Loan Repayment Calculator — Work Out Your Instalment in Seconds
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* First loan at no cost for new customers (subject to the lender's conditions). You can find loans repayable over 91 to 120 days. APR with a minimum of 0% and a maximum of 317%. Representative example: a loan of R2 000 over 120 days, total repayable ≈ R2 900, APR ≈ 210%. TODO(compliance): NCR/NCA-validated figures.
Above this text you will find the CreditGenius loan repayment calculator. Adjust the loan amount, repayment term and indicative interest rate, and you will instantly see the estimated monthly instalment, the total interest payable and the overall cost of the loan. The tool is designed so you arrive at the online application form with a clear picture of the numbers you expect, rather than discovering them partway through the process.
This section explains how to get the most from the calculator, what each figure in the results means, when it is most useful, and — critically — where its limitations lie. Understanding where the simulation ends and the real offer begins is the difference between being well prepared and being caught off guard.
How to use the loan calculator
The calculator has three main inputs. Each one affects the instalment and total cost differently, so it is worth adjusting them thoughtfully:
- Set the loan amount. This is the amount you would receive in your bank account. Through CreditGenius the available range runs from R500 to R8 000. If you are unsure between two amounts, simulate both: sometimes R500 extra only adds a few rand to the monthly instalment and significantly reduces financial stress.
- Choose the repayment term. Short terms of 91–120 days are typical for quick cash loans and short-term loans. Longer terms of 6, 12 or 24 months are the territory of personal loans. A longer term means a lower monthly instalment but more total interest — the calculator shows this immediately.
- Enter the indicative interest rate. If you do not have a specific rate in mind, leave the default value, which represents a typical market rate. If you already have a specific offer, enter the interest rate shown on it to see exactly how it translates into a monthly instalment and total cost.
- Read the results. You will see the estimated monthly instalment, total interest over the full term, and total repayment amount (capital plus interest). This summary is the basis for deciding whether the loan fits your budget.
You can adjust the controls freely: there is no limit on the number of simulations and nothing is sent to CreditGenius or recorded anywhere.
What does each figure in the results mean?
The calculator returns four key figures, each answering a different question:
- Estimated monthly instalment. This is the amount that will be debited from your account each month for the duration of the loan. It is the critical figure for your monthly budget: if it does not fit comfortably, extend the term or reduce the amount. The calculator assumes equal monthly instalments (French amortisation method), which is the standard structure for consumer loans.
- Total interest. This is the sum of all interest you will pay over the full term. It tells you the pure interest cost of the loan, before any fees. The longer the term, the higher this figure — even though the monthly instalment falls.
- Total repayment amount. This is capital plus interest: the total you will have repaid by the time the loan is settled. It is your real out-of-pocket cost. Compare it to the original loan amount to see the total cost of borrowing in rand terms.
- Indicative APR. This annualises the cost of the loan based on the interest rate you entered and the simulated terms. It is useful for comparing offers on a like-for-like basis. The actual APR may differ if the lender applies an NCA initiation fee or monthly service fee — for that, use the APR calculator.
If you need to calculate interest on its own — for example, to work out simple interest on a loan — the interest calculator handles that calculation separately.
When is it most useful to simulate before applying?
Simulating costs nothing and prevents expensive mistakes. Here are some situations where it is particularly valuable:
- Comparing terms. Before choosing between a 91-day and a 120-day term, simulate both and look at the difference in instalment and total cost. Sometimes an extra month only adds R30–R50 in interest but brings the instalment down to a much more manageable level.
- Understanding the impact of the interest rate. Adjust the interest rate between different values and watch how the instalment changes. This gives you a sense of how much worse off you would be if the lender applies a higher rate than expected, and helps you avoid accepting any offer without checking the numbers.
- Confirming the instalment fits your budget. Work out the instalment before you commit. If your available monthly surplus is R600 and the simulated instalment is R850, it is far better to know this now and adjust the amount or term than to discover it mid-loan.
Limitations of the calculator
It is important to read this before making decisions based solely on the simulation:
- The figures are indicative, not contractual. The calculator is not a credit offer. The lender may apply a different interest rate based on your risk profile, the loan amount and the term. You do not have the real figures until you see the signed agreement.
- NCA fees are not included. The calculator computes interest on the rate you enter only. Under the National Credit Act (NCA), lenders may also charge a once-off initiation fee and a monthly service fee, which would increase the total repayment and the effective APR. Always check the APR on any final offer, not just the instalment.
- Your actual interest rate depends on your profile. Age, employment status, income, credit history, loan amount and term all feed into the lender’s credit assessment. The same inputs in the calculator can translate to very different offers for applicants with different credit profiles.
- Simulating does not constitute applying. Running numbers does not commit you or the lender to anything. Approval depends on each lender’s own lending policy and the verified information you provide in the actual application.
- Equal monthly instalments are assumed. The calculator uses a fixed monthly instalment structure. If a lender offers a different structure — such as a single bullet repayment or a balloon payment — the numbers will differ.
After simulating: the next step
Once you have identified the scenario that works for you — loan amount, term and a comfortable monthly instalment — the next step is to submit your actual details through the online application form. With CreditGenius, that step is one form, one answer: the process is 100% online and fast, and you receive a concrete offer with the actual instalment, APR and term locked in before you commit to anything.
Ready to take the next step? Apply online through CreditGenius — the online form takes under two minutes and the specific offer arrives within minutes, with all figures confirmed so you can compare them directly with your simulation.
Frequently asked questions
Is the instalment shown by the calculator exactly what I will pay?
It is a guide figure, not a binding offer. The calculator works out a theoretical instalment based on the loan amount, term and interest rate you enter, assuming equal monthly instalments and no added fees. When you apply through CreditGenius, your profile is reviewed and the actual interest rate, APR and fees are applied — these may differ from the simulation. The final instalment is always shown before you sign anything, so you can compare it with your calculation without any surprises.
Why might the APR be different when I actually apply?
Because the APR depends on variables the calculator cannot know in advance: mandatory NCA fees, the exact term approved by the lender, the repayment frequency and your risk profile. The calculator uses the indicative interest rate you enter, while the real APR also includes initiation fees and monthly service fees where applicable. To understand the difference in detail, use the [APR calculator](/apr-calculator/) or read our guide on [what is interest and APR](/blog/what-is-interest-and-apr/).
Can I simulate a loan without a payslip?
Yes. The calculator does not ask about your employment situation — it simply computes the mathematical repayment for the amount and term you choose. A manageable instalment does not guarantee approval: the lender will still assess whether your income source — employment, self-employment, pension or grant — supports that repayment. If you have no conventional payslip, lenders typically offer smaller amounts over shorter terms, so adjust the calculator to realistic ranges for your situation before [applying through CreditGenius](/application/).
What loan amounts can I simulate?
You can calculate repayments for the full range available through CreditGenius: from R500 over 91 days up to R8 000 over 120 days. The underlying calculation is the same regardless of amount. Note that for smaller amounts over short terms the annualised APR can look high even when the rand cost is modest — this is a mathematical effect of annualising, not an overcharge. Read our guide on [short-term loans](/blog/what-is-a-short-term-loan/) for more context.
Is my simulation saved or shared anywhere?
No. The calculator runs entirely in your browser and sends nothing to CreditGenius or any lender. You can try as many scenarios as you like — adjusting amounts, terms and interest rates — without anything being recorded, without affecting your credit record, and without your name appearing on any bureau file. Data is only submitted when you complete and send the online application form, which is a completely separate step.
What is a sensible maximum instalment relative to my income?
A widely used rule of thumb is that the total of all your monthly debt repayments — loans, credit cards, home loan — should not exceed 30–35% of your net monthly income. If this is your only loan, leave room for unexpected costs: a comfortable instalment is one you can meet without cutting into monthly savings. Adjust the term in the calculator until the instalment falls within that range. A longer term means slightly more interest overall, but it provides a safety buffer if circumstances change.
What is the difference between the loan calculator and the APR calculator?
The loan repayment calculator starts from an amount, term and interest rate and returns your monthly instalment and total cost — it tells you what you will pay. The [APR calculator](/apr-calculator/) does the reverse: it takes the interest rate and fees to calculate the true APR of a product, or converts between APR and nominal rate. Use the loan calculator when deciding how much to borrow; use the APR calculator when comparing two specific offers on equal terms.
Can I run multiple scenarios?
Yes, and it is strongly recommended. Before applying, try at least two or three combinations: the shortest term you can comfortably afford, a mid-range comfortable option, and a longer safety option. You will see how the total cost rises with a longer term and how the monthly instalment falls. It also helps to test a slightly higher interest rate than you expect — if the instalment still fits your budget in that pessimistic scenario, you have a comfortable margin. Once you have settled on the right scenario, [apply online through CreditGenius](/application/).
