R 500
R 175000
R 350000
REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLE: ESTIMATED REPAYMENTS OF A LOAN OF R30,000 OVER 36 MONTHS AT A MAXIMUM INTEREST RATE INCLUDING FEES OF 27,5% APR WOULD BE R1,232.82 PER MONTH. REPAYMENT TERMS CAN RANGE FROM 2 - 72 MONTHS. CREDITUM IS AN ONLINE LOAN COMPARISON TOOL AND NOT A LENDER. INTEREST RATES CHARGED BY THE LENDERS FOUND IN OUR SERVICE CAN START AS LOW AS 20% APR, INCLUDING AN INITIATION AND SERVICE FEE DETERMINED BY THE LENDER. THE INTEREST RATE OFFERED DEPENDS ON THE APPLICANTS' CREDIT SCORE AND OTHER FACTORS AT THE LENDER'S DISCRETION.

Top-up loans

In order to find the best loan for your needs, it is important to compare loans online.

  • Apply in minutes
  • Get offers from multiple lenders
  • Choose the best loan option available

Note: If you are not satisfied with the loan offers, you don’t have to select any of them.

Applying for a loan online – How it works

About 5 minutes

1. Select loan amount

In the calculator, select the loan amount you need.

The minimum amount is R 500 and the maximum amount is R 250 000.

 

2. Fill out contact details

Fill out your email address and your cellphone number.

Keep in mind that you will receive the loan offers through these channels.

 

3. Fill in additional details

The applications are often processed automatically. To achieve this, banks and lenders need some additional details, like your employment status and monthly income.

 

4. Select the best loan offer

Compare the offers & select the best one! If you are not satisfied with the offers, you don't have to do anything. The application expires automatically.

 

Top-up loans in South Africa

Are you a homeowner in South Africa in need of additional funds to finance your child’s education, make home renovations, or pay for unexpected expenses? If so, a top-up loan could be a viable solution for you. With so many lenders and loan options available, however, it can be daunting to find the best deal. To help you make an informed decision and find the financing you need, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on top-up loans in South Africa. In this article, we’ll cover everything from how top-up loans work to how to find the lowest loan rates and apply online. So, let’s dive in!

Understanding how top-up loans work

A top-up loan is a type of loan that allows homeowners with an existing mortgage to borrow additional funds on top of their current loan. Essentially, it’s an extension of your mortgage that allows you to access additional funds without having to take out a new loan. Top-up loans typically come with lower interest rates than personal loans or credit cards since they are secured against your property.

To qualify for a top-up loan, you must have an existing mortgage with a good payment history. The amount you can borrow will depend on the equity you have in your property, your credit score, and your current financial situation.

Benefits of top-up loans

There are several benefits to taking out a top-up loan instead of a personal loan or credit card. First and foremost, top-up loans typically come with lower interest rates since they are secured against your property. This means that you can potentially save thousands of Rands in interest over the life of the loan. Additionally, since the loan is an extension of your mortgage, the repayment term will be the same as your existing mortgage, which could mean lower monthly payments.

Another benefit of top-up loans is that they are typically easier to qualify for than personal loans or credit cards since they are secured against your property. This means that even if you have a less than perfect credit score, you may still be able to qualify for a top-up loan.

Top-up loan interest rates in South Africa

Interest rates on top-up loans in South Africa can vary widely depending on the lender, your credit score, and the equity you have in your property. Generally, interest rates on top-up loans are lower than personal loans or credit cards since they are secured against your property. However, it’s important to shop around to find the best deal.

Currently, the average interest rate for a top-up loan in South Africa is around 9%-12%, although some lenders may offer rates as low as 7%. It’s important to note that interest rates can change over time, so it’s always a good idea to check with multiple lenders to find the best deal.

Factors to consider before applying for a top-up loan

Before applying for a top-up loan, there are several factors you should consider. First and foremost, you should make sure that you can afford the additional monthly payments. While top-up loans typically come with lower interest rates than personal loans or credit cards, the loan amount will be added to your existing mortgage, which could mean higher monthly payments.

Additionally, you should consider the fees associated with a top-up loan. Some lenders may charge application fees, origination fees, or other fees that can add up over time. Be sure to read the fine print and understand all of the fees associated with the loan before applying.

Finally, you should consider your long-term financial goals. Taking out a top-up loan can be a great way to finance a large expense, but it will also extend the life of your mortgage. If you’re nearing retirement or planning to move in the near future, a top-up loan may not be the best option for you.

How to apply for a top-up loan online

Applying for a top-up loan in South Africa is a relatively straightforward process. Many lenders allow you to apply online, which can save you time and hassle. Here’s how to apply for a top-up loan online:

  1. Research lenders: Start by researching lenders that offer top-up loans in South Africa. Look for lenders that offer competitive interest rates and reasonable fees.
  2. Check eligibility: Once you’ve found a lender that you’re interested in, check their eligibility requirements. Make sure that you meet all of the requirements before applying.
  3. Gather documents: Before applying, you’ll need to gather several documents, including proof of income, proof of residence, and your existing mortgage statement.
  4. Apply online: Once you have all of the necessary documents, you can apply online through the lender’s website. Be sure to fill out the application carefully and accurately.
  5. Wait for approval: After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll need to wait for the lender to review and approve it. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the lender.

Documents required for a top-up loan application

To apply for a top-up loan in South Africa, you’ll need to provide several documents, including:

  • Proof of income: This can include your recent payslips, bank statements, or tax returns.
  • Proof of residence: This can include a utility bill or lease agreement in your name.
  • Existing mortgage statement: This will show the lender your current mortgage balance and payment history.

Additionally, some lenders may require additional documents, such as a property valuation report or a copy of your ID. Be sure to check with your lender to find out exactly what documents you’ll need to provide.

Top-up loan repayment options

When you take out a top-up loan, you’ll typically have the same repayment options as your existing mortgage. This means that you can choose to make monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly payments, depending on your preference.

Additionally, some lenders may offer the option to make lump-sum payments or increase your monthly payments to pay off the loan faster. Be sure to check with your lender to find out what repayment options are available to you.

Comparison of top-up loan providers in South Africa

To help you find the best deal on a top-up loan in South Africa, we’ve put together a comparison of some of the top lenders. Keep in mind that interest rates and fees can vary widely depending on your credit score, the equity you have in your property, and other factors.

  • First National Bank: Offers top-up loans with interest rates from 7.25% and no initiation fees.
  • Absa: Offers top-up loans with interest rates from 9.25% and no initiation fees.
  • Nedbank: Offers top-up loans with interest rates from 7.5% and no initiation fees.
  • Standard Bank: Offers top-up loans with interest rates from 8.75% and no initiation fees.

FAQs about top-up loans

  1. What is a top-up loan? A top-up loan is a type of loan that allows homeowners with an existing mortgage to borrow additional funds on top of their current loan.
  2. How do I qualify for a top-up loan? To qualify for a top-up loan, you must have an existing mortgage with a good payment history. The amount you can borrow will depend on the equity you have in your property, your credit score, and your current financial situation.
  3. What are the benefits of a top-up loan? Top-up loans typically come with lower interest rates than personal loans or credit cards since they are secured against your property. Additionally, since the loan is an extension of your mortgage, the repayment term will be the same as your existing mortgage, which could mean lower monthly payments.
  4. How do I apply for a top-up loan online? To apply for a top-up loan online, you’ll need to research lenders, check eligibility, gather documents, and fill out an application on the lender’s website.

Conclusion

If you’re a homeowner in South Africa in need of additional funds, a top-up loan could be a viable solution for you. By understanding how top-up loans work, the benefits they offer, and the factors to consider before applying, you can make an informed decision and find the financing you need. Remember to shop around and compare lenders to find the best deal on a top-up loan. With the right loan, you can finance your dreams and achieve your financial goals.

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Lime
Loan amounts
R300
R5400
Payback period
5 days to 7 weeks
Interest rate
Daily interest rate of 0.1% to 0.16% depending on Tariff Group
Other fees
R69/month + opening cost 16,5% of first R1000 lent + 10% of loan amount over R1000 (+VAT). Limited to lesser of 15% of loan amount (+VAT).
Representative example: If you want to borrow R2000 for 30 days, you have to pay back R2428.78. The total cost includes interest, VAT, and a monthly service fee.
MyLoan
Loan amounts
R100
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Payback period
7 days to 36 months
Interest rate
MyLoan is an online loan broker and not a lender. Interest rates of the loans in the comparison panel can start as low as 20% APR.
Other fees
MyLoan is an online loan broker and not a lender. Other fees depend on the brokered loan.
Representative example: a R50 000 loan at an interest rate of 24.5% per annum plus a once-off initiation fee of R1 207.50 (added to the loan amount in this example) and a monthly admin fee of R69.00, over 72 months would have a total cost of R 103 155.57. The maximum annual interest rate including fees is 27.5%. Repayment terms can range from 1 - 72 months. MyLoan is an online loan broker and not a lender. T service is free and we work with NCR licensed lenders in South Africa. Interest rates charged by lenders can start as low as 20% APR, including an initiation and service fee determined by the lender. The interest rate offered depends on the applicants’ credit score and other factors at the lenders’ discretion.
Boodle
Loan amounts
R500
R8000
Payback period
16 days to 6 months
Interest rate
Daily interest rate of 0.17%
Other fees
Service fee R60 per month + Initiation fee R165 on the loan above R1000 + Insurance premium R4.50 per R1000 per month on the daily balance
Representative example: The payback time and total costs differ depending on the amounts. Final costs and fees are shown on the next page before agreeing to the loan.
Fasta
Loan amounts
R800
R8000
Payback period
1 month to 3 months
Interest rate
Monthly interest rate 3%
Other fees
Initiation fee R994 + Service fee R69 + Credit protection fee R48.76
Representative example: The payback time and total costs differ depending on the amounts. Final costs and fees are shown on the next page before agreeing to the loan.
MPowa
Loan amounts
R500
R8000
Payback period
16 days to 6 months
Interest rate
Interest of 5% per month, 3% on additional loans during the same calendar year
Other fees
Initiation fee of 16.5% of the capital amount on the 1st R1000 then 10% on each amount over R1000 plus VAT. A service fee of R60 per month plus VAT.
Representative example: The payback time and total costs differ depending on the amounts. Final costs and fees are shown on the next page before agreeing to the loan.