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DebtBusters debt review product overview

• Loan / Service type: NCR-regulated debt counselling (debt review)
• Main purpose: Reduce monthly debt payments, protect assets and help over-indebted consumers repay what they owe in an affordable, structured way

Debt review with DebtBusters isn’t a new loan. It’s a legal process under the National Credit Act where your existing debts are restructured into one consolidated repayment you can realistically handle. Interest rates on unsecured credit can often be cut sharply, sometimes by more than 90% on qualifying accounts, which makes it possible to clear your debt in roughly 3–5 years in many cases.

Once your application is accepted, a DebtBusters counsellor looks at your total income, essential living costs and every credit agreement you have (credit cards, personal loans, store accounts, overdrafts, and, where appropriate, home and car finance). They then propose a single monthly repayment that fits your budget and negotiate with each credit provider to accept this revised plan.

After a court or tribunal signs off the new plan, your repayment becomes binding and you gain legal protection: creditors are expected to stop calling, and as long as you stick to the plan, they cannot simply rush to repossess your home or vehicle. At the end of the journey, once the agreed debts are settled, you receive a debt clearance certificate, and the “under debt review” flag is removed from your credit profile.

Benefits

• One affordable monthly payment instead of juggling many different debit orders.
• Legal protection under the National Credit Act while you stick to the agreed plan.
• Lower interest rates and fees on many unsecured debts, which can free up real cash every month.
• A clear, structured roadmap to becoming debt-free, often over about 3–5 years, instead of drifting from month to month.
• Help to protect important assets like your home and vehicle where possible, so you can keep what matters most.
• Ongoing support from qualified debt counsellors and client service teams, not just a once-off phone call.
• A free initial assessment and budget review so you can understand your options before you commit.

Why Choose DebtBusters?

Track record across South Africa

DebtBusters has been helping South Africans with formal debt solutions for well over a decade. They’ve worked with clients in every province, across all income levels, which means they’ve seen most debt situations before and know how to handle them.

Strong negotiating power with credit providers

Because DebtBusters manages large volumes of consumer debt, they go to the negotiating table with experience and data behind them. That scale helps them push for lower interest rates, extended terms and more realistic instalments than most individuals can secure on their own.

Legal structure and protection

DebtBusters works inside the National Credit Act using registered debt counsellors and recognised Payment Distribution Agencies. Once your plan is approved by a court or tribunal and you pay as agreed, you benefit from legal protection against most direct collection and repossession action.

One simple monthly payment

Instead of trying to remember multiple payment dates and amounts, you pay one consolidated instalment each month. The Payment Distribution Agency then allocates that money to your creditors according to the court-approved plan, reducing admin and the risk of missed payments.

Personal, human support

Debt isn’t only about numbers. DebtBusters’ counsellors and support staff take time to understand your situation, your family commitments and your stress levels. They explain each step in plain language so you know what’s happening and why, and you’re not left to figure it out alone.

Focus on protecting your assets

Where it’s possible and affordable, the goal is to keep you in your home and in your car. DebtBusters builds your repayment plan with essential living costs and key assets in mind, rather than forcing quick fixes that leave you exposed later.

Education and long-term change

DebtBusters doesn’t stop at the payment plan. They share tools, guides and budgeting tips to help you change how you handle money for good. That way, when you receive your clearance certificate, you’re better equipped not to slide back into the same situation.

Transparent, regulated fees

Fees are set within strict National Credit Regulator guidelines and are built into your single monthly instalment. DebtBusters explains these fees upfront, so you know what you’re paying for administration, restructuring and ongoing after-care.

Remote, convenient process

Most of the process happens over the phone and online, which is ideal if you’re working long hours, living far from big city centres or simply overwhelmed. You can share documents electronically and get help without sitting in queues or taking multiple days off work.

Clear end point and fresh start

From day one, you can see the outline of your journey: how much you’ll pay, roughly how long it will take, and what needs to happen to reach the finish line. When you’re done, you receive a clearance certificate and can start rebuilding your credit with a far lighter load and a lot more confidence.

FAQs

What is debt review, in simple terms?

Debt review (debt counselling) is a formal process that steps in when your debt repayments are no longer affordable. A registered debt counsellor looks at your full budget, negotiates lower instalments and interest where possible, and restructures your credit into one monthly payment under a court or tribunal order. You remain responsible for paying your debts, but you get structure, legal protection and a realistic finish line instead of constant panic.

How do I know if I need debt review?

Warning signs include: using new credit to pay old credit, missing payments, dodging calls from creditors, or finding that after paying debt you don’t have enough left for basics like food and transport. If that sounds familiar, a free assessment with DebtBusters can confirm whether you’re over-indebted or whether a lighter option might work.

Will I be “blacklisted” if I go under debt review?

No, you’re not blacklisted, but the credit bureaus will mark your profile as “under debt review”. That simply tells new lenders that you’re in a formal repayment process and can’t take new credit right now. Once you’ve completed the programme and your clearance certificate is processed, that flag is removed and you can rebuild your credit profile over time.

Can I get new credit while I’m in debt review?

No. One of the protections built into the system is that you can’t sign up for new credit agreements while under debt review. It’s there to stop you from digging the hole deeper while you’re trying to climb out.

Will debt review affect my credit score?

Yes, in the short term your score may dip and the “under debt review” flag limits access to new credit. Over the longer term, though, paying down your debts through a structured plan is usually better for your record than ongoing arrears, summonses or judgements. It’s a trade-off: short-term limitation for a more stable future.

Will I lose my house or car if I go under debt review?

Debt review is specifically designed to help you keep essential assets like your home and vehicle, provided you stick to the agreed repayment plan. Once your restructured plan is approved, creditors are generally expected to stop repossession action while you pay according to the order. If you stop paying, that protection can fall away, so staying up to date is critical.

How much can DebtBusters reduce my monthly payments by?

There’s no fixed percentage, because it depends on your income, expenses, the size and type of your debts, and what creditors agree to. DebtBusters’ data shows that interest on unsecured credit can often be reduced by over 90% on qualifying accounts, and partner stats indicate they’ve cut average interest rates from 21% to around 3% for many clients. Your consultant will show you a before-and-after budget so you can see the difference before you commit.

How long does debt review with DebtBusters usually take?

Most debt review plans run for about 3–5 years, with around 60 months being a common benchmark. The exact length depends on how much you owe, how much you can afford to pay each month and how much interest is reduced during negotiations.

What happens if I miss a payment under debt review?

If you pay substantially less than the agreed amount, the Payment Distribution Agency may not distribute the money to your creditors, and your plan can fall into default. That can open the door for creditors to restart legal action. If you see trouble coming, speak to DebtBusters as soon as possible — they can sometimes adjust the plan or negotiate a short-term change, but only if they know early.

How much does debt review cost with DebtBusters?

Fees for debt review are regulated by the National Credit Regulator and are usually built into your single monthly repayment, not charged separately on the side. You’ll typically see a once-off application fee, a structured restructuring fee based on your debt size, and a small ongoing after-care fee. DebtBusters will provide a clear cost breakdown before you sign anything.

Are there hidden fees?

Legally, fees must be transparent and follow the NCR guidelines, and reputable firms stick to that. DebtBusters presents all fees upfront, and your monthly statement via the PDA will show exactly how much goes to fees and how much to creditors.

Is debt review the same as sequestration or administration?

No. Debt review keeps you out of insolvency processes like sequestration. You remain in control of your assets and follow a restructured repayment plan. Administration is limited to smaller debt amounts and can take longer, while sequestration is closer to bankruptcy and often involves selling assets. DebtBusters can explain the differences and help you choose the route that fits your situation.

Can I cancel debt review once I’ve started?

Before a court or tribunal order is granted, you can withdraw from the process, but your creditors may then resume full collection and legal action. After the order is granted, you generally exit by completing the plan and getting a clearance certificate, not by simply cancelling. A counsellor can explain what’s possible in your exact case.

What do I get when I finish debt review?

When all the debts in your plan are settled, you receive a debt clearance certificate. DebtBusters then instructs the credit bureaus to update your profile. Within about 21 working days, the “under debt review” flag should be removed and you can begin rebuilding your credit record, this time with much more experience and better habits.

How do I choose a good debt counsellor in South Africa?

Look for someone registered with the National Credit Regulator, who uses an approved Payment Distribution Agency, is open about fees, and has a proven track record. DebtBusters highlights its NCR registration, membership of the National Debt Counsellors Association, national client base and multiple industry awards as proof points.

DebtBusters Application

Do I qualify for DebtBusters debt counselling?

You’re likely to qualify if:

• You are a South African citizen or permanent resident.
• You have a regular income (salary or other stable earnings).
• You have one or more credit agreements (loans, cards, store accounts, overdrafts, vehicle or home finance).
• Your current debt instalments are no longer realistically affordable once basic living costs are covered.

If you’re unsure, the free assessment will clarify whether you are over-indebted enough to qualify for formal debt review or whether another solution makes more sense.

Requirements

To start the process, DebtBusters will typically ask for:

• South African ID or valid passport
• Proof of income (recent payslip or bank statements)
• Proof of address (like a municipal bill or official letter)
• Full list of debts with latest statements and account numbers
• Details of any legal notices received (such as summonses or Section 129 letters)

Having complete, up-to-date documents helps your counsellor negotiate stronger terms and avoid surprises later.

Process

From first contact to being fully under debt review, the flow is broadly:

1. Free consultation
   You request a call-back or phone DebtBusters. A consultant runs through your situation and gives a high-level view of your options.
2. Document collection
   You send in your paperwork electronically. They confirm your income, expenses and total debt.
3. Formal application and notification
   Once you consent, they register you for debt review and notify creditors and credit bureaus. Collection pressure should begin to ease at this point.
4. Proposal and negotiations
   DebtBusters drafts a restructured payment plan and negotiates with credit providers. You’ll see what your new single instalment will look like.
5. Court / tribunal order
   Partner attorneys submit your matter to court or the National Consumer Tribunal for approval.
6. Pay one instalment via PDA
   You pay the new agreed amount each month to the PDA, which distributes funds to your creditors.
7. Completion and clearance
   When all debts in the plan are paid, you receive your clearance certificate and move out of debt review.

Timeline

Timelines can vary, but as a practical guide:

• 1–4 weeks: From first assessment to court/tribunal order, depending on how quickly documents are supplied and court schedules.
• ±60 months (3–5 years): Typical repayment duration for many over-indebted consumers.
• ±21 working days after clearance: Bureaus to update your credit profile once your clearance certificate has been issued and submitted.