December money disappears quickly, and January often arrives with bills, school costs and a long wait until payday. A little planning now can stop a festive season turning into a debt problem. Why the January gap hurts Many people are paid early in December, spend heavily, and then face a full month of expenses before …
Christmas Spending and the January Pay Gap: How to Get Through Without Debt Read More »
A consolidation loan replaces several debts with one instalment. It can simplify your finances and sometimes lower your cost, but it only works if the new loan is cheaper overall and you stop adding fresh debt. How it works You take one personal loan and use it to settle your credit cards, store accounts or …
Using a Personal Loan to Consolidate Debt: When It Helps and When It Doesn’t Read More »
There is no single amount that everyone can borrow. Lenders must check what you can afford, and the answer comes from your income, your expenses and the debt you already carry. You can estimate it yourself before you apply. Why lenders check affordability The National Credit Act requires credit providers to avoid reckless lending. That …
How Much Can You Borrow? Loan Affordability Explained Read More »
The lowest advertised rate is not always the cheapest loan. Two offers with similar rates can cost very different amounts once fees and the repayment term are added. Here is how to compare them properly. Why “from” rates can mislead Advertised rates are often “from” rates, meaning the best rate for the best customer. Your …
How to Compare Personal Loan Interest Rates in South Africa Read More »
If you have been declined recently, you are not alone. Lenders are watching affordability closely as many households feel the pressure of higher living costs. Understanding what they look for can help you apply more successfully. What is behind the tighter approvals TransUnion’s first-quarter 2026 report described a credit market that is still active but …
Why Loan Approvals Are Getting Harder in South Africa (and What You Can Do) Read More »
For most people, no. Interest on a personal loan you use for private spending is generally not deductible. The picture can change if the loan funds income-earning activity, but the rules are detailed, so confirm your situation with SARS or a registered tax practitioner. The general rule In South Africa, expenses are usually deductible only …
Are Personal Loans Tax Deductible in South Africa? Read More »
Often yes, but it depends on your visa or permit, your income and the lender’s own rules. There is no single answer, so it helps to know what lenders usually ask for before you apply. What lenders usually look at A lender must still check that you can afford the loan. For foreign nationals, they …
Do Foreign Nationals Qualify for Loans in South Africa? Read More »
Some registered lenders offer credit to people who receive a SASSA grant, but this group is also a favourite target for illegal lenders. Knowing your rights helps you borrow safely, or decide not to borrow at all. Can you borrow if you receive a grant? Some NCR-registered lenders do consider grant income when they assess …
Loans for SASSA Grant Recipients: What to Know and Which Scams to Avoid Read More »
If you have applied for a loan and the money has not arrived, a pending DebiCheck request is often the reason. DebiCheck is a banking system that makes sure you agree to a debit order before it can be collected from your account. What DebiCheck is DebiCheck is a security feature for debit orders. The …
DebiCheck Explained: Why Your Loan Isn’t Paid Out Until You Approve It Read More »
It is sometimes possible, but you still have to prove you can afford the loan. A payslip is the easiest proof, not the only one. Lenders must check affordability before granting credit, so expect to show your income another way. Why lenders ask for income proof The National Credit Act requires credit providers to assess …
Can You Get a Personal Loan Without a Payslip in South Africa? Read More »