Guides
Borrowing
Credit agreements, the total cost, and what to do when the debit orders no longer fit.
A loan is a contract with an end date. A card is a limit that does not end unless you close it. Debt review is a statutory process, not another loan.
Start with the total you will repay, the debit-order date, and whether the provider is registered with the National Credit Regulator.
How to use this section
Read the guide, then open the comparison or calculator it links to. If a comparison has no live figures, that is deliberate. Unverified rates are not published.
Guides in this section
Comparing personal loan costs
The interest rate is one line. Initiation fees, monthly service fees and the term decide the rand you pay back. Reviewed 28 October 2026.
Read guideChoosing a credit card
Choose a card you will pay in full. The rewards are a footnote. The cash-advance rate is a warning. Reviewed 28 October 2026.
Read guideHow personal loans work in South Africa
A personal loan is a contract to repay a fixed amount, plus interest and fees, usually by debit order. It is not a limit you can redraw. Reviewed 29 October 2026.
Read guideSecured and unsecured credit
Unsecured credit is repaid from your income. Secured credit also gives the lender a claim on an asset if you do not pay. Reviewed 29 October 2026.
Read guideThe total cost of credit
Interest, initiation fees, monthly service fees and the term together decide what you repay. A lower instalment can cost more. Reviewed 29 October 2026.
Read guideCredit reports and scores in South Africa
A credit bureau keeps a record of your agreements. A score is that bureau's model. It is not a single national number. Reviewed 29 October 2026.
Read guideDebt review and debt counselling
Debt review is a statutory process for over-indebted consumers. It is not a consolidation loan and it is not free. Reviewed 29 October 2026.
Read guideHow home loans and bonds work
A home loan is repaid over a long term. The bond is the security registered over the property. The bank's yes is not this page's yes. Reviewed 29 October 2026.
Read guideTransfer duty and bond registration costs
Transfer duty is a tax on property that is not subject to VAT. Legal and registration costs are quotes, not a single national tariff published here. Reviewed 29 October 2026.
Read guideVehicle finance and balloon payments
A balloon, or residual, is an amount you still owe at the end. It lowers the instalment and raises the risk that the car is worth less than the debt. Reviewed 29 October 2026.
Read guideIllegal lenders and credit scams
A lender who wants your card PIN, an upfront fee, or your SASSA card is not offering ordinary credit. Stop. Reviewed 29 October 2026.
Read guide
Calculators and comparisons
Questions readers ask
Is this advice?
No. It is general information for South African readers. Personal recommendations belong with an authorised financial services provider.
Sources
Page updated 28 October 2026. A source date is the day WiT Money checked that page, not a promise the institution has not changed it since.
- Financial Sector Conduct Authority
Financial Sector Conduct Authority · checked 28 October 2026
- National Credit Regulator
National Credit Regulator · checked 28 October 2026