Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions govern your use of Ankele's micro-lending services operated by Ankele Co Za (Pty) Ltd (Registration: 2025/455900/07), a registered credit provider in South Africa (NCR: NCRP22741). By using our service, whether through WhatsApp, the web application, or the mobile app, you agree to be bound by these terms.

2. Eligibility

To use our services, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
• Have a valid South African ID number
• Have an active South African bank account
• Have a working mobile phone

As part of the application process, you are required to complete identity verification through a biometric check (provided by Smile ID) and bank account verification (provided by truID). Biometric verification involves the capture of a facial image, a liveness check, and an image of your identity document. Bank verification involves read-only access to your bank account and transaction history to assess affordability. Both verifications require your explicit consent and cannot be bypassed, we are unable to process your application without them.

3. Credit Terms

Credit amounts, interest rates, fees, and repayment terms will be clearly communicated to you before you accept any credit offer. We comply with the National Credit Act (NCA) and all applicable regulations.

All credit is subject to an automated affordability and risk assessment in line with the NCA. We assess the bank and income information you provide or authorise us to access to determine whether the credit is affordable for you and to evaluate associated risk. The outcome of this assessment may be to approve your application, decline it, or refer it for manual review. If we decline your application, you may request the reasons for that decision by contacting us at hello@ankele.co.za.

4. Your Responsibilities

• Provide accurate and truthful information in your application
• Notify us of any changes to your contact or banking details
• Make repayments on time as agreed
• Contact us immediately if you experience payment difficulties

5. Service Channels

Our service is accessible through WhatsApp, the Ankele web application, and the Ankele mobile app. By using our service, you consent to receiving communications from us, including credit-related notifications, repayment reminders, and service updates, through the channel you use to apply or manage your account. Standard data charges from your mobile or internet provider may apply.

6. Fees and Charges

All applicable fees, including initiation fees, service fees, and interest rates, will be disclosed to you before credit acceptance. Late payment fees may apply for missed or late payments as permitted under the NCA.

7. Default and Collections

If you fail to make payments as agreed, we may report the default to credit bureaus, engage collection services, and take legal action to recover the outstanding amount. This may negatively affect your credit score.

8. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these terms or our services will first be addressed through our internal complaints process. If unresolved, disputes may be referred to the National Credit Regulator (NCR) or the relevant ombudsman.

9. Changes to Terms

We may update these terms from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes through our website, the mobile app, or WhatsApp. Continued use of our service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.