Best rewards credit cards in Africa

Explore rewards credit cards available in Africa and compare what rewards they offer along with features and fees

Key takeaways

• Rewards credit cards provide a credit facility while offering rewards such as cashback, points, travel benefits or discounts on eligible spending
• Access Bank and GTBank focus on premium travel and lifestyle benefits, while Access Bank also offers Membership Rewards points
• FirstBank, UBA and Zenith offer different benefits and card features, but all benefits differ by timeline and ongoing rewards rates are not disclosed
• The World Card is a business payment card linked to a multi-currency World Account, allowing businesses to spend from their account balance rather than using a credit line

Rewards credit cards can combine a credit facility with points, cashback, travel benefits, discounts or other cardholder perks. In Nigeria, these cards sit within a broader shift towards digital payment products: the Nigerian prepaid card and digital wallet market is forecast to reach $15.2 billion in 2026, up 17% from 2025. But, credit card adoption across Africa still remains relatively low, with credit cards accounting for just 3% of transactions.

As payment habits change, the differences between available credit cards can matter, particularly around rewards, benefits and costs.

This guide compares five credit cards available in Africa based on rewards, travel benefits, cashback, fees and usage terms, while also covering the World Card as a business payment card linked to a multi-currency account.

What to look for in a rewards credit card

• Rewards structure: Check whether the card offers cashback, points, air miles or merchant rewards
• Rewards categories: Some cards offer higher rewards on travel, dining, fuel, groceries or international spending
• Annual fee: Rewards cards may charge annual fees, with premium cards typically costing more
• Interest rate: Check the applicable rate on balances carried beyond the no-interest period, as interest can outweigh rewards
• Foreign transaction fees: International purchases may attract foreign transaction or currency-conversion charges
• Redemption options: Check whether rewards can be exchanged for cash, statement credits, travel, gift cards or vouchers
• Eligibility: Review income, credit history, age, residency and collateral requirements
• Additional benefits: Travel insurance, airport lounge access, purchase protection and concierge services may add value

Top rewards credit cards

1. Access Bank American Express Platinum Card

The Access Bank American Express Platinum Card is a dual-currency (USD and Naira) card offering travel, hotel and lifestyle benefits.¹ Its Membership Rewards programme earns 1 point per US$2 of eligible overseas spending and 1 point per NGN 10,000 of eligible Nigerian spending.1 Benefits include 1,400+ airport lounges, hotel loyalty status, concierge services and no expiry on points.¹

Pricing: US$250 annual service fee, US$500 issuance/renewal fee, 3.5% cross-currency markup and 2.5% monthly interest²

*Fees checked in August 2026

2. GTBank World Elite Exclusive Mastercard

The GTBank World Elite Exclusive Mastercard is a premium credit card focused on international travel and lifestyle benefits.³ The bank lists unlimited lounge access, concierge services, hotel status and travel insurance, but does not disclose a specific ongoing cashback or points reward rate on the published product page.³

Pricing: Not specified

*Fees checked in August 2026

3. FirstBank Visa Gold Credit Card

The FirstBank Visa Gold is an international credit card accepted at VISA-enabled merchants and ATMs worldwide.⁴ It’s linked to the business bank account in Africa and supports local and international transactions and its promotional rewards and discounts can change over time.⁴

The current offer provides an 8% discount on airline tickets, valid until 30 September 2026.⁴ No permanent cashback rate is disclosed on the website.⁴  The card also has a maximum combined daily limit of US$10,000 across ATM withdrawals, online purchases and other transactions.⁴

Pricing: US$3 issuance fee, US$10 annual maintenance fee, US$3 replacement and ATM withdrawal fees⁴

*Fees checked in August 2026

→ If you want to open a business bank account in Africa, here is a step-by-step guide

4. UBA Naira Credit Card

The UBA Naira Credit Card comes in Gold and Platinum versions, but the two have the same fees, interest rates, credit limits and core terms.⁵ The cards offer up to N3 million in credit and up to 45 days of no-interest credit, subject to applicable conditions.⁵ Benefits include discounts at selected restaurants and hotels, lounge access, and local ATM, POS and online payments.⁵ UBA does not disclose a specific ongoing cashback or rewards rate for the card.⁵

Pricing: NGN 1,000 issuance and renewal fees, NGN 50 quarterly maintenance and NGN 10,000 annual credit-limit fee⁵

*Fees checked in August 2026

5. Zenith Bank Platinum Credit Card

The Zenith Bank Platinum Credit Card is available in VISA and Mastercard variants, with Naira and USD options.⁶ Its benefits focus on travel, security and cardholder services, including airport lounge access, concierge assistance, purchase protection, extended warranty and emergency card services.⁶ No specific ongoing cashback or rewards rate is disclosed in Zenith Bank’s published information.⁶

Pricing: Not specified

*Fees checked in August 2026

→ Discover the best virtual credit cards in Africa

The World Card: A multi-currency business payment card

The World Card is a Mastercard-powered virtual card from WorldFirst, an international payments provider. The World Card is a business payment card that draws directly from the business’s World Account balance, rather than providing a credit line, and can be used in 150+ currencies wherever Mastercard is accepted.

The World Account is a multi-currency account that allows businesses to send, receive, convert and hold local-currency payments in 15+ currencies including USD, GBP, EUR, CNH, AUD and more.

Key features of the World Card

• No fees when paying in any of the 15 supported major currencies with sufficient balance held in that currency
• Up to 20 virtual cards per business at no additional cost
• Real-time and individual spending limits and card controls
• Freeze and cancel functionality
• Cashback available on qualifying spending. Terms and Conditions Apply
• Zero card issuance and annual card fees
• Pay Chinese suppliers on 1688.com

*Fees checked in August 2026

FAQs

1. How do rewards credit cards work?

A rewards credit card provides a credit facility while offering points, cashback, discounts, travel benefits or other rewards based on eligible transactions or promotional conditions.

2. What is the difference between a rewards credit card and the World Card?

A rewards credit card uses a credit limit and can charge interest on outstanding balances. The World Card is a business payment card that deducts transactions directly from a World Account balance.

3. Can businesses use rewards credit cards?

Some banks offer credit cards for business or corporate use. The World Card is specifically designed as a business payment card linked to a multi-currency account.

Sources

1. https://www.americanexpress.com/en-ng/network/credit-cards/access-bank/platinum-card.html
2. https://www.americanexpress.com/en-ng/network/credit-cards/access-bank/
3. https://www.gtbank.com/personal-banking/cards/dollar-credit-cards/world-elite#section-features-and-benefits
4. https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/personal/cards/credit-cards/summer-campaign/
5. https://www.ubagroup.com/nigeria/personal-banking/cards/uba-naira-credit-card/
6. https://www.zenithbank.com/personal-banking/cards/?id=PLATINUM_CREDIT_CARDS

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or professional advice. This article should not be regarded as constituting an offer or a solicitation to buy or sell any regulated or financial products or services. WorldFirst makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content, and readers are encouraged to consult with legal professionals or other professionals for advice tailored to their specific situation. WorldFirst does not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of this article and expressly disclaims any and all liability to any person in respect of the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done wholly or partly in reliance on this article.