Regulated Fee Transparency

How Much Does Debt Review Cost in South Africa?

Debt review fees are not arbitrary; they are strictly capped and regulated by the National Credit Regulator (NCR). Importantly, registered debt counsellors do not demand large upfront cash payments from struggling consumers. Instead, restructuring and legal fees are built into your single affordable monthly debt-review payment and paid via the registered Payment Distribution Agency (PDA).

By Carolina Guevara Harris (NCRDC3152)•NCR Fee Guidelines Compliant

Regulated Debt Counselling Fee Structure

Initial Application

Application & Admin Fee

A regulated fee (capped at R350 + VAT under NCR guidelines) covering the formal Form 16 application, identity verification, and opening of the statutory file.

Month 1 Restructuring

Restructuring Fee

Paid from your first restructured monthly instalment. This covers the complex financial assessment, drafting the repayment proposals, and negotiating concessionary interest rates with creditors.

Month 2 Legal Costs

Legal / Tribunal Fee

Paid from your second monthly instalment to an attorney for drafting court pleadings and obtaining the formal consent order from the Magistrates Court or National Consumer Tribunal (NCT).

Ongoing Monthly

Monthly Aftercare & PDA Fee

A regulated monthly aftercare fee (5% of the monthly instalment, capped by the NCR) plus a minor PDA transaction fee to oversee monthly distributions and annual reviews.

NCR-Prescribed Fee Safeguards

No Hidden Extra Invoices: You will never receive surprise bills from Debt Guidance. All fees form part of your agreed monthly restructuring instalment.

INSERT CURRENT NCR-PRESCRIBED FEE INFORMATION: As of the latest NCR circular, restructuring fees are capped at a maximum of 100% of the restructured instalment (up to prescribed statutory ceilings for single or joint applications).

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