7.7/10
Our Score
Rating Breakdown
203 reviews
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π‘οΈ Our Honest Take
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.
Latest Reviews (showing 40 of 203)
I have just received my clearanceβ¦
I have just received my clearance certificate, thanks to Meerkat for your prompt assistance. At first I was wondering if I would be helped because I was scammed before buy another company. But you delivered as promised. I really appreciate π
What made my experience work is thatβ¦
What made my experience work is that the company is always there and willing to assist and guide through the whole process. I made my profile in 2024 then they told me which debts do I need to pay for and which debt do I need prescribed letters for. This year I managed to get everything and pay off my debts my profile was still there and I am happy to say I got my clearance certificate a day after paying.
The Meerkat team was really efficient
The Meerkat team was really efficient. The te is friendly and very helpful.They do not have a long response waiting time and I was helped swiftly. REALLR GREAT SERBICE AND I WOULD RECOMMEND THEM ANYTIME!
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 canβt 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, Iβm 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 lastβ¦
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 inβ¦
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
Thank you Rizqa
I dealt with a kind,informative and sweet lady named Rizqa.She took her time and had all the patience with me ran me through the entire process i could feel her energy and could tell she was very much into making sure she lives by the βWe are looking out for youβ any concerns i have she gets back to me and provides advice and very good service to make sure i stay happy and calm.I want to thank her and i want to thank Meerkat for helping me on this difficult journey and bringing me peaceful nights.
Iβm happy with the service 1YR hasβ¦
Iβm happy with the service 1YR has passed cheers to debt free life
I have nothing to add
I have nothing to add
Always had friendly and professionalβ¦
Always had friendly and professional assistance from all staff that I had encounters with. Now that I am a debt free lady and can start living a normal life. Thank you to MEERKAT.
Disappointed, pure incompetence!
Just donβt. I have had the biggest headache using them. Their consultants Sharon and Kelly are always saying they are helping but few months later still having the same issues. Afraid that the Sheriff will come to my house of the companyβs incompetence. Really disappointed.
STAY AWAY
STAY AWAY! THEY SEND WRONG STATEMENTS AND THEN WONT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. WHEN YOU BELIEVE YOU PAID UP YOU'RE NOT BECAUSE THEY SEND INCORRECT STATEMENT. THEY LIE WHEN THEY SIGN YOU UP. BEEN WITH THEM 5 YEARS WORST MISTAKE I HAVE ALL THE COMMUNICATION TO BACK MY STATEMENTS UP
1 star is too much
1 star is too much . You charge an after care fee of R345 per month. What after care are you charging for. Iβve been trying to get information for the past (5 months with absolutely no success. Even the CEO has no courtesy of replying. Is it that heβs trying only interested in my money. I have a tranche of emails to support my statement of pathetic service from Meerkat. Iβm complaining to the NCR and other responsible authorities. Iβm stopping my debit suspending my debit order until I can get the service Iβm paying for.
4 MONTHS DEBT FREE - BUT STILL UNDER DEBT REVIEW - NEVER RECOMMEND MEERKAT TO ANYONE ELSE
Honestly - in the beginning - they great - a real 5 / 5 ...until you finish paying and then are no longer on debt review - you have to do their job for them when it comes to sending off the certified letters to all the credit bureaus to clear your name - and that's after 3 months of being debt free - and then you have to wait a further couple of months because the person you're dealing with isn't listening as to what documentation the creditors are looking for - like the form called WU17 - where Meerkat releases you from being their client due to your debt all being paid up. will I recommend people to head their way again for assistance - Hell no - at this rate, you can be paid up and still be on debt review to Meerkat for the rest of your life and they won't give a crap- no stars today! But then you can't post a review unless you give them a star...
Excellent Pest Control Service Follow Up by Meerkat Engineer
I am writing this review to recognize the outstanding experience my wife and I just had with Meerkat Pest Control Service in general and with their engineer Mike in particular. We had bat and flying squirrel exclusion services performed at our 15 year old log home in the Adirondacks last August. The services included a Full Warranty for 3 years. We called Meercat to let them know we were seeing signs that the bats/squirrels had returned recently. Based on some simple questions we answered, Meercat Customer Service promptly scheduled an inspection by one of their engineers. Engineer Mike came to the house today with everything he needed to complete this task, including an obvious expert knowledge of his job. Within 1/2 hour, he had pinpointed the additional entry point, completed the necessary actions to address the problem and scheduled a follow up inspection in near future to make sure the problem has been resolved. Aside from his clear technical skills, Mike was a pleasure to work with and provided valuable advice to help us understand the natural habits of these animals and how to maintain some of the prevention on our own going forward. Highly recommend this pest control service as a company who backs up their contract with a solid warranty and for hiring/keeping excellent professionals on as their staff.
Roger Marquard - 7106225745080 Ref: 2303042
I recently had the opportunity to engage with Zaida Ally and I'm very pleased with the service she provided with my refund and clearance certificate to have my name cleared from the credit bureaus... Excellent service!!
Thanks to Zaida
Thanks to Zaida, she's always willing to sort out my accounts ASAP.. Great work you doing appreciate it..
Reliable debt councilors.
Reliable debt councilors.
We need to be better informed about this process
All I can say is we clients need to be better informed about this process..sadly I had to cancel your services Couse it was gonna take years before I could afford any Credit again.in Amy case I would like to give Jack his flowers he has been of great help every step of the way and trustworthy I must say ..thank you Jack for your patients and professionalism...all the best in your feture endeavours and stay true to who u are..your are truely ethical in business..
Excellent service received from Rizqahβ¦
Excellent service received from Rizqah Cato. She is absolutely thorough and was patient with me through the entire process of me registering myself for debt review. Her service is absolutely amazing! Defs rating her a 10/10 for her excellent service and communication skills :)
The person that I mailed is just notβ¦
The person that I mailed is just not answering my e-mails.
Efficient effective servise
Effective and efficient service
Kelsey is absolutely excellent inβ¦
Kelsey is absolutely excellent in helping others. She is professional and kind, such a pleasure to de with her β€
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