Makro Credit Card: Complete Guide for South Africans
Everything you need to know about applying and using Makro Credit
Last updated: November 2025
Quick Facts
- Credit limits up to R50,000 available
- Use at Makro, Game, Builders, and 30,000+ RCS stores
- Minimum income requirement: R2,000 per month
- Application fee: R100
- Free birthday voucher worth R100
Table of Contents
What is Makro Credit?
Makro Credit is a store credit card offered by Makro in partnership with RCS Group. It works like a normal credit card at Makro stores.
You can buy items now and pay later. The card lets you shop at all Makro stores in South Africa.
This is not a bank credit card. It is a retail store card. You can only use it at certain shops.
Where you can use it: All Makro stores, Game stores, Builders stores, DionWired, and any other shop in the RCS retail network (over 30,000 stores nationwide).
✅ Card Benefits
The Makro Credit Card comes with several benefits for cardholders as of 2025:
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for a Makro Credit Card in 2025, you must meet these requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 years or older |
| Identity | Valid SA ID or Driver’s Licence |
| Employment | Must be employed |
| Income | R2,000 or more per month |
| Bank Account | Valid South African bank account |
⚠️ Fees and Interest Rates
Understanding the costs is very important before you apply. Here are the fees for 2025:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | R100 (pay when you apply) |
| Initiation Fee | R165 + 10% of credit limit (once-off) |
| Monthly Service Fee | Up to R60 per month |
| Interest Rate | Up to 28.25% per year (varies by profile) |
| Credit Limit | Up to R50,000 (based on affordability) |
Important: The interest rate is linked to the repo rate. It will never exceed the maximum rate allowed by the National Credit Act.
Your actual interest rate depends on your credit score. Better credit means lower interest rates.
How to Apply
You can apply for a Makro Credit Card in two ways:
Option 1: Apply Online
- Go to the official RCS website: rcs.co.za/partner/makro
- Click on “Apply for Makro Credit Card”
- Fill in your personal details on the form
- Upload your required documents (see next section)
- Pay the R100 application fee online
- Submit your application
- Wait for approval (usually within 30 days)
Option 2: Apply In-Store
- Visit any Makro store in South Africa
- Speak to a customer service representative
- Fill out the application form
- Provide your documents
- Pay the R100 application fee
- Submit your application
Required Documents
Have these documents ready before you apply:
Copy of your South African ID or Driver’s Licence
Your latest 3 months’ payslips OR 3 months’ bank statements
Recent utility bill or bank statement showing your address (not older than 3 months)
Important: All documents must be clear copies. Blurry or incomplete documents will delay your application.
Repayment Options
Makro Credit offers flexible ways to pay back your debt in 2025:
Payment Plans Available:
- Revolving Credit: Pay minimum amount each month, like a credit card
- 24-Month Plan: Fixed payments over 2 years
- 36-Month Plan: Fixed payments over 3 years
How to Make Payments:
- Debit order (automatic payment from your bank)
- Online via the Makro Credit app or website
- EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) to your account
- In-store at any Makro
Payment Deadline: All payments must be made by the 1st of each month.
🚨 Scam Warnings
Scammers target people applying for store credit cards. Be very careful of these common scams in 2025:
Common Credit Card Scams:
Fake messages asking you to click links and enter your details. Makro and RCS will NEVER ask for your PIN or password by email or SMS.
Scammers may ask for extra fees beyond the R100 application fee. Do not pay any “processing fees” or “insurance fees” to unknown numbers.
Criminals copy your card details at ATMs or shops. Always cover your PIN when entering it. Check ATMs for suspicious devices.
Scammers pretend to call from Makro or RCS. They ask for your card details, PIN, or security code. Never give these over the phone.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Only apply on the official RCS website or at Makro stores
- Never share your PIN, password, or full card number
- Check your statements every month for strange transactions
- Use the official Makro Credit app to manage your account
- Report any suspicious activity immediately
• Call RCS immediately: 0861 888 009
• Email: makrocustserv@rcsgroup.co.za
• Report to SAFPS Scam Hotline: 083 123 7226
✅ Managing Your Makro Credit Account
After approval, you can manage your account using the Makro Credit Self-Service options:
Online Self-Service Features:
- Check your available credit balance
- Download statements (up to 6 months)
- Opt in for email statements
- Update your email address
- Pay your account online
- Access cash (if you qualify)
Mobile App:
Download the “Makro Credit” app from Google Play Store. The app lets you manage everything from your phone.
Your Consumer Rights
As a Makro Credit cardholder in South Africa, you have important legal protections under the National Credit Act:
- Right to a clear pre-agreement showing all fees and rates
- Protection from reckless lending
- Right to pay off your debt early without penalty
- Right to complain to the National Credit Regulator
- Protection from harassment by debt collectors
Where to Get Help:
| Organisation | Contact |
|---|---|
| RCS Customer Service | 0861 729 727 |
| National Credit Regulator | 0860 627 627 |
| NCR Complaints Email | complaints@ncr.org.za |
| SAFPS Scam Hotline | 083 123 7226 |
| RCS Email | makrocustserv@rcsgroup.co.za |
Pros and Cons
✅ Advantages
- Use at 30,000+ stores
- Flexible payment plans
- Low minimum income requirement
- Free birthday voucher
- Easy online application
- Mobile app for management
⚠️ Disadvantages
- High interest rates (up to 28.25%)
- R100 application fee
- Monthly service fees
- Not a bank credit card
- Limited to RCS network stores
- Requires credit check
✅ Tips for Using Makro Credit Responsibly
Just because you have a R50,000 limit does not mean you should use it all. Borrow only what you need and can pay back.
Paying only the minimum means you pay more interest. Pay extra when you can to clear debt faster.
Use debit order to avoid late payments. Late fees add up quickly and hurt your credit score.
Look for mistakes or fraudulent charges. Report problems immediately to RCS.
Take advantage of the free delivery, birthday voucher, and mRewards to save money.
Our Final Recommendations
The Makro Credit Card can be useful if you shop regularly at Makro or Game stores. The flexible payment options help you manage large purchases.
However, the high interest rates mean this card is expensive if you do not pay on time. Only apply if you have steady income and can afford monthly payments.
Best for: Regular Makro shoppers who need to spread payments over time and have reliable income.
Not recommended for: People with bad credit, unstable income, or those who struggle to pay bills on time. The high interest will make your debt worse.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and was last updated in November 2025. Financial regulations, fees, and requirements may change. Always verify current information with official sources before making financial decisions. Makro Credit is provided by RCS Group (NCRCP 38/FSP 44481).
For complaints or disputes, contact the National Credit Regulator (NCR) at 0860 627 627 or visit www.ncr.org.za