How to Apply for Old Mutual Money Loan
Complete guide for South African residents
Last updated: December 2024
Quick Facts
- Borrow R2,000 to R250,000
- Repay over 3 to 72 months
- Fixed interest rates up to 28% per year
- Apply online, by phone, or in branch
- Money paid within 24-48 hours if approved
Table of Contents
What Is Old Mutual
Old Mutual is one of South Africa’s oldest financial companies. It started in 1845 in Cape Town. Today, it offers many services including bank accounts and loans.
Old Mutual Finance is registered with the National Credit Regulator. Their NCR number is NCRCP35. This means they follow South African credit laws.
The company offers the Money Account. This is a bank account with two parts. One part is for daily transactions. The other part is for saving money. The account costs only R5.25 per month.
Old Mutual also offers personal loans. You can apply through the Money Account app. You can also apply online, by phone, or in a branch.
Types of Old Mutual Loans
Old Mutual offers three main types of loans:
1. Personal Loans
This is a one-time loan. You get the full amount at once. You pay it back in fixed monthly amounts. The interest rate stays the same.
Use personal loans for emergencies, home improvements, or consolidating debt. You can borrow R2,000 to R250,000.
2. Revolving Loans
This works like a credit card. You get approved for a maximum amount. You can borrow and repay as needed. You only pay interest on what you use.
When you repay money, you can borrow it again. You don’t need to reapply. The maximum revolving loan is R250,000.
3. Debt Consolidation Loans
This combines multiple debts into one loan. You close other credit accounts. You make one payment instead of many. This can save money if the interest rate is lower.
✅ Who Qualifies for Old Mutual Loans
To get an Old Mutual loan, you must meet these requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Between 18 and 60 years old |
| Citizenship | South African citizen or permanent resident |
| Income | Earn at least R2,500 per month before deductions |
| Employment | Permanently employed or on contract for 3+ months |
| Bank Account | Active South African bank account |
| ID Document | Valid green bar-coded ID or Smart ID card |
| Credit Record | Not under debt review or blacklisted |
What Will Disqualify You
You cannot get a loan if you:
- Are under debt review
- Have been declared bankrupt (sequestrated)
- Have a very bad credit history
- Cannot afford the monthly payments
- Give false information on your application
How Much Can You Borrow
Old Mutual offers flexible loan amounts and repayment periods:
| Feature | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum Loan | R2,000 |
| Maximum Loan | R250,000 |
| Shortest Repayment | 3 months |
| Longest Repayment | 72 months (6 years) |
The amount you qualify for depends on:
- Your monthly income
- Your monthly expenses
- Your credit score
- Your existing debts
- Your employment history
First-time borrowers usually get smaller amounts. If you repay well, you can qualify for larger loans later.
⚠️ Costs and Fees Explained
Understanding the full cost of your loan is very important. Here are all the fees you will pay:
Interest Rate
Old Mutual charges fixed interest rates. The rate stays the same for your entire loan. The maximum rate allowed is 28% per year. Your actual rate depends on your credit score.
Initiation Fee
This is a one-time fee when you get the loan. It covers the cost of setting up your loan. The fee is charged once at the beginning.
Monthly Service Fee
You pay R60 plus VAT every month. This works out to about R69 per month. This fee covers administration costs.
Credit Life Insurance
For loans longer than 12 months, you must have credit life insurance. This costs about R4.50 per R1,000 borrowed. The insurance pays your loan if you die, become disabled, or lose your job.
Real Example: R5,000 Loan for 3 Months
| Amount Borrowed | R5,000 |
| Interest (3 months) | R348.16 |
| Initiation Fee | R649.75 |
| Monthly Fees (R69 x 3) | R207 |
| Total You Pay Back | R6,204.91 |
Real Example: R100,000 Loan for 3 Years
| Amount Borrowed | R100,000 |
| Monthly Payment | R3,686 |
| Initiation Fee | R1,197 |
| Total Admin Fees (36 months) | R2,448 |
| Total Interest Paid | R30,169 |
| Total Credit Life Insurance | R16,394 |
| Total You Pay Back | R150,208 |
✅ How to Apply for Old Mutual Loan
Old Mutual offers four ways to apply for a loan:
Method 1: Online Application
Step 1: Visit https://www.oldmutualfinance.co.za/personal-loans/apply
Step 2: Click “Apply Now” button
Step 3: Fill in your personal details (name, ID number, contact information)
Step 4: Enter your employment information (employer name, salary, start date)
Step 5: Choose your loan amount and repayment period
Step 6: Upload required documents
Step 7: Submit application and wait for response
Method 2: Phone Application
Step 1: Call 0860 000 866
Step 2: Speak to a consultant
Step 3: Provide your information over the phone
Step 4: The consultant will guide you through the process
Method 3: WhatsApp Application
Send a message to 0860 933 333 on WhatsApp. A consultant will help you apply.
Method 4: In-Branch Application
Step 1: Find your nearest Old Mutual branch
Step 2: Bring all required documents
Step 3: Speak to a consultant who will help you apply
Step 4: Fill in the application form together
Method 5: Money Account App
If you have an Old Mutual Money Account:
Step 1: Open the Money Account app
Step 2: Go to the Loans section
Step 3: Answer quick questions for pre-screening
Step 4: A consultant will call you to complete the application
Required Documents
Gather these documents before you apply:
| Document | Requirements |
|---|---|
| ID Document | Valid South African ID or Smart ID card (both sides) |
| Proof of Income | Latest payslip (not older than 1 month) |
| Bank Statements | Last 3 months (not older than 7 days, must show salary deposits) |
| Proof of Address | Recent utility bill or bank statement (may be requested) |
Document Tips
- All documents must be clear and readable
- Bank statements must show your name and account number
- Payslips must show your employer name and salary amount
- Make sure all information matches across documents
- Do not send fake or altered documents
Providing fake documents is fraud. This is a criminal offence. You will be blacklisted and could face jail time.
🚨 CRITICAL: Avoid Old Mutual Loan Scams
Scammers are using Old Mutual’s name to steal money from people. Here’s how to protect yourself:
NEVER Pay Money Upfront
OLD MUTUAL WILL NEVER ASK FOR UPFRONT FEES
Scammers send emails or messages offering loans at very low rates (2% to 4%). They ask you to pay an “admin fee” or “processing fee” first. Once you pay, they disappear.
Common Scam Tactics
- Guaranteed approval: Real lenders check your credit. Scammers promise approval to everyone.
- Too-good-to-be-true rates: Offers of 2% or 3% interest are fake. Real rates are much higher.
- Urgent pressure: “Apply now or offer expires” creates false urgency.
- Bad credit welcome: Scammers target people who can’t get real loans.
- Fake emails: Addresses like contact@oldmutual-finance.com (note the hyphen) are not real.
New Scam Alert: Deepfake Fraud
Scammers now use AI to create fake videos and voice messages. They make it look like Old Mutual executives are offering special deals. These are completely fake.
Vishing (Voice Phishing) Scams
Scammers call pretending to be from Old Mutual. They ask for your CVV number, PIN, or OTP (one-time password).
Old Mutual will NEVER ask for your CVV, PIN, or OTP over the phone.
Fake Recruitment Scams
Scammers claim to be Old Mutual recruiters. They offer jobs but ask for fees for “background checks.” Old Mutual never charges recruitment fees.
How to Verify Real Old Mutual Contact
| Contact Method | Official Details |
|---|---|
| Website | www.oldmutualfinance.co.za (no hyphens) |
| Phone | 0860 000 866 |
| 0860 933 333 | |
| NCR Registration | NCRCP35 |
If You’ve Been Scammed
Report immediately to:
- SAPS (Police): Report at your nearest police station or email 419scam@saps.org.za
- Old Mutual Fraud: Email gfs@oldmutual.com
- SAFPS Scam Hotline: Call 083 123 7226
- National Credit Regulator: Call 0860 627 627
Repayment Information
How Repayment Works
Old Mutual takes payment via debit order from your bank account. The debit order goes off on your pay date each month.
When Does Your First Payment Happen
- If your loan pays out more than 14 days before pay day: First payment same month
- If your loan pays out within 14 days of pay day: First payment next month
Can You Pay Extra
Yes! You can pay extra or pay off your loan early. This saves you money on interest. Old Mutual does not charge penalties for early repayment.
What If You Miss a Payment
Missing payments has serious consequences:
- Late payment fees are charged
- Your credit score drops
- You may be blacklisted
- Old Mutual can take legal action
- Your salary can be garnished
Having Trouble Paying
If you cannot pay, contact Old Mutual immediately. They may be able to:
- Extend your loan term (lower monthly payments)
- Give you a payment holiday
- Restructure your debt
Do not ignore the problem. Contact them on 0860 000 866.
✅ Alternative Loan Options
Before taking an Old Mutual loan, consider these alternatives:
Other Banks and Lenders
| Lender | Features |
|---|---|
| Capitec | R1,000 to R250,000, good for bad credit |
| African Bank | R1,000 to R350,000, competitive rates |
| Standard Bank | R10,000 to R300,000, existing customers get better rates |
| FNB | R3,000 to R250,000, quick approval |
Non-Loan Alternatives
- Emergency Savings: Try to save money for emergencies instead of borrowing
- Stokvel: Join a savings club with friends or family
- Ask Family: Borrow from family (cheaper than loans)
- Sell Items: Sell things you don’t need anymore
- Side Income: Find extra work to earn more money
Your Consumer Rights
The National Credit Act protects you when borrowing money. You have these rights:
Right to Information
- Get all information in clear language you understand
- Know why your application was declined
- Receive copies of all documents you sign
- Get monthly statements at no cost
Right to Fair Treatment
- Not be discriminated against
- Have your affordability properly assessed
- Not be given a loan you cannot afford (reckless lending)
- Apply for debt counselling if over-indebted
Right to Privacy
- Your personal information must be protected
- Get one free credit report per year
- Dispute incorrect information on your credit record
- Know who has accessed your credit information
Protection Against Reckless Lending
Old Mutual must check if you can afford the loan. If they give you a loan you cannot afford, this is reckless lending. The lender can be penalized and may lose the right to collect the debt.
However: You must provide honest information. If you lie on your application, you are not protected.
⚠️ How to Make a Complaint
If you have a problem with Old Mutual, follow these steps:
Step 1: Contact Old Mutual First
Call: 0860 000 866
Email: Available through their website
Give them 20 business days to respond.
Step 2: Banking Ombudsman
If Old Mutual doesn’t solve your problem:
| Phone: | 0860 800 900 |
| Email: | info@obssa.co.za |
| Website: | www.obssa.co.za |
Step 3: National Credit Regulator
For credit-related complaints:
| Phone: | 0860 627 627 |
| Email: | complaints@ncr.org.za |
| Website: | www.ncr.org.za |
What Information to Provide
- Your name and contact details
- Your loan account number
- Details of the problem
- Copies of relevant documents
- Steps you’ve already taken
- What you want as a solution
Our Final Recommendations
Old Mutual is a legitimate, NCR-registered lender with over 175 years of history. They offer reasonable loan options for South Africans who need credit.
Before you apply:
- Make sure you can afford the monthly payments
- Compare rates from at least three different lenders
- Choose the shortest repayment period you can afford
- Only borrow what you really need
- Never pay upfront fees to anyone
Remember: All loans cost money. Only borrow if you have no other option. Consider saving money instead of borrowing when possible.
Stay safe: Always verify you are dealing with the real Old Mutual. Check their NCR registration number (NCRCP35) and only use official contact details.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and was last updated in December 2024. Financial regulations, fees, and requirements may change. Always verify current information with Old Mutual Finance directly before making financial decisions. Interest rates and loan amounts are subject to affordability assessment and credit approval.
Old Mutual Finance (RF) (Pty) Ltd is a registered credit provider. NCR registration number: NCRCP35. This article is not financial advice. Speak to a registered financial advisor before making borrowing decisions.
For complaints or disputes about credit matters, contact the National Credit Regulator at 0860 627 627 or visit www.ncr.org.za. For banking complaints, contact the Banking Ombudsman at 0860 800 900 or visit www.obssa.co.za