Shackleton Credit
Credit management · 22 reviews
#35
Rank
3.1/10
Our Score
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✓ Loan amounts start as low as R500, useful for very small shortfalls
- ✓ Terms can stretch to 180 days, giving more repayment flexibility than many short-term lenders
- ✓ 35% per annum interest rate is not the highest we've seen in this market segment
- ✓ Covers a wide range of borrowing needs from a few hundred rand up to R9,000
Disadvantages
- ✗ Trust score of 1.9 out of 10 based on customer reviews we collected is extremely low
- ✗ Ranked 35th out of 37 lenders on our platform. That's near the bottom.
- ✗ No website we could locate, which makes it very difficult to verify terms, fees, or NCR registration independently
- ✗ No first loan free offer, unlike several competing lenders in this range
- ✗ Very limited customer review data available, which itself suggests low visibility and possibly low activity
About Shackleton Credit
If you're hunting for a short-term loan and Shackleton Credit has come up in your search, stop for a moment. We've looked at this lender carefully, and there's quite a bit you should know before you fill in any form. They offer loans from R500 up to R9,000 over terms ranging from a single day to 180 days, which on paper sounds flexible enough for most cash-flow emergencies.
But the picture gets murkier when you dig into the customer feedback we collected. Fourteen reviews is a small sample, but the trust score those reviews produced, 1.9 out of 10, is one of the lowest we've seen across all 37 lenders we currently track. That's not a number you can easily explain away.
We rated Shackleton Credit 3.1 out of 10, placing them 35th out of 37 lenders on our platform. Our honest take: there are almost certainly better options available to you, and we'd explore those first.
How Does Shackleton Credit Work?
1. You submit a loan application through Shackleton Credit directly, specifying the amount you need between R500 and R9,000 and your preferred repayment term up to 180 days.
2. They assess your application, which typically involves a credit check and a review of your income and banking history.
3. If approved, you'll receive a loan agreement outlining the full repayment amount, fees, and due dates. Read it carefully before signing anything.
4. Once you sign and return the agreement, funds are transferred to your bank account. Exact payout times are unclear based on available information.
5. Repayment is collected on the agreed date, usually via debit order against your bank account.
Requirements
- Must be 18 years or older with a valid South African ID
- Proof of a regular income, either employment or other verifiable source
- 3 months of recent bank statements showing income deposits
- An active South African bank account in your own name
- A working South African mobile number and email address
- Proof of residential address, such as a utility bill no older than 3 months
Who Is Shackleton Credit Best For?
Shackleton Credit targets people who need a relatively small amount of cash quickly and can't access a traditional bank loan. If you're employed, have a bank account that shows regular income, and need between R500 and R9,000 to cover an unexpected expense, you fit the profile they're looking for. That said, given the trust concerns we found, you should weigh other options seriously before applying here.
Is Shackleton Credit Safe & Legit?
Any legitimate credit provider operating in South Africa must be registered with the National Credit Regulator and comply with the National Credit Act. We were not able to confirm Shackleton Credit's current NCR registration status from publicly available information, which is itself a concern worth noting. Under the NCA, you have the right to a pre-agreement statement, a clear cost breakdown, and access to debt counselling if you're struggling to repay. If a lender won't provide those things, that's a red flag.
Registered Credit Provider (NCR)
Our Full Review
Let's talk about what 35% per annum actually means in rand terms, because it sounds reasonable until you work it out. On a loan of R5,000 over 90 days, you're looking at interest of roughly R431, so you'd repay around R5,431 before any initiation fees or monthly service charges are added. Those additional fees, which are regulated under the NCA but still add up, could push your total repayment noticeably higher. Always ask for the full cost before you sign.
The interest rate itself isn't the main problem here. Thirty-five percent per annum is actually on the lower end for short-term lenders in South Africa. So what is the problem?
The customer feedback we collected is the problem. A trust score of 1.9 out of 10 is not a rounding error. It reflects real people describing real experiences, and across the 14 reviews we looked at, the picture was not encouraging. We won't put words in anyone's mouth, but scores that low usually point to issues with communication, transparency, or how disputes get handled.
And then there's the website situation. We couldn't locate an active, functioning website for Shackleton Credit. For a lender, that's a significant red flag. How do you verify their NCR registration? How do you read their terms before applying? How do you contact them if something goes wrong? These are not small questions.
So is it worth applying? Honestly, we don't think so. Not when there are 34 other lenders on our platform who scored higher, have verifiable online presences, and have earned stronger trust from borrowers. If you're in a tight spot and need cash fast, we'd strongly suggest looking at the top 10 lenders in our rankings first. Shackleton Credit might work out fine, but the risk-to-reward ratio here doesn't justify it when better alternatives exist.
User Reviews (22)
Average rating: 1.0/5
My Capitec access fa...
My Capitec access facility and loan account has been paid up, for more than a year ago but Shakelton is requesting that I pay them before they remove my name off the credit bureau.
********* business behaviour of Shackleton credit management
I am writing to lodge a formal complaint and seek urgent assistance regarding the conduct of a company called Shackleton Credit Management. Approximately two years ago, I was contacted by this company, which claimed to be acting as legal representatives for Old Mutual. They informed me that I needed to make payment arrangements for a credit account I allegedly owed to Old Mutual from about eight years ago. Based on their representation, I initially believed they were genuine lawyers working on behalf of Old Mutual. However, I have since discovered that Shackleton Credit Management is not a law firm but rather a debt collection company that purchases old, closed, or written-off accounts. It appears they misrepresented themselves and used deceptive tactics to pressure me into paying money that I do not owe. Furthermore, they have threatened to blacklist me with the credit bureau or place my name under judgment if I fail to comply. I find this behaviour *********, misleading, and deeply distressing. I kindly request that your office to investigate this matter and advise on the appropriate steps I can take to protect myself from these unfair practices. Thank you for your attention and assistance in this matter. Yours sincerely Rebone Mosoma
Unapproved credit report
I would like to share my bad experience with shackleton on which they wrongfully put themselves on my credit record with Capitec, that was closed and written off. They did so without notifying me so that I could acknowledge it. How could they do such I'm very disappointed in how they operate.
Shackleton is a death trap
I paid up the debt in 2023, but up until now they dont want to remove the debt and when i contact transunion they say i should contact them so that they can send updated information to transunion. its been 2 years now fighting the same thing and it's affecting my score badly. i dont even qualify to buy a bubblegum on credit because of this.
Paid Up letter, Credit Bureau update.
Good day I paid my debt finished at the end of July. I was promised i would get a paid up letter as soon as i make the last payment. I have sent numerous emails to ask for the the paid up letter. This company put a red flag on my name and i made arrangements with them. On my credit bureau it still shows I am owing R1800 which is not the case. Please help me in this regard. I don't know what to do anymore. Trisha Briekwa
Oppressing poor Consumers/South Africans
These people are demanding payment for what I believe is a prescribed account. They claim that the account I took is accumulating more than R2,000 in charges every month. They also say that the account was handed over to them by Capitec in 2021.Companies like this are te reason why people are drowining in debts.Millions of South africans leave their jobs,their loved ones and more because of companies like this I woneder if what they are doing can be done to their loved ones or them how will they take it.God is not a fool what goes around comes around.
****!
This people wrong fully put themselves on my credit report with an absa account that was closed and written off. Not even once have they called me....claiming my installment to be R86k per month. Imagine! Mind you I never acknowledged anything with them, how did they access my credit report and put themselves there?
Trying to collect on a Prescribed account
******* debt collectors. They force to collect on a Capitec debt that was prescribed 10 years ago. I refer the matter to Council for debt collectors for intervention. i advise you to refer your matters to council of debt collectors.
Very bad service
Shackleton its been almost a year now that ive paid up my account with you an you still fail to get this bad fleg of my credit report this is so unacceptable that you do to people this poor service
*****sters.
Never been contacted by them,not listed on itc,the adress on defendant does not exist ,so I've never recieved any summons!!!!.I don't Evan owe the amount listed don't know who it is ?.today all my savings and bank accounts were frozen .I'm clear on itc for years.ffs
I never acknowledged any debt with Shackleton
This company have a very bad service first they gave me red flag on my credit report without calling me even once but always sending sms lying that they tried numerous times to contact me without success and when I call they keep on saying they are transferring me to Rebecca where I hold for more than 15 minutes without success.
Wrongful Debt
In August of 2024 I was listed by them for Debt Cleared in 2022, It took me 3 Months to get this sorted after their mistake. Behold Today the 22nd of May 2025 they did it again, After calling them they said I have to wait till Monday for assistance as the person is not in today. I can not believe that this is happening again. They are the most pathetic company ever and I can't believe I am still struggling with this. It has destroyed my credit and they just don't care!
Prescribed debt one account listed twice
I have jut gotten my credit report. And see that an prescribed account is still reflecting on my credit report after more than 10years. Capitec can you please assist with getting this removed. when i phone i am being transferred from one person to another. You also sold this account to Shackleton as per my understanding, and yet again now it is reflecting twice for the same account, this is *******: As per The Transunion report the account number is 1400**** According to the Prescription Act 68 of 1969, a debt is prescribed
************
The most ************ debt collection agent by far!!
***** company that messes up peoples credit scores
This company put an account i closed on my credit report for an account they could see was closed on their side just because they did not get a paid-up letter. Now i have a bad record on my report which has affected my score, and their rude and unprofessional agents are unhelpful and refuse to have this information they put on my credit removed.!!!!
stop asking am helping some people while i didnt get any help
Good Day since last year asking for your help so you didn't help me, and someone send me to you and he told me you will be able to help me but no you didn't help me .so i am so disappointed at you Hello Peter Regards Ms N Ma*****e
BAD BAD BAD SERVICE
I'm trying to get a paid up letter for the past 3 weeks but with no assistance at all it's the poorest customer service I have ever received call them every day and they promise to email within 10 minutes up until today nothing do not know what to do please please please please assist me. Ms L Wannies
HORRIBLE SERVICE!!!!
These people are absolute ****** with no regard for consumer rights, I had to call them 3 times outside of my work time for this agent to tell me I'm owing 7% more than originally stated and what's according to clear score, they want to swindle me out of every penny, I owed R17k this agent told me I owe R22k?!!!!!!! I'm so frustrated at these people. They don't even attend to these complaints online it's all falling on deaf ears, they have a 1 star rating for crying out loud. The previous company I dealt with gave me a whopping 38%, they could barely offer me 10%. Greedy, inconsiderate, unfair ******. This agent didn't even try and find resolutions to the issue we had, he was just focused on getting as much commission out of me as he could. Pathetic service, claptomaniac mentality, this is absolutely HORRIBLE!!!
Duplicate information on my credit profile
My credit profile is showing duplicate information, two identical accounts are appearing on my profile for the same debts. Kindly attend to this please update this. There's only one loan I took from capitec which was handed over to you due to non payment, it's not two accounts.
Paid up letter
I had a Boodle loan which was handed over to Shecklton and now I desperately need a paid up letter and am not getting any assistance. Boodle does seem to have direct contact which is strange on its own. I just need that paid up letter to forward to Boodle Loans. ID no **********085
Showing 20 of 22 reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I borrow from Shackleton Credit?
Shackleton Credit offers loans from R500 up to R9,000. That range covers most short-term emergency needs, from a small grocery shortfall to a bigger unexpected bill.
What interest rate does Shackleton Credit charge?
They charge 35% per annum. To put that in context, that's actually not the highest rate in the short-term lending market, but you still need to factor in initiation fees and monthly service charges, which the NCA permits lenders to add on top of the interest.
How fast does Shackleton Credit pay out?
We couldn't confirm exact payout times from available information. Without an active website or clear documentation, it's difficult to say whether they pay out same-day or within a few business days. That lack of clarity is itself a concern.
Is Shackleton Credit registered with the NCR?
We could not independently verify their NCR registration from publicly available sources. Any lender operating legally in South Africa must be registered with the National Credit Regulator, and you can check the NCR website directly to confirm any lender's status before you apply.
Can I get a Shackleton Credit loan with bad credit?
Short-term lenders in this segment often have more flexible credit criteria than banks, and Shackleton Credit likely considers applicants who wouldn't qualify for a traditional loan. But without clear information on their credit policy, we can't confirm exactly where they draw the line.
What documents do I need?
You'll generally need a valid South African ID, your 3 most recent bank statements, proof of income, proof of address dated within the last 3 months, and an active bank account in your own name.