TymeBank is a South African digital bank known for low-fee everyday banking and fast digital onboarding.
In February 2022, TymeBank announced the launch of its first Visa credit card, offered in partnership with RCS, a registered credit provider.
The product was presented as a card you could apply for online (or via TymeBank’s app) with a simpler, digital-first experience.
What the TymeBank Credit Card is
TymeBank’s launch communications described a tap-and-go Visa credit card designed for local and international card payments.
At launch, TymeBank and African Rainbow Capital (an investor in TymeBank) said the card was also connected to Pick n Pay Smart Shopper points.
TymeBank also highlighted an interest-free period of up to 55 days if the full amount owed is paid on time every month.
That feature is common in credit cards, but it only works when you clear your full statement balance by the due date.
Who can apply for a TymeBank Credit Card
TymeBank’s public launch reporting described broad eligibility guidelines that typically included:
18 years or older and employed, earning R3,000+ per month.
A valid South African ID or driver’s licence and a South African bank account.
Approval is still subject to affordability and credit checks, so meeting these criteria does not guarantee approval.
Apply online in minutes
TymeBank said customers could apply online or through TymeBank’s app.
While the exact screens and requirements can change, an online credit-card application in South Africa usually follows a similar path.
1) Start the application in official channels
You begin the application through the bank’s official digital platforms.
This is where you confirm identity details and link the application to your TymeBank profile.
2) Provide income and employment details
The lender needs to assess affordability.
You will typically provide employment status and monthly income information, and you may be asked to supply supporting documents.
3) Consent to credit and affordability checks
Credit providers usually run checks required by regulation and internal risk policies.
This step helps determine whether you qualify, and if so, what credit limit is offered.
4) Review your offer and terms
If approved, you should see the key terms before accepting.
This is the moment to verify the interest rate, monthly account fee, foreign transaction charges, and any cash-advance costs.
5) Receive the card and set up repayments
After acceptance, the card is issued, and you set up repayment arrangements.
Many customers choose an automated repayment method to reduce the chance of missing a due date.
Interest rates and common charges to know
Rates and fees can change and can vary by customer profile and agreement terms.
However, independent reporting has published indicative pricing at specific points in time.
- Interest rate: 18.00% (as listed in that comparison).
- Monthly fee: R40 (as listed in that comparison).
- Currency conversion fee: 2.0% (as listed in that comparison).
Even when you see a published rate, you should still confirm your own approved rate and fees before you accept the agreement.
Other costs to check before you use the card
These are common cost areas that can materially affect what you pay:
- Cash withdrawal (cash advance) fees: Credit-card cash withdrawals often carry extra fees and immediate interest.
- Late-payment charges: Missing a payment can lead to fees and may impact your credit profile.
- Foreign spending charges: Even with a published conversion fee, check whether any extra service charges apply.
- Add-ons or insurance: If any optional or bundled protections are offered, confirm whether they are required and what they cost.
Why the interest-free period matters
An “up to 55 days” interest-free period can be valuable, but only if you pay the full statement balance by the due date.
If you pay only the minimum or a partial amount, interest typically applies to the remaining balance.
Also, certain transaction types (like cash withdrawals) may start accruing interest immediately.
An important update to verify: RCS’s credit-card program
RCS has publicly stated that it decided to discontinue the RCS Credit Card program.
Cardholders could no longer use the RCS credit card for purchases or cash withdrawals as of 30 September 2025.
Because the TymeBank credit card was launched “in partnership with RCS,” anyone considering the product should confirm this.
Quick comparison
Below is a practical comparison of the TymeBank Credit Card versus other major TymeBank products.
| TymeBank product | What it is | Main benefit | Typical costs | Credit impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TymeBank Credit Card (launched with RCS) | A Visa credit card offered via a partnership with RCS. | Access to revolving credit and card protections that come with credit-card networks. | Reported at launch: initiation fee R160 and monthly fee R60; a spokesperson was quoted saying, “We charge all customers 18%, but only charge this interest if the monthly purchases are not settled in full”. | Yes (credit checks/affordability and repayment history matter). |
| EveryDay Account + Visa Debit Card | A transactional account with a Visa debit card for day-to-day spending. | Spend what you have (no borrowing), with digital tools and low ongoing costs. | TymeBank repeatedly positions it as no monthly account fee (pay-as-you-use for some transactions). | No (it’s not a credit product). |
| GoalSave | A savings feature/tool linked to TymeBank, letting you create savings “pockets”. | Earn interest while keeping funds accessible. | TymeBank help content references 6% as a starting rate (with an initial R1,000 in the example), and marketing pages reference earning up to 10% under certain conditions. | No. |
| MoreTyme | TymeBank’s buy-now-pay-later product, typically split into up to 3 instalments. | Short-term payment flexibility without classic card interest. | TymeBank’s help content says you’re not charged any fees or interest for using MoreTyme. | Usually yes/limited: it’s “subject to approval,” and missed payments can still have consequences under the terms. |
| EveryDay Business Account (Business Benefits) | A business-focused version of the EveryDay approach (aimed at sole proprietors and small businesses). | Separate business cashflow + low/transparent banking costs. | TymeBank describes it as an account with no monthly fees, with low charges for some transactions. | No (account), but business lending/funding products are separate. |
Customer support, phone numbers, and address
For the most reliable confirmation of current application availability, pricing, fees, and card servicing, use TymeBank’s official contact points.
TymeBank phone (South Africa): 0860 999 119.
TymeBank phone (international): +27 (0)10 020 6111.
Lost/stolen card line: 0860 999 118.
Address for correspondence (as published in TymeBank legal terms):
Head of Compliance, TymeBank, 30 Jellicoe Avenue, Rosebank, 2196, South Africa.
Conclusion
TymeBank launched its Visa credit card in 2022 with an online-first application flow, Smart Shopper-linked rewards messaging.
Independent reporting has cited figures like 18.00% interest and a R40 monthly fee at one point in time.
Before you apply, confirm the latest availability, fees, and repayment rules through TymeBank’s official customer-care numbers.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not financial advice. Always read the official credit agreement and fee schedule, and confirm current product availability and pricing with TymeBank before applying.
