Compare Personal Loans in South Africa | Get Quotes in Minutes

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Personal Loan Calculator

Want to know what the monthly repayment on your loan could be? We'll calculate it for you.

Loan amount (Rands)

Loan amounts up to R350,000 (in increments of R1,000).

* Monthly repayments on all loans are calculated at a 28.25% interest rate | ** A service fee of R69.00pm | This calculator is for illustration purposes only.

This is an illustrative example only. Quotes are subject to credit approval and the individual's risk profile.

Compare 7 of SA's top loan providers

We are always trying to add more brands for our customers. If you don't see a brand, that's their decision.

All our Personal Loan partners are licensed FSP's and credit providers, vetted to meet our internal compliance and quality standards.

How to compare Personal Loans online

Hippo simplifies the process by letting you compare loan options side by side, so you can find one that works best for you.

Comparing loans through Hippo.co.za will not impact your credit score.

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Head to the top of this page to get started with your quote.

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Loan amount and term

Select your loan amount and the preferred repayment term.

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Compare loans from 7 providers. No need to enquire separately.

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With hippo you will never go wrong.They give you different insurance quotes to choose from and after choosing you will receive a call from the insurance of your choice.So thank you hippo I managed to get insurance cover because of you.

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Personal Loans in South Africa

Before you apply for a Personal Loan, here's what you need to know about how they work:

What is a Personal Loan?

A Personal Loan is an unsecured loan, meaning no assets are required to access funds. Once approved, money is paid directly into your bank account - usually within 24 hours.

Why compare before you apply?

Interest rates, fees and repayment terms vary significantly between lenders. Comparing Personal Loans online gives you a clearer picture of the total cost across lenders before you commit.

Comparing is straightforward

Enter your ID number and we'll retrieve your details and match you with offers from registered credit providers. No branch visits, no upfront paperwork and no impact on your credit score just for comparing.

Completing your application

To apply for the loan, you'll need a valid South African ID, proof of residence and three months' bank statements or payslips. You don't need any documents to compare, so explore your options first and gather documents once you've chosen a loan.

Fees to consider when applying for a loan

The total cost of a loan is made up of more than just the interest rate.

Initiation fee

A once-off fee charged by credit providers to set up your loan agreement. It is regulated by the National Credit Act and can either be paid upfront or added to your total loan amount, slightly increasing your monthly repayments.

Interest rate

The cost of borrowing money, expressed as an annual percentage rate. In South Africa, Personal Loan interest rates are capped at 21% above the repo rate, compounded monthly, and are determined by your individual credit risk profile.

Service fees

Additional costs

Extra expenses not included in the base interest rate or service fee. A primary example is credit life protection, an insurance policy that secures your loan by settling the outstanding balance if you face death, disability, or retrenchment.

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Dunno much about your credit score?

What lenders look at when you apply

When you submit a loan application, registered credit providers will assess a few things:

Credit score

Your credit score is a number that shows lenders your borrowing history and likelihood of repaying outstanding debt.

Monthly income

Lenders verify your consistent monthly earnings to ensure you earn enough money to afford new loan repayments.

Existing debts

Credit providers closely assess your current financial obligations to verify that taking on new debt remains comfortably affordable.

Finding the right Personal Loan

From short-term relief to long-term borrowing, Hippo's Personal Loan partners cover a wide range of needs and budgets.

Choosing a loan provider

Every lender calculates repayments differently. For a more accurate view on what you could be paying, head to the top of this page and click "Get started" to compare providers side by side.

Hippo partner	Loan amount range*	Interest rate range p.a.**	Repayment term
DirectAxis	Up to R350,000	Up to 28%	24-72 months
African Bank	R2,000-R350,000	15% - 24.5%	7-72 months
Nedbank	R2,000-R400,000	10.25% - 27.75%	6-84 months
Sanlam	R5,000 - R350,000	16% - 27.75%	12-84 months
Old Mutual Finance	R2,000-250,000	Up to 28% p.a.	3-72 months
CashPower (Wesbank)	R5,000-350,000	From 18% p.a.	24-72 months

*Sourced June 2026. Figures are subject to change. Always confirm the latest rates and terms before you apply. **Interest rates are personalised based on your credit profile and affordability assessment.

Differences between these loan types

Personal, Revolving and Debt Consolidation are three different products. Knowing which one suits your situation can save you money.

Personal Loan

A Personal Loan is a once-off, lump-sum amount you borrow and repay in fixed monthly instalments, usually with a fixed interest rate. Once it's repaid, the loan is closed.

Revolving Loan

A revolving loan gives you ongoing access to a set credit limit. You can borrow, repay and borrow again without needing to apply for a new loan each time.

Debt Consolidation Loan

A Debt Consolidation Loan combines multiple existing debts into one. Instead of managing several repayments to different lenders, you make a single monthly payment. Ideally at a lower interest rate.

Expert tips, tools and guides

Everything you need to know when choosing the right cover for your business.

What is a credit score?

Your credit score is the number that authorised financial services providers use to assess your loan application. It reflects your history of repaying debt and plays a major role in determining your interest rate, loan repayment terms and approval.

How to start paying off your debt

Managing debt is easier when you have a clear plan. If you can't meet your monthly repayment consistently, debt doesn't have to take over your finances. For those who are struggling, options like Debt Counselling or a Debt Consolidation Loan can help.

Are you over indebted?

According to the FinScope Consumer Survey, an estimated 12 million adults in South Africa are over-indebted. If your monthly debt repayments are too high, this guide covers what over-indebtedness means and what your options are.

Short-term Loans

Short-term loans are built for flexibility. With loan repayment terms ranging from a few weeks to 12 months, they're ideal for bridging cash flow gaps. Just note that interest rates and service fees tend to be higher given the shorter duration.

Long-term loans

Long-term Personal Loans allow you to borrow money from a credit provider over a relatively longer period. These loans are often used for larger sums that you cannot readily provide at short notice, often with more affordable repayments.

Secured loans

A Secured Loan requires you to offer an asset as collateral, such as a vehicle or property. In exchange, you access lower interest rates since the credit provider carries less risk. Once repaid, the asset returns to your full possession.

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Personal Loans FAQs

How does a Personal Loan work?

A Personal Loan gives you access to a lump sum repaid in fixed monthly instalments over an agreed term. Borrow between R2,000 and R400,000 with repayment terms of 3 to 84 months. If approved, funds are typically paid into your bank account within 24 hours.

Who can apply for a Personal Loan?

To qualify, you'll typically need to be a South African citizen or permanent resident between 18 and 60 years old, permanently employed or earning a verifiable income (equal to or more than minimum wage) and have no active debt review or administration order. Lenders will also assess your credit record and overall risk profile before approving any application.

What fees apply to a Personal Loan?

The total cost typically includes an interest rate based on your credit profile, a monthly service fee, a once-off initiation fee charged on approval and a monthly credit life premium for loan terms of 12 months or longer. Always check the full cost breakdown before signing.

Will applying for a loan affect my credit score?

Comparing through Hippo.co.za uses a soft credit check, which does not affect your credit score. Submitting multiple full applications to different lenders, in a short period, can leave hard enquiries on your credit record and may lower your score for the duration of the applications.

What is the easiest loan to get approved for?

Unsecured Personal Loans are generally more accessible as no collateral is required. Lenders typically require South African citizenship, a minimum monthly income, permanent employment of at least three months and an age of 18 to 60. Comparing options first helps identify the best fit.

Which banks give Personal Loans in South Africa?

Most major banks offer Personal Loans directly. Hippo.co.za works with a broader range of registered credit providers including Direct Axis, CashPower, African Bank, Nedbank, Sanlam, Old Multual Finance and Fincheck. Each with their own rates, fees and eligibility criteria. Allowing South Africans to compare loan options from multiple providers in minutes.

Can I get a loan with bad credit?

Getting a Personal Loan with a poor credit record is difficult. Lenders are required by the National Credit Act to conduct affordability and credit assessments before approving any application. A history of missed payments or defaults can result in a declined application or a higher interest rate. Working on improving your credit profile before applying puts you in a stronger position. Not sure how to do this? Enquire with one of our Debt Counselling partners.

Compare more than just Personal Loans

With Hippo we make it easy to find great deals across multiple products.

Debt Consolidation

A Debt Consolidation loan merges multiple debts into a single Personal Loan with one monthly repayment, one credit provider and ideally a lower interest rate.

Debt Counselling

Debt Counselling helps over-indebted consumers restructure what they owe into an affordable repayment plan and negotiating with creditors on your behalf.

Funeral Cover

Covers the immediate costs associated with a funeral. Premiums are influenced by your age, number of policy members and amount of cover.

Personal Loans

Compare rates across multiple lenders to find a fair deal. Rates vary based on your credit profile and chosen loan term, so comparison matters.

Medical Aid

Gives you access to private healthcare. Compare plans, benefits and costs to find the right fit without paying for cover you don't need.

Car Insurance

Covers your vehicle against damage, theft and third-party claims. Premiums vary by driving history, usage, vehicle model and where you park overnight.

Medical Gap Cover

Covers the difference (shortfall) between what your Medical Aid pays and what a specialist charges. Gap Cover is not a substitute for Medical Aid.

Medical Insurance

More flexible and affordable than Medical Aid, Medical Insurance covers day-to-day health needs or specific procedures. This product is not a substitute for Medical Aid.

Business Insurance

Protects your business’ property, assets and third-party liability. The right cover depends on the nature, size and risk profile of your operations.

Life Insurance

Provides financial security for your dependants. Ensure your home loan, rental costs, debt and children’s tuition are taken care of when you pass.

Home Contents Insurance

Covers your home's contents against damage, theft and loss. Compare quotes to find the most competitive rate.

Building Insurance

Covers the physical structure of your property against damage. Compare quotes to make sure you're not overpaying.

Motorbike Insurance

Covers your motorcycle against damage, theft and third-party claims. Premiums vary based on your personal profile.

Pet Insurance

Vet bills can add up quickly, especially when unexpected. Compare quotes to find a policy that fits your fur baby’s needs (and your monthly budget).

Travel Insurance

Protects you against unexpected medical and/or flight-related costs when travelling locally or abroad. Premiums vary based on the type of cover you opt for.

Home Fibre

Fibre prices and speeds vary significantly by area and provider. Find the fastest, most affordable package without contacting each provider separately.

Scratch and dent cover

Covers minor cosmetic damage to your vehicle without affecting your Car Insurance claims record. Compare plans to keep your car looking good without paying out of pocket.

Tyre and Rim cover

Covers the cost of repairing or replacing damaged tyres and rims. Compare plans to find affordable cover that protects you against one of South African motoring's most common expenses.

Motor Warranty

Protects you against unexpected mechanical and electrical repair costs after your manufacturer warranty expires. Compare plans to find the right level of cover for your vehicle.

Service Plans

Covers the cost of scheduled vehicle maintenance, including parts and labour. Compare service plans alongside your Car Insurance for a complete picture of your motoring costs.

Vehicle Tracking

Helps protect your vehicles by assisting with recovery in the event of theft. Many providers also use Vehicle Tracking to flag when your vehicle is in an unfamiliar area.

Hippo Comparative Services (Pty) Ltd is an authorised financial service provider.

FSP number: 16357. Block A, Steyn City Capital Park, Erling Road, Riverglen, Dainfern, 2191

*Based on independent research by Kaufman Levin & Associates 2025.

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