Meerkat
Debt Counselling · 200 reviews
#9
Rank
7.7/10
Our Score
How we rate
Each lender is scored out of 10 across five weighted factors: customer reviews (35%), loan terms & cost (25%), transparency (15%), NCR registration (15%), and customer support (10%). We are independent and never accept payment for higher rankings. Read full methodology →
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Debt Counselling Terms
Min Debt
Any amount
Process Length
36–60 months
Initial Fee
NCR-regulated
Monthly Fee
NCR-regulated
NCR Number
Not listed
Services Offered
- ✓Debt Management
- ✓Credit Life Insurance
- ✓Funeral Cover
- ✓Savings Plan
Top Loans from Our Experts
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✓ Fully digital process with no paperwork required, making it accessible to consumers across South Africa
- ✓ Broad financial services offering including Credit Life Insurance, Funeral Cover, and a Savings Plan alongside debt management
- ✓ Positive customer experiences reported around debt review clearance certificates being issued efficiently
- ✓ Simple and straightforward online application process suited to busy consumers
- ✓ Debt review process timeline of 36 to 60 months is consistent with industry norms under the NCA
- ✓ Company publicly commits to genuine, measurable improvements in customers' financial lives
- ✓ Some customers report professional, efficient, and caring service from support staff
Disadvantages
- ✗ No physical branches, which makes in-person consultations impossible for consumers who prefer face-to-face support
- ✗ Customer reviews mention high staff turnover, leading to inconsistent case management and communication
- ✗ Some consumers report being contacted repeatedly without consent, raising concerns about marketing practices
- ✗ NCR registration number (NCRDC format) is not publicly prominent on available platforms, making independent verification harder for prospective clients
- ✗ Specific fee structures are not transparently published, which can make upfront cost comparisons difficult
- ✗ Being under formal debt review restricts your ability to access any new credit for the duration of the process
- ✗ Mixed customer feedback suggests service quality may vary depending on the assigned counsellor or case handler
About Meerkat
Meerkat is a South African financial services provider with a focus on making personal finance simpler and more accessible. Operating entirely online at meerkat.co.za, the company positions itself as a new-generation alternative to traditional debt counselling firms, emphasising a paperwork-free application process and fast turnaround times. Beyond debt management, Meerkat also offers Credit Life Insurance, Funeral Cover, and a Savings Plan, making it a broader financial wellness platform rather than a standalone debt counsellor.
For consumers who are struggling to keep up with multiple debt repayments each month, Meerkat's core debt management service is designed to help restructure those obligations into a single, more affordable monthly payment. The process is guided by the framework of the National Credit Act (NCA) 34 of 2005, which provides legal protection to consumers who are formally declared over-indebted under Section 86 of the Act.
Meerkat targets South Africans who earn a regular income but find themselves overwhelmed by credit card debt, personal loans, vehicle finance, or other credit agreements. The brand's digital-first approach suits consumers who prefer managing their finances remotely, though this has drawn some criticism from those who prefer face-to-face engagement with their debt counsellor.
How Does Meerkat Work?
The debt review process begins with an initial consultation where Meerkat assesses your income, living expenses, and total debt obligations to determine whether you qualify as over-indebted under Section 86 of the National Credit Act. Once over-indebtedness is confirmed, a registered debt counsellor negotiates directly with your creditors to restructure your repayment terms, aiming to reduce monthly instalments and, where possible, secure lower interest rates. A formal debt repayment proposal is submitted to your creditors and, once agreed upon, is made a court order, providing you with legal protection against creditor action for the duration of the review. You then make a single consolidated monthly payment, which is distributed to your creditors via a Payment Distribution Agency (PDA) until all included debts are settled in full.
Requirements
- South African resident with a valid South African ID document
- Proof of regular income such as recent payslips or bank statements
- A complete and accurate list of all current creditors and outstanding balances
- Three to six months of recent bank statements to support an affordability assessment
- Confirmation that your monthly debt repayments exceed what you can reasonably afford after basic living expenses
- Proof of residence such as a utility bill or lease agreement not older than three months
- You must not already be subject to a sequestration order or administration order
Who Is Meerkat Best For?
Meerkat's debt management service is best suited to South African consumers who earn a stable monthly income but are consistently unable to meet all their debt repayments after covering essential living costs. It is particularly relevant for individuals carrying multiple credit agreements such as personal loans, store accounts, vehicle finance, or credit cards, who need a structured and legally protected path to becoming debt-free. Consumers who are comfortable managing their financial affairs digitally and do not require in-person branch support will find Meerkat's online-first model most convenient.
Is Meerkat Safe & Legit?
Debt counselling in South Africa is a regulated profession governed by the National Credit Act 34 of 2005, and all debt counsellors must be registered with the National Credit Regulator (NCR) and hold a valid NCRDC registration number. Once you are formally placed under debt review via a Section 86 application, creditors are legally prohibited from taking further legal action or repossessing assets while the review is active, providing meaningful consumer protection. Prospective clients are advised to request and independently verify Meerkat's NCR registration number directly with the NCR before signing any agreement or paying any fees.
Registered Credit Provider (NCR)
Our Full Review
Meerkat is a digitally driven South African financial services company that offers debt management alongside complementary products including Credit Life Insurance, Funeral Cover, and a Savings Plan. The brand markets itself as a new-generation alternative in the personal finance space, prioritising simplicity, speed, and a fully online experience. For South Africans drowning in monthly debt obligations, the promise of a structured, paperwork-free path to financial relief is understandably appealing.
The debt management process Meerkat follows is underpinned by the National Credit Act 34 of 2005. Under Section 86 of the Act, a registered debt counsellor formally applies for debt review on a consumer's behalf, notifying all relevant credit providers. From that point, the debt counsellor negotiates reduced repayment terms, and the restructured plan is ultimately confirmed as a court order. Monthly payments are consolidated and distributed to creditors through a registered Payment Distribution Agency. The process typically runs between 36 and 60 months, depending on the total debt load and negotiated terms. Meerkat's online model means all consultations, documentation, and communications are handled remotely, which suits consumers in areas far from urban financial service centres.
In terms of fees, the NCR sets clear guidelines for what debt counsellors may charge. These include a once-off restructuring fee and a monthly aftercare fee, which the NCR typically caps at five percent of the monthly distribution amount, subject to a rand ceiling. Meerkat's specific fee schedule was not publicly available at the time of this review, and prospective clients should request a full fee disclosure in writing before committing. Transparency around NCR registration details, particularly the NCRDC number, is also important for consumers to verify independently via the NCR's official register.
Customer feedback for Meerkat presents a mixed picture. On the positive side, several clients describe responsive, professional service and praise the company for delivering clearance certificates efficiently, an outcome that matters enormously to consumers who have completed their debt review journey. However, a meaningful number of negative reviews cite high staff turnover as a recurring frustration, with clients finding themselves dealing with a new case handler frequently. Some consumers also report being contacted persistently by Meerkat without having sought out the service, which raises questions about consent and marketing practices.
Overall, Meerkat offers a legitimate and accessible route into debt review for over-indebted South Africans, with a digital model that reduces friction in the application process. The broader product suite, including insurance and savings, reflects a genuine attempt to support long-term financial wellness rather than simply managing debt in isolation. That said, consumers should request full fee disclosure upfront, confirm NCR registration independently, and clarify how their case will be managed if staff changes occur. As with any debt counselling service, debt review is a serious, multi-year commitment that will affect your credit profile for its duration, but it does provide legal protection and a structured path to being debt-free.
User Reviews (200)
What is the purpose of the company if debts aren't being settled.
There is no branch to go in and speak to anyone directly. There is contant staff turn over so you never know who you dealing with because one month its this person the next month its someone new or different. I have been contacted directly by my Creditors stating that no payments have been received in 2years however I am sent monthly statements from HYPHEN PDA on behalf of Meerkat reflecting monies allocated and paid. The information is contradictory, the service I general is not pleasant as I have been with Meerkat since 2021 and we are now in 2026 and the last communication received from Meerkat was as per 2023, 3years ago. Not a single one of my debts have been settled in the past 5years, so what is the purpose of their services, I could have entered into agreements with the Creditors directly.
Thank you for Excellent Customer Service
I am writing to express my sincere thanks for the outstanding customer service I recently received. From start to finish the experience was handled with professionalism, efficiency and genuine care. Your team demonstrated a clear commitment to helping customers, and the attention to detail and responsiveness truly stood out. It is refreshing to interact with a company that values its customers and consistently delivers such a high standard of service. Please pass along my appreciation to everyone involved. Experiences like this build trust and loyalty, and I would not hesitate to recommend your company to others. Thank you again for your excellent service. Kind regards Charmaine Maharaj
Fantastic service
Fantastic service and we got a great new car from them. Very helpful even though they were busy and got a great new car. The cars they had were reasonably priced and they updated the rego as was going out of date 2 weeks after purchase.
USELESS App
I purchased 2 travel insurance, 1 was single trip then an annual multi trip insurance, as a result I was able to get this app as a reward for my purchase To start with, it took months and several contacts with their CS to be able to log in. When I was finally able to log in the codes were either not generated or not accepted. I had to endure the embarrassment infront of customers and the staffs without being able to get the reward. Contacting their CS is useless as they can’t help you, they will tell you they need to discuss the issue with the manager which is too late for me. Today they sent me an email asking me to provide very sensitive details in order to give me the discount, they almost wanted me to hand them my bank details in return I will get the pennies of rewards they offer, so thank you for being useless, I’m not going to risk getting hacked just for few pennies you offer me Im deleting your App soon
Meerkat did magic for me,i applied last…
Meerkat did magic for me,i applied last week for debt review clearance certificate and this week on Monday boom! My certificate whereas other companies were dishonest and scaming! I will recommend many clients to this company honestly... Thank you Meerkat keep it up.
They'll never leave you alone.
I have been getting calls from this company for nearly 2 years, ironically since I bought my house so I assume it is because of my bond that makes it look like I have a lot of debt. I have asked each time for my details to be removed but they continue to call me.
Good thing It was the best option for me
Look through my display name for assistance like i did too
I made a enquiry online and ever since been relentlessly harrassed
I made a enquiry online. Then a very helpful lady from meerkat contacted me. We had a discussion and then she wanted me to talk to my husband to see if we wanted to go this route ot sort our own debt out. We decided best to sort our own debt out, as we dont know what the future holds. So i paid for two big debts on my name finished. Then meerkat phones me and i said thank you but i have settled my debt, i cant affort another 5 year debt extended. This was last year 2023. Then since 2024 started i have receivef mukyuple calls a hay harrassing me saying , no yhey just want to help, even though i daid ive paid my debt myself 5 minutes later another consultant would call, and this would happen throught the days and days to come. I whatsapped the first lady who contacted me via my anitual enquiry and asked her to please tell the other staff to stop calling 3 to 5 times a day. It did not help. I will be at work in a meeting and tgey callinf, i say im not inrerrested ans they phone back 5 times in a row. Making me look unprofessional at work. They kept harrassing me to the point i had to bkock all numbers coming from them. They must Stop trying to force people into debt review just over a enquiry. No means NO.
Why Meerkat?
They stand for what they say. I feel safe doing business with them. Keep up the excellent customer care you have.
It is the best service I have ever had
It is the best service I have ever had
Communication
Communication 1. Updates - call, email & sms 2. Monthly feedback 3. Warning against fraudsters 4. Updated statement on account Balances.
Your staff is excellent
Your staff is excellent. I started the process with Ondela who was very patient with me and very helpful. I am currently dealing with Amanda who is a darling and seeing me through my last settlements. Thank you so much.
They have been super supportive in…
They have been super supportive in helping me get all the paperwork sorted(Kickstart). They would also follow up with me which is great :) All reps are super friendly and helpful even my last call, offering the saving option. I would like another follow-up at up end of the month, as I have one more question.
Clearance Certificate
Am happy with the services from debt review flag to clearance Certificate that was quick, l can't believe am clean . Thank you so much
Excellent service
Excellent service
It is very bad
It is very bad. Meerkat does not respond to clients emails promptly
My journey to financially freedom
Meerkat helped me to live it was difficult for me to sustain leaving I even won some money because of saving for rainy days.
Appreciation
Meerkat has made my life a bit easier. They are so reliable. Every month I receive a statement of payment to make sure everything is in order. Thank you for your service.
One payment
Able to consolidate my loans into one payment. Soon to be debt free.
Very helpful
Very helpful
Showing 20 of 200 reviews
Contact Meerkat
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does Meerkat offer?
Meerkat offers Debt Management, Credit Life Insurance, Funeral Cover, and a Savings Plan. Their debt management service is designed to help over-indebted South Africans restructure their monthly repayments into a single, more affordable payment under the framework of the National Credit Act.
Is Meerkat registered with the National Credit Regulator?
All debt counsellors operating legally in South Africa must be registered with the National Credit Regulator (NCR) and hold an NCRDC registration number. Prospective clients should request Meerkat's NCRDC number directly and verify it on the NCR's official register at ncr.org.za before entering into any agreement.
How long does the debt review process take with Meerkat?
The debt review process typically takes between 36 and 60 months, depending on the total amount of debt included in the review and the repayment terms negotiated with creditors. Once all included debts are paid in full, you will receive a clearance certificate confirming your completion of the process.
What fees does Meerkat charge for debt counselling?
The National Credit Regulator sets maximum fee guidelines for all registered debt counsellors. These generally include a once-off restructuring fee and a monthly aftercare fee, which is typically capped at five percent of your monthly distribution amount. Meerkat's specific fee schedule was not publicly available at the time of this review, so you should request a written fee breakdown before signing up.
Can I take out new credit while under debt review?
No. Once you are formally placed under debt review under Section 86 of the National Credit Act, you are legally prohibited from applying for or taking on any new credit for the duration of the review period. This restriction is lifted only once your clearance certificate has been issued.
What happens when I complete the debt review?
When all debts included in your debt review plan have been settled in full, your debt counsellor issues a clearance certificate. This certificate is submitted to the credit bureaus, and your debt review status is removed from your credit profile, allowing you to access credit again in the future.
Does Meerkat have physical branches?
Meerkat operates as a digital-first business with no physical branch network. All applications, consultations, and ongoing case management are handled online or via phone. While this makes the service more accessible for many South Africans, consumers who prefer in-person support may find this a limitation.
Will debt review affect my credit record?
Yes. Once you are placed under formal debt review, this status is recorded at all major credit bureaus in South Africa. You will not be able to access new credit during this period. However, the debt review flag is removed from your credit profile once you receive your clearance certificate at the end of the process.