⚠️ Important Notice (December 2025)

• TymeBank credit card applications are currently on hold
• Existing cardholders can still use their cards
• Check TymeBank official channels for updates
• Alternative credit cards available from other banks

1. What is the TymeBank Credit Card?

TymeBank is a digital bank in South Africa. They launched a credit card in 2022. The card was made with RCS, a credit company.

TymeBank wanted to help middle-income South Africans get credit. The card had lower requirements than traditional banks. People earning only R3,000 per month could apply.

Key Points About TymeBank

• Started in 2019 as a digital bank
• Over 7 million customers in South Africa
• Owned by Dr Patrice Motsepe’s African Rainbow Capital
• Focuses on simple, affordable banking
• Partners with Pick n Pay and Boxer stores

The credit card was a Visa card. You could use it in South Africa and overseas. It worked at over 29 million shops worldwide.

🚨 2. Current Application Status (December 2025)

Important: TymeBank is not accepting new credit card applications right now.

According to TymeBank, all new applications are on hold. They say this is for security reasons. The card is no longer shown on their main website.

What This Means for You

• You cannot apply for a new TymeBank credit card today
• If you already have the card, you can still use it
• No timeline given for when applications will open again
• TymeBank says they will announce when applications resume

3. Who Could Qualify? (When Applications Were Open)

When TymeBank accepted applications, these were the requirements:

Basic Requirements

Requirement	Details
Age	18 years or older
Citizenship	South African citizen or permanent resident
Income	Minimum R3,000 per month
Employment	Must be employed
ID Document	Valid SA ID or driver’s licence
Bank Account	South African bank account (any bank)

Documents Needed

• South African ID or driver’s licence
• Proof of income (payslip or bank statement)
• Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
• Bank account details
• Valid cellphone number

💰 4. Costs and Fees

Here are the fees that applied to the TymeBank credit card:

Fee Type	Cost
Initiation fee (once-off)	R160
Monthly service fee	R43 – R60
Interest rate	18% per year (only on unpaid balance)
International purchases	2% extra fee
Cash withdrawals	Standard ATM fees apply
Daily cash limit	Up to R3,000
Card insurance (optional)	R4.50 per R1,000 of credit

Understanding the Costs

✅ 5. Card Features and Benefits

Main Features

• Visa card: Accepted at over 29 million shops worldwide
• Tap and go: Quick contactless payments
• Online shopping: Buy things online safely
• International use: Works in other countries (with 2% fee)
• Digital management: Control card through TymeBank app

Smart Shopper Rewards

Cardholders earned Pick n Pay Smart Shopper points:

• Earn points everywhere you use the card
• Double points when shopping at Pick n Pay
• Double points on fuel at BP stations
• Points automatically added to your Smart Shopper profile

MoreTyme Feature

For purchases over R200, you could split payments:

• Pay over 6 to 36 months
• Choose at the till point
• Makes big purchases more affordable
• Interest applies to instalment plans

TymeBank App Management

You could manage your card through the app:

• Check your balance anytime
• See available credit
• View all transactions
• Download statements (up to 6 months)
• Check payment due dates
• Make payments to your card
• Block your card if lost or stolen

6. How Applications Worked (When Available)

Remember: You cannot apply right now. This section explains how it worked before.

Step-by-Step Process

🚨 7. Credit Card Scams to Avoid

Credit card fraud is rising in South Africa. Protect yourself by knowing the common scams.

Common Credit Card Scams

What Banks Never Ask For

If You’re a Victim

8. Alternative Credit Cards in South Africa

Since TymeBank applications are closed, consider these alternatives:

Similar Low-Income Options

Bank	Card	Minimum Income
Capitec	Capitec Credit Card	R2,500/month
African Bank	MyWorld Credit Card	R3,000/month
Standard Bank	MyMo Credit Card	R5,000/month
FNB	FNB Gold Credit Card	R5,000/month
Discovery	Discovery Credit Card	R7,500/month

Other TymeBank Credit Options

TymeBank still offers other credit products:

✅ Your Consumer Rights

The National Credit Act protects you. Here are your rights:

Credit Provider Requirements

• RCS must be registered with the National Credit Regulator (they are)
• Must do affordability assessment before approval
• Cannot charge more than maximum interest rates
• Must provide clear fee information
• Must give you a pre-agreement quotation

Your Rights

• Right to a credit agreement in writing
• Right to clear information in language you understand
• Right to complain to the National Credit Regulator
• Right to dispute unauthorized charges
• Right to debt counselling if you struggle

Where to Complain

Organisation	Contact
TymeBank Customer Care	0861 007 250
National Credit Regulator	0860 627 627
Banking Ombudsman	0860 800 900
Financial Sector Conduct Authority	0800 110 443
SABRIC (Fraud Reports)	www.sabric.co.za

If You Need a Credit Card Now

• Look at Capitec or African Bank – they have similar low requirements
• Compare fees and interest rates from different banks
• Only apply if you can afford the monthly repayments
• Check your credit score first (free once per year)

If You’re Waiting for TymeBank

• Check the TymeBank website and app regularly for updates
• Follow their social media for announcements
• Use TymeBank’s MoreTyme for interest-free purchases in the meantime
• Build your credit score with other products

General Credit Card Advice

• Pay your full balance every month to avoid interest
• Never share your PIN or card details with anyone
• Set spending alerts on your phone
• Check your statements every month for unknown charges
• Keep your card safe and report loss immediately
• Don’t apply for multiple cards at once – it hurts your credit score