How to Apply for your Absa British Airways Credit Card
The Absa British Airways Credit Card has several benefits which makes it an appealing option. From full ATM functionality worldwide and cash withdrawals simultaneously, free of charge electronic statements, budget facilities and lost card protection services, this card has plenty to offer.
The Absa British Airways Credit Card is an appropriate fit for the keen traveller and offers reasonable credit limits which can be easily monitored and controlled.
Credit card benefits
You’ll collect one Avios for every R7.50 spent using your card globally, or earn even faster with one Avios for every R5.00 spent exclusively with British Airways (see here). Avios can be redeemed for international flights with British Airways, hotel stays, and car rentals.
Not only that but numerous qualifying purchases get up to 55 days interest free and there are no transaction fees on purchases. There is also a sign-up bonus of 9,000 Avios (see here).
There are many other benefits to this card including:
Avios Rewards
- Earn Avios with every purchase.
- Use your Avios to book international flights.
Credit limit and transactions
- Individually determined credit limit.
- No transaction fees on purchases at till points.
- Up to 55 days interest-free credit on qualifying purchases.
- Budget facility available for purchases over R300 with extended credit terms from 6 to 48 months.
Card features
- Optional secondary card application available at branches.
- Full ATM functionality, including cash withdrawals from any ATM worldwide.
- Electronic monthly statements at no additional cost.
- Chip and PIN technology for enhanced security.
- Contactless technology.
Security and protection
- Safe online shopping through 3D Secure and One-Time Password technology.
- You are not liable for fraudulent transactions after reporting the loss or theft of your card.
- Basic Travel Insurance cover with the option to purchase Top-Up Cover for international return travel tickets.
Optional features
- NotifyMe for SMS updates of withdrawals, deposits, payments, and transfers made on your credit card account.
- Covers the outstanding balance up to R150,000 in the event of death or permanent total disability, and 10% of the average outstanding balance for six months in the event of retrenchment.
Bidvest Lounge Access
- 4 free accesses to Bidvest lounges on domestic flights.
- 4 free accesses to Bidvest lounges on international flights.
Digital payments support
- Compatibility with digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, and Garmin Pay.
Additional protections
- Automatic protection against card loss.
- Purchase protection and extended warranty.
No transaction fees
- No transaction fees on point-of-sale purchases.
Visa-backed, you can now earn Avios with every card use, which you can later redeem for rewards like flights, cabin upgrades, hotels, and car rentals.
Prerequisites
In order to get and enjoy the Absa British Airways Credit Card, one ought to earn at least R8 000 per month, be at least 18 years of age, be a holder of a valid South African ID book or Smart card and present proof of residence. Finally, the issuance of the card is subject to an affordability assessment.
More about Absa
Absa offers a wide range of banking services tailored to individual needs, including savings accounts, investment accounts, personal loans, and insurance products.
The bank prioritizes convenience with mobile and online banking, enabling customers to manage their finances from anywhere at any time.
In addition to traditional services, Absa provides various credit cards with unique benefits to suit different spending habits and financial goals, ensuring secure transactions for peace of mind.
Absa’s commitment to security and user-friendly solutions demonstrates their dedication to enhancing customer experience and trust, making them a reliable choice for banking in South Africa.
Guided by core values such as trust, resourcefulness, stewardship, inclusion, and courage, Absa emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with clients based on trust and reliability.
Who is this card for?
As alluded to earlier, the Absa British Airways Credit Card is nimble and suited to a wide variety of travellers whether it be for holiday or business.
The limits offer a lot of financial muscle while being mindful of conservative risk management. There are a lot of secuirty features which are critical for a card with such a wide reach.
Given the levels of service on offer, the Absa British Airways Credit card is good for highly mobile customers who are in need of round the clock access to superior banking services and a customised experience.
How to apply for the Absa British Airways Credit Card
Having considered and met the qualifying criteria for the card, one can apply online or call ABSA British Airways Customer Service Contact Centre on 0861 4 22 000, or email [email protected].
Fill in the personal data requested by the bank and send the proposal. Wait for the response that should occur after the institution carries out a credit investigation.
Review of the card: positive and negative
The Absa British Airways Credit Card boasts several benefits which are very handy. The Bidvest Premier Airport Lounge for example is an amazing benefit but can be quickly exhausted as there are only 8 visits per annum.
Additionally, one of the biggest attractions of this card is the Avios rewards program, which allows cardholders to earn points with every purchase and a sign-up bonus. With Avios, customers have the opportunity to quickly accumulate points that can be used to book international flights, make cabin upgrades, book hotels, and rent cars. Furthermore, the card offers up to 55 days of interest-free credit on qualifying purchases, providing financial flexibility without additional costs.
Despite the many benefits, the Absa British Airways Visa Credit Card also has some negative points that potential cardholders should consider. The applicable interest rates are relatively high, with a rate of 22.25% on point-of-sale purchases, cash withdrawals, and fuel, which can result in significant costs for those who do not pay the full balance monthly.
Additionally, there are certain exclusions in the rewards program, such as balance transfers, cash advances, and some other transactions, which can limit the ability of cardholders to earn Avios on all their expenses. Another point to consider is that the sign-up bonus Avios will only be awarded if the qualifying purchases are not returned, which can be inconvenient in cases of return necessity.
The Absa British Airways Visa Credit Card is an excellent option for those looking to maximize their travel rewards and enjoy exclusive benefits. Besides accumulating Avios, the card offers free access to Bidvest lounges on domestic and international flights, support for digital payments through various electronic wallets, and a wide range of basic travel insurance with an option for additional coverage.
Security is also a strong point, with chip and PIN technology, contactless payments, and secure online shopping through 3D Secure and OTP. However, it is essential that users consider their own financial needs and spending habits to ensure they can make the most of the benefits offered by the card without incurring high costs.
Fees and tariffs
Thereafter, each visit is billed at preferential rates. The British Airways Credit Card offers 5000 Avios when you join and an extra 4000 Avios when you spend R24 000 in the first three months. You can earn 1 Avios per R7.50 spent and 1 Avios per R5 spent on British Airways.
The pricing comes in at a reasonable 22,5% interest on straight and budget and 0,20% on balance. Perhaps the one drawback is transaction fees on internet transfers.
There are also fees for withdrawals and casino and fuel transactions. With a monthly fee of R100, the ABSA British Airways Credit Card is fairly priced.
Find out all the fees and rates here.
Contact
Support can be accessed through various channels, such as a dedicated website link.
Assistance is also available through dedicated telephone lines, 0861 462 273 for South Africa and +27 11 354 4001 for international clients.
Additionally, individuals can reach out via email at [email protected] or by visiting a nearby branch.
To locate a branch in proximity, one can use the provided link to search based on their convenience, whether it be close to their workplace or residence.