| Feature | Crezu | Wonga | Nifty Loans | African Bank | Capitec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Comparison platform | Direct lender | Direct lender | Direct bank lender | Direct bank lender |
| Loan amount | R500 – R350 000 | Up to R8 000 (new); up to R8 000 (returning) | R250 – R8 000 | R2 000 – R350 000 | Up to R500 000 |
| Term | From 61 days | 1 – 6 months | 3 – 6 months | 3 – 72 months | 7 – 84 months |
| Interest rate | 12% – 36% p.a. (lender-set) | 60% p.a. (NCA max for short-term) | 24.75% – 60% p.a. | 15.5% – 27.5% p.a. | 13.5% – 29% p.a. |
| NCR registered | All network lenders | Yes (NCRCP6538) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cost to apply | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Decision speed | ~2 minutes (match) | Minutes | Fast | 1–2 days | Same day |
| Disbursement | 24–48 hrs (lender) | Same day possible | Same day possible | 1–2 business days | Same or next day |
| Minimum income | Regular employment ≥6 months | Employed/pensioner | South African, employed | Any verifiable income | Any verifiable income |
| Mobile app | No dedicated SA app | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Branch access | None (digital only) | None | None | Yes | Yes |
Crezu vs Wonga
Wonga is a well-established short-term lender (NCR registration NCRCP6538) operating directly in South Africa since 2012. It offers short-term cash loans — up to R8 000 for new customers repayable over a maximum of six months — at the NCA's maximum short-term rate of 5% per month (60% per annum). Wonga is transparent, fast and easy to use on its own website.
Crezu vs Wonga verdict: If you need a small, short-term cash advance of under R8 000, Wonga is a well-trusted direct option. If you need more than R8 000, a longer term or simply want to compare multiple offers simultaneously, Crezu's network gives you access to a wider range of products — including some at substantially lower APRs than Wonga's short-term rate.
Crezu vs Nifty Loans
Nifty Loans (also known as Nifty Credit) is a short-term direct lender offering R250–R8 000 over 3–6 months at APRs between 24.75% and 60%. The lower end of Nifty's range is competitive for small instalment products, and the lender is known for a clean, straightforward application.
Crezu vs Nifty verdict: Nifty is a good choice if you want a single, transparent direct lender for small amounts. Crezu gives you the option of comparing Nifty-style products alongside lower-rate personal loan offers from bank-affiliated lenders in the same application — useful if you are unsure what amount or term suits you.
Crezu vs African Bank
African Bank is a fully licensed registered bank specialising in unsecured personal lending to South Africans across a broad income range. Loan amounts go from R2 000 up to R350 000, with terms of 3 to 72 months and rates of 15.5%–27.5% per annum. African Bank has physical branch access across South Africa and a mobile app.
Crezu vs African Bank verdict: African Bank is a strong choice for larger personal loans and borrowers who prefer dealing with a bank. However, its minimum of R2 000 excludes very small borrowing needs, and rates are not always the most competitive. Crezu's network may return African Bank-tier rates for similar amounts with the convenience of a single application comparing multiple lenders.
Crezu vs Capitec
Capitec is South Africa's largest retail bank by customer count and offers personal loans up to R500 000 at personalised rates from 13.5%–29% per annum over 7–84 months. Capitec's rates are among the most competitive in the market for qualifying borrowers, and the bank has an excellent mobile app and extensive ATM/branch network.
Crezu vs Capitec verdict: For borrowers who already bank with Capitec and have a good credit profile, applying directly via Capitec's app or branch may yield the most competitive rate. Crezu's advantage is breadth — if you do not bank with Capitec or want to simultaneously see what other lenders offer before committing, Crezu's comparison approach saves time.
Our Verdict: When to Choose Crezu
Choose Crezu when:
- You are unsure which lender will approve you and want to cast a wide net.
- You need a loan above R8 000 but want to compare rates before committing to a bank.
- You want to avoid multiple hard credit inquiries from applying directly to several lenders.
- You are exploring debt-consolidation or small-business finance options alongside personal loans.
Choose a direct lender when:
- You need a very small short-term advance (under R4 000) quickly — Wonga or Nifty may disburse faster.
- You are an existing Capitec or African Bank customer with a strong profile — personalised offers from your existing bank may be best.
FAQ — Comparison
Does Crezu include Capitec or African Bank in its lender network? [DATA NOT CONFIRMED — verify on crezu.co.za] Major banks typically do not participate in third-party aggregator networks; Crezu's network is more likely to include specialist online lenders and finance companies rather than retail banks.
Is Crezu cheaper than Wonga? Potentially yes — some lenders in Crezu's network offer APRs well below 60%, making them less expensive than Wonga's short-term product. The actual rate depends on your credit profile and the offer you receive.