Information collected for credit score and debt review enquiries
OpenCredit collects personal information that is needed to handle enquiries about credit scores, credit reports, debt review guidance and related consumer education. This may include names, contact details, location, identity information, employment or income details where relevant, and information you choose to share about your credit or debt situation.
We may also collect technical information when you visit our site, such as device type, browser details, pages viewed and general usage patterns. This helps us keep the site working properly and understand which information pages are used most often.
- Information submitted through the enquiry form on our contact page
- Details shared during follow up communication about services
- Records linked to consent, preferences and site use
- Information required to assess whether a matter may relate to debt review
How OpenCredit uses personal information
We use personal information to respond to enquiries, provide general credit education, explain the debt review process in broad terms, and manage internal administration. Where a person asks about credit scores or the National Credit Act, we may use the information supplied to explain the issue in a general way and point out that a registered debt counsellor or the National Credit Regulator should confirm formal legal steps.
Personal information may also be used to improve content, monitor site security, prevent misuse and keep records of interactions. We do not use your information for unrelated purposes without a lawful basis under POPIA.
- Handling contact form submissions
- Providing general guidance on credit reports and budgeting during review
- Maintaining service records and compliance records
- Protecting the site against spam, abuse or unauthorised access
Sharing information with trusted service providers
OpenCredit may share personal information with service providers who assist with website hosting, technical support, secure storage, analytics, communications and operational administration. These parties may only use information for the tasks assigned to them and must handle it in a lawful and confidential manner.
We may also disclose information where the law requires it, or where it is needed to protect rights, prevent fraud or comply with a lawful request. If a matter moves into formal debt review, you should confirm the required process directly with a registered debt counsellor or the National Credit Regulator.
- Website and system support providers
- Secure data storage and backup services
- Compliance, audit and record keeping support
- Legal or regulatory disclosures where required
Credit law information and debt review guidance
OpenCredit publishes general information about credit scores, credit reports, budgeting and the National Credit Act. This information is educational only and must not be treated as financial or legal advice. A credit score is a numerical summary that may reflect borrowing behaviour, account history and repayment patterns, while a credit report is the record held by a credit studio showing credit related accounts and activity.
Debt review is a statutory process under South African law that may apply where a consumer is over indebted. Any formal assessment, application document, payment plan or court order matter must be confirmed by a registered debt counsellor or the National Credit Regulator. We do not guarantee outcomes, approvals or clearance certificates.
Security, retention and information control
We use reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against loss, misuse, unauthorised access and unlawful processing. Access is limited to people who need the information for legitimate business functions, and records are kept only for as long as needed for the purpose collected or as required by law.
When information is no longer required, it is securely deleted or de-identified where appropriate. While we take care with security, no online system can be completely risk free.
- Restricted access to operational records
- Secure storage and access controls
- Retention aligned to lawful business and compliance needs
- Safe disposal or de-identification when records are no longer needed
Your rights under POPIA
You have rights in relation to your personal information, subject to POPIA and any lawful limits. You may ask whether we hold your information, request correction of inaccurate details, object to certain processing in appropriate cases, or request deletion where there is no legal basis to keep it.
To exercise these rights, use the enquiry form on our contact page. We may need to confirm who you are before we act on a request. If you believe your rights have been affected, you may also contact the Information Regulator of South Africa.
- Access to personal information held by OpenCredit
- Correction of inaccurate or outdated details
- Objection to certain processing where allowed
- Complaint to the Information Regulator if needed