Quick Facts About PayJoy

• Only need your SA ID and small deposit to apply
• No bank account or credit card needed
• Pay weekly over 3 to 12 months
• Available at PEP, Ackermans, Cellucity stores
• Phone locks if you miss payments
• No late fees or hidden costs

What is PayJoy?

PayJoy is a financial technology company. They help South Africans buy smartphones using payment plans. You can get a new phone today and pay weekly over several months.

PayJoy works with major retailers across South Africa. These include PEP, Ackermans, and Cellucity. They have over 17 million customers worldwide and process over one million transactions monthly in South Africa as of 2025.

The company was founded in 2015. Their goal is to make smartphones affordable for everyone. You do not need a bank account or good credit score to qualify.

PayJoy is different from a normal phone contract. You own the phone once you finish paying. There are no monthly service fees like with Vodacom or MTN contracts.

How PayJoy Works

PayJoy uses your phone as security. This is called “collateral”. Here is how the system works:

The Basic Process

You pay a deposit when you buy the phone. This is usually around 30% of the phone price. Then you pay the rest in weekly instalments.

PayJoy installs special software on your phone. This software tracks your payments. If you pay on time, your phone works normally.

What Happens If You Miss Payments

If you miss a payment, your phone will lock. You cannot use most functions. You can still call emergency numbers and the PayJoy contact centre.

Once you make the payment, your phone unlocks again. PayJoy does not charge late fees. This is different from many other credit agreements.

Owning Your Phone

When you finish all payments, your phone unlocks permanently. You own it completely. The PayJoy software is removed. You can also pay off your phone early at any time.

What You Need to Apply for PayJoy

PayJoy has very simple requirements. You do not need a bank account or payslip. Here is what you must have:

Essential Documents

• Valid South African ID: Green ID book, smart card, temporary ID, or valid passport
• South African phone number: For contact and verification
• Email address: To receive your contract and payment reminders
• Proof of address: Utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement (not older than 3 months)

Financial Requirements

• Deposit amount: Varies based on the phone and your credit profile
• Weekly payment ability: You must be able to afford weekly payments

What You Do NOT Need

• Bank account
• Credit card
• Payslip
• Good credit score
• Employment proof

💰 Costs and Payment Examples

PayJoy costs vary by phone model and retailer. Here are typical costs as of December 2025:

Example 1: Samsung A13

Full Phone Price	R3,500
Deposit Required (30%)	R1,050
Remaining Amount	R2,450
Weekly Payment (9 weeks)	R656.50
Total You Pay	R6,958.50 (includes financing cost)

Payment Options

You can choose different payment periods:

• 3 months: Higher weekly payments, less total cost
• 6 months: Medium weekly payments
• 9 months: Lower weekly payments, more total cost
• 12 months: Lowest weekly payments, highest total cost

How to Make Payments

You can pay at participating stores. Bring your Device TAG number. You can find this in the PayJoy app.

Your first payment is due a few days after you get the phone. After that, you pay every week on the same day.

Fees You Do NOT Pay

• No monthly service fees
• No late fees or penalties
• No initiation fees
• No hidden costs

✅ Step-by-Step: How to Apply for PayJoy

Step 1: Find a PayJoy Partner Store

Visit a store that offers PayJoy financing. Popular options include PEP, Ackermans, or Cellucity. You cannot apply online yet. You must go to the physical store.

Step 2: Choose Your Phone

Look at the phones available for PayJoy financing. Not all phones qualify. Ask the store assistant which models are available. Popular brands include Samsung, Huawei, and Nokia.

Step 3: Bring Your Documents

Show the store assistant your documents. You need your SA ID, proof of address, phone number, and email address. They will check your details.

Step 4: Get Approved

The store submits your application. PayJoy approves most applications in minutes. They will tell you how much deposit you need. This depends on your credit profile.

Step 5: Pay Your Deposit

Pay the deposit amount. You can pay cash or use a bank card. The store will give you a receipt. Keep this receipt safe.

Step 6: Sign Your Agreement

Read your contract carefully. It shows your total cost, weekly payment amount, and payment dates. Make sure you understand everything before signing. You will also receive this contract by email.

Step 7: Get Your Phone

The store installs PayJoy software on your phone. This takes a few minutes. Then you can take your phone home. You can use it immediately.

Step 8: Download the PayJoy App

Download the PayJoy app from Google Play Store. Log in with your email and password. This app shows your payment schedule and Device TAG number.

Where to Apply for PayJoy in South Africa

PayJoy partners with major retailers across South Africa. Here are the main stores where you can apply as of December 2025:

PEP Stores

PEP is one of South Africa’s largest retailers. They have stores in almost every town. PEP offers a good selection of affordable smartphones with PayJoy financing. Visit your nearest PEP store and ask about PayJoy phones.

Ackermans

Ackermans is another major retailer with PayJoy options. They often have special promotions on smartphones. Visit an Ackermans store to see current deals.

Cellucity

Cellucity specializes in electronic devices. They have a wider range of smartphone models. You can apply for PayJoy at Cellucity stores.

Other Partners

PayJoy works with other retailers too. Some Vodacom and MTN stores may offer PayJoy. Always check with the store first.

Important Note About Online Applications

You cannot complete the full application online yet. You must visit a physical store. Be careful of websites claiming to offer online PayJoy applications. These may be scams.

🚨 Important Warnings and Things to Know

Your Phone Will Lock If You Miss Payments

This is the most important thing to understand. If you do not pay on time, your phone stops working. You cannot use WhatsApp, make calls, or access the internet. Only emergency numbers work.

Make sure you can afford the weekly payments. Do not take a payment plan that is too expensive for you. It is better to choose a cheaper phone or longer payment period.

Lost or Stolen Phone

PayJoy is not responsible if your phone is lost or stolen. You still must make all payments. If you cannot pay, your phone stays locked (even though you do not have it anymore).

Consider getting phone insurance when you apply. You can use any phone insurance company. This protects you if something happens to your phone.

The Total Cost is Higher

You pay more than the retail price. The financing cost is added to the phone price. A phone that costs R3,500 in cash may cost R6,500 total with PayJoy. This is normal for credit agreements.

Always check the total amount you will pay. Compare this to buying the phone cash if you can save up money.

You Can Only Finance One Phone at a Time

PayJoy only allows one phone per person. You cannot get another phone until you finish paying the first one. Plan carefully if your family needs multiple phones.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel your agreement within 7 days after paying the deposit. You must return the phone to get your deposit back. After 7 days, you cannot cancel unless you pay off the full amount.

🚨 Scam Warnings: Protect Yourself from Fraud

As PayJoy becomes popular, scammers are trying to trick people. Here are common scams to avoid:

Fake Online Applications

Some websites claim you can apply for PayJoy online. This is not true in 2025. You must go to a physical store. These websites may steal your personal information or money.

Upfront Payment Scams

Real PayJoy only asks for a deposit when you collect the phone at the store. Never send money to someone online claiming to be PayJoy. Never pay “processing fees” or “application fees” to get a PayJoy phone.

Fake PayJoy Representatives

Scammers call or WhatsApp claiming to be from PayJoy. They ask for your ID number, bank details, or passwords. PayJoy will never call and ask for sensitive information.

How to Stay Safe

• Only apply at official partner stores (PEP, Ackermans, Cellucity)
• Never send money before collecting your phone
• Check the official PayJoy website: www.payjoy.com/za
• Do not share your Device TAG or login details
• Be suspicious of “too good to be true” deals

Report Scams

If someone tries to scam you using PayJoy’s name:

• Contact PayJoy directly: privacy@payjoy.co.za
• Report to SAPS: Open a case at your local police station
• Report to SABRIC: South African Banking Risk Information Centre
• Report to National Consumer Commission: 0860 003 600

✅ Benefits and Drawbacks of PayJoy

Benefits (Good Things)

✓ No bank account needed	You can get a phone even without a bank account
✓ Bad credit accepted	You can qualify even with bad credit or no credit history
✓ Quick approval	Most applications approved in minutes
✓ No late fees	No extra charges if you miss a payment (but phone locks)
✓ Build credit history	Regular payments help improve your credit score
✓ Own the phone	The phone is yours once you finish paying

Drawbacks (Bad Things)

✗ Higher total cost	You pay more than the cash price
✗ Phone locks if you miss payments	This can cause serious problems in emergencies
✗ Limited phone choices	Only certain models available at certain stores
✗ Weekly payment pressure	You must pay every single week without fail
✗ Risk if phone lost or stolen	You still must pay even if you lose the phone
✗ Only one phone allowed	Cannot get another phone until this one is paid off

Other Ways to Get a Smartphone

PayJoy is not your only option. Here are alternatives to consider:

1. Save and Buy Cash

This is always the cheapest option. A R3,500 phone costs exactly R3,500 in cash. With PayJoy you might pay R6,500 total. Join a stokvel to help you save. Set aside money each week until you can afford a phone.

2. Lay-By at Stores

Many stores offer lay-by. You pay in instalments but only get the phone when fully paid. There are no interest charges. This is cheaper than PayJoy but you wait longer for your phone.

3. Network Contract

Vodacom, MTN, and Cell C offer phone contracts. You pay monthly. These often include airtime and data. But you need a good credit score and bank account. Monthly costs are usually higher.

4. Other Financing Services

Similar services include FoneYam, M-Kopa, and Africa Mobile. Each has different requirements and costs. Compare all options before deciding.

5. Buy a Cheaper Phone

Consider a more affordable model. Entry-level smartphones cost R1,000 to R2,000. They work fine for WhatsApp, calls, and basic internet. You can upgrade later when you have more money.

Your Consumer Rights with PayJoy

PayJoy operates under South African law. You have important rights as a consumer. Here is what you need to know:

National Credit Act Protection

PayJoy must follow the National Credit Act. This means:

• They cannot charge you unlimited interest
• They must do proper affordability assessments
• They must give you clear contract information
• They cannot use unfair collection practices

Right to Clear Information

PayJoy must tell you in writing:

• Total amount you will pay
• All fees and charges
• What happens if you miss payments
• How to cancel the agreement

Right to Complain

If you have problems with PayJoy, you can complain to:

Organization	Contact	What They Help With
National Credit Regulator (NCR)	0860 627 627 info@ncr.org.za	Credit agreement problems, unfair practices
National Consumer Commission	0860 003 600	General consumer complaints
POPIA Complaints (Information Regulator)	complaints.IR@justice.gov.za	Privacy and data protection issues
SABRIC	www.sabric.co.za	Fraud and scam reports

POPIA Rights (Privacy Protection)

PayJoy must protect your personal information under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). They cannot:

• Share your information without permission
• Use your data for purposes you did not agree to
• Keep your information longer than necessary

You can request to see what information PayJoy has about you. Email them at: privacy@payjoy.co.za

Steps to Take If You Have a Problem

1. Contact PayJoy first: Try to resolve the issue directly
2. Put your complaint in writing: Email creates a record
3. Give them 30 days to respond
4. If no resolution, contact the NCR or relevant ombudsman
5. Keep copies of all documents and communications

✅ Tips for Success with PayJoy

Before You Apply

• Calculate if you can truly afford weekly payments
• Consider unexpected expenses (transport, food, emergencies)
• Choose the shortest payment period you can afford
• Compare prices at different stores
• Read your contract carefully before signing

After You Get Your Phone

• Set reminders for payment days
• Download the PayJoy app immediately
• Keep your Device TAG number safe
• Consider phone insurance
• Make payments a few days early if possible

If You Have Payment Problems

• Contact PayJoy immediately – do not ignore the problem
• Explain your situation honestly
• Ask if they can adjust your payment plan
• Never borrow money at high interest to make payments
• Consider returning the phone if you truly cannot afford it

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for PayJoy if I am blacklisted?

Yes. PayJoy accepts people with bad credit scores. They use your phone as security instead of relying on credit scores. However, they may check your credit to determine your deposit amount.

What happens if I pay late?

Your phone locks if you miss a payment. You cannot use most functions. PayJoy does not charge late fees. Once you make the payment, your phone unlocks again within a few hours.

Can I pay off my phone early?

Yes. You can pay the remaining balance at any time. Your phone unlocks permanently. Check with PayJoy if there are any early settlement benefits.

Is my phone locked to one network?

This depends on where you buy the phone. PayJoy does not lock phones to networks. But the retailer might. Ask the store before you buy.

Can I upgrade to a better phone?

Not until you finish paying your current phone. PayJoy only allows one phone per person at a time. Once paid off, you can apply for another phone.

What if the phone breaks?

You still must make all payments even if the phone breaks. This is why insurance is important. Take your phone to a repair shop. Do not stop making payments.

Does PayJoy affect my credit score?

Yes, in a good way. Making regular on-time payments helps improve your credit score. Missing payments can harm your credit score.

Can someone else make payments for me?

Yes. Anyone can make a payment using your Device TAG number at participating stores. But you are still responsible if payments are not made.

PayJoy can be a good option if you need a smartphone urgently and cannot afford to pay cash. It is especially useful if you have bad credit or no bank account.

However, remember that you pay significantly more than the cash price. A R3,500 phone might cost R6,500 total with PayJoy. Always compare the total cost with other options.

The most important thing is to be honest about whether you can afford weekly payments. If you miss payments, your phone locks. This can cause serious problems for work, emergencies, and staying in touch with family.

Before applying, consider these alternatives: saving up to buy cash (cheapest option), using lay-by (no interest), or buying a cheaper phone model that you can afford immediately.

If you decide PayJoy is right for you, choose the shortest payment period you can afford. Pay early when possible. Get phone insurance. Set payment reminders. Read your contract carefully before signing.

Most importantly, watch out for scams. Only apply at official stores like PEP, Ackermans, or Cellucity. Never pay money to someone online claiming to be PayJoy. Protect your Device TAG number and personal information.