Have these ready before you start the application — it makes the whole process a few minutes' work instead of a frustrating back-and-forth.
A green ID book or the newer Smart ID card. Asylum seekers and permanent residence holders may be accepted by some lenders; check before applying. A driver's licence is not a substitute.
Your most recent month's payslip from your formal employer. It must show: your full name, ID number, employer's name, gross and net salary, the payment date. Payslips from informal or "off-the-books" employment are not accepted.
A bank statement covering the last three months, showing your salary deposits clearly. Most South African banks let you download a PDF statement from internet banking — that's what to send. Hand-edited or screenshotted statements are not accepted and may trigger a fraud flag.
Some lenders ask for a recent utility bill, municipal account or rates bill in your name. Older than 3 months is usually rejected.
You'll provide your bank account number and branch code in the application form. Funds are paid into this account, and repayment is taken from it. Both must be in your name.
The application form allows secure upload of PDF or image files. Documents are sent over an encrypted connection to the matched lender(s). Don't email statements as attachments to strangers — that's how fraud happens.