Barko Insights

Here’s What Sets Us Apart:

• Simple application process
  
  Apply in minutes with minimal paperwork and no hassle.


• Fast loan approvals
  
  We will assess your affordability to determine loan eligibility. If approved, you will gain quick, hassle-free access to your funds.


• Honest and transparent lending
  
  No hidden fees. No surprises. Just clear, upfront terms you can trust.


• Nationwide reach
  
  With branches across South Africa, help is always nearby. Can’t visit us? Use our webchat widget (bottom-right) and we’ll assist you.


• Support when it matters most
  
  Whether it's for emergencies, school fees, or everyday needs—Barko is here for you.

Here's How:

Step 1: Contact us

Visit your nearest Barko branch, call our toll-free line at 080-777-3777, or open the webchat widget (bottom-right).

Step 2: Prepare your documents

• South African ID or passport
• Latest payslip and/or
• Most recent 3-month bank statement
• Bank card or approve debit orders via your banking app

Step 3: Apply in minutes

Our friendly team will assess your affordability and guide you through a simple application. If all documents are in order and you qualify, your loan can be approved within minutes.

Step 4: Fast payout

Once approved, your loan is paid out quickly and securely so you can focus on what matters.

What does blacklisting mean?

The term blacklisting dates back to when the credit bureaus only kept negative information about someone’s finances.

Technically, South Africa doesn’t have a formal blacklist. Instead, credit bureaus collect and store your credit history. This includes missed payments, defaults, judgments, and debt reviews.

Based on your credit history, lenders will check to see if you’re a high risk or a good investment, which will affect how easy or hard it is to get credit.

Beyond the bank

Traditional banks tend to be more cautious about granting you credit if you have been blacklisted, but there are other options available. Microlenders, or short-term lenders like Barko are more flexible.

Some providers may take an asset like your car as collateral for a loan, and some may offer only short-term loans, or charge a higher interest rate.

Fixing a low credit score

A credit score is based on how well you manage your debt. If you pay back your loans, and make your payments on time, you will have a higher credit score. For those who miss payments, or don’t pay off their debt, this will lead to a low credit score.

A low credit score is not the end of your financial world. You can rebuild your credit score by:

• Paying off all your outstanding debts.
• Talk to the companies that you owe money to and agree on a payment plan.
• Avoid making new debt, unless it’s absolutely necessary.

By addressing the problem, and being disciplined with your money, you can still access financial services.

Learn more

The value of credit monitoring
What is a credit score?

Manage your cash flow during these times with a once-off, short-term personal loan that is payable in one, single instalment. Use this checklist to apply for a loan in 6 easy steps.

1. Connect with Barko

Start a conversation by clicking our webchat widget (bottom-right) and say “Hi” to get started. Or phone our Toll-free number 080-777-3777.

Our webchat will start the conversation, and an agent will help you to complete the application process. The full online solution will be launched soon.

2. Tell us who you are

To apply for a cash loan, we will need your ID Book/ID card or Passport. We want to make sure that it is you asking for a loan, and not somebody else using your name.

3. Show us what you earn, what you spend, and what your current outstanding debt looks like

• When applying for a loan, you need to show your latest payslip and/or 3 months bank statement


• By providing your latest 3 months’ bank statement, we can make sure that we understand your monthly budget, when you get paid, and how we can best help you to cover your bills.


• We have to evaluate your credit history by obtaining a new search from a credit bureau to see what your latest debt obligations look like.

As an authorised credit provider, Barko has to make sure that you can afford the amount of money you want to borrow. This is so that you can still pay your bills and pay back the loan comfortably.

There are strict compliance criteria that we must follow by law, and we are not allowed to grant a loan amount that would cause you financial distress.

4. Confirm employment and/or recurring monthly income

We need to confirm that you are still working and that you are earning a monthly salary/income.

5. Register a DebiCheck (debit order) mandate and receive payout of the loan you requested

If you qualify for a loan, the approval is done in minutes. We make it easy to repay your loan by activating a debit order on your account. This is done either with your bank card, or by approving the debit order mandate on your banking app and/or at an ATM.

After the mandate is registered, you will receive the loan payout into your account.

Managing your money for the future, while taking care of today’s expenses can be tricky. Visit your nearest Barko branch, open the webchat widget (bottom-right) or call our toll-free number 080-777-3777 for peace of mind, knowing that the loan is an amount you can afford, without making long-term debt for yourself, and your family.

Contact Barko and take care of life’s challenges with our easy 5 step process to apply for the funds you need, when you need it.

Learn more

Everything you need to know about short-term loans
Credit Bureau scores explained

Here’s How To Apply:

1. Visit your nearest branch or phone/chat/email us

• Send an email to funeral@barko.co.za
• Call our toll-free number – 080-777-3777
• Start a chat via the webchat widget (bottom-right)

Our consultants will help you understand the available plans and choose one that suits your needs.

2. Bring your South African ID

We require the main member’s ID/Passport.

When adding beneficiaries, have their ID/passport numbers and provide their names.

3. Choose a plan that fits your budget

Four flexible cover amounts and premiums to suit every family.

4. Complete a simple application

No medical tests. Just answer a few quick questions.

5. Claim waiting period

• Get Immediate Cover for Accidental Death.
• A 6-month waiting period applies for natural death.
• A 12-month waiting period is in effect for death by suicide.

6. Claim pay-outs within 24 hours

Once all required documents are submitted, your claim will be processed and paid out within 24 hours.