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Hippo is a well-known comparison service that helps South Africans find the right loan. If you’re wondering how this lender works, you have come to the right place.
Our in-depth Hippo loans review will break down the details you need to know.
✅ How Much Do You Need?
WHO IS HIPPO LOANS?
Hippo Loan Finder was started in 2007 and is one of South Africa’s pioneer comparison websites. While insurance is the main product on offer, the company is also an authorised financial service provider.
Hippo Comparative Services (Pty) Ltd offers personal loans, home loans, and other personal finance products to meet consumer’s full borrowing needs.
The company is a subdivision of Telesure Investment Holdings, which owns other popular brands, such as Budget Insurance, Dialdirect, and 1st for Women.
KEY FEATURES
- Loan Amounts: R1,000 and R350,000
- Loan Terms. 7 to 72 months
- Interest Rates. Typically 27,25% interest per annum
- Fees: R69 monthly service fee – no upfront fees
PROS
✔️ Easy online application process
✔️ Pre-qualified personal loan quotes in minutes
✔️ Wide range of credit providers
✔️ Free to use service
CONS
❌ No guarantee of loan approval
❌ Personal loans are not a core service
WHY WE LIKE IT
The financial services provider has marketed itself well and established an easily recognisable brand. The company not only offers personal loans but has a wide range of financial products.
Consumers can access comparison quotes for the various products in one place. Besides personal loans, the company offers related services like debt counselling and debt consolidation.
SUMMARY
The loans are available as a result of partnerships with various South African lenders. You only need to submit a single loan application to unlock quotes and compare offers within minutes.
HIPPO LOANS ARE BEST FOR YOU IF YOU:
- Want to compare loan offers for free
- Are looking for an easy way to find the best personal loan deal
- Want to explore the online lending market
Full Hippo Personal Loans Review
Need to know more about Hippo cash loans? Let’s dive deeper to see how it all works and how to apply for a loan online.
Pros Explained
Unlock Quotes With a Single Application
Applying is easy since all you have to do is enter your ID to get started. A single application gives you access to multiple personal loan quotes from up to 16 providers.
One advantage of getting pre-qualified is that you can explore your options without committing to anything. Any quote you receive is non-binding and carries no obligation.
Wide Range of Loan Amounts
Having access to a wider panel of lenders means you can find a range of loans from as little as R1,000 up to R350,000.
Whether you want extra cash for debt consolidation, home improvements, an emergency, or unexpected expense, the flexible repayment terms make it easier to stay on top of your finances.
When you apply, simply provide details about how much money you need. The company will then help you find matching offers from top credit providers in South Africa.
Real-time, Instant Search Results
You only need a few minutes to complete the loan comparison form. Hippo will then quickly show you a range of loan offers, how much it costs, and the benefits via instant real-time search results.
That means you can compare quotes side by side in one go. This helps you save time, hassle, and the hard work of searching for the right type of loan. If you’re interested in a particular offer, the service will put you in touch directly with your chosen financial institution.
Compare Quotes for Free
The best thing about using this service to compare loans is that it’s free. Similar loan comparison sites like Qwiekfin charge a high price of R250 plus a recurring membership fee. Hippo co za is free to use and commission-free.
The company makes money by earning commissions from lender partners if you apply via the site. In this way, Hippo can continuously help you find the best deals for free. No one will ever ask you to pay an upfront fee before you can get a loan.
Cons Explained
Approval Depends on Lender Partners
Keep in mind that this is a comparison tool that lets you know which lenders to apply with. If you’re interested in a particular loan offer, Hippo will transfer you to the provider.
You’ll still have to submit a formal application with the selected financial institution. The loan provider will review your application and give you a decision. It’s best to manage your expectations because approval is never guaranteed.
Service Is Not Specialised
If you visit the site, the company seems more focused on insurance products. For example, the company has a wide range of comparison products including medical aid, funeral cover, motor warranty, home fibre, solar packages, and vehicle tracking.
Navigating through all these options to apply for a personal loan may be confusing. Some borrowers may prefer dealing with a specialised site that offers personal loan comparison as a core service.
How Do Hippo Loans Work?
Hippo Loan Financial Services works with a range of credit providers to deliver options to borrowers searching for personal loan quotes. The company offers the following money-related products via its site:
- Personal loans: These personal loans can go up to R350 000. The details of your loan will depend on the lender you work with.
- Consolidation loans: You can use a debt consolidation loan to pay off several smaller loans and manage your cash flow.
- Home loans: Hippo Loans in partnership with BetterBond brings you home loan offers from multiple provers, making it easier for home buyers looking for the best deals.
- Debt counselling: Are you struggling with debt? A reliable debt counselling service can negotiate with your creditors. The goal is to develop an affordable repayment plan that works for your budget.
Is Hippo a Safe and Trusted Option?
This service has been around since 2007, so it’s safe to assume it’s an established business.
Hippo Comparative Services (Pty) Ltd is an authorised financial service provider, implying that it operates legally in the country.
In addition, the company is part of a Telesure Investment Holdings (TIH), which owns other big brands like Auto & General and Dialdirect.
The company says it carefully selects its partners to ensure that customers only get the best, quality deals.
That said, it’s always wise to check Hippo Loans reviews online to see what other South Africans say about using this service. Be aware of loan scammers who ask you to pay a fee or buy airtime before you can get money.
A reputable and trusted credit provider will never charge you or ask for upfront payments on loans.
How to Apply for a Hippo Loan
Ready to apply for online loans using this service? Here’s how it works.
Loan Requirements
Requirements vary from lender to lender. Generally, you must be at least 18 years old, and permanently employed with a regular monthly income. You’ll also need to provide the following documents:
- Copy of your valid South African ID.
- Proof of residence.
- 3 months’ banks statements or payslips.
Application Process
To start the comparison process, visit the site and enter your ID number. By clicking continue, you’re giving the company permission to process your information, for example by sharing it with a registered credit bureau.
The good news is that this does not impact your credit score. Once Hippo Loans has pulled the necessary information from the credit bureau, you’ll then complete the short form.
Enter the required details, such as loan amount, so that the service can find matching offers from its lender partners.
Next, compare these offers and if you find one you like, click on ‘I’m interested.’ Hippo will then put you in touch with the selected provider so you can submit a formal application.
Hippo Loans Contact Details
📌Address: Block A, Steyn City Capital Park, Erling Road, Riverglen, Dainfern, 2191.
Other Loans Like Hippo
There are more options to consider if you’re still exploring the market.
- Hoopla Loans: Free online loan matching service to help you compare different lenders.
- Moneyshop Loans: Loan finding service that matches you to the right lending option.
- Fincheck Loans: Free service that allows you to compare loan options from various lenders.
- Qwiekfin Loans: Loan comparison website that charges R250 and a recurring membership fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Personal loans from Hippo are available through various lenders. It’s possible that some of Hippo’s lender partners are willing to work with bad credit borrowers.
According to the site, Hippo offers personal loans, which tend to have longer terms than payday loans. Hippo short-term loans typically have minimum repayment periods of 6 months.
Watch Video: Hippo Personal Loans
Our Research Expert
Gracie Makowe is a full-time personal finance writer with 10 years of experience and a Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Management from UNISA. Learn more.