The Mzansi Hub money blog
Know the rules, the costs and the red flags before you borrow — and build the habits that make borrowing less likely. Plain English, checked against official National Credit Regulator and government material.
Am I blacklisted in South Africa? What your credit record really shows
There is no official government list called a blacklist. 'Blacklisted' is everyday language for negative information on your credit…
How to build an emergency fund in South Africa, starting small
An emergency fund is money set aside only for surprises, such as a burst geyser, a retrenchment or a funeral you have to travel for. A…
What to do if you cannot repay a loan
If you cannot repay a loan on time, contact the lender before the due date and ask for a payment arrangement. The National Credit…
How to check that a lender is registered with the NCR
Every credit provider in South Africa must be registered with the National Credit Regulator, and registered providers carry a number…
How to check your credit score and credit report in South Africa
Your credit report is the record of how you have handled credit, and your credit score is a number built from it. The National Credit…
What does a short-term loan really cost? Interest, fees and insurance
The cost of a short-term loan is the interest plus every fee and any insurance premium, added to what you borrowed. The only number that…
Credit life insurance on loans: what it is and what to ask before you agree
Credit life insurance is cover attached to a loan that can settle or pay towards the debt if certain events happen, such as your death…
Debt consolidation vs debt review: which one fits your situation?
Debt review is a formal process under the National Credit Act, run by a debt counsellor registered with the National Credit Regulator,…
Documents you need for a loan application in South Africa
Most lenders ask for your identity document, proof of address, proof of income and recent bank statements. They ask because the law…
How much can I afford to borrow? A simple budgeting method
You can afford to borrow the amount whose total repayment fits inside what is left of your take-home pay after essentials, existing debt…
How do short-term loans work in South Africa?
A short-term loan is a small amount of credit that you repay over days or a few months, usually in one payment or a few instalments. In…
How to apply for a loan online safely: a step-by-step checklist
Applying online is quick, which is exactly why you should slow down for a few minutes first. Check that the lender is registered, keep…
How to compare loan offers in South Africa: a step-by-step method
To compare loan offers fairly, put the quotations side by side and compare the total you will repay in rands, then the term, the…
Loan fraud in South Africa: how to spot it and what to do
The clearest warning sign of loan fraud is a request to pay a fee before the loan is paid out. The National Credit Regulator says an…
Loans with a low credit score: what to know before you apply
A low credit score makes borrowing harder and often dearer, but it does not strip away your rights. Under the National Credit Act a…
How to build a monthly budget that works in South Africa
A zero-based budget gives every rand of this month's income a job, so that income minus planned spending equals zero. It works for a…
The National Credit Act: what it protects when you borrow
The National Credit Act, usually shortened to NCA, is the law that governs how credit is offered in South Africa. It requires lenders to…
Payday loan vs personal loan: what is the difference?
A payday loan is a small loan repaid in one go around your next pay date, while a personal loan is usually a larger amount repaid in…
Personal loan vs credit card vs overdraft: how they differ
A personal loan gives you a lump sum that you repay in fixed instalments. A credit card and an overdraft are revolving facilities: you…
Repo rate and prime rate explained: what they mean for your loan repayments
The repo rate is the Reserve Bank's main interest rate, and the prime lending rate is the banks' benchmark that sits a fixed distance…
Stokvels explained: how they work and how to join one safely
A stokvel is a group of people who contribute money regularly into a common pool for a purpose they agree on, such as savings,…