Wonga

Wonga is a South African online short-term and personal loan provider that offers small, unsecured cash loans to individual consumers for short-term cash-flow gaps and unexpected expenses. You apply entirely online, receive a quick credit and affordability assessment, and if approved the money is paid into your bank account, usually on the same day, then repaid via scheduled instalments or a single repayment over periods of up to 6 months depending on the product and your customer status.

Wonga charges interest plus regulated initiation and monthly service fees, all shown upfront before you submit your application. The exact cost depends on how much you borrow and for how long; for example, a R5000 loan over 3 months includes initiation and service fees, daily interest, and any insurance where applicable, with the full total repayment amount displayed during the application so you can see the complete cost in advance.

Wonga at wonga.co.za operates in South Africa. You need to be living in South Africa with a South African ID and an active South African bank account to apply.

To sign up, go to the Wonga website, use the sliders to choose your loan amount and term, then click to apply and create an account. You will be asked for your SA ID number, cellphone number, bank account details, and recent proof of income, after which Wonga runs a credit and affordability check and, if approved, pays the funds into your bank account.

Wonga does not offer a separate native mobile app. You can apply and manage your loan using its mobile-friendly website on your smartphone or other devices.