How debt review works
Debt review fees and costs explained
By DebtReviewZA editorial team · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
Debt review fees follow the National Credit Regulator's fee guideline (rand amounts exclude VAT): a R50 application fee and R300 administration fee, both paid upfront; a once-off restructuring fee of the distributable amount or R8,000, whichever is lower (R9,000 if married in community of property), due in month one; and a monthly after-care fee of 5% of the distributable amount, capped at R450, from month three.
A registered counsellor must disclose all applicable fees to you in writing before you sign.
This page breaks down every fee, when it is charged and how to spot a counsellor overcharging you.
The full fee table
| Fee | Regulated maximum | When charged |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | R50 | Once, upfront |
| Admin fee | R300 | Once, upfront |
| Restructuring fee (once-off) | The distributable amount or R8,000, whichever is lower (R9,000 if married in community of property) | Month one, after the proposals are submitted |
| Monthly after-care fee | 5% of the distributable amount, max R450 | Monthly, from month three |
| Reckless lending assessment | R1,500 | Only if done, after the assessment |
These are the amounts in the NCR's debt counselling fee guideline, stated excluding VAT; the R50 application fee is the maximum set in the National Credit Regulations.
How the fees are paid
The R50 application fee and R300 administration fee are paid upfront and in full (ask for a receipt). The restructuring fee is a once-off payment in month one, after your counsellor has drafted and submitted the proposals, and the after-care fee is monthly from month three. The NCR says you do not have to borrow money to pay these fees, and that your counsellor may not collect money to pass on to your credit providers.
In month one the restructuring fee can equal the whole distributable amount (capped at R8,000, or R9,000 if you are married in community of property), so little may reach creditors that month. Ask your counsellor for a written breakdown so you can see it.
What 'regulated by the NCR' means
These fees are not invented by individual firms: the NCR publishes a debt counselling fee guideline. If a counsellor charges more than the guideline, you can report them to the NCR at [email protected] or on 0860 627 627.
The NCR says all applicable fees must be disclosed to you in writing, so you should receive a clear written breakdown before you commit.
Red flags on fees
Be cautious if a counsellor:
- Will not give you a written fee breakdown before you sign.
- Charges more than the regulated maximums above.
- Promises to 'remove' debt review for a large fee (only your own counsellor can issue your clearance certificate).
- Pressures you to sign immediately.
A reputable counsellor explains every rand. If something feels off, verify the firm on ncr.org.za and walk away if needed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does debt review cost in South Africa?
Fees follow the NCR fee guideline (excluding VAT): a R50 application fee and R300 administration fee upfront, a once-off restructuring fee of the distributable amount or R8,000, whichever is lower (R9,000 if married in community of property), and a monthly after-care fee of 5% of the distributable amount capped at R450.
Are debt review fees paid upfront?
The R50 application fee and R300 administration fee are paid upfront and in full. The restructuring fee is payable in month one and the after-care fee monthly from month three.
What is the monthly fee for debt review?
The monthly after-care fee is 5% of the distributable amount, capped at R450 a month (excluding VAT), payable monthly after month two. If you use a PDA it may charge its own fee, so ask for it in writing.
Is debt review free?
No. Debt review has regulated fees added to your payment. The application itself is only R50, but admin, restructuring and monthly after-care fees apply. Be wary of anyone promising it is completely free.
Can a debt counsellor charge more than the NCR limits?
No. The figures are regulated maximums. A counsellor charging more than the NCR guideline should be reported to the NCR at [email protected] or on 0860 627 627.
Why does so little go to my creditors at first?
The once-off restructuring fee is payable in month one and can equal the distributable amount, so little may reach creditors that month. This is normal; ask your counsellor for a written breakdown to see it clearly.
What is the restructuring fee for couples?
For couples married in community of property the once-off restructuring fee maximum is R9,000, compared with R8,000 for an individual.
