Quick Facts

• Apply online, via SMS, or in-store at 170+ locations
• 0% interest available for up to 6 months
• Payment plans from 6 to 48 months
• Must be 18+ years old with valid SA ID
• Registered credit provider: NCRCP11158

What is a Russells Account?

A Russells account is a store credit account that lets you buy furniture and appliances now and pay for them over time. Russells is part of Pepkor Lifestyle and has over 170 stores across South Africa.

The credit is provided by Connect Financial Solutions, a registered credit provider (NCRCP11158). This is the same company that provides credit for Bradlows, HiFi Corp, Incredible Connection, and other stores.

What you can buy: Furniture (lounge suites, bedroom sets, dining tables), appliances (TVs, fridges, washing machines), and electrical items (computers, phones, kettles).

✅ Three Ways to Apply

Method 1: Apply via SMS (Fastest)

This is the quickest way to check if you qualify.

1. Send an SMS with your ID number to 39632
2. Wait for a response (usually within minutes)
3. If approved, visit any Russells store with your documents
4. Complete the application in-store

Method 2: Apply Online

Visit www.russells.co.za/apply-for-credit and complete the online form.

1. Fill in your personal details
2. Provide employment information
3. Upload required documents
4. Wait for approval notification

Method 3: Apply In-Store

Visit any of the 170+ Russells stores nationwide.

1. Bring all required documents (see below)
2. Speak to a sales consultant
3. Complete the application form
4. Get instant feedback on approval

Requirements & Documents Needed

Basic Requirements

• Must be 18 years or older
• South African citizen with valid ID, OR
• Foreign national with valid passport and work permit
• Must have regular income
• Must pass affordability assessment

Documents You Must Bring

Document	Details
ID Document	Certified copy of your SA ID or passport
Proof of Income	Latest payslip (not older than 3 months)
Bank Statements	Last 3 months’ bank statements
Proof of Address	Utility bill or bank statement (not older than 3 months)
Monthly Expenses	List of all your monthly costs
Insurance Documents	Household insurance OR you can take their Credit Life Insurance

⚠️ Costs & Fees You Need to Know

Interest Rates (as of October 2025)

• 0% interest for up to 6 months on certain purchases
• Standard interest rate varies by credit profile
• Maximum legal rate: 17.5% per year (as per National Credit Act)
• Rates can be higher or lower depending on your credit score

Additional Costs

Cost Type	Details
Initiation Fee	One-time fee when account opens
Service Fee	Monthly account maintenance fee
Credit Life Insurance	Included in monthly payment (optional if you have own insurance)
Delivery Fee	Not included in credit price – varies by location
VAT	15% added to all costs

Important: The total amount you pay back will be MORE than the price tag on the item. Always ask for the full credit price before you sign.

What Happens During Approval

Credit Check

Connect Financial Solutions will check your credit record with credit bureaus. They look at:

• Your payment history on other accounts
• How much debt you already have
• Whether you pay on time
• Any defaults or judgments against you

Affordability Assessment

This is required by law under the National Credit Act. They check if you can afford the monthly payments without struggling. They look at:

• Your monthly income
• Your monthly expenses
• Other debt payments
• How much money is left over

How Long Does Approval Take?

• SMS pre-qualification: A few minutes
• In-store application: Same day (usually 1-2 hours)
• Online application: 24-48 hours

✅ Alternative Payment Options

If Russells credit doesn’t work for you, or you want to compare options, here are alternatives available in South Africa as of 2025:

1. Payflex (via Russells)

Pay in 4 interest-free instalments over 6 weeks.

• No fees or interest
• Need SA ID and credit/debit card
• Payment every 2 weeks
• Available at Russells checkout

2. Mobicred

Online credit facility accepted at many stores.

• Revolving credit account
• Monthly payments
• Apply online at mobicred.co.za
• Use at multiple stores

3. Other Furniture Store Credit

• OK Furniture: Similar credit terms
• House & Home: 6-36 month plans
• Bradlows: Same credit provider as Russells
• Lewis Stores: Own credit facility

4. Save & Buy Cash

This is the cheapest option. Save money first, then buy. You avoid all interest and fees.

🚨 Important Warnings & Risks

Over-Indebtedness Risk

Store credit makes it easy to buy things you cannot afford. Think carefully before taking credit:

• Can you really afford the monthly payment?
• What if you lose your job or get sick?
• Do you NEED this item or just WANT it?
• Will you still be happy paying for it in 2 years?

Common Scams to Avoid

What Happens If You Don’t Pay

• Late payment fees added to your account
• Negative marks on your credit record
• Debt collectors will contact you
• Legal action and court judgments
• Salary garnishee orders
• Future credit applications will be declined

Your Consumer Rights

Under South African law (National Credit Act 34 of 2005 and Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008), you have important rights:

You Have the Right To:

• Receive a copy of your credit agreement in a language you understand
• Get a statement of your account every 3 months
• One free credit report per year from each credit bureau
• Know why your credit application was declined
• Dispute incorrect information on your credit report
• Be told the full cost of credit before you sign
• Not be charged more than the legal maximum interest rate
• Approach a debt counsellor if you’re over-indebted

Where to Get Help

Organisation	Contact
Russells Credit Dept	010 211 1120
Abacus Insurance (Claims)	claims@abacus-insurance.co.za
National Credit Regulator	0860 627 627
National Consumer Commission	0860 003 600
Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA)	0800 110 443
SABRIC (Fraud Reports)	www.sabric.co.za

Bottom Line: A Russells account can help you buy furniture and appliances when you need them. But credit always costs more than paying cash.

Before You Apply:

• Make sure you can afford the monthly payment
• Ask for the full credit price including all fees
• Compare with other stores and payment options
• Consider saving up to buy cash instead
• Never borrow more than you need

Remember: Under South African law (National Credit Act), Russells must check if you can afford the credit before approving you. If they give you credit you cannot afford, you can report them to the National Credit Regulator.