Credit articles

Boost your credit score with your internet or mobile phone contract

Boost your credit score with your internet or mobile phone contract

31 May 2021 · Isabelle Coetzee

It can be difficult to qualify for credit, and you may not wish to take on further debt. An easy way to boost your credit score is to have an internet or mobile phone contract in your name.

Will your credit score decline if your credit utilisation is 0%?

Will your credit score decline if your credit utilisation is 0%?

20 May 2021 · Isabelle Coetzee

The credit bureaus consider several factors when they calculate your credit score, including your credit usage and habits. But what happens if you have access to credit, and you don’t use any of it?

What alternatives are there to a credit score?

What alternatives are there to a credit score?

19 May 2021 · Isabelle Coetzee

When you apply for a credit card or a loan, your new creditor will look at your credit score to assess your creditworthiness. However, is this the only indicator they can consider?

Refinance your car or pay off the existing loan?

Refinance your car or pay off the existing loan?

18 May 2021 · Athenkosi Sawutana

When the economic climate and your personal circumstances change, it’s a good idea to review your finances to match your current financial state. Refinancing your car loan is one of the things you could consider. But is it a good idea or ...

Does your credit score take a hit when you request a vehicle finance quote?

Does your credit score take a hit when you request a vehicle finance quote?

11 May 2021 · Isabelle Coetzee

Before you’ve had a chance to assess your credit score, you decide to get a basic quote on vehicle finance and find out where you stand in terms of credit. But you quickly find out that this impacts your credit score.

Why can’t you build your credit score before the age of 18?

Why can’t you build your credit score before the age of 18?

9 May 2021 · Isabelle Coetzee

When you turn 18, you will likely become interested in vehicle finance in order to claim your transportation independence. Alternatively, you may be interested in a credit card or insurance. However, your lack of a credit score may hinder your a...

Don’t fall for these credit repair scams

Don’t fall for these credit repair scams

6 May 2021 · Isabelle Coetzee

You may have received a notification from someone claiming that they can fix your credit score in a matter of days. Unfortunately, this is too good to be true.

How to protect yourself from financial fraud

How to protect yourself from financial fraud

4 May 2021 · Athenkosi Sawutana

Financial fraud is prevalent in South Africa, as it is globally. According to the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC), cybercrime, in particular, is becoming even more common than ‘traditional’ bank crimes. In 20...

You can improve your credit score - here's how

You can improve your credit score - here's how

29 April 2021 · Athenkosi Sawutana

Regardless of your situation, there are always steps you can take to improve your credit score. In this article, we’ll show you how you can achieve this with some planning and discipline.

Why are there different credit bureaus in South Africa?

Why are there different credit bureaus in South Africa?

28 April 2021 · Isabelle Coetzee

You have probably heard about the larger credit bureaus in South Africa, such as Experian and TransUnion. But did you know that there are many more registered credit bureaus in the country?

Should you take out a personal loan for home renovations?

Should you take out a personal loan for home renovations?

27 April 2021 · Isabelle Coetzee

You have secured yourself a home, which may include a beautiful garden or patio, and an interior you’ve decorated to your unique taste. But what if you’d like to upgrade it even further? One option is to take out a personal loan an...

This is what you need to know about home loans

This is what you need to know about home loans

1 March 2021 · Isabelle Coetzee

In order to afford a home in South Africa, many people take out home loans. But what exactly is a home loan, and how should you go about getting one?