Build Your Credit, Build Your Future

Whether it's getting your first car or stepping onto the property ladder, Ascend empowers you to build credit and achieve your financial goals from day one. Start building your future today

Start building your score

Build credit with all major credit bureaus

Ascend Credit is great for people who….

1. Haven’t had much credit

And want to build their score

4. Are new to South Africa

And are looking to build a credit profile

2. Have been turned down for credit

By credit card, loan and mortgage providers

5. Have a poor credit score

And want to improve their score

3. Are looking to get a car or home

And struggling to get a good deal

6. Want to fix issues on their credit report

And need help fixing them

Does this sound like you?

Then Ascend can help

Start building your score

Unlock financial freedom

A better credit score opens up a world of possibilities

Improved credit eligibility

Wave goodbye to credit application rejections

Access a range of deals

Start choosing the loans and credit cards you actually want

Save money on interest

Put money back into your pocket & live a better life

What others have to say

“Ascend Credit has been instrumental in helping me take charge of my credit and achieve my financial goals.”

Kgomotso Mngudlwa

“I am truly grateful for the positive impact Ascend Credit has had on my financial journey.”

Raymond Adams

“Thanks to Ascend Credit, I have been able to build a solid credit foundation and work towards a brighter financial future.”

Veronica Nkosi

Savings from credit score improvement

Better credit score = lower interest rates → Saving thousands over time.

Savings from Credit Score_SA Context.png

*A R240 000 personal loan with an APR of 27.5%
*The loan term is 60 months

**A R120 000 credit card balance with an APR of 20.5%

**Monthly repayment on the credit card is R2398

Every point matters

Lenders profit by charging interest on borrowed money, and a lower credit score means higher interest rates, potentially resulting in you repaying significantly more than the original loan amount. By improving your credit score with Ascend Credit, you can lower your interest rates and save money on borrowing costs overall.

Start building your score

Ascend plans

Choose one our plans to start building your credit

Ascend Save

Free

Included in your plan

A savings product that turns your monthly contributions into a tool to build your credit history
Affordability insights to help you qualify for more credit
Personalised tips to develop healthy credit habits

The Details

At the start of the period, Ascend loans you an amount. But, the money stays in an account that cannot be touched for 12 months. Every month you pay back a set amount and these payments are reported back to credit bureaus, helping build a positive credit history. At the end of the 12 month period you receive the total amount saved.

View Saving Plans

Ascend Data

Data Plan Dependant

Included in your plan

A choice of data plans that allows you to connect and build your credit score
Affordability insights to help you qualify for more credit
Personalised tips to develop healthy credit habits
Report to all major credit bureaus

The Details

You will sign up for one of our month to month data plans, which can either be with Vodacom or MTN, and pay a fixed amount each month for your plan. These payments are reported to credit bureaus, helping you build a positive credit history. Plans can be cancelled anytime.

View Data Plans

Ascend Device

Device Dependant

Included in your plan

Access to a wide variety of cellphones that you can purchase, while building your credit score
Affordability insights to help you qualify for more credit
Personalised tips to develop healthy credit habits
Report to all major credit bureaus

The Details

Ascend helps you access the device you need through a simple 12-month rent-to-own plan. You make affordable monthly payments—starting with a 25% upfront fee—and at the end of your term, the device is yours. Each on-time payment is reported to credit bureaus, helping you build a stronger credit profile and move closer to your financial goals—whether that’s owning a car, qualifying for a home loan, or gaining more financial freedom.

View Devices

All plans

What is Ascend?

Ascend is a financial product designed to help individuals with low or no credit build their credit score. We offer three flexible options: a Credit Builder Savings Plan, a Data Plan, and a Device Plan.
Why does my credit score matter?

Your credit score is a number that reflects how trustworthy you are with money. It's important because it affects many aspects of your financial life. When you want to borrow money, like getting a loan or a credit card, banks and lenders look at your credit score to decide if they can trust you to pay it back. If your score is higher, they're more likely to say yes and might even give you better interest rates, which means you'll pay less money overall. Your credit score also matters when you're looking for a place to live, as landlords check it to see if you're reliable with bills. Having a good credit score can make things like getting a mobile phone contract or setting up utilities in your home easier and cheaper. So, taking care of your credit score is like taking care of your financial reputation – it helps you get better deals and more opportunities!
Will missing a payment affect my credit score?

Yes, missed payments can impact your credit score. To avoid this, payments are deducted directly from payroll, ensuring timely payments every month.
How do I make payments?

Payments are deducted via payroll if provided as an employee benefit, or through a linked bank account or debit order if you signed up independently.
How soon will I see an impact on my credit score?

Credit score improvement depends on multiple factors. Most users see positive changes within 3 to 6 months of consistent on-time payments.
Which credit bureaus do you report to?

We report to major credit bureaus in South Africa to ensure your responsible financial behavior is recognised.
Do I need a good credit score to join Ascend Credit?

No, Ascend Credit is designed to help individuals with low or no credit history build their credit score.
Can I have more than one Ascend Credit plan at a time?

Yes, you can combine plans if eligible. For example, you can have a savings plan and a device plan simultaneously.
Can I cancel my plan?

Cancellations depend on the plan type. Some plans may require a notice period or an early termination fee. Contact support for more details.
How does the savings plan work?

Ascend loans you an amount at the start of the 12-month period, which stays in a locked savings account. You make fixed monthly payments, which are reported to credit bureaus. At the end of the period, you receive the full amount saved.
Can I access the money before the 12-month period ends?

No, the savings remain locked for the full term to ensure successful credit building and financial discipline.
What happens if I miss a payment?

Missed payments may negatively impact your credit score. If you're struggling to pay, reach out to our support team for assistance.
How does the data plan work?

Ascend provides you with a monthly data plan. Instead of paying upfront, you make fixed monthly payments, which are reported to credit bureaus to help build your credit score.
Can I change my data plan during the period?

Plan changes are subject to approval. If you need to upgrade or adjust your plan, contact our support team.
What happens if I don’t pay my monthly data plan?

Your data plan may be suspended, and missed payments could impact your credit score.
How does the rent-to-own model work?

You choose a device, pay a once-off 25% upfront fee via payroll, and then make fixed monthly payments over 12 months. After the final payment, the device is yours to keep — no extra fees.
Why do I have to pay 25% upfront?

The 25% upfront payment helps secure your device and reduce the monthly cost. It also shows commitment and makes it easier for us to offer you better terms.
Is the device insured?

Yes. Every device comes with free gadget protection that covers theft, screen cracks, and accidental damage — giving you peace of mind from day one.
Can I upgrade my phone before the 12-month term ends?

Yes. After 6 months, you can: Continue with your current plan Return your device and upgrade to a new one Buy out your current phone at a fair market value (optional)
What is the Upgrade Fund?

Every time you make a monthly payment, a small portion is saved in your Upgrade Fund. If you complete your 12-month plan and want a new phone, this fund can help reduce the upfront cost of your next device with Ascend.
What happens if I miss a payment?

We’ll notify you and try to resolve it with you. If the issue continues, your device may be locked remotely until the payment is received. But we’re always here to help you stay on track.
Do I own the phone after 12 months?

Yes! As long as you complete all 12 payments, the device is yours. No extra fees or ownership charges apply at the end.
Does this help improve my credit score?

Absolutely. We report your payment history to the credit bureaus. Making consistent, on-time payments helps you build a stronger credit profile — which could help you qualify for things like a car loan or home finance in the future.

FAQs