With an online application for loans in South Africa, it has never been easier to apply for funding when you need it.

The process is fast, simple and discreet.

Security pros and cons of applying online for loans

However, an online loan application may be quick and convenient, but it can be risky. Scams are on the rise and becoming more sophisticated.

Credit loan scams

According to the Southern African Fraud Prevention Services (SAFPS), advanced fees scams are particularly prevalent online.

In this type of credit loan scam, consumers are requested to pay a lump sum before the loan is granted. The upfront payment is ostensibly to cover the costs of loan insurance, taxes and/or advisory fees.

Once the payment has been made, the “loan provider” disappears without a trace.

The key is to only deal with legitimate financial services companies. They must be easily contactable, properly accredited and operate online and from brick-and-mortar premises.

Data security

Sharing and submitting sensitive information online can have drawbacks. Data can be intercepted and used for fraudulent purposes.

The cost of identity theft worldwide runs into the tens of billions of dollars.

South Africa’s leading online loan providers go to great lengths to safeguard personal information.

Data is stored on secure firewall-protected servers. Advanced Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are used to monitor incoming and outgoing traffic for suspicious or unusual activity.

Systems administrators are alerted to potential threats before they happen. In the digital environment, an online application for loans is as secure as face-to-face applications – if not more so.

Always select a lender based on accreditation, personal referrals and an established track record. Do not pursue loans offering rock-bottom interest rates or guaranteed approvals.

Online application for a loan against your car

With Pawn My Car, you can apply for a loan against a vehicle in minutes, using our online contact form.

A representative will contact you promptly with an initial loan offer, which is based on the details you’ve supplied about the vehicle.

We comply with the data protection and privacy requirements of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Sensitive information is stored on a dedicated firewall-protected server.

How our online loans work

Getting an online loan through Pawn My Car is a simple step-by-step process.

Step 1. Complete our online application form or contact our call centre. We’ll call you back with an initial loan offer.

Step 2. Bring the car to a Pawn My Car branch for a physical appraisal. Once a fair market-related value has been determined, the final loan amount will be offered.

Step 3. An agreement outlining the terms of the loan is signed and the car, the original registration papers and a copy of an ID and recent utility bill made out in your name are handed over.

Step 4. The borrowed funds are electronically transferred into your bank account.

Step 5. The car is safely stored until the loan is repaid in full. At that point, the vehicle is returned to you in the same condition it was left in.

Do South African banks offer online loan applications?

These days, South Africa’s “big five” banks now offer online applications for short-term loans.

The only provisos are:

• the loan amount is comparatively small
• you must be employed
• your monthly salary is above a specific threshold.

However, some banks make it difficult to secure loans if you don’t already have an account with them.

Similarly, if you don’t have a strong credit score or are self-employed, it’s tricky to qualify for funding.

Even if you do, you often end up having to go into a branch in person.

Why a loan against a vehicle may suit your needs

There are many reasons why a loan against a vehicle may be ideal:

• same-day access to funds
• loans of up to several million rand
• no credit score checks
• employment status is irrelevant
• no sharing of details with credit bureaux or other third parties
• no penalty for early settlement
• secure and convenient online application for loans.

Pawn My Car is a division of an accredited financial services company with branches in major South African cities.

To find out more information about an online application for loans in South Africa, call 0861 112 866 or apply for a loan online.

Complete an application now