Can You Apply for Credit During Debt Review? Here's What You Need to Know in South Africa

If you're under debt review or thinking about entering into it, one of the first questions you might ask is: “Can I still apply for credit?” The short answer? No. But don't stress — we're going to break it down in plain language so that you understand exactly what this means and why it matters.

What is Debt Review?

Debt review is a process introduced to help people who are over-indebted — meaning they have more debt than they can realistically pay off each month. This legal route helps you by restructuring your repayments into something more manageable and protecting you from legal action by your creditors.

Basically, it's like hitting the pause button on your credit nightmare so that you can breathe and get back on track.

Why Can't You Apply for Credit During Debt Review?

Once you apply for debt review, you're officially seen as over-indebted. The National Credit Regulator (NCR) then lists you on their Debt Help system. From there, the credit bureaus are automatically informed that you’re under debt review.

This process results in what's called an adverse listing on your credit profile. Because of this:

• You legally can't be offered new credit
• Credit providers are not allowed to give you any new loans or store accounts

It's against South African credit law for lenders to offer credit to someone who’s already been declared over-indebted. If a lender does give you credit anyway, that transaction could be legally challenged.

Fun fact? You could even go to court to have that debt written off completely. But ideally, you'd avoid that drama by sticking to the review process.

What Is an Adverse Listing?

An adverse listing is a red flag on your credit profile that tells credit providers: "This person is under debt review — do not lend to them." Simple as that. It helps protect you from getting deeper into the hole while you're trying to climb out.

What does this mean for your future?

• Credit applications will be rejected: As long as you're listed under debt review, any application you submit for new credit will be declined.
• Your credit profile is frozen in that status: Preventing creditors from influencing or changing decisions in your financial plan.

What If Someone Gives You Credit Anyway?

Believe it or not, it happens. But if it does, the law is actually on your side. Any credit extended to you while you're under debt review is essentially illegal.

And yes — you can take that credit provider to court and potentially have that debt written off. So, if someone gives you credit knowing you're in debt review, don't sign anything. Speak to your debt counsellor or even a legal advisor about the next steps.

How to Protect Yourself

• Stick with the plan: Follow the agreement laid out by your debt counsellor. It was created to get you out of this mess, not deeper into it.
• Don't apply for more credit: You won’t get approved, and trying to game the system can cause more problems.
• Know your rights: You have legal protections while under debt review — use them wisely.

What Happens After Debt Review?

Once you've paid off your restructured debts, you'll get a clearance certificate from your debt counsellor. That will inform credit bureaus that you're officially out of debt review, and your record can be updated.

From there, you can start working on your credit game again, one step at a time.

Here are some quick tips to rebuild your credit health:

• Request your credit report and double-check that debt review has been removed
• Start small (consider a store account or cellphone contract) and never miss a payment
• Set up debit orders to manage bills easily
• Keep your credit usage low — ideally below 30% of your limit

Final Thoughts

If you’ve entered into the debt review process, that’s already a brave and smart step. But alongside that comes responsibility — like not applying for more credit and trusting the plan laid out for you.

Stay the course, ask questions when confused, and always know your rights. The long-term reward is worth it: a life free of financial stress.