Choosing and using a Mauritian credit card
In Mauritius, credit cards are issued by commercial banks on the Visa, Mastercard or American Express networks, with a rupee credit limit based on salary and a monthly statement that can be settled in full or in part.
Card issuers on the island
MCB, SBM, Absa, AfrAsia, MauBank and HSBC are among the banks issuing credit cards in Mauritius. MCB notably distributes American Express cards alongside the usual Visa and Mastercard ranges, from Classic to Gold, Platinum and premium tiers.
Rupee credit limit and required income
The limit is set according to net salary and banking history, with a minimum monthly income specific to each card tier. Premium cards target executives in the Ebene financial services sector and professionals practising in Port Louis.
Full balance or minimum on the rupee statement
Each month, the statement shows the balance due and a minimum payment. Paying in full before the due date avoids interest; carrying part of it over triggers revolving credit at a rate well above that of a standard loan.
Paying in euros and dollars when travelling
Mauritians use their cards heavily on trips to Reunion Island, France, Dubai or India. Foreign currency payments are converted into rupees with an exchange commission, which should be checked in the bank's schedule of charges before departure.
Instalment plans at partner merchants
Some Mauritian banks offer to convert a large card purchase into fixed monthly instalments, sometimes interest-free at partner merchants. The conversion fees and term should be compared with the cost of a traditional hire purchase agreement from a shop.
Credit, debit or prepaid card
A debit card draws directly on the account, while a credit card advances funds until the statement. Prepaid cards, topped up in rupees or foreign currency, are used for online purchases without any debt risk, notably by students abroad.
Contactless payment, QR codes and MauCAS
Contactless card payment is widespread in supermarkets and petrol stations. At the same time, the Bank of Mauritius MauCAS QR code lets people pay from a banking app without a card, an alternative that is being used more and more.
Loyalty points and built-in insurance
Gold and Platinum cards often provide points convertible into air miles or vouchers, travel insurance and airport lounge access. These perks justify a higher annual fee, which should be weighed against how much you will actually use them.
Late payment and the MCIB register
An unpaid balance leads to interest, late fees and a report to the MCIB by the participating bank. Card arrears are among the most frequent reasons for refusal when someone applies for a personal loan in Mauritius.
Fraud, phishing and fake bank text messages
Fraud via fake text messages or calls claiming to come from a Mauritian bank is reported regularly. No bank ever asks for your OTP or PIN; if in doubt, block the card in the app and call the bank's official number.
Supplementary cards for the family
The cardholder can request supplementary cards for a spouse or an adult child who is studying, each with a sub-limit. All spending remains payable by the main cardholder, who alone is liable to the bank for every transaction made.
The card within the Mauritian credit landscape
Cards complete the range of financing available on the island, from MHC home loans to DBM business lending. The general guide to credit in Mauritius sets out the role of each institution and the rules they share.
Getting a credit card from a Mauritian bank
- Compare the annual fee, revolving credit rate, exchange commission and benefits of the cards on offer.
- Check that your monthly income meets the minimum required for the card tier you want.
- Complete the application in a branch or in the app with proof of income.
- Activate the card, set your PIN and switch on SMS transaction alerts.
- Opt for an automatic debit of the full balance to avoid paying interest.
Fees on a credit card in Mauritius
| Fee | Level | Variation |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | Depends on tier, sometimes waived in year one | Classic, Gold, Platinum |
| Interest on balance carried over | Indicative monthly rate set by the bank | Card tier and pricing policy |
| Foreign currency commission | Percentage of the converted amount | Network and issuing bank |
| Cash advance | Fee plus interest from the day of withdrawal | Amount and location |
| Late payment fee | Fixed amount in rupees | Missed due date |
Supporting documents for a credit card in Mauritius
- National identity card or passport
- Latest payslips
- Recent bank statements
- Proof of address
- Work permit for a foreign resident
Credit card misuse seen in Mauritius
- Paying only the minimum for months on end, which swells the balance with high interest charges.
- Withdrawing cash at an ATM with a credit card, a transaction that is charged and accrues interest immediately.
- Giving an OTP code to a fake adviser calling on behalf of a Mauritian bank.
- Overlooking the exchange commission charged on online purchases that are priced in euros or US dollars.
- Lending your card to a relative, even though the cardholder alone remains liable for the spending.
Lenders to contact
- MauBank: Mauritian commercial bank offering a range of loans for individuals as well as dedicated financing schemes for local small and medium enterprises.
- MCB (Mauritius Commercial Bank): Leading Mauritian commercial bank offering, among other products, a personal loan to help individuals finance their everyday projects.
- MCB (Mauritius Commercial Bank): Leading commercial bank in Mauritius offering personal loans and home loans, including an online application process for housing loans for residents.
Mauritian credit cards: your questions
What income do I need for a credit card in Mauritius?
Each bank sets a minimum monthly income by tier: it is lower for a Classic card than for a Gold or Platinum one. The limit granted then depends on net salary, existing loans and your record with the MCIB.
Can I use my Mauritian card abroad?
Yes, Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards issued in Mauritius work abroad. Purchases are converted into rupees with an exchange commission, and some banks require international use to be activated in their app first.
How do I avoid interest on a credit card?
Simply pay the full balance shown on the statement before the due date. Interest only applies to the amount carried over, except for cash withdrawals, which are generally charged from the day of the transaction.
What should I do about a transaction I do not recognise?
Block the card immediately in the app or through the bank's customer service, then dispute the transaction in writing. Mauritian banks investigate disputed transactions and can issue a replacement card to the cardholder.