Nedbank SAA Voyager Gold Credit Card

Quick summary

• Earn one mile per R6.50 spent (Amex)
• 10,000 bonus miles on first SAA ticket 
• Companion tickets available 
• R4 million travel insurance 
• Annual fee of R765

Can you afford a rewards credit card? Use our free budget calculator to see how credit card costs and benefits fit into your monthly expenses and take control of your financial life.

What is the Nedbank SAA Voyager Gold Credit Card?

Nedbank launched the SAA Voyager Credit Card in collaboration with SAA as a dedicated solution for people who travel often. 

The Nedbank SAA Voyager Gold Credit Card is part of SAA Voyager's loyalty programme. It offers exceptional benefits around the world, with unprecedented travel rewards, and allows cardholders to earn SAA Voyager Miles with every purchase.

Whether you're a frequent flyer, occasional traveller, or simply want to earn rewards on everyday spending that can be converted into flights, the SAA Voyager Gold Credit Card offers a compelling combination of travel benefits, financial flexibility, and lifestyle rewards.

How does the Nedbank SAA Voyager Gold Credit Card work?

Dual card system

The SAA Voyager Credit Card account is a dual card product: Nedbank issues cardholders both a Mastercard and American Express™ (Amex) credit card.

Nedbank is the only bank in South Africa that provides access to Amex cards. With an SAA Voyager Credit Card account, the Amex card enables cardholders to earn unlimited Voyager miles faster – at nearly double the rate of using a Mastercard.

How miles accumulate

Cardholders earn one Voyager Mile for every R6.50 of eligible spend on their Amex card, plus one Voyager Mile for every R1.60 of eligible spend when travelling on eligible SAA-operated flights.

In addition, cardholders earn one Voyager Mile for every R11.50 of eligible spend on their Mastercard.

Earning bonus miles

• 10,000 bonus miles on the first SAA-eligible ticket purchased and used
• 15,000 bonus miles when spending R320,000 in a calendar year
• Double miles for all eligible spend in the first month after account opening

Important spending note: If cardholders exceed R100,000 spend per month on their Mastercard or Visa credit card (per billing cycle), they will not earn Voyager Miles in that calendar month, and it will not contribute towards earning your Companion ticket. This limit doesn't apply to Amex spending.

Understanding how credit cards work can help you use rewards cards responsibly while building good credit.

What are the benefits of the Nedbank SAA Voyager Gold Credit Card?

Travel rewards and miles:

• Earn unlimited Miles faster on your American Express card
• 10,000 bonus miles on first SAA ticket purchased and used
• 15,000 bonus miles when spending R320,000 in a calendar year
• Double miles for all eligible spend in the first month
• 2,500 enrollment bonus Miles for new SAA Voyager members
• Earn 1 Mile per R6.50 spent on Amex; 1 Mile per R11.50 on Mastercard
• Additional 1 Mile per R1.60 when flying SAA-operated flights

Companion tickets:

• Get 1 Continental or 1 Global Companion Ticket per calendar year when meeting spend thresholds:
  • Spend R120,000 or more for one Continental (Africa) Companion Ticket
  • Spend R220,000 or more for one Global Companion Ticket
• Pay for any SAA flight with your card and use or donate your Companion Ticket to any other traveller
• Exchange Global Companion Tickets for two Domestic Companion Tickets

Travel insurance:

• Receive up to R4 million basic travel insurance cover when booking SAA tickets and paying with your card
• Includes emergency medical cover when travelling internationally
• 10% discount on top-up travel insurance cover
• Automatic basic travel insurance coverage

Airport and flight benefits:

• Get one additional piece of luggage on SAA-operated flights
• Enjoy premium check-in on SAA-operated flights
• Get access to SAA-owned Premium lounges at a preferential rate
• Exclusive access to promotional fares and Voyager promotions 24 hours before public release

Star Alliance and partner benefits:

• Travel to 1,200 destinations with 26 Star Alliance airline partners
• Use Voyager Miles for flight upgrade awards
• Hire a car from Europcar with your Voyager Miles
• Go on an International Cruise with partner companies

Lifestyle rewards:

• Convert your Voyager Miles to AvoPoints and shop for just about anything on Avo SuperShop
• Convert AvoPoints back to Voyager Miles to book flights
• Use your Voyager Miles for Uber, Uber Eats, Wine-of-the-Month Club, NetFlorist and more
• Book Joburg Airport Parking at OR Tambo using your Voyager Miles and receive a free car wash

Financial benefits:

• Up to 55 days' interest-free credit
• No transaction fees on purchases
• Competitive interest rates
• Balance transfers at preferential rates
• Local and international ATM access
• Protection against fraudulent use locally and internationally

Card features:

• Your card is chip- and PIN-enabled for added security
• 1 free supplementary card (R40/month for additional cards)
• Tap and go payments
• Link your card to Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, or Garmin Pay
• Create and use your virtual card for secure online and in-app payments
• Scan to pay using QR codes
• Automatic enrollment in the Voyager Rewards programme
• Manage your card with the Money app or online banking
• Get monthly electronic statements
• Change your credit limit on request
• Use your card in-store, online, at ATMs, or overseas
• Flexible repayment options
• Minimum repayment of 5% on outstanding balances
• Pay off your purchases over time with the budget facility

Learn more about using credit cards responsibly to maximise rewards while maintaining good financial health.

Fees and costs

The table below sets out the Nedbank SAA Voyager Gold Credit Card fees and charges:

Note: All fees are subject to change. Always verify current fees with Nedbank before applying. Interest rates vary based on creditworthiness and account management.

Budget Smart: With an annual fee of R765 (R63.75/month) plus R29 monthly facility fee, total basic costs are R92.75/month before spending. Use the JustMoney budget calculator to ensure credit card costs fit your budget and you can afford to pay off purchases monthly to avoid interest charges.

Eligibility requirements

To apply for the SAA Voyager Gold Credit Card:

• You need to be over 18 years old
• You need to live in South Africa, and have a valid South African ID or a valid passport and work permit
• You need to earn at least R6,600 a month before tax and have a healthy credit score

If you earn around R80,000 a year, you can qualify for an SAA Voyager Gold Credit Card.

Credit score matters:A healthy credit score is essential for approval. Check your credit score for FREE to see where you stand before applying.

Documents you'll need:

New to Nedbank? Create your Nedbank ID on the Money app or on Online Banking before you apply. Already a Nedbank client? Log in to apply.

Typically required documents include:

• Valid South African ID or passport with work permit
• Proof of income (recent payslips or bank statements)
• Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.)
• Employment details

How to apply

For new Nedbank clients:

1. Create your Nedbank ID on the Money app or Online Banking
2. Complete the online credit card application
3. Upload required documents
4. Wait for credit assessment (typically 24-48 hours)
5. Once approved, receive your dual cards (Mastercard and Amex)
6. Activate your cards and start earning miles

For existing Nedbank clients:

1. Log in to your Nedbank Online Banking or Money app
2. Navigate to credit cards
3. Select SAA Voyager Gold and apply
4. Submit application and await approval
5. Receive and activate your cards

Application tips:

• Ensure your credit score is healthy before applying
• Have all required documents ready
• Apply when you have stable employment
• Be honest about income and expenses
• Don't apply for multiple credit cards simultaneously

Important terms and conditions

Mile earning limitations:

If you exceed R100,000 spend per month on your Mastercard or Visa card (per billing cycle), you will not earn Voyager Miles in that calendar month, and it will not contribute towards earning your Companion ticket. This is a critical limitation to be aware of. Use your Amex card for larger purchases to avoid this restriction.

Companion ticket terms:

• One Continental (Africa) or Global SAA Companion Ticket in any class is awarded per calendar year (1 January to 31 December) on achieving eligible spend thresholds
• Tickets must be issued within 12 months of the qualification date
• Only one Companion Ticket may be used per flight
• The Companion Ticket is upgradeable using the Step-up upgrade option
• Note all taxes, fees, levies (including fuel levy) will be for your own account
• Not valid on code-share flights, SA Express, or Airlink services

Bonus miles terms:

• Bonus Miles on first ticket are awarded on completion of your travel
• A Voyager member can qualify for only one Bonus Miles award
• Should a cardholder upgrade or downgrade to a different card status, Bonus Miles will not be awarded again
• Double Miles on all eligible spend in the first month after your card account has been opened

Lounge access:

• SAA Premium check-in is available only to SAA Voyager Premium and Gold Cardholders
• A valid SAA Voyager Gold Credit Card must be presented to make use of this facility
• Access is not available when travelling on agency-discounted or industry-discounted tickets
• No guests are allowed (Premium cardholders have different terms)

What's excluded from mile earning:

• Cash withdrawals
• Casino chip purchases
• Traveller's cheque purchases
• Credit card fees and finance charges
• Certain government payments
• Insurance premiums in some cases

Always verify current terms and conditions with Nedbank, as programme benefits may change.

Additional considerations

Credit limit management: Your credit limit is based on your credit score and income. Request increases as your financial situation improves, but never max out your card.

Companion ticket donation: Clients can donate their companion tickets. If they buy an SAA ticket on their card for family and friends, they can donate their companion ticket so that they can travel with a partner.

Luggage benefit: SAA Voyager credit card holders can carry one extra piece of luggage on all SAA-operated flights, so you don't have to leave your favourite travel gear at home.

Credit score impact: Responsible use of this card can improve your credit score. Late payments or maxing out your limit will damage it. Monitor your credit score for free regularly.

Annual fee value assessment: Calculate whether the miles you earn and benefits you use exceed the R765 annual fee. If you fly SAA even once or twice yearly and use the card regularly, the value typically exceeds the cost.

Foreign currency transactions: Standard forex fees apply. Consider a travel-specific card or foreign currency account for frequent international spending to minimise fees.

Take control of your financial health today

Credit cards can be powerful financial tools when used responsibly, and you can earn rewards while building credit. At JustMoney, we provide the tools and resources you need to take complete control of your financial life.

Free budget calculator

Can you afford credit card payments and avoid interest charges? Our budget calculator helps you:

• Track your monthly income and expenses comprehensively
• Calculate whether you can afford credit card payments
• See exactly how much disposable income you have for credit card spending
• Plan to pay off your full balance monthly (essential for avoiding interest)
• Determine if annual fees and potential interest costs fit your budget
• Balance credit card spending with savings goals and other priorities
• Understand the true cost of credit if you carry a balance

Critical for credit card users: Never spend more than you can pay off monthly. Interest charges quickly negate any rewards benefits.