Debt Rescue Review

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For over two decades, Debt Rescue has been at the forefront of providing exceptional debt management services to countless South Africans. Their remarkable success can be attributed to the expertise and dedication of their highly skilled professionals, multilingual assistance, discreet services and longstanding relationships with creditors.

In this review, we will delve into the debt review process offered by Debt Rescue, shedding light on how qualifying South Africans can benefit from their comprehensive and reliable services.

Debt Rescue at a Glance

Debt Rescue at a Glance

  • Debt review amount: n/a
  • Debt review term: 36 - 72 months
  • Interest rate: Negotiated with creditors
  • Application fee: R350
  • One-time restructuring fee: Max. R8 000
  • Monthly service fee: 5%

What You Should Know about Debt Rescue:

Debt Rescue is a well-known and trusted debt management service. It uses the process of a debt review and follows the NCR's issued guidelines for debt counsellors. They evaluate and negotiate new rates when a consumer is excessively indebted. It's a good option for someone who feels like they are drowning in debt (if they qualify).

Pros of Debt Rescue
  • Provides a final lifeline for individuals grappling with debt-related challenges.
  • Offers convenient and accessible services online, allowing anyone to apply.
  • Provides legal protection under the National Credit Act (NCA) from creditors while under debt review.
Cons of Debt Rescue
  • Imposes strict qualifying criteria for eligibility.
  • Debt Rescue may not provide comprehensive relief that meets all your financial needs.
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*Representative example: Estimated repayments of a loan of R30 000 over 36 months at a maximum interest rate, including fees of 27.5% APR would be R1 232.82 per month. BetterLoans is an online loan broker and not a lender. Our service is free, and we work with NCR-licensed lenders in South Africa. Interest rates charged by lenders can start as low as 20% APR, including an initiation and service fee determined by the lender. The interest rate offered depends on the applicant’s credit score and other factors at the lender’s discretion. Loan amount R500 – R350 000. Repayment terms can range from 3 – 72 months. The minimum APR is 5%, and the maximum APR is 60%.

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How Debt Rescue Stands Out?

By taking on the burden of negotiations with creditors, Debt Rescue ensures that its clients receive the best possible interest rates, helping them to save money and reduce their debt more efficiently.  Moreover, specialised attorneys within the company guarantee that client’s rights are protected throughout the debt review process, providing them with peace of mind and reassurance. With its commitment to delivering excellent service and favourable outcomes, Debt Rescue emerges as a reliable and trustworthy option for individuals seeking effective debt management solutions.

Debt Rescue Services

Debt Review

Debt Rescue offers a debt review service. This debt review aims to make it easier for you to handle your debt by reducing your monthly repayments. This allows you to meet your financial responsibilities while still being able to afford your basic living expenses. When you enter a debt review, a debt counsellor will negotiate with your creditors to lower your monthly payments and interest rates. This helps you manage your debt more effectively.

Benefits of Taking a Debt Counselling From Debt Rescue

Taking a debt review from Debt Rescue comes with several benefits. Firstly, it provides protection against legal prosecution, ensuring that individuals who are struggling with debt are shielded from potential legal consequences. Additionally, Debt Rescue offers a reduced monthly debt repayment plan, which allows individuals to manage their debt more effectively and alleviate financial burdens. 

Debt Rescue Interest Rates and Fees

When applying for debt review, there is a one-time application fee of R350 (excluding VAT). Additionally, there is a restructuring fee equal to the first month’s payment, which is capped at a maximum of R8 000 (excluding VAT) for a single application or R9 000 (excluding VAT) for a joint application. Following the debt review process, there is a monthly after-care fee of 5% (excluding VAT) of the Debt Review payment, with a maximum limit of R450 (excluding VAT).

Debt Rescue assesses each customer’s debts to determine a customised interest rate for them. During the negotiation stage, the debt counsellor collaborates with the individual’s creditors to achieve an agreement on the proposed repayment plan. In certain instances, the debt counsellor may successfully negotiate lower interest rates or eliminate specific fees with the creditors. These measures can assist in reducing the overall amount of debt owed.

However, it is important to note that lower interest rates are not guaranteed when entering a debt review, as they depend on the negotiations with the creditors. Nevertheless, debt review often leads to lower interest rates, as creditors are more willing to negotiate with a debt counsellor rather than an individual debtor.

How To Qualify For Debt Review Using Debt Rescue

You must meet the following criteria to qualify for a debt review:

  1. At least 18 years old: You must be at least 18 years old. This requirement ensures that individuals who are legally recognised as adults can make informed decisions regarding their finances
  2. Must be over-indebted: One of the essential qualifications for debt review is being over-indebted. This means that your monthly debt repayments surpass your available income, leaving you struggling to meet your financial obligations.
  3. Steady Income: You need to demonstrate a stable financial situation. This includes having employment or some form of regular income that is deposited into a bank account. It ensures that you have the means to make reduced monthly debt payments as part of the debt review process.
  4. Be a South African Citizen: Debt Rescue’s debt review services are available exclusively to South African citizens who have debt within the country.
  5. Marriage in Community of Property: If you are married in community of property, both you and your spouse must jointly apply for debt review. This requirement acknowledges that financial decisions within a marriage affect both partners and ensures that both parties actively participate in the debt review process.
  6. Not Under Sequestration or Debt Administration: Finally, individuals who are currently sequestrated (declared bankrupt) or under debt administration are not eligible for Debt Rescue’s debt review program. This restriction aims to provide appropriate financial solutions for individuals who have not yet undergone these legal processes.

How to Apply with Debt Rescue

If you’re considering applying for debt review with Debt Rescue, gather all the necessary documents beforehand. These documents typically include your South African ID, proof of employment, proof of income, proof of residence, and a comprehensive list of your expenses, including details about your existing debts.

Once you have these documents prepared, you can proceed by completing the online debt assessment form provided by Debt Rescue. It’s important to provide accurate and up-to-date information about your financial situation to make sure you have a thorough evaluation.

Once your information has been submitted, a dedicated Debt Counsellor will carefully assess whether your monthly expenses and debts exceed your monthly income. This evaluation is crucial in determining if you qualify for debt review. Alternatively, you can fill in a form which informs a counsellor to call you back and guide you through the application process.

After the assessment process, you and your creditors will receive a notification stating that you have been placed under debt review. This notification serves as official confirmation that Debt Rescue has acknowledged your request and will proceed with the necessary steps to help you manage your debts effectively.

How Long It Takes Debt Rescue to Approve Debt Review

Debt Rescue does not provide a specific timeframe for approving debt reviews on its website. However, based on numerous positive reviews from satisfied customers online, it can be inferred that Debt Rescue generally offers prompt and efficient service. While the exact duration may vary depending on individual circumstances, Debt Rescue appears to prioritise timely approvals to assist clients in their debt management journey.

Is Debt Rescue a Trusted and Reliable Lender?

Debt Rescue has successfully assisted numerous individuals in alleviating their financial distress and, whenever possible, safeguarding their assets through an infallible debt repayment plan.

As an accredited debt service provider, Debt Rescue operates under the supervision of the National Credit Regulator (NCR), a regulatory authority responsible for overseeing the actions of credit providers and management services throughout South Africa.

With a relatively high rating on the South African review platform HelloPeter.com, Debt Rescue has received an average of 3.8 out of 5 stars from nearly 3 000 reviews. This rating surpasses the average for other financial service providers (FSPs) in South Africa, demonstrating outstanding customer care and satisfaction.

Debt Rescue Contact Details

  • Office Address: 50 Long Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000

  • Open:8 am – 4 pm, Saturdays: 9 am – 1 pm

  • Email: [email protected]

  • Phone: 0861 123 644 (call) 060 673 7280 (WhatsApp)

  • Website: debtrescue.co.za/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Through the process of a debt review, a debt counsellor negotiates with all your existing creditors to get you a better rate. 

No, according to South African law, credit bureaus cannot blacklist you while you are under debt review.

Obtain a clearance certificate from your debt counsellor and submit it to the credit bureau.

Sources:

  • https://debtrescue.co.za/blog/faq/what-are-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-debt-review/
  • https://nationaldebtadvisors.co.za/personal-finance/how-do-i-qualify-for-debt-review/
  • https://debtrescue.co.za/debt-consolidation-loans/
  • https://debtrescue.co.za/blog/faq/how-do-debt-counsellors-negotiate-a-reduced-repayment/
  • https://www.hellopeter.com/debt-rescue
  • https://debtrescue.co.za/
  • https://debtrescue.co.za/debt-counselling-process/
  • https://debtrescue.co.za/blog/faq/what-is-debt-review/
  • https://debtrescue.co.za/why-debt-rescue/
  • https://www.ncr.org.za/register_of_registrants/registered_dc.php
Picture of Foli Raheem
Foli Raheem

Foli has an MSc. Economics degree, and has been active in South Africa lending space for years. Whenever he is not writing, you will find him building websites.