5 Reasons to use a credit card instead of a debit card

Here are some of the reasons for opting to use your credit card instead of a debit card.

1. Security

Your credit card doesn’t reflect your bank account in the same way as a debit card does; therefore, if it is stolen (physically or your account information) and used, they are not withdrawing directly from ‘the money you have in the bank’.

Your credit card also offers robust protection against fraudulent and unauthorised charges. If you report suspicious activity quickly, the bank will reverse the charges, and you won’t be liable.

2. Benefits and rewards

If used responsibly, your credit card can help you achieve your goals, but it also offers lots of perks that you can use to make life easier and a lot more fun on the way to reaching that goal.

Your credit card comes with a host of lifestyle, travel and insurance benefits, giving you the freedom to do more of the things you love for less. Plus, it allows you to earn UCount Rewards Points whenever you use your card, which you can use to pay for purchases at our Rewards Retailers. This translates to putting money back in your wallet and freeing up space in your budget to focus on saving, paying off debt or buffering that emergency fund.

3. Building credit

Using your credit card responsibly can help build or improve your credit score. Paying with a debit card is like paying with cash, and your usage doesn’t contribute to your score. Building credit history is important to help you qualify for borrowing options and loans (e.g. home loans and vehicle financing) at better interest rates in the future.

Download our checklist to see how you can build a solid credit score.

Download credit score checklist

4. Interest-free period

A Standard Bank Credit Card allows you to access the funds to purchase things if you don’t have the funds immediately available. If you ensure your account is paid in full, you can use the 55 days interest-free* feature to make purchases without being charged interest.

It’s a great way to manage your finances and spread out the cost of that purchase while avoiding unnecessary interest charges.

5. Accepted everywhere

There are some purchases and places that can be difficult to make with a debit card. Renting a car or paying for accommodation will require a credit card as a way to secure a refundable deposit / holding amount.

Apply for a Standard Bank Credit Card today and enjoy more convenience, benefits and rewards.

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_{Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax or investment advice. Readers are strongly encouraged to seek financial or legal advice before making any decisions based on the content.}

_{Standard Bank, its subsidiaries or holding company, any subsidiary of the holding company and all of its subsidiaries, make no warranties or representations (implied or expressed) as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the content of this article. The use of the article and any reliance on the content is at the reader’s risk.}