Can you get a loan if you're blacklisted?

There is no official 'blacklist' in South Africa. What people mean is a poor credit record: missed payments, judgments or accounts in arrears at the credit bureaus. Some NCR-registered lenders will still consider you if you have a steady income and your bank statements show you can afford the repayment, but amounts are usually smaller (often R500 to R8,000) and the interest rate is at the higher end of what the law allows.

What lenders check

• Your current income and how regularly it comes in
• Your monthly debt repayments versus income (affordability)
• Recent defaults, judgments or admin orders on your credit report
• Whether you are under debt review (most lenders cannot lend if you are)

Documents you'll need

• Green barcoded ID or smart ID card
• Latest 3 months' bank statements
• Latest payslip (if employed)
• Proof of address not older than 3 months

Watch out for

• Anyone asking for an upfront 'admin' or 'insurance' fee before paying out is running a scam.
• A lender that promises approval without checking affordability is breaking the National Credit Act.
• You can get one free credit report a year from each bureau — check it for errors first.

How do I know if I'm blacklisted?

Request your free annual credit report from a registered credit bureau. It shows accounts in arrears, judgments and your score.

How long does bad credit stay on my record?

Adverse listings are removed after set periods (for example, one year for slow payment and up to two years for adverse classifications); paid-up judgments must be removed.

Will applying for many loans make it worse?

Many hard enquiries in a short time can lower your score. Compare first, then apply to one or two lenders.

Can I get a loan if I have a judgment?

It is harder but not impossible. Settling the judgment and getting it rescinded improves your chances considerably.

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