Best Debt Counselling & Debt Review in South Africa

If your monthly debt repayments have become unmanageable, you're not alone — and there's a legal way out. Debt counselling (also called debt review) is a process under the National Credit Act that consolidates your debts into one reduced monthly payment and legally protects you from creditors taking action. This guide compares South Africa's registered debt counsellors and explains how it works.

How debt review works

A registered debt counsellor assesses your income, expenses and debts, then negotiates with your creditors to reduce your instalments and interest. You make one affordable monthly payment to a payment distribution agency, which pays your creditors. While you're under debt review:

• You're protected from legal action and repossession on the debts in the plan.
• You cannot take on new credit until you complete the process.
• Once all debts are settled, you receive a clearance certificate and your credit record is updated.

It's a serious step — but for genuinely over-indebted consumers, it's far better than missing payments and facing judgments. First, check your credit score to understand your position.

How we chose

We compared registered debt counsellors on service, results, trust and support. All must be registered with the National Credit Regulator (NCR); fees are regulated. Ratings are Rateweb's editorial opinion.

The best debt counsellors at a glance

• Best overall — DebtBusters. SA's largest debt counsellor, with a strong track record and a free assessment.
• Best service — Debt Rescue. A long-established, well-rated counsellor.
• Strong digital options — National Debt Advisors & Meerkat.

Compare the counsellors below — all offer a free, no-obligation assessment.

Is debt review right for you?

• It helps if you have a regular income but can't keep up with all your repayments.
• It's not a loan or a way to write off debt — you still repay what you owe, just affordably.
• Avoid new credit while under review, and stick to the plan to complete it.
• Use a registered counsellor — check NCR registration before signing anything.

Frequently asked questions

Will debt review blacklist me?

You're flagged as under debt review while in the process, which prevents new credit — but once you complete it and get your clearance certificate, that flag is removed and your record is updated.

How much does debt counselling cost?

Fees are regulated under the National Credit Act and are built into your reduced monthly payment, so most counsellors offer a free assessment with no upfront cost.

Can creditors still take legal action?

Once you're under debt review, you're protected from legal action on the debts included in your plan, as long as you keep up the agreed payments.

Next steps

Compare the registered counsellors below and start with a free assessment. To rebuild afterwards, see our guides to bank accounts and saving. This is general information, not financial or legal advice.