With a favourable lending environment and a relatively stable rand, 2026 may be an ideal time to apply for a bond. But for the estimated 16 million South Africans excluded from the credit system because they lack traditional credit histories, accessing home finance will depend on lenders adopting a more complete, 360-degree view of their creditworthiness.
“It’s not enough to just consider earning power, unbonded assets and credit history,” says Bradd Bendall, BetterBond’s National Head of Sales. “E-commerce activity, social media behaviour, cellphone usage and even geolocation data are some of the non-traditional activities that can be used to provide insights into reliability and creditworthiness.” As data analytics company Principa notes, “When used ethically and with appropriate consent, alternative data provides a more nuanced view of a borrower’s financial habits and reliability.”
South African lenders are already incorporating this type of data into their assessments. By expanding beyond traditional scores, banks can create a more holistic financial profile and build credit histories for consumers with limited formal records, says Bendall. This shift is especially significant given TransUnion’s estimate that 16 million consumers are currently excluded from the credit system. “Incorporating alternative data helps level the playing field, giving more aspiring homeowners a legitimate chance to qualify for a bond,” he adds.
Cellphone data
Many banks now use mobile phone payment records to assess bond applicants. By analysing Call Data Records (CDRs) as proxies for financial reliability, lenders can identify patterns such as airtime top-ups, prepaid recharge consistency and data usage over at least six months. These are behaviours that correlate strongly with repayment reliability.
When combined with traditional credit data, these insights create a fuller picture of an applicant’s financial behaviour while still complying with POPIA consent requirements. For gig workers or the self-employed, consistent cellphone payments can be a strong indicator of reliability. “BetterBond is able to leverage this information for better bank negotiations,” says Bendall.
Uber ratings
For the self-employed or informal sector, metrics like Uber ratings have also become useful behavioural indicators. High ratings signal reliability, professionalism and consistency, traits which lenders associate with responsible loan repayment. For informal earners who may lack payslips or formal documentation, this type of data can be especially valuable in demonstrating creditworthiness.
Be credit savvy
Credit monitoring has evolved, and there is a greater emphasis on awareness and education, says Bendall. “It is important for consumers to understand how credit works and how to manage it responsibly.” A healthy credit score remains a critical factor when applying for a bond, so he advises checking your score with a credit bureau before applying.
While it’s important to have some credit to establish a financial track record, it must be well managed. Payment defaults or high levels of debt can count against you. “Keep credit card balances low and stay on top of payment commitments to avoid a negative rating. High retail accounts, hefty credit card balances and overdrafts will all work against you when applying for a bond.”
Multiple credit applications in a short period may also raise red flags. “This can signal financial distress or a need for credit you may not be able to afford. If 2026 is your year to buy, avoid unnecessary credit applications in the lead-up to applying for a bond.”
Pre-approval as a credit check
Bendall strongly recommends applying for bond pre-approval. As this process includes a credit check and uses the same documentation required for a home loan, it provides a realistic view of what you can afford to repay each month.
It also improves your chances of bond success: BetterBond’s data shows that 95% of clients who obtain pre-approval are ultimately approved by a bank. “Pre-approval also makes you more attractive to sellers, because it signals serious intent to buy,” Bendall adds.
As alternative data becomes standard in credit assessments, more South Africans will have a chance to realise their homeownership aspirations. “With 2026 shaping up to be a strong year for buyers, there’s never been a better time to get credit-fit.”
