Financial Tips & Guides

loan guides

Wonga vs Boodle: Which Short-Term Loan is Cheaper in 2026?

Wonga charges up to 5% per month. Boodle charges 0.74% per day. On a R2,000 loan for one month, that's R460 vs R902 in fees. A real side-by-side comparison of South Africa's two most popular short-term lenders.

Romans • 12 Jun 2026

4 min read

loan guides

Capitec vs African Bank: Which Personal Loan Wins in 2026?

Capitec starts from 12.25% APR, African Bank from 12.00%. Both charge the same NCA fees. Both offer fixed rates. So which one should you choose? A straight side-by-side comparison of amounts, terms, rates and who each lender suits best.

Romans • 12 Jun 2026

5 min read

loan guides

Student Loans and Funding in South Africa: NSFAS, Bank Loans, Bursaries and What to Do When None of It Works Out

Every year the same conversation happens in South African homes when the university letter arrives: how are we going to pay for this? NSFAS, bank loans, bursaries, private lenders — here's the honest version of what's available, how it works, and what to do when the first option falls through.

Romans • 11 May 2026

8 min read

loan guides

Vehicle Finance in South Africa: What Dealers Don't Tell You (But Should)

South Africa is a car country — public transport leaves most people with no real choice. But vehicle finance is one of the biggest commitments you'll make, and the dealership's finance desk isn't always working in your favour. Here's the full picture: deposits, interest rates, balloon payments, and what the monthly instalment number is actually hiding.

Romans • 11 May 2026

7 min read

loan guides

Using a Personal Loan to Start a Business in South Africa: Honest Pros, Cons, and Real Numbers

A personal loan to fund your startup isn't always crazy — but it's not always smart either. Here's how to know the difference, with actual costs and a step-by-step plan.

RandCash Editorial • 28 Mar 2026

8 min read

loan guides

Store Accounts vs Personal Loans vs Credit Cards: Which Actually Costs More in South Africa?

South Africans use store accounts, personal loans, and credit cards — often without comparing the true cost. We break down the interest rates, fees, and total costs of each, with real examples showing which option is cheapest for different purchase amounts.

RandCash Editorial Team • 24 Mar 2026

8 min read

loan guides

Why Your Loan Application Was Rejected — And Exactly How to Fix It

Got declined for a loan? You are not alone — nearly half of South African credit applicants face rejection. Here are the 8 most common reasons lenders say no, and the specific steps to fix each one before you reapply.

RandCash Editorial Team • 24 Mar 2026

8 min read

loan guides

First-Time Loan Application in South Africa: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Never applied for a loan before? This guide walks you through every step — from documents you need, to what lenders check, to how the money actually reaches your account. No jargon, no assumptions, just the full process explained clearly.

RandCash Editorial Team • 23 Mar 2026

8 min read

loan guides

How Much Can You Borrow? A South African Loan Affordability Guide for 2026

How much loan can you actually qualify for on your salary? We break down the exact formula lenders use, show you how debt-to-income ratio determines your limit, and help you calculate your real borrowing capacity before you apply.

RandCash Editorial Team • 23 Mar 2026

8 min read

loan guides

Loans for Pensioners in South Africa: Every Option Explained for 2026

Retired or living on a pension? You still have legitimate loan options in South Africa. We compare pension-backed loans, SASSA loans, personal loans for pensioners, and micro-loans — with real costs, requirements, and warnings about scams targeting the elderly.

RandCash Editorial Team • 22 Mar 2026

11 min read

loan guides

Credit Cards vs Personal Loans vs BNPL vs Payday Loans: Every Credit Type in South Africa Compared

A side-by-side comparison of every major credit type available in South Africa — credit cards, store cards, personal loans, credit facilities, payday loans, BNPL, overdrafts, and more. Understand the differences, costs, and when each one makes sense.

RandCash Editorial Team • 22 Mar 2026

12 min read