite Credit Card are only issued to top 1 to 5 percent of the bank's clients.
No doubt, has the name implies, will the Visa Infinite Credit Card has Infinite Credit limit which is available for spend?
First Bank Visa Infinite Credit Card Charges, Fees, Interest rate and Operating balance.
- Annual fee: $20
- Purchase Rate: 2.5 percent flat (Outstanding Balance
- Credit Limit: $15,000 minimum (unless a higher limit is requested by the prospective cardholder)
- Late Repayment Fee: 0.25 percent flat per month
- Interest-free period: up to 45 days
- Benefits: Acess to unique privileges and experiences, including international concierge and premium insurance services, Flexible repayment – Minimum repayment of 15% of the total monthly outstanding.
- Maximum facility tenor: 36 months
- Billing cycle: 30 days
- Collateral: 120 percent of the credit limit on USD, GBP or EURO Fixed Deposit Account in the bank, with a lien placed on it throughout the tenor of the card
- operating Balance: $100
For further details and how to apply for First Bank Visa Infinite Credit Card, visit the official website - First bank Visa Infinite Credit Card.
First City Monument Bank Visa Credit Card (Classic)
The FCMB Classic Visa Credit Card is one of the type that is issued to civil servant, engineers, bankers or those with high level jobs.
When talking about the advantages, FCMB Classic Visa Credit Card is Concierge in services, Travel Accident Insurance, 24 hours customer service, Emergency Cash Advance, Emergency temporary card replacement.
Furthermore, here are the limits, charges, fees and Interest rate.
- Purchase Rate - 3 percents
- Credit limit - 999,999.99 Naira
- Annual Fee - 600 Naira
- Interest-free period - up to 45 days.
- Late repayment fee - 2000 Naira
For further details and how to apply for the credit card, visit the official website - First City Monument Bank Classic Visa Credit Card.
Guarantee Trust Bank Visa Classic Credit Card (Visa Dollar Card)
The GTBank Visa credit card is an international dollar credit card, which can be used everywhere you go to settle payments.
The card is issued in partnership with Visa international and linked directly to the beneficiary’s account. The card is only open to USD Domiciliary Account holders, that is, you will be required to create a domiciliary account if you don't have one.
All transactions carried out on the credit card will appear immediately in your account which can be managed by bank mobile app.
The GTBank Visa Credit Card is good at paying for goods and services at millions of Visa locations worldwide (hotels, supermarkets, etc) in over 210 countries. Convenience and Affordability. That's one of the advantages.
GTBank Visa Credit cards Charges, Fees, Interest Rate and Credit Limits.
- Validation date - 3 years
- Credit Limit - A fee of $3.50 applies for every ATM withdrawal. ATM Withdrawal: $1,000 USD (or equivalent in the local currency of transaction)* POS and Online: No limit Annual Spend Limit: No limit
- Late Repayment fee - 2000 Naira
- Interest-free period - 45 days.
- Annual fee - N/S
For further details and how to apply for the visa credit card, visit the official website - Guarantee Trust Bank Visa Classic Credit Card.
First Bank Visa Gold Credit Card
This credit card are only issued to top 1 to 5 percent of the bank's clients with 2.5 percent monthly Interest rate.
The First Bank of Nigeria Visa Gold Credit Card has minimum spending limit of $15,000.
First Bank Visa Gold Credit Card Charges, Fees, Interest rate, Credit limit and Spending Limit.
- Annual Fee - 20 dollar
- Purchase Rate - 2.5 percent flat (outstanding balance).
- Late Repayment Fee - 0.25 percent flat per month.
- Interest free period - up to 45 days
- Spend limit - $15,000
- Credit Card limit - ATM cash withdrawals – 1,000 dollar (total frequency – 5 times) Purchases (POS) – 10,000 dollars (total frequency – 20 times) Purchases (Internet) – 5,000 dollars (total frequency – 5 times) POS Cash Advance (Branch) – 5,000 dollars POS Cash Advance (Merchant) – 5,000 dollars.
Regarding the advantages First Bank Visa Gold Credit Card, you will have access to International emergency services, International Credit Card Capabilities and Card Protection to activate or deactivate cards for all types of transaction.
For further details and how to get the credit card in Nigeria, visit the official website - First Bank Visa Gold Credit Card.
First City Monument Bank Gold Credit Card
This type of Credit Card is issued to oil workers, multinationals and Business owners with 3 percent monthly Interest.
The FCMB Gold Credit Card has a card limit of 3.5 million naira.
For further details and how to apply, visit the official website - First City Monument Bank Gold Credit Card.
First Bank Naira Credit Card
As I always says, the First Bank Credit Cards are usually issues to top 1 to 5 percent of the bank's clients with 2.5 percent monthly Interest rate.
The Naira Credit Card has a maximum credit limit of 3 Million Naira.
The First Bank Naira Credit Card Charges, Fees, Interest rate and Limits
- Annual Fee - 600 hundred Naira
- Purchase Rate - 2.5 percent
- Credit Card limit - 3 Million Naira
- Interest free period - Maximum of 45 days.
About the advantages and benefits, the bank offer free online account management, Highly secure with Verified by Visa, Flexible repayment: Full or Minimum (15 percent of outstanding indebtedness) repayment options.
Stanbic IBTC Visa Platinum Dollar Credit Card.
This Credit Card is dominated in US dollars and required a domiciliary account for repayment. Online protection (web transactions) is ensure and verified by Visa.
- Insurance Fee - 1,075 Naira
- Interest rate - 2.5 percent on monthly basis
- Late repayment fee - 12.50 dollars
- Interest free period - upto 45 days.
- Card validity - 3 years
- Credit Card limit - For daily ATM usage - $1,000-- For daily POS Usage - $10,000 and For daily web purchases - $10,000.
Talking about the advantages, the Visa Platinum Dollar Credit Card enhance data services and detailed reporting and analysis.
For further details and how to apply for this card, visit the official website - Stanbic IBTC Visa Platinum Dollar Credit Card.
Stanbic IBTC Visa Infinite Naira Credit Card.
This Credit Card is dominated in Naira and connect to Naira account for repayment.
- Insurance Fee - 1,075 Naira
- Interest rate - 2.5 percent per month
- Late repayment fee - 2,000 Naira
- Interest-free period - upto 4t days
- Credit Card limit - For local ATM withdrawal - 400,000 Naira, For Local POS transactions - 400,000 Naira and For Web Purchases - 1.6 Million Naira.
Advantages and benefits of Stanbic IBTC Visa Infinite Naira Credit Card
- Free medical and legal referral during international travels,
- Exclusive personal concierge service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from anywhere in the world,
- Exclusive benefits at over 900 luxury hotels around the world, Discount on personal fast-track services at over 380 international airports,
- A dedicated lifestyle manager to guide you to an optimal experience with your Visa Infinite Card.
For further details and how to apply for the credit card, visit Official Website of Stanbic IBTC Credit Card.
Fidelity Classic Credit Card.
Best For - Convinent Repayment.
The card is available for multi-currency purposes and it's protected and secure by VbyV, a Credit Card company.
- Purchase Rate - 2.5 percent
- Late repayment fee - 2,000 Naira
- Interest free period - upto 45 days
- Credit Card limit - 1 Million Naira.
For further details and how to apply for Fidelity Classic Credit Card visit the official website - Fidelity Credit Card.
WEMA Bank Classic Credit Card.
The WEMA Bank credit card is dominated in Naira but available for use worldwide, it is certified by EuroPay MasterCard Visa (EMV). I can say this is the highest level of security available.
Cardholders have the ability to disabled or enabled their credit card at any point in time. This credit card support various payment gateway such as ATM, POS or Web purchases. It is secure and verified by Visa.
WEMA bank credit card has annual fee of 2,000 Naira and issuance fee of 1,075 Naira.
For further details and how to apply for WEMA Bank Classic Credit Card, visit the official website - WEMA Bank Classic Credit Card.
Access Bank Platinum Dollar Credit Card.
- Annual Fee - 600 Naira
- Purchase Rate - 3 percent
- Late repayment fee - 2,000 Naira
- Interest free period - upto 4o days
- Minimum Monthly repayment fee - 15 percent of outstanding balance
- Credit Card limit - 10,001 to 20,000 dollars.
For further details and how to get Access Bank Platinum Dollar Credit Card, visit the official website - Access bank Credit Card.
Starling Bank Visa Credit Card
This Starling Bank Visa Credit Card is a Naira denominated card linked to a Naira denominated account, Withdraw cash from any VISA branded ATM or POS terminals worldwide, Additional security for web payments – OTP/Secure code, Offer customers an easy way to track expenses.
- Annual Fee- 600 Naira
- Purchase Rate - 2.5 Percent
- Late repayment fee - 2,000 Naira flat rate
- Interest free period - upto 45 days.
- Credit Card limit - Local ATM Withdrawal Fee - 3 percent.
For further details and how to apply for Starling Bank Visa Credit Card, visit the official website - Starling Bank Visa Credit Card.
Final thoughts about best Credit Cards in Nigeria and how to get a Credit Card in Nigeria?
Credit can be an extremely helpful tool in managing your everyday finances, offering a flexible payment choice that can make your financial life simple, that's why I package this post to show you best Credit Cards in Nigeria you can probably start using in 2021. Responsible use of credit cards in Nigeria is also an essential step toward establishing a best credit score history, which will provide you financial benefit now and in the future. Best credit history leads to a right credit score, which is typically used by banks and other business to plan if you are someone who is liable with money.
Here's quick recap of best Credit Cards in Nigeria and banks/companies that offer them.
- 03 Card Classic Credit Card
- 03 Card Prestige Credit Card
- 03 Card Platinum Credit Card
- Visa Gold Credit Card by Standard Chartered Bank
- GTBank World MasterCard Credit Card
- Visa Infinite Credit Card by First bank
- Visa Platinum Credit Card by Standard Chartered Bank
- Classic Credit Card by FCMB
- GTBank Visa Classic Credit Card
- Visa Gold Credit Card by First Bank
- Gold Credit Card by FCMB
- First Bank Naira Credit Card
- Stanbic IBTC Visa Platinum Dollar Credit Card
- Stanbic IBTC Visa Infinite Naira Credit Card
- Fidelity Classic Credit Card
- WEMA Bank Classic Credit Card
- Access Bank Platinum Dollar Credit Card
- Sterling bank Visa Credit Card{codeBox}
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