Business loans in South Africa, explained plainly.
A lump sum paid into your business account, repaid in fixed monthly instalments over 3–60 months. Sometimes unsecured, sometimes secured against property or a business asset depending on size and lender. Predictable cost, clear end date.
Is Term loan a fit?
Green flags
- You know what the money is for and have a clear plan to pay it back.
- Revenue is steady enough to absorb a fixed monthly instalment.
- You want predictability — a known cost, known end date.
Red flags
- Revenue is already stretched — adding a fixed instalment tips you over.
- You’re plugging a recurring hole rather than funding a one-off.
- Total cost of the loan eats most of the margin on what you’re buying.
Lenders on Frank's term loan panel
Geddes Capital
✓ VerifiedTrade and import finance to help you pay suppliers before your customers pay you.
Pollen Finance
✓ VerifiedUnsecured short-term business loans with a flat finance charge.
Standard Bank
SA's widest bank SME product shelf. Flagship digital unsecured working capital via BizFlex, plus deep agri / solar / asset / trade / property finance.
FNB
Deepest digital SME stack in SA, anchored by Cash Advance (merchant cash advance against Speedpoint/Speedee/QR card turnover) and the Vumela Fund for B2B suppliers.
Absa
The women-, youth- and BEE-focused lender. "Access to Finance" umbrella has the most dedicated unsecured products for women, youth, black-owned agri, and public-sector contract holders.
African Bank
Quietly becoming a credible SME lender. Absorbed Sasfin's capital equipment + commercial property books in 2024; now targets 100k SMME customers by FY2025 with an IPO planned 2025-2027.
FAQ
What is term loan in South Africa?+
A lump sum paid into your business account, repaid in fixed monthly instalments over 3–60 months. Sometimes unsecured, sometimes secured against property or a business asset depending on size and lender. Predictable cost, clear end date.
Who does term loan typically fit?+
You know what the money is for and have a clear plan to pay it back. Revenue is steady enough to absorb a fixed monthly instalment. You want predictability — a known cost, known end date.
How fast can I get term loan?+
Speeds vary by lender, anything from same-day to a few weeks. Frank shows you the typical decision time per lender on the panel, and your specific application can go faster or slower depending on the docs you already have in hand.
Do I need to be registered with CIPC?+
Most SA lenders want to see a registered entity (PTY or CC) that's been trading for a minimum period, usually 6-12 months, occasionally less. Sole traders have fewer options, but Frank still shows what's available.
Does Funded by Frank charge a fee?+
No. Frank is free to use for businesses. We earn a referral fee from the lender if your application is successful, that doesn't change the rate or terms you get from them.
Is Funded by Frank a registered FSP?+
No. We're a funding guide, we explain products and introduce you to lenders. We do not provide financial advice as defined by the FAIS Act. Any credit agreement is directly between you and the lender.
Other funding types
Not sure if this is the right fit? Let Frank walk you through it.
Answer a few quick questions about your business and Frank will show the funding shapes that typically fit, with the lenders who offer them.
See your funding options