Comprehensive comparison of Kenya's top credit cards. Compare cashback, rewards, travel benefits, annual fees, and interest rates. Updated October 2025.
Credit cards offer a convenient way to make purchases with a revolving credit line, earning rewards while building your credit history. Unlike debit cards that use your own money, credit cards let you borrow from the bank and repay later, either in full or in monthly installments. In Kenya's evolving financial landscape, credit cards have become increasingly popular, offering benefits from cashback to travel miles and purchase protection.
18-36%
On outstanding balances
25-55 Days
Interest-free if paid in full
Cashback credit cards are perfect for everyday spending, offering percentage returns on purchases. These cards reward you with actual cash or statement credits on your monthly expenses.
Kenya Commercial Bank
Best CashbackKenya's best cashback card offering 2% on all purchases with no category restrictions. Additional benefits include airport lounge access, travel insurance up to USD 100,000, and fraud protection. Free supplementary cards for family members.
View Details →Equity Bank
No Annual Fee Year 1First-year annual fee waived for new cardholders. Earn 1.5% cashback on all purchases, credited monthly. Includes purchase protection insurance, extended warranty on electronics, and emergency card replacement worldwide.
View Details →Absa Bank Kenya
Premium CardEarn enhanced 3% cashback at restaurants and 1% on all other purchases. Lowest interest rate among premium cards. Benefits include concierge service, golf discounts, and complimentary travel insurance.
View Details →Rewards credit cards let you earn points on purchases that can be redeemed for merchandise, gift cards, experiences, or statement credits. Ideal for those who want flexibility in how they use their rewards.
NCBA Bank Kenya
Best RewardsEarn 2 Loop Points per KES 100 spent. Redeem points for shopping at major retailers, fuel, airtime, or statement credits. Bonus points on birthdays and partner merchants. Mobile app integration for easy point tracking.
View Details →Standard Chartered Kenya
Flexible rewards program with points redeemable at 360 Rewards catalog. Choose from electronics, home appliances, travel experiences, or charity donations. Premium customer service with dedicated relationship manager.
View Details →Travel credit cards reward frequent flyers and travelers with airline miles, hotel points, airport lounge access, and comprehensive travel insurance. Perfect for business travelers and vacation enthusiasts.
KCB & Kenya Airways
Best Travel CardEarn Kenya Airways Flying Blue miles on every purchase. Sign-up bonus of 20,000 miles. Priority check-in, extra baggage allowance, and lounge access at JKIA and select international airports. Travel insurance covering delays, lost luggage, and medical emergencies.
View Details →Standard Chartered Kenya
Convert reward points to airline miles with multiple carriers. Complimentary Priority Pass membership for 1,000+ airport lounges worldwide. Travel accident insurance up to USD 250,000 and emergency medical coverage.
View Details →| Card | Annual Fee | Interest Rate | Cash Advance Fee | Foreign Transaction | Late Payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KCB Gold | KES 3,500 | 19% | 6% | 3.5% | KES 1,500 |
| Equity Cashback | KES 2,500 | 20% | 6% | 3% | KES 1,200 |
| Absa Cashback | KES 4,000 | 18% | 5% | 3.5% | KES 1,500 |
| NCBA Loop Rewards | KES 3,000 | 21% | 6% | 3% | KES 1,000 |
| Standard Chartered | KES 4,500 | 19.5% | 6% | 3.5% | KES 1,500 |
Selecting the right credit card depends on your spending habits, financial goals, and lifestyle. Consider these factors when making your decision:
Review your monthly expenses to identify your largest spending categories. If you spend heavily on dining and entertainment, cashback cards with category bonuses make sense. Frequent travelers benefit most from travel rewards cards with airline miles and lounge access.
Example: Someone spending KES 50,000 monthly on groceries, fuel, and dining would earn KES 1,000 monthly (KES 12,000 yearly) with a 2% cashback card, easily offsetting the annual fee.
Consider annual fees, interest rates, and other charges against potential rewards. A card with higher annual fee might offer better overall value if rewards outweigh the cost. Calculate break-even points to ensure profitability.
Beyond rewards, consider value-added benefits that match your lifestyle:
Be honest about your ability to pay balances in full monthly. If you typically carry balances, prioritize cards with lower interest rates over high reward rates. Credit card interest (18-36% p.a.) can quickly negate any rewards earned.
Warning: Carrying a balance of KES 100,000 at 20% interest for 6 months costs about KES 10,000 in interest—far more than typical annual rewards earned.
Premium cards with best benefits require higher incomes and excellent credit score. Ensure you meet minimum requirements before applying to avoid rejection, which can impact your credit score. Start with basic cards if you're building credit history.
Using credit cards wisely helps build credit history and maximize rewards while avoiding debt traps. Follow these best practices for responsible credit card use:
Pay the entire statement balance before the due date to avoid interest charges. This is the golden rule of credit card use. Set up automatic payments to never miss deadlines. Only minimum payments lead to expensive debt accumulation.
Use only 30% or less of your available credit limit. This "credit utilization ratio" significantly impacts your credit score. High utilization suggests financial stress even if you pay on time. Request limit increases if needed to maintain low utilization.
Monitor spending through mobile banking apps or statements. Set up SMS/email alerts for every transaction to quickly detect fraud. Review monthly statements carefully for unauthorized charges or errors. Report discrepancies immediately.
Read the fine print on annual fees, late payment penalties, cash advance fees, and foreign transaction charges. Know your interest rate and grace period. Understanding costs helps avoid expensive surprises and enables better financial planning.
Cash advances carry high fees (5-6%) plus immediate interest with no grace period. Use ATM cards or debit cards for cash needs. Credit card cash should only be absolute last resort in emergencies.
Use your card for planned purchases you'd make anyway. Don't overspend just to earn rewards—interest charges and debt offset any benefits. Combine multiple cards strategically for different spending categories if you can manage them responsibly. Always redeem rewards before they expire.
Most banks require minimum monthly income of KES 30,000-50,000 for basic cards. Premium cards typically require KES 100,000+ monthly income. Requirements vary by bank and card type.
Approval typically takes 5-14 business days depending on the bank and completeness of your application. Some banks offer instant approval for existing customers with good banking history. You'll receive the physical card within 7-10 days after approval.
Getting approved with poor credit is challenging. Consider secured credit cards where you deposit collateral, or start with retail store cards that have lower requirements. Focus on building credit through consistent savings and loan repayment before applying for premium cards.
You'll typically need: National ID/Passport, KRA PIN certificate, recent payslips (3 months) or business registration documents, bank statements (6 months), and proof of residence. Some banks may require additional documentation.
Keep cards open if they have no annual fee—they help your credit utilization ratio and credit history length. Close cards with high annual fees only if benefits don't justify the cost. Always pay off balances completely before closing to avoid impacting your credit score.
Most cards charge 2-4% on international purchases or transactions in foreign currency. This applies to online purchases from international websites too. Look for cards with no foreign transaction fees if you travel or shop internationally frequently.
Choosing the right credit card requires careful evaluation of your financial situation, spending patterns, and goals. The best credit card is one that aligns with your lifestyle, offers rewards on your regular expenses, and comes with fees you can easily offset through benefits. Whether you prioritize cashback, travel miles, or flexible rewards points, Kenya's credit card market offers diverse options to suit different needs. Remember that responsible credit card use—paying balances in full and staying within your means—is more important than chasing maximum rewards. Start with understanding your spending habits, compare cards systematically using this guide, and choose the option that provides the best overall value for your specific situation.