Compare South African Lenders

We only list lenders that are NCR-registered, have transparent pricing, positive customer reviews, and follow responsible lending practices. See our full methodology at /en-ZA/methodology for detailed criteria including: NCR registration verification, customer review analysis (minimum 3.5/5 stars), transparent APR disclosure, complaint resolution processes, and responsible lending practices.

No. Our AI ranks lenders based on your profile match (loan amount, affordability, term, purpose, location). Commission is only a tie-breaker if two lenders have equal scores. We prioritize user benefit over affiliate revenue. See our affiliate disclosure at /en-ZA/methodology for complete transparency on how we earn and how ranking works.

Banks (like Capitec, FNB) typically offer larger loans (R5,000-R250,000) with lower APRs (15-25%) but stricter requirements (credit checks, proof of income, 3-month bank statements). Microfinance lenders specialize in smaller, short-term loans (R500-R15,000) with faster approval (15 minutes) but higher APRs (25-35%). Both are NCR-regulated and must comply with the National Credit Act.

Yes, but be cautious. Multiple credit checks in a short period (within 14 days) can temporarily lower your credit score by 5-10 points per application. We recommend applying to your top 1-2 matches first, then waiting for responses (24-48 hours) before applying elsewhere. This protects your credit score while maximizing approval chances.

We may not list a lender if they: (1) aren't NCR-registered, (2) have poor customer reviews (below 3.5/5), (3) lack transparent pricing (hidden fees, unclear APR), (4) haven't responded to our partnership requests, or (5) don't meet our responsible lending standards (reckless lending complaints, aggressive debt collection). We vet all lenders before listing.

Lenders with 'Featured' or 'Priority Partner' badges pay higher affiliate commissions (typically 1-3% of loan amount), which allows us to keep Credizen free for consumers. However, these badges don't change their AI match score—they just help us sustain the platform. Non-featured lenders can still rank #1 if they're a better match for your profile.

Under the National Credit Act, the maximum interest rate for unsecured personal loans is 27.5% per year (repo rate + 17%). However, total APR (including initiation fees and monthly service fees) can reach 55-60% for short-term loans. All lenders must disclose the full APR before you sign any agreement. Always compare total cost, not just interest rate.

Approval times vary by lender type. Online microfinance lenders typically approve within 15-60 minutes with funds disbursed same-day or next business day. Banks take 1-3 business days for approval and another 1-2 days for disbursement. All lenders require identity verification (ID, proof of residence, bank statements) which affects processing time.

A decline doesn't mean you can't get a loan elsewhere. Each lender has different criteria. If declined: (1) Ask the lender for the reason—by law they must tell you. (2) Check your credit report for errors at TransUnion, Experian, or XDS. (3) Wait 30 days before applying elsewhere to minimize credit score impact. (4) Consider lenders specializing in bad credit or try a smaller loan amount.

Yes, when using NCR-registered lenders. All lenders on Credizen use bank-grade encryption (256-bit SSL), comply with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act), and are regulated by the NCR. Never share your PIN or banking password—legitimate lenders only need your account number for verification and payout. Report suspicious activity to the NCR at 0860 627 627.