Instalment loan
R1 000–R8 000 in 2 to 6 equal monthly instalments.
Short-term loan: R500 to R3 000, repaid in one go
For a one-off cost before payday. You get the full amount you borrow, and repay it with interest and fees in a single amount about a month later.
- R500–R3 000
- 1 month
- 2% a month
- First loan up to R2 000
One amount out, one amount back
A short-term loan covers a gap of a few weeks, such as a repair or a bill that lands before payday. You repay everything, interest and fees included, in one debit order about a month after the money reaches you.
- Amount
- R500 to R3 000, in steps of R100
- First RandLeaf loan
- Up to R2 000
- Term
- One month, repaid in a single amount
- Interest
- 2% a month (24% a year), charged only on the part of the loan you still owe
- Initiation fee
- R50 plus 4% of the amount above R1 000, charged once and never earning interest
- Service fee
- R40 a month
- Insurance
- None charged
- Settling early
- Allowed at any time, with no penalty
- Loans at once
- One RandLeaf loan at a time; no top-ups or roll-overs
- Type of credit
- Short-term credit transaction under the National Credit Act
What it costs in rand
These are full totals, not starting prices. Nothing else is added at payout or at repayment.
Short-term loan: R1 000 over 1 month, first loan
- You receive
- R1 000.00
- Interest at 2% a month
- R20.00
- Initiation fee, once
- R50.00
- Service fee, R40.00 × 1
- R40.00
- Cost of credit
- R110.00
- Total to repay
- R1 110.00
One repayment of R1 110.00 about a month after payout.
Short-term loan: R2 000 over 1 month, first loan
- You receive
- R2 000.00
- Interest at 2% a month
- R40.00
- Initiation fee, once
- R90.00
- Service fee, R40.00 × 1
- R40.00
- Cost of credit
- R170.00
- Total to repay
- R2 170.00
One repayment of R2 170.00 about a month after payout.
On R2 000 the cost of credit is R170.00. Interest is only R40.00 of that; the fixed fees matter more on a one-month loan. If you can wait or borrow less, the saving is real.
Estimate a short-term loan
Move the amount and the term. The total, every repayment and each fee update as you go. Nothing you enter is saved or sent anywhere.
Estimate your repayments
See an estimate of your repayments before you continue. Your final offer depends on the lender’s assessment.
Estimate · not a quote
Example: R1 500 over 1 month, first loan
Total to repay
R1 640.00
One repayment of R1 640.00 about a month after payout.
See every cost
- You receive
- R1 500.00
- Interest at 2% a month
- R30.00
- Initiation fee, once
- R70.00
- Service fee, R40.00 × 1
- R40.00
This is an estimate, not a loan approval. All applications are subject to credit and affordability checks. Pricing version RL-PRICE-2026-10, reviewed 30 October 2026.
Paid partner link. RandLeaf’s own applications aren’t open yet, so this goes to a partner’s application. The partner’s amounts, rates and fees can differ from the RandLeaf examples here. How this works.
When a short-term loan fits, and when it doesn’t
It can fit when
- The expense is one-off and you know exactly how much it is
- Your next salary will cover the repayment and your normal month
- You would rather be done with it in one go than pay fees for longer
Think again when
- The repayment would leave you short next month, so you’d need to borrow again
- You need more than R3 000, or more time: an instalment loan spreads it out
- You are paying other debt late. Speak to us or a debt counsellor first.
How you apply
RandLeaf’s own online application service isn’t open yet. Until it is, the Apply online button takes you to a partner’s application through the LeadGid affiliate network. How the partner route works.
You’ll be asked for your ID number, income, expenses and bank details there, and every application is assessed before an offer is made. A previous loan does not guarantee approval.
Apply online
Paid partner link. RandLeaf’s own applications aren’t open yet, so this goes to a partner’s application. The partner’s amounts, rates and fees can differ from the RandLeaf examples here. How this works.
Short-term loan questions
When is the repayment taken?
About a month after payout, on a date matched to your payday. You approve the date and amount in the DebiCheck request from your bank before any money is collected.
Can I split it into two payments?
Not on this loan. If you want to spread the cost, an instalment loan lets you repay over 2 to 6 months. It costs more in total, because the service fee runs each month.
What if my payday moves?
Tell us before the repayment date. We can look at moving the date where your agreement allows it. Changing a repayment.
Can I extend it if I can’t pay?
We don’t roll loans over or add a new loan on top. If you can’t pay, contact us early and we will go through the options that apply to you. Help with a missed repayment.
Why is the first-loan limit R2 000?
A smaller first loan keeps the risk low for both of us while you build a repayment record with RandLeaf. Returning customers can apply for up to R3 000; each application is still assessed.
Related pages
Costs and fees
Interest, initiation fee and service fee, each explained.
DebiCheck
What you approve with your bank, and what to do if the request goes wrong.