Find the Best Loan App for Your Needs
We compare South Africa’s top loan apps so you don’t have to
Whether you’re borrowing for the first time or comparing alternatives, we make it easier to understand how loan apps differ. Our side-by-side comparisons show who each lender is best for, what you need to qualify and what to expect before you apply.
Best for first-time borrowers needing fast, fully digital credit
No payslips, collateral, or guarantors required
Quick application with fast credit decisions
Clear loan terms shown upfront
Build your credit profile over time for more money
4.5
Independent user reviews
About
A fully digital lender designed to give first-time borrowers fast access to credit without paperwork.
Eligibility
Valid ID
Smartphone access
No payslips, collateral, or guarantors required
Pros
Very low entry requirements
Fast digital credit decisions
Helps build a credit profile over time
Cons
Loan limits depend on usage history
Best for borrowers who prefer structured, regulated loans.
Fixed repayment periods (~3–4 months)
Applications reviewed before approval
National Credit Act–regulated pricing
Official mobile app available
4.0
Independent user reviews
About
A regulated digital lender offering structured loans with fixed repayment periods.
Eligibility
Formal documentation
Credit assessment
Bank account
Pros
Fixed, predictable repayments
Regulated under the National Credit Act
Official mobile app
Cons
Slower approval process
Higher entry requirements
Best for very quick short-term payday loans
Fast online application with decisions in minutes
Minimal documentation required
Loans up to ~R4 000
Transparent terms with regulatory compliance
3.8
Independent user reviews
About
A payday-style lender focused on very fast, short-term cash advances.
Eligibility
Valid ID
Bank account
Income details
Pros
Very fast decision times
Minimal documentation
Cons
Very short repayment terms
Designed mainly for emergencies
Best for MTN MoMo users needing fast mobile money loans.
Borrow from R250 up to R10 000 via MoMo wallet
24/7 application inside MoMo app or via USSD
Quick disbursement directly to your wallet upon approval
Transparent fees and easy repayment from your wallet
3.8
Independent user reviews
About
A mobile-wallet loan service built into the MTN MoMo app for eligible users.
Eligibility
Active MTN MoMo account
Usage history determines limits
Pros
Very fast access via mobile wallet
No bank visit required
Easy repayment from wallet
Cons
Only available to MTN users
Loan access depends on MoMo usage
Best for small, short-term borrowing
Designed for quick repayment, not long commitments
Flexible repayment timing
Online application with quick feedback
No surprise fees
3.3
Independent user reviews
About
An online lender focused on small, short-term loans that can be repaid quickly.
Eligibility
Bank account
Valid ID
Basic affordability checks
Pros
Small loan options
Flexible short repayment periods
Fully online process
Cons
Short repayment timelines
Limited suitability for larger needs
Best for borrowers with steady income
Loan amounts from R500–R8,000
Online application with affordability checks
Repayment terms of up to 6 months
Transparent fees shown before applying
3.1
Independent user reviews
About
An established online lender offering short-term loans to salaried borrowers in South Africa.
Eligibility
Proof of income
Bank statements
Affordability checks
Pros
Recognised, regulated lender
Clear loan terms
Longer repayment options than payday loans
Cons
Requires payslips
Not suitable for informal earners
Best for urgent, very short-term cash needs
Small, once-off loan amounts
Short repayment cycles (days to weeks)
Online application with fast processing
Loan costs shown before acceptance
2.0
Independent user reviews
About
A short-term lender offering very quick cash for urgent, once-off needs.
Eligibility
Bank account
Income verification
Short repayment commitment
Pros
Fast access for emergencies
Simple online application
Cons
Very short repayment periods
Mixed user reviews
Best for structured personal and multi-term loans
Offers short-term, long-term, consolidation options
50+ branches nationwide for in-person support
Approval involves formal documentation & credit checks
Regulated by the National Credit Regulator (NCR)
1.9
Independent user reviews
About
A lender offering structured personal and multi-term loans.
Eligibility
Payslips
In-person or branch verification
Credit checks
Pros
Wide range of loan products
Physical branch support
NCR-registered lender
Cons
Slower, document-heavy process
Lower user satisfaction ratings
Best for urgent small cash needs
Fixed repayment periods (~3–4 months)
Applications reviewed before approval
National Credit Act–regulated pricing
Official mobile app available
1.8
Independent user reviews
About
A lender providing small emergency loans with quick decisions during business hours.
Eligibility
Bank account
Income proof
ID verification
Pros
Fast approval during working hours
Small loan amounts for emergencies
Cons
Not available 24/7
Low independent user ratings
Best for urgent small cash with short, predictable instalments
Borrow R500–R8 000 with flexible repayment terms
Fast online self-service application
Multiple credit delivery options (cash, virtual card, checkout)
Transparent costs before approval
1.6
Independent user reviews
About
A short-term lender offering instalment-based loans for immediate cash needs.
Eligibility
Bank account
Affordability checks
ID verification
Pros
Instalment repayment option
Multiple credit delivery methods
Cons
Short repayment cycles
Low independent review scores
Quick Comparison Guide
Blogs
The Rise of the Digital Native Borrower
Gen Z is currently the fastest-growing group of new credit users.
Trust over Collateral
In informal township lending, your "credit score" isn't a number—it’s your reputation. If you have a "good name" in the community,
Januworry is Real
Loan applications typically spike by over 30% in January as South Africans recover from the "Dezemba" festive season spending and face back-to-school costs.