
Loans Without Payslip
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Together with our partners, we provide access to up to 19 reputable banks and lenders. Explore offers tailored to your needs and choose the most suitable offer. Each lender abides by the regulations outlined by the South African National Credit Regulator (NCR).
DISCLAIMER: Arcadia Finance is a loan comparison website, not a lender. We help you compare options, but we do not guarantee approval or loan terms. Final decisions are made by the individual lenders.
Can You Get a Loan Without a Payslip?
When applying for a loan, lenders require proof that you have a stable income to cover repayments. This is typically verified through payslips or bank statements, which help assess your financial situation.
If you do not have payslips, some lenders may still consider your application if you provide at least three months’ bank statements along with a valid ID. However, for online loan applications, submitting a payslip is often mandatory. In such cases, you may need to contact the lender directly to check if alternative application options are available.
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Common Proof of Income Documents
- Commission Statements: Documents detailing commission-based earnings, typically used by sales professionals to verify income derived from performance-based incentives.
- Payslips: Issued by an employer each time an employee receives their salary. These documents provide a record of earnings, deductions, and tax payments.
- Employment Contract: A formal agreement signed when starting a job, outlining salary details, payment frequency, and scheduled pay dates.
- Bank Statements: Financial records issued by a bank, reflecting income deposits and other transactions over a specific period.
- Tax Returns: Official documents submitted to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) detailing income earned, tax obligations, and deductions for a given financial year.
- Profit and Loss Statements: Reports used by self-employed individuals or business owners to show business income, expenses, and overall profitability.
- Rental Income Statements: Financial records detailing rental earnings from leased property, often used by landlords as proof of income.
- Government Benefit Statements: Documents confirming income received from state assistance programmes, such as pensions, disability grants, or other government aid.
- Investment Statements: Reports reflecting income generated from investments, including dividends, interest earned on savings, or other financial assets.
How Can You Prove Your Income Without a Payslip?
When applying for a loan, lenders require proof of your income to assess your ability to repay the debt. If you do not receive a payslip, you can provide alternative documents that confirm your earnings. Acceptable proof may include bank statements, pension or disability fund statements, or a letter from your employer confirming your income.
For those who receive their salary in cash, it is still possible to apply for a loan without providing bank statements. Some smaller lenders may accept only your South African ID and a salary slip as proof of income. However, many lenders require bank statements, and if you do not have an account, you may need to open one. Some lenders allow applicants to submit a one-month bank statement instead of the usual three-month requirement, depending on their policies.
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Types of Loans That Do Not Require Income Verification
Some loan options are available for individuals who cannot provide proof of income. Below are common types of no-income verification loans:

Personal Loans for High Credit Scores
Individuals with a strong credit history and a credit score between 740 and 850 may qualify for personal loans without needing to provide income documentation. Lenders view applicants with excellent credit as low-risk borrowers, increasing the likelihood of approval based on their creditworthiness rather than proof of ongoing earnings.

Secured Loans
A secured loan requires collateral, which acts as a guarantee for the lender in case the borrower is unable to make repayments. Acceptable collateral can include property, vehicles, or valuable possessions such as jewellery. If repayments are missed, the lender has the right to seize the asset to recover the outstanding amount. This makes secured loans a high-risk option, as failure to meet obligations could result in the loss of valuable assets.

Pawnshop Loans
When you need cash urgently, a pawnshop loan allows you to use a valuable item as collateral in exchange for a short-term loan. The pawnshop keeps the item until you repay the loan in full. If you are unable to repay, the pawnshop has the right to sell the item to recover its costs.

Cash Advances
A cash advance is an unsecured short-term loan that provides quick access to funds but is usually accompanied by steep interest rates and extra charges. These loans can be convenient in emergencies but tend to be an expensive borrowing option.

Payday Loans
Payday loans provide a small sum of money that must be repaid in full by your next payday. While they offer immediate financial relief, they typically come with exceptionally high interest rates and additional fees, which can quickly lead to further financial strain.
Eligibility Criteria
Many assume that obtaining a loan without proof of income is nearly impossible. However, certain conditions may make it achievable. Lenders typically require applicants to be South African citizens or permanent residents. In most cases, you must also be at least 18 years old to enter into a legally binding financial agreement.
To support your application, lenders usually ask for:
- A valid South African ID
- Proof of residence
- Bank statements from the last three months
Even without standard income verification, some lenders may accept alternative income sources, such as rental earnings or consistent financial support from a family member. Additionally, maintaining a good credit record can strengthen your application, as it demonstrates a history of responsible debt management.
Who Can Apply for a Loan?
- You are over 18 years old
- You are employed and employment has lasted for more than 6 months
- Your loan should not be more than 8 times larger than your monthly income
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Steps to Apply for a Loan Without Income Proof
Securing a loan without proof of income can be difficult, but it is possible under certain conditions. Lenders may request alternative documentation or require a co-signer to reduce their risk. Below is a straightforward guide to help you through the process.
1. Check Lender Requirements
Not all financial institutions provide loans to individuals without income proof. Start by identifying lenders that cater to this situation. Carefully review their eligibility criteria, interest rates, and repayment terms to ensure they align with your financial position.
2. Provide Alternative Documentation
If payslips are unavailable, lenders may accept other financial records as proof of your ability to repay. These can include recent bank statements, utility bills, rental agreements, or investment income records. Such documents help demonstrate a stable financial history and regular cash flow.
3. Consider a Co-Signer
Some lenders allow applicants to use a co-signer who has a steady income and a strong credit record. A co-signer takes on responsibility for the loan if you default, increasing the likelihood of approval. Ensure that the co-signer understands their obligations before proceeding.
4. Complete the Application
Fill out the loan application form accurately, ensuring that all requested details are provided. Double-check personal and financial information to prevent errors that could delay the approval process.
5. Await Approval
Once the application is submitted, the lender will assess the provided documentation. This process may take several days, depending on the lender’s verification procedures. Be prepared for possible follow-up requests for additional information.
DISCLAIMER: Arcadia Finance is a loan comparison service. We do not provide loans directly and cannot guarantee approval, terms, or rates. All lending decisions are made by the respective financial institutions.
Why Use Arcadia Finance?
- 100% free: The application is free and does not include any hidden fees.
- Quick & easy: The whole application process is done online in minutes.
- Convenient: Compare up to 19 banks & lenders with one application.
- Non-binding: You decide if you want to accept or decline your offers.
- Safe: Your personal data is safe with us.
What is Arcadia Finance?
Arcadia Finance helps South Africans in the search for loans from different banks and lenders through our loan broker partners. We provide access to up to 19 reputable banks and lenders. By completing our loan application you will get multiple loan offers, which you can compare and select the most suitable offer. The service we offer is completely free of charge and you will not commit to anything by requesting for loan offers via Arcadia Finance. We only work with trusted loan brokers who collaborate with NCR licensed banks and lenders in South Africa.

How Much Can You Borrow Without a Payslip?
The amount you can borrow without a payslip in South Africa largely depends on the lender, your alternative proof of income, and your overall financial behaviour. Since you’re not providing a formal salary slip, lenders will assess your affordability using other documents—typically recent bank statements, proof of consistent income (like client payments or grants), and sometimes your credit record.
In most cases, loan amounts tend to be lower compared to traditional personal loans. First-time borrowers might qualify for anything from R500 to R5 000, while those with a good repayment history or stronger income proof could access amounts up to R20 000 or more.
Keep in mind that lenders often apply stricter lending limits to mitigate their risk, so even if your income is stable, you may not receive the full amount you request. Repayment terms are usually shorter too—ranging from a few weeks to several months—depending on the loan type.
Secure your loan effortlessly with Arcadia Finance
The loan application is free, and you can pick from a variety of 19 respected lenders. We only work with trusted loan brokers who collaborate with NCR licensed banks and lenders in South Africa.
After submitting your loan application to us, we will send it through our loan broker partners to a number of different banks and lenders for review. Within minutes, you’ll receive a variety of loan options that are available for you. Select the one that best fits your needs.
Remember, all offers are no-binding, so if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you’re free to decline.
Conclusion
Obtaining a loan without a payslip in South Africa is possible, but it requires alternative proof of income and careful consideration of loan terms. Lenders may accept bank statements, tax returns, or rental income statements as proof of financial stability. While options such as secured loans and payday loans exist, they often come with higher costs or risks. Comparing lenders, understanding eligibility requirements, and ensuring affordability are key steps in securing a loan without traditional income verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is possible to get a loan without a payslip, but it depends on the lender’s requirements. Many lenders will consider alternative proof of income, such as bank statements, tax returns, or financial records from self-employment or rental income. However, some loans without a payslip may have stricter conditions or higher interest rates.
If you do not have a payslip, lenders may accept other financial records to verify your income. These can include recent bank statements, an employment contract, rental income records, investment statements, tax returns, or proof of government benefits. The exact documents required will depend on the lender’s policies.
Loans that do not require a payslip or formal proof of income often come with higher interest rates, additional fees, or stricter repayment terms. This is because lenders view these loans as riskier since there is no standard income verification. Borrowers should carefully compare loan offers and consider the total repayment cost before applying.
Yes, but proving your income may be more difficult. Some lenders may accept a letter from your employer confirming your salary, recent bank deposit records, or a combination of financial documents. If you do not have a bank account, it may be necessary to open one, as many lenders require bank statements to assess financial stability.
A good credit score improves your chances of approval, as it shows a history of responsible debt management. However, some lenders may still approve loans for applicants with lower credit scores if they can provide alternative proof of income or offer collateral. Those with poor credit may face higher interest rates or stricter lending conditions.