CONSUMERLAWS ARTICLES
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Before a missed payment
Worried You May Miss a Car or Bond Payment? What to Do Before Arrears
If your car or bond account is up to date but the next instalment looks unaffordable, act before the due date. Confirm the payment and shortfall, check…
Section 129 notices
Received a Section 129 Notice? What It Means and What to Check
If you have received a Section 129 notice in South Africa, it generally means that your credit provider alleges that you are in default under a credit…
Credit health
Understand Your Credit Health Across Four Credit Bureaus
Your credit health is about more than whether you have a good or bad credit score. It includes the credit accounts recorded in your name, your payment…
Credit readiness
Prepare for Vehicle Finance or a Home Loan
Thinking of applying for vehicle finance or a home loan? Before submitting an application, check three things: what your credit reports show, whether you can realistically afford…
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63 articles
Before a missed payment
Can’t Afford Your Next Car Payment? What to Do Before Default
If your next car instalment looks unaffordable, the best time to understand your options is before the payment date.
Car-finance arrears
Car Debit Order Bounced? What Happens to Your Vehicle Finance?
If your car debit order bounced, failed or was reversed, first confirm whether your vehicle-finance provider actually received the instalment.
Vehicle repossession
Car Finance Summons Received: What It Means and What to Check
If you have received car-finance summons in South Africa, a credit provider has instituted court proceedings concerning your vehicle-finance agreement. The summons identifies a claim that the creditor wants a court to determine. It does…
Credit health
Credit Enquiries and Account Balances: What Lenders Can See
A credit report can tell a lender about your existing credit commitments, reported account balances, repayment history and certain enquiries made about your credit profile. However, an enquiry does not automatically mean that you received…
Credit-report problems
Credit Report Problems and Disputes in South Africa
If your credit report contains incorrect, outdated, duplicated or unfamiliar information, you have the right to challenge its accuracy under South Africa's National Credit Act (NCA).
Credit readiness
Credit Score vs Affordability: What Matters for a Credit Application?
A credit score and an affordability assessment answer different questions. Your credit score summarises aspects of your recorded credit behaviour and repayment risk. Affordability examines whether your financial circumstances can support an additional credit obligation.…
Credit health
Credit Scores Explained: What a Score Can and Cannot Tell You
A credit score is a numerical indicator of credit risk calculated from information associated with your credit history. It can help you understand how a scoring model assesses your credit profile, but it does not…
Credit-report problems
Duplicate Accounts on a Credit Report: How to Check Them
Have you discovered the same loan, credit card or store account appearing twice on your credit report?
Credit health
Fraud and Identity Warning Signs on a Credit Report
An unfamiliar credit account, an enquiry from a lender you have never approached, or personal details you did not provide can be an early warning sign of identity theft or credit-related fraud.
Home-loan arrears
Home Loan Arrears in South Africa: Understand the Stage You Are In
If you are behind on your bond payments in South Africa, the most important first step is to understand how far your home-loan account has progressed and which documents you have received.
Credit readiness
Home Loan Readiness: What to Check Before a Bond Application
Planning to apply for a home loan in South Africa? Before approaching a bank, check your credit reports, existing debt repayments, household affordability and the additional costs of buying and owning a property.
Home-loan arrears
Home Loan Summons Received: What It Means and What to Check
If you have received a home loan summons in South Africa, it means a creditor has commenced court proceedings concerning your home-loan agreement. This is a serious development, but receiving summons does not automatically mean…
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