Choosing your first credit card is a big step, and the TymeBank Credit Card is designed to keep that step simple, digital and low cost.
It is aimed at everyday South Africans who want an affordable way to build credit while managing everything from their phone. You get a clear fee structure, smart rewards and an interest free period if you pay in full.
The card works locally and internationally at Visa merchants. This guide explains benefits, costs, requirements, how to apply and how to get support.
Top Benefits Of The TymeBank Credit Card
Before you sign up, it helps to understand what makes this product different from traditional bank cards.
The TymeBank Credit Card focuses on low fixed fees, a simple interest structure and easy digital management.
It is issued in partnership with RCS, which handles the credit facility while TymeBank provides the digital experience.
You can use it worldwide for online and in store purchases. Here are five key benefits that matter for new users.
Up To 55 Days Interest Free On Purchases
One of the biggest advantages is the interest free period on qualifying purchases. You can get up to 55 days interest free if you pay your full statement balance on time each month.
This gives you breathing room to manage cash flow without paying finance charges. It works best if you treat the card like a charge card and always clear what you owe.
Used this way, the TymeBank Credit Card is a cheap payment tool instead of long term debt.
Smart Shopper Rewards On Everyday Spending
When you pay with the TymeBank Credit Card, you earn Pick n Pay Smart Shopper points on your purchases.
You earn points everywhere you use the card, and you earn double points when you swipe your Smart Shopper card and pay with your TymeBank card at Pick n Pay. Those points turn into savings on groceries and household items.
This makes everyday spending slightly cheaper over time. For many people, that ongoing value helps offset the monthly service fee.
Benefit 3: Simple Digital Management In The App
The card fits into TymeBank’s digital first model, which means you manage almost everything in the app. You can check balances, view transactions, monitor available credit and adjust some settings from your phone.
Free SMS alerts and app notifications help you spot suspicious activity quickly. You also see when payments are clear and when your next due date is. This visibility helps you avoid missed payments and unnecessary interest.
Benefit 4: Extra Cards And Secure Features
TymeBank lets you request up to three additional cards for family members, all linked to the same account.
This is useful if you want to share a credit facility but keep track of who spends what. The card uses chip and PIN plus tap to pay for quick checkouts.
Free SMS notifications add another layer of protection against fraud. Combined, these features make the TymeBank Credit Card practical for households that share expenses.
Benefit 5: Lower Entry Requirements Than Many Competitors
Compared with many traditional banks, TymeBank positions its credit card for people with modest incomes.
Public information shows that you can qualify if you earn from around 3,000 rand per month and meet standard credit checks. That threshold is lower than the income required by several mainstream gold cards.
This makes the TymeBank Credit Card accessible if you are building your career or side hustle. It can be an entry point into formal credit when used responsibly.
Interest Rates, Annual Fees And Other Charges
Understanding costs is critical before you apply, because the wrong card can become expensive quickly.
The TymeBank Credit Card uses a transparent model with a once off initiation fee and a recurring monthly service fee instead of a big annual fee.
Purchases in store and online are typically free of transaction charges. Interest is only charged when you do not pay your full balance after the interest free period. Below is a breakdown of the main cost items to expect.
Interest Rate And Interest Free Period
At launch, TymeBank stated that it charges an interest rate of about 18 percent per year on the credit card when you do not settle your monthly purchases in full.
This rate is only applied to the outstanding balance after the up to 55 day interest free period. If you always clear the statement by the due date, you avoid paying interest completely.
Your exact rate can still depend on regulations and risk assessments. Always read your credit agreement carefully before accepting.
Monthly Service Fee And Initiation Fee
Public fee comparisons indicate that the TymeBank Credit Card carries a once off initiation fee of about 160 rand when the account is opened.
There is also a recurring monthly service fee that has been listed in independent tables at around 40 to 60 rand. This fee covers account maintenance and access to the credit facility.
There is no separate annual fee, which keeps the pricing simpler. You should always check the latest official pricing guide, because fees can change over time.
Other Transaction And Penalty Charges
While everyday card purchases are normally free, some extra services do attract fees. Examples from earlier pricing information include an over limit fee of about 200 rand if you exceed your approved limit and a card replacement fee of around 140 rand.
There may also be a small charge for printed statement copies. Cash withdrawals at ATMs or tills carry separate fees, often quoted per 1 000 rand withdrawn.
These amounts are detailed in TymeBank’s latest fee documents and may be updated periodically.
Five Step Guide To Applying For The TymeBank Credit Card
Once you understand the benefits and costs, the next step is checking whether you qualify and how to apply.
The TymeBank Credit Card is issued in partnership with RCS, so your application involves both TymeBank’s digital channels and RCS’s credit checks.
The process is designed to be quick and mostly online. You can usually complete it from your phone in a single sitting. Here is a simple five step guide that shows what to expect.
Check Eligibility And Income Requirements
Start by confirming that you meet the general eligibility rules for the TymeBank Credit Card. You need to be at least 18 years old and either a South African citizen or permanent resident.
You must be employed or have a regular verifiable income, typically from around 3,000 rand per month or more.
A valid South African ID or driver license and an existing bank account are required. You should also have a reasonable credit history with no serious unpaid defaults.
Gather All Required Supporting Documents
Before starting your application, collect the documentation that proves who you are and what you earn.
You will usually need a clear copy of your ID or driver license, three months of recent payslips or bank statements and proof of a residential address that is less than three months old.
Having a tax number available can also help. Store digital copies on your phone or computer. This preparation speeds up your application because you can upload everything in one go.
Begin The Application In The App Or Online
You can apply for the TymeBank Credit Card through the TymeBank app or website, depending on current channels.
In both cases, the journey starts with capturing your personal details, contact information and employment data. You then enter your monthly income and expenses so that an affordability assessment can be performed.
Make sure the figures match your payslips or statements. Accurate input reduces the chance of delays or follow up questions from RCS.
Complete Credit Checks And Upload Documents
After you submit your initial form, TymeBank and RCS will run standard credit bureau checks and affordability calculations. You will be asked to upload your supporting documents directly in the app or through a secure online channel.
This information confirms your identity, address and income as required by law. Respond quickly if the system asks for extra documents or clearer copies. Once everything is verified, your application moves to final decision stage.
Accept The Offer, Activate And Start Using The Card
If your application is approved, you receive a formal offer that sets out your credit limit, interest rate, fees and key terms.
Read this carefully and accept only if you are comfortable with the conditions. Your TymeBank Credit Card will then be issued and delivered, often by courier, or made available for collection through TymeBank’s channels.
Once you have the card, you activate it, set a secure PIN and link it to your TymeBank profile. From there, you can start using it for point of sale and online purchases worldwide.
TymeBank Credit Card Customer Care Contacts
For general questions about your TymeBank Credit Card, you can contact TymeBank Customer Care on 0860 999 119 during standard service hours. This line can help with queries about statements, payments, limits and card features.
If your card is lost or stolen, you should immediately call the dedicated lost card line on 0860 999 118 to block the card and prevent fraud.
International callers can reach support on +27 11 327 6244. You can also email [email protected] for non urgent issues.
TymeBank Head Office Location
TymeBank is a South African digital bank with its main registered office in Rosebank, Johannesburg. Public documents and statements list the head office address as 30 Jellicoe Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196.
This address appears on bank statements and regulatory notices as the official location for the institution.
It is not a traditional branch for walk in retail banking, but it serves as the corporate and administrative center. Knowing this address is useful for formal written correspondence or legal matters.
Conclusion
Used responsibly, this card can help you build a solid credit history without overwhelming complexity. The key is to pay your balance in full whenever possible, track your spending in the app and avoid relying on credit for non essential purchases.
If you want an accessible product that fits a digital lifestyle and offers genuine everyday value, the TymeBank Credit Card is worth serious consideration. Just remember to verify the latest fees and terms before you apply.
Note: There are risks involved when applying for and using credit. Consult the bank’s terms and conditions page for more information.
