Personal Loans available in South Africa

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A personal loan in South Africa is for South Africans. Once approved you borrow a set amount and pay it back over a period which can be a few months to several years depending on the lender and your needs.

Features

  • Repayment Terms. You can choose your repayment terms.

  • Initiation Fees. One off fee during application and included in the loan agreement.

  • Flexibility. Loans offer flexibility in amounts, repayment and usage for various needs like home repairs or debt consolidation.

  • Application Options. Apply online or visit a branch to start the loan process.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Flexible Repayment Terms. You can choose your repayment terms so it’s easier to manage your monthly payments.

  • Wide Usage. Personal loans can be used for various needs like debt consolidation, home repairs or unexpected expenses.

  • Easy Application Process. Apply online or in-branch, whatever suits you.

Cons

  • High Interest Rates. Depending on the lender and your credit profile, personal loans in South Africa can have high interest rates so the overall cost of the loan.

  • Initiation and Admin Fees. Many personal loans have additional costs like initiation and administration fees so borrowing can be more expensive.

  • Debt Accumulation. If not managed properly personal loans can lead to more debt, especially if used for discretionary spending or if repayments become unmanageable.

Requirements and Conditions

Requirements

  • Age. You must be 18 years or older to apply for a loan.

  • South African Citizenship. A South African ID or driver’s license is required to prove citizenship or residency.

  • Bank Account. A South African bank account is needed for the loan to be disbursed and repaid.

  • Employment and Income. You must be employed with a minimum income of R3,000 or more and provide proof of income like a payslip or bank statements.

  • Documentation. You need to submit a South African ID or driver’s license and proof of income documents.

Conditions

  • Interest Rates. The National Credit Act limits the maximum interest rate to 27.5% and lenders can also charge a regulated initiation fee. Borrowers with good credit (above 683) can get rates between 17% to 18% depending on the lender and credit score.

  • Loan Amount. Personal loans in South Africa can go up to R500,000 so you can borrow what you need.

  • Prime Lending Rate. The prime lending rate (used as a benchmark for loans) was 10.25% at a certain time and affects the interest rates offered by financial institutions.

  • Loan Terms. Repayment terms for personal loans are 2 to 84 months so you can manage your repayments.

How to Get the Money

Once approved the loan will be paid into your nominated bank account within 48 hours. But if your bank takes longer to approve the DebiCheck mandate the deposit will be delayed so make sure to get the mandate processed ASAP.

How to get a loan? Step-by-Step

  • What’s Your Loan For

    First, identify the reason you need the loan, whether it's for buying a home, starting a business, or managing personal expenses. Knowing your purpose is important, as different types of loans are designed for different needs, guiding you toward the right funding option.

  • Loan Terms

    Carefully review the loan agreement, paying attention to the interest rates, repayment terms, fees, and any penalties for early repayment. Understanding these details will help you fully grasp your financial obligations.

  • Documents

    Lenders will require certain documents from you, which may include income proof, employment confirmation, credit history and purpose of loan. Having these documents ready beforehand will make the application process smoother.

  • Apply

    Fill out the loan application form for your chosen lender. While many lenders allow online applications, some may require a personal visit. Make sure to fill in all information accurately.

  • Approval

    After submission, your application will be reviewed by the lender who will assess your creditworthiness, income and loan purpose. The timeframe for this process varies by lender, some will give you a preliminary approval.

  • Get Loan

    Once all requirements are done, the lender will release the loan. The loan will be deposited into your bank account or given as a check depending on the arrangement.