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 7773 777, 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.

Here’s How To Apply:

1. Visit your nearest branch or phone/webchat/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 members 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.

Convenience

We are here for you, in whichever way is most convenient for you.

For those who prefer face-to-face interaction, a branch visit allows you to discuss your needs with a loan consultant in person, submit your documents, and get feedback in minutes.

Prefer messaging? Open our webchat widget (bottom-right) and a consultant will guide you through a quick loan application.

An online self-service is not available for new clients yet, but it is launching soon! At Barko, we are committed to making it even easier to apply for a loan from your phone or computer.

Simple process

There is no complicated paperwork to apply for a loan with Barko. We keep it simple:

• You will need your ID or Passport
• 3-month bank statements
• Recent salary slip (or proof of regular income)
• Bank card

Barko follows NCR regulated responsible lending criteria. This means that your application is assessed fairly with your financial well-being in mind. We want to make life easier for you and ensure that you can afford the loan and still cover your bills.

In most cases, once we have reviewed your application, and you qualify, you will receive your loan on the spot.

Personal service

From the moment you say “Hi” in our webchat to the moment your loan is paid, Barko’s consultants stay by your side. Our friendly team will guide you through each step of your loan application.

Need extra help or assurance? Barko’s toll free number (080 777 3777) connects you with real humans, and we answer!

A partner you can trust

You can trust Barko. We are an authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP 45614) and registered credit provider (NCRCP 1764), ensuring compliance with South Africa’s financial regulations.

We are also committed to data privacy and customer protection, so your information is safe with us.

One loan, one repayment

Our loans are short-term and repaid in a single instalment.

If you are looking to apply for a loan without the usual red tape, our easy application process and customer-first approach make it a standout choice. Whether you prefer chatting via WhatsApp or visiting a branch we aim to provide an easy, quick, and trustworthy experience at every step.

Ready to take control of your financial situation with a short-term loan? Let Barko guide you with an easy loan application, and fast results.

Read more

What documents do I need?
What does NCR mean?

Quick access to cash

A personal one-month loan is specifically for people needing a fast financial top-up. This could be for unexpected bills, groceries, school fees, or car repairs.

One-month loans are reviewed and approved very quickly, often within minutes of submitting your documents at a branch or via our webchat.

You repay the full loan amount in one go after 30 days. No multiple monthly deductions, just a single repayment that clears your debt.

Why choose a one-month loan?

A one-month loan is ideal for when you need cash for a specific event, without taking on long-term debt. Apply for a one-month loan when you need to:

• Take care of short-term cash flow challenges.
• Manage unexpected expenses.
• Access a small, one-time cash loan without long-term commitment.

The main benefits of a one-month loan:

• Simple terms with only one repayment due.
• Fast turnaround, with approval and payment usually done within minutes.

Getting started with Barko

To see if you qualify for a one-month loan, simply open the webchat widget (bottom-right), visit a nearby branch, or call Barko’s toll-free number 080 777 3777.

Barko's one-month loan offers a fast, simple solution for when life happens. Whether it's an emergency or an urgent need, Barko Loans is here to help you get the money you need, exactly when you need it. Remember that with Barko, your financial peace of mind comes first.

When life happens, a one-month loan from Barko helps manage the moment, quickly and without the stress of long term debt.

Read more

See Barko’s services
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