Credit articles

Boost your credit score with your internet or mobile phone contract
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%?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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
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
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
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?
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?
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
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?

