9 Best Bad Credit Loans and Personal Loans South Africa 2024 (2024)

  • Is it possible to obtain online loans for bad credit in South Africa?
  • Top bad credit loans: By the statistics
  • Other Bad Credit Loans People South Africa
  • What is considered a bad credit score in South Africa?
  • Am I eligible for the top bad credit loans in South Africa?
  • How to obtain the best online bad credit loan in South Africa:
  • How to compare the best bad credit loans in South Africa
  • Types of loans for bad credit
  • Bad Credit Personal Loans
  • Frequently asked questions

In This Guide

Get quick approval and funding for bad credit loans in South Africa. Apply online now to access the best loan options tailored for individuals with poor credit history.

Having poor credit shouldn’t hinder people from accessing financing. Moreover, obtaining a new loan can be a means to reconstruct your credit history. However, it’s important to note that bad credit loans come with higher interest rates. If you’re seeking financial assistance, this guide highlights some of the top options for loans for bad credit instant approval available in South Africa.

Is it possible to obtain online loans for bad credit in South Africa?

Yes, people with poor credit can seek financial assistance from alternative lenders. Many alternative lenders in South Africa provide online loan services tailored to those with less-than-ideal credit scores. These loans come in diverse forms regarding amounts, terms, interest rates, fees, and eligibility criteria and so compare your options before applying.

Best loans for bad credit in South Africa 2024

Bottom Line

Pros

Cons

9 Best Bad Credit Loans and Personal Loans South Africa 2024 (1)

Wonga Africa

Score

Apply Now

Bottom Line

Wonga works with over 50 verified lenders

Pros

Easy application

Instant deposits

No collateral required

Short term

Cons

High rates for bad credit
Limited to its network
Lack of online quotes available

9 Best Bad Credit Loans and Personal Loans South Africa 2024 (2)

FASTA

Score:

Apply Now

Bottom Line

Customer Satisfaction Awards 2023

Pros

No credit check

Quick application process
Funding available on the same day

Cons

High interest rates and fees
Insufficient information provided regarding brokerage fees

Bottom Line

Pros

Cons

9 Best Bad Credit Loans and Personal Loans South Africa 2024 (4)

MPOWA FINANCE

Score:

Apply Now

Bottom Line

Completed within 24 to 48 hours

Pros

Mobile friendly

No penalties

Bank-level security

Cons

Higher rates applicable
Negative MPOWA reviews found

9 Best Bad Credit Loans and Personal Loans South Africa 2024 (5)

FINCHOICE

Score:

Apply Now

Bottom Line

Quick application process and free prepayment

Pros

Simple online application

Positive customer reviews

No prepayment penalties

Cons

Rates from and up

Undisclosed fees

Bottom Line

24/7 online customer support

Pros

Make payments weekly

Easily make extra payments

Cons

Must be employed
Minimum income required

Bottom Line

Pros

Cons

9 Best Bad Credit Loans and Personal Loans South Africa 2024 (7)

Hippo

Score:

Apply Now

Bottom Line

Best Personal Loan Search Platform

Pros

Get funds deposited in as little as 24 hours

Accepts various types of credit and more

Cons

Requires proof of six months of employment (if applicable)

May charge a administration fee

9 Best Bad Credit Loans and Personal Loans South Africa 2024 (8)

My Mulan

Score:

Apply Now

Bottom Line

260+ billion in funded loans

Pros

Easy online application

Flexible loan amounts

Cons

High interest rate for bad credit

Risk of losing your home

9 Best Bad Credit Loans and Personal Loans South Africa 2024 (9)

Cyber Finance

Score:

Apply Now

Bottom Line

86.55% in the Overall Customer Satisfaction

Pros

No credit check

Lower APRs

No paperwork required

Cons

Three months to repay
Not improve your credit score
Government assistance not accept

FocusMoney: Personal Loan Consumer Satisfaction Awards

In 2024, we conducted the Focus Money: Personal Loan Consumer Satisfaction Awards, an annual assessment of personal loan in South Africa, offer by customer satisfaction feedback. Learn more about these awards and the methodology employed to identify the top personal loan providers based on customer service ratings.

Top bad credit loans: By the statistics

Loan providerInterest rateLoan amountLoan termKey features
Wonga Africa3 to 5% per monthNew customers up to R4,000
Existing customers up to R8,000
New customers over 2 months (minimum) up to 3 months
Existing customers over 3 months (minimum) up to 6 months.

Loan search platform offering pre-approval within hour
FASTAstarting interest rate is3% per month.Borrow betweenR800 and R8,000loan overup to 3 monthsinfixed monthly installmentsQuick application, same-day funding
LIME4 to 5% per monthR 500- R 8000Period 37 daysNo credit check, funding in 24 hours
MPOWA FINANCE5% per month (0.17% per day) or 60% annually.R100 and R8,000Period 30 daysInstant decisions, funding in 15 minutes
FINCHOICE24 month loan of R18,000 might incur an interest rate of 23%R1,000 to R40,0006 month- 24 months loanApproval in 30 minutes, flexible eligibility requirements
BOODLE0.17%, translating to roughly a60% annual percentage rate (APR)R100 to R6,000Up to 36 monthsInstant decisions, offers personal and payday loans
Hippo27,25% interest rateLoan amounts up to R350,0006 YearsSecured and unsecured loans, high approval rate
My Mulan3 to 5% per monthNew customers can apply for up toR4000 andExisting customers up toR80001 to 3 monthsNo credit check, funding in 24 hours, short-term

Other Bad Credit Loans People South Africa

If you can’t find a bad credit personal loan for your needs, there are other online options to consider.

LoanHow it worksHow it compares to bad credit loans guaranteed approval
Payday loanBorrow up to R 4000 and repay by your next dayFaster, easier to qualify, much more expensiveRead More
Mini Cash appBorrow up to R 500 and repay by your next paydayOffers smaller loan amounts, Often does not require a credit check, Requires payment of a fee for express serviceRead More
Line of CreditBorrow up to a specified limitPay interest on the borrowed amount, Repay the balance at any time, Stricter qualification criteria, Open loan term necessitates discipline in managing repayments and expenses.Read More
Cash-Secured Credit CardFunctions similarly to a regular credit cardRequires a cash deposit as collateral, Offers lower interest rates, Cash collateral is necessary
Read More

What is considered a bad credit score in South Africa?

In South Africa, a credit score is generally considered bad if it falls between 300 and 579. Here’s a breakdown of the credit score ranges:

Credit score range
Excellent767 – 999
Good681 – 766
Favourable614 – 680
Average583 – 613
Below Average527 – 582
Unfavourable487 – 526

Therefore, a score between 300 and 579 puts you in the “Poor” category, indicating challenges accessing credit at favorable terms. This typically arises from factors like:

  • Multiple defaults on different credit products
  • Late payments or missed installments
  • Bankruptcy or administration orders
  • Limited or no credit history

Having a bad credit score can significantly impact your financial life, potentially leading to:

  • Higher interest rates on loans and credit cards
  • Difficulty getting approved for new credit
  • Lower insurance premiums
  • Problems renting an apartment

However, it’s important to remember that your credit score is not fixed. You can take steps to improve it over time, such as:

  • Making all your payments on time and in full
  • Paying down existing debt
  • Checking your credit report regularly for errors and disputing them if necessary
  • Using credit responsibly and sparingly
  • Considering rebuilding your credit with secured credit cards or store cards

Am I eligible for the top bad credit loans in South Africa?

Before applying for bad credit loan, it’s essential to review the lender’s eligibility criteria to streamline the process and avoid wasting time. Here are the important eligibility requirements you may meeting for personal loans:

  • Be at least 18 years old or the age of majority in your province
  • Be a Canadian citizen or resident
  • Meet the minimum income or employment criteria
  • Fulfill minimum credit score requirements, if applicable
  • Maintain an active bank account

How to obtain the best online bad credit loan in South Africa:

  1. Compare lenders: Evaluate various lenders based on factors such as annual percentage rates (APRs), fees, loan amounts, terms, and eligibility criteria.
  2. Apply to top choices: Select the most suitable bad credit loans and complete the online application process. Provide personal information including name, contact details, housing situation, and employment status.
  3. Select the best offer: Choose the loan option that aligns best with financial terms. Chosen lender request additional information or documentation.
  4. Get approved: The lender will verify income and identity, and approve the loan if all requirements are met.
  5. Submit the contract: Carefully review the loan contract before signing. Once signed, submit the contract and receive your funds either on the same day or the following day.

How to compare the best bad credit loans in South Africa

To compare the best bad credit personal loans in Canada, follow these steps:

  1. APR (Annual Percentage Rate): Compare the APR offered by different lenders. This includes both the interest rate and any additional fees associated with the loan.
  2. Extra fees: Take note of any extra fees charged by the lenders, such as origination fees, late payment fees, or prepayment penalties.
  3. Loan amounts: Consider the range of loan amounts offered by each lender. Ensure that the loan amount meets your financial needs.
  4. Loan terms: Evaluate the loan terms, including the repayment period and any flexibility in repayment options provided by the lender.
  5. Eligibility requirements: Review the eligibility criteria set lender. This may include factors such as minimum credit score, income requirements, and citizenship or residency status.
  6. Reputation: Research the reputation of each lender reading reviews and testimonials from other borrowers. Look for feedback on customer service, transparency, and overall satisfaction.
  7. Improves credit score: Some lenders offer options that can help improve credit score over time. Consider whether the lender reports timely payments to credit bureaus, which can positively impact credit history.

Types of loans for bad credit

Types of loans available for people with bad credit include:

Bad Credit Personal Loans

These are unsecured loans for people with poor credit scores. They come with higher interest rates and stricter eligibility criteria.

Payday Loans

Short-term loans that provide quick cash, usually to be repaid by the borrower’s next paycheck. Payday loans often have high interest rates and fees.

Secured Loans

Loans that require collateral, such as a car or property, to secure the loan. Secured loans be easier to qualify for with bad credit but carry the risk of losing the collateral if the borrower defaults.

Installment Loans

Loans that are repaid over a set period in equal installments. These loans may be available to people with bad credit but often come with higher interest rates.

Cash Advances

Short-term loans obtained through credit cards or payday loan apps, allowing borrowers to withdraw cash against their credit limit. Cash advances usually come with high fees and interest rates.

Peer-to-Peer Loans

Loans obtained from individuals or investors through online platforms. These loans have more flexible terms and eligibility requirements compared to traditional lenders.

Frequently asked questions

Can I borrow money with very bad credit?

Yes, it is possible to borrow money with very bad credit, but it may be more challenging and come with higher costs. Some lenders specialize in offering loans to people with poor credit scores, although they often charge higher interest rates to mitigate the risk.

Can I get a loan with 400 credit score?

Yes, it is possible to get a loan with a 400 credit score, but it can be challenging. With such a low credit score, limited to lenders who arrange loans to people with poor credit or alternative lending options.

Which type of loan does not require a credit check?

Payday loans are small, short-term loans that you can repay on your next payday, within 2 to 4 weeks. These loans do not require a credit check and are designed to offer instant cash to tide you over until your next paycheck.

Can I get a personal loan with no credit check?

Yes, it is possible to get a personal loan with no credit history. There are several options available for people without established credit:

Secured Personal Loans: Some lenders offer secured personal loans, which require collateral such as a savings account, vehicle, or valuable asset to secure the loan. Since the loan is backed by collateral, lenders may be more willing to extend credit to individuals with no credit history.

Co-Signer Loans: You may qualify for a personal loan by having a co-signer with a strong credit history co-sign the loan application. The co-signer assumes responsibility for repaying the loan if you default, which can help mitigate the lender’s risk.

Credit Builder Loans: Some financial institutions offer credit builder loans specifically designed to help people establish or improve their credit history. With these loans, the borrowed funds are held in a savings account or certificate of deposit (CD) and released to you once the loan is repaid in full.

Payday Alternative Loans (PALs): Offered by some credit unions, PALs are short-term loans designed to provide small-dollar amounts to borrowers with limited or no credit history. These loans often have lower interest rates and fees compared to traditional payday loans.

Online Lenders: Some online lenders specialize in providing personal loans to people with no credit history or less-than-perfect credit. These lenders may use alternative data sources, such as employment history or bank account activity, to assess creditworthiness.

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