In South Africa, store accounts remain one of the most popular forms of credit. They allow shoppers to buy clothing, electronics, appliances, and groceries on credit, often with flexible repayment options. For many consumers, a store account is also their first step toward building a credit history, making it easier to qualify for bigger loans later.
But with the cost of living climbing and banks tightening their lending rules, the big question is: which store accounts are the easiest to qualify for in South Africa in 2025?
This guide explains how store accounts work, the benefits and risks, and highlights the retailers offering the most accessible credit accounts this year.
Why Store Accounts Are Popular in South Africa
- Easier qualification – Store credit providers are often more lenient than banks.
- Lower entry requirements – Many accounts approve customers with low or no credit history.
- Instant shopping power – Customers can start shopping as soon as the account is approved.
- Special discounts – Exclusive sales and discounts for account holders.
- Credit building – Regular repayments improve your credit score.
Risks of Store Accounts
Before applying, remember:
- High interest rates – Some store accounts charge up to 25–27% per year.
- Temptation to overspend – Easy access can lead to debt traps.
- Fees – Initiation and service fees increase the real cost of credit.
- Impact on credit score – Missed payments damage your record.
Used responsibly, however, store accounts can be valuable financial tools.
Requirements to Open a Store Account in 2025
Most retailers ask for:
- South African ID.
- Minimum age: 18 years.
- Proof of income (payslip or 3 months’ bank statements).
- Sometimes, proof of residence.
💡 Tip: Some stores also approve customers with irregular income, provided they can show regular deposits or SASSA grant payments.
Store Accounts in South Africa: Easiest to Qualify For (2025)
Here’s a breakdown of the most accessible store accounts this year.
1. Ackermans Store Account
- Minimum income: R1,000/month
- Interest rate: From 21% (subject to credit profile)
- Benefits:
- Affordable clothing, kids’ wear, and homeware.
- Easy qualification for low-income earners and first-time credit users.
- Additional cards for family members.
- Why it’s easy: Ackermans is widely known for approving low-income and grant-based customers.
2. Pep Account (Pep Club Card)
- Minimum income: R1,000/month
- Interest rate: Affordable, often below competitors.
- Benefits:
- Affordable fashion, schoolwear, and homeware.
- Free Club Card discounts.
- Simple application process in-store.
- Why it’s easy: Pep accounts are among the easiest to qualify for, with many first-time applicants approved.
3. Edgars Store Account
- Minimum income: R1,500/month
- Interest rate: ~23%
- Benefits:
- Wide range of fashion, beauty, and homeware.
- Access to partner retailers in the Edcon network.
- Insurance add-ons (funeral cover, account protection).
- Why it’s easy: Edgars often extends credit to customers with limited or no prior credit history.
4. Jet Account
- Minimum income: R1,500/month
- Interest rate: ~24%
- Benefits:
- Fashion and essentials for families.
- Easy in-store application.
- Add family cards.
- Why it’s easy: Jet accounts are marketed towards middle-to-low income groups, making approval simpler than banks.
5. The Foschini Group (TFG Account)
- Minimum income: R1,500/month
- Interest rate: 23–25%
- Benefits:
- Why it’s easy: TFG has a large customer base and offers entry-level limits for new credit users.
6. Mr Price Store Account (MRP Money)
- Minimum income: R2,000/month
- Interest rate: From 23%
- Benefits:
- Affordable fashion, home, and sportwear.
- App-based account management.
- Optional MRP insurance products.
- Why it’s easy: Mr Price approves many young adults and students starting their credit journey.
7. Truworths Store Account
- Minimum income: R2,000/month
- Interest rate: 22–24%
- Benefits:
- Fashion, homeware, and cosmetics.
- Easy-to-manage revolving credit.
- Instant decision in-store.
- Why it’s easy: Truworths often gives low initial limits to ease qualification, especially for students.
8. Edgars Connect / Cellphone Accounts
- Minimum income: R1,500–R2,000/month
- Benefits:
- Buy phones and airtime on credit.
- Popular with first-time credit users.
- Why it’s easy: Cellphone store accounts tend to be easier than banks since the credit is secured by the device.
9. Woolworths Store Card
- Minimum income: R2,500/month
- Interest rate: 20–25%
- Benefits:
- Access to fashion, food, and homeware.
- Exclusive WRewards discounts.
- Why it’s easy: Although slightly stricter, Woolworths accounts remain accessible to middle-income earners with clean credit.
10. Makro Credit Account (RCS)
- Minimum income: R2,500/month
- Interest rate: 20–25%
- Benefits:
- Large appliances, groceries, and electronics.
- Flexible repayment terms (24–48 months).
- Why it’s easy: Easier for existing RCS customers or those with good store account repayment history.
Comparison Table: Store Accounts in South Africa 2025
| Store Account | Minimum Income | Interest Rate | Key Benefit | Ease of Approval |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ackermans | R1,000 | ~21% | Family clothing, homeware | Very Easy |
| Pep | R1,000 | ~21% | Budget fashion, schoolwear | Very Easy |
| Edgars | R1,500 | ~23% | Fashion & beauty | Easy |
| Jet | R1,500 | ~24% | Family essentials | Easy |
| TFG | R1,500 | 23–25% | 20+ brands | Easy |
| Mr Price (MRP) | R2,000 | ~23% | Youth fashion | Moderate |
| Truworths | R2,000 | 22–24% | Fashion & home | Moderate |
| Edgars Connect | R1,500+ | 23% | Phones & airtime | Easy |
| Woolworths | R2,500 | 20–25% | Food, fashion | Moderate |
| Makro (RCS) | R2,500 | 20–25% | Appliances, groceries | Moderate |
Best Store Accounts by Category
- Easiest Overall: Ackermans & Pep
- Best for Students/Young Adults: Mr Price & Truworths
- Best for Families: Jet & Edgars
- Best Rewards: TFG (20+ brands on one card)
- Best for Food & Lifestyle: Woolworths
Tips to Qualify for a Store Account Fast
- Apply at entry-level stores first – Pep and Ackermans are the easiest gateways.
- Show regular income – Even grant or informal earnings if deposited into a bank account.
- Avoid too many applications – Each enquiry lowers your score.
- Start small – Accept low initial credit limits and build up.
- Pay on time – Positive history improves chances of bigger accounts later.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which store account is the easiest to get in South Africa?
Pep and Ackermans are widely considered the easiest, with minimum income of R1,000/month.
2. Can I get a store account without a payslip?
Yes, if you can provide 3 months’ bank statements showing regular income. Some stores also accept SASSA grant proof.
3. Do store accounts help my credit score?
Yes, if you pay on time. Missed payments, however, can damage your record.
4. What happens if I don’t pay my store account?
Interest and penalties accrue, and unpaid debt may result in blacklisting and legal action.
5. Are store accounts better than credit cards?
Store accounts are easier to qualify for, but interest rates can be higher. Credit cards offer more flexibility if you qualify.
Conclusion
In 2025, store accounts remain one of the easiest entry points to credit in South Africa. For first-time applicants, Ackermans, Pep, and Jet accounts are the most accessible, especially for low-income earners and students. TFG, Truworths, and Mr Price provide broader fashion and lifestyle credit, while Woolworths and Makro cater to middle-income earners seeking premium options.
The key to using store accounts wisely is discipline: borrow within your means, pay on time, and use the opportunity to build a strong credit history. That way, your first store account can open doors to bigger financial opportunities in the future.
