FAQ’s

No. Debt Counselling can be seen as the process of finding the best solution to your financial situation, while Debt Review is one of the possible options to help your financial situation.

Yes, debt counselling is an option despite your blacklisting or judgements. You have a right to approach a debt counsellor at any time you feel you need assistance with your debt.

No, due to the National Credit Regulator, every debt counsellor’s fees are regulated in terms of what they can charge for debt counselling fees, legal fees and admin fees. If you’d like more information about the fees structure, feel free to contact us or you can find information of the NCR website.

In terms of the registration conditions with the National Credit Regulator, a debt counsellor can’t be in possession or have access to a client’s funds. Exonerate makes use of a NCR registered Payment Distribution Agency (PDA) who manages our client’s payments and distributes it among the creditors in accordance with our agreement with the creditors.

No, and if you are using a debt counsellor who requires this, it is advisable to go elsewhere. All our fees are regulated by the NCR and we don’t charge upfront fees.

No, your new employer or potential employer won’t be able to find out that you’re under a debt counselling program. Likewise, with renting, as long as you qualify according to the rental agent’s agreement and can afford the monthly rent, your debt counselling program won’t affect this in anyway.

Debt Counsellors were introduced by the National Credit Act to help consumers who are in financial trouble. A debt counsellor should advise you on and recommend the best course of action for you to take in order to get out of debt.

Definitely not. The negative consequences of bankruptcy on your credit score and the financial impact it has is far worse than any impact Debt Review may have on your financial situation.

No, you do not become blacklisted when applying for debt review or while you are under debt review. This misconception comes from the fact that you won’t have access to credit facilities or be able to apply for credit while under debt review

No, certainly not. Each situation is treated in its own merit meaning that each situation will take a different amount of time. We aim to get you through the process within 36-60 months but it ultimately depends on you and what you can afford to pay monthly.

No, you will never need to appear in court for any reason. Your debt counsellor deals with all applications and legal needs on your behalf.

No, debt review will actually ensure that your assets are protected. While every situation is different, you will always be in a better position to keep your assets while under debt review.

Yes, otherwise we wouldn’t be around! In order for Debt Review to work though, we do need the cooperation of our clients. For the process to be successful, it’s important for you to understand that you also have a role to play, and it’s vital to be honest in your application.

No, the Debt Review process is there to help all and any over-indebted consumer. If you think this is something for you, don’t hesitate to contact Exonerate to find out more information.

To qualify for Debt Review, you need to have a monthly income as well as be over-indebted or about to be over-indebted. If you are unsure whether you qualify for debt review, contact Exonerate and we can clarify for you.

You will be listed on the Credit Bureaus resulting in you not being able to apply for new credit or continue to use existing credit facilities. No legal action is able to be taken against you while you are under debt review.

After the submission of your application form, your debt counsellor will notify your creditors that you’ve applied for debt review and this ensures that you are immediately protected against any legal action from your creditors. From this point forward, your creditors will also not be allowed to harass you for payments.

The National Credit Regulator (NCR) is a statutory body established by the National Credit Act in 2005. The NCR is responsible for the regulation of the South African credit industry. The NCA requires the NCR to promote the development of an accessible credit market and to ensure debt counsellors, the credit bureaus and credit providers are compliant with the Act.

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