Frequently Asked Questions

The National Credit Act (NCA) introduced debt review, also known as debt counselling, in 2007 to assist over-indebted South African consumers.

Debt review is considered to be safer and more effective than debt consolidation loans, which often end up being a short-term solution that could get consumers further into debt.

Debt counsellors must be registered with the National Credit Regulator (NCR), and are qualified to assist over-indebted consumers reduce their debt.

The length of the debt review process varies, and is case specific. We recommend contacting one of our debt advisors to find out more about the length of your term, and the various options available to you.

Factors that influence the length of your term include the amount of debt that you have and your monthly affordability.

Debt review is the most effective way to get out of debt, and has many advantages such as:

• Your belongings and assets, such as your car, won’t be repossessed by credit providers while under debt review.
• Your monthly debt is reduced. You can pay back less, and use the extra money to cover living expenses.
• Repayments are simplified. Instead of paying every single company that you owe, now you will only have to make one monthly payment.
• Legal protection from creditors. While you pay off your debt, you and your assets are legally protected from creditors by the NCA. Your debt counsellor will deal with creditors on your behalf. Thus, saving you the hassle.
• While under debt review you will not be blacklisted. You can then enjoy an improved credit record once you complete your debt review.
• Complete debt-freedom! After the process you will be 100% free from debt and will have complete control over all of your money.
• Debt review prevents applying for additional credit, helping you to stay focussed on reducing your debt and saving without additional loans.
• After completing the process a clearance certificate is issued to remove your debt review status. There’s no permanent record that you were ever under debt review.

Consumers who aren’t ready to become 100% debt-free often describe the last two points as disadvantages.

A personal credit score is based predominantly on the payment history thereof. While under debt review your instalment is reduced and simplified to help you maintain a positive payment record.

While under debt review your debt review status is indicated at the Credit Bureau. When you complete the process the Credit Bureau is notified and any record related to debt review is removed from your profile within 24 to 48 hours.

The National Credit Regulator regulates the fees for debt counsellors. So to alleviate as much of your stress as possible, fees and disbursements are included in your reduced monthly repayment, making it easier for you to focus on reducing your debt.

Too good to be true? Ask a debt advisor how it works.

Not at all. Provision is made in your debt repayment plan for all your insurance policies. In fact, if you, for example, have vehicle finance, you will be compelled to have insurance on the vehicle.

This is dependent on the type of marriage contract that you and your spouse have. 

Married in community of property:

You and your spouse are jointly liable for both of your debt. As a result the process will be mutually beneficial and can reduce the total debt repayment of your household.

Married out of community of property or with an Ante Nuptial Contract (ANC):

You can go through with the debt counselling process as an individual. Therefore your spouse will not be directly affected.