The Ackermans Account remains a widely used store credit facility in South Africa. It enables cardholders to purchase clothing and homeware on credit at Ackermans and partner retailers such as Shoe City, Dunns, and Refinery. This updated 2025 review details the application process, credit terms, benefits, fees, payment channels, and frequently asked questions so that prospective customers can make informed decisions.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Feature | Detail (January 2025) |
|---|---|
| Minimum income requirement | R1 250 per month (pensioners and social grant recipients qualify) |
| Monthly service fee | R9.95 (includes retrenchment, death, and temporary disability cover) |
| Repayment term | Up to 12 months interest bearing |
| Accepted stores | Ackermans, Shoe City, Refinery, Dunns |
| Remote management | USSD (130602#) or WhatsApp (save 0860 900 100) |
| Additional facility | Ackermans Club (optional) |
| Statement preference | Physical, e-mail, or electronic via USSD/WhatsApp |
How the Ackermans Account Works
- Credit approval
Ackermans performs an affordability assessment in line with the National Credit Act, using proof of income and an internal credit score. - Credit limit
Once approved, a fixed credit limit is allocated. Cardholders may spend up to this limit at participating retailers. - Repayment
The balance must be repaid over a maximum of twelve months. Interest applies on outstanding balances according to the repo-linked rate published in the statement. - Optional Ackermans Club
For a small additional monthly fee, cardholders may join the Ackermans Club, which provides lifestyle benefits outlined below.
Application Methods
| Method | Steps and Requirements |
|---|---|
| Online | Visit https://www.ackermans.co.za/account. Enter South African ID, mobile number, and upload proof of income (latest payslip, grant slip, or bank statement). |
| SMS | Send an SMS to 34413 containing: First name, Surname, South African ID number, Gross monthly income. The credit team will call to complete the affordability assessment. |
| In-store (selected branches) | Complete a paper application and submit proof of income and ID with a consultant. |
Eligibility criteria
- Must be eighteen years or older
- Must have a valid South African identity document or smart card
- Must provide proof of income (see table below)
- Must provide proof of residential address not older than three months
| Employment Status | Acceptable Proof of Income (minimum one document) |
|---|---|
| Permanent or contract employee | Latest payslip or three months bank statements |
| Self-employed | Six months bank statements and latest signed financials |
| Pensioner | Latest pension slip or three months bank statements showing pension credits |
| Social-grant recipient | SASSA slip or three months bank statements showing grant deposits |
| Domestic worker | Employer letter plus three months bank statements |
Credit Limit and Usage
- Initial limit depends on income and credit profile.
- Limit increase requests may be submitted via WhatsApp or the USSD menu after three months of on-time payments.
- Partner retailers: Ackermans, Shoe City, Dunns, Refinery. The account cannot be used outside these brands.
Remote Account Management
| Channel | Commands / Functions | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USSD | 130602# – balance enquiry, mini-statement, credit-limit increase, switch to e-mail statement | Free |
| Save 0860 900 100, then message “Hi”. Menu options include balance, credit-limit requests, document uploads, account queries | Free data on most networks | |
| Call Centre | 0860 900 100 (08:00–17:00 weekdays, 08:00–13:00 Saturday) | Standard call rates |
Ackermans Club (Optional Add-On)
For an additional R6.95 per month, members receive:
- Bi-monthly Ackermans Club magazine delivered by post or e-mail
- Bi-monthly competitions and bursaries up to R50 000
- Funeral cover – R6 000 for the principal member and R4 000 for the spouse
- Twenty percent discount on general-practitioner consultations at participating network doctors
- Access to Dial-a-Teacher homework assistance line for primary and secondary pupils
Payment Options
| Payment Channel | How to Pay | Reference Needed |
|---|---|---|
| In-store (Ackermans tills) | Present card or ID, pay cash or bank card | Account number / ID |
| Ozow Instant EFT | Via https://pay.ozow.com/ackermans—enter sixteen-digit account number | Sixteen-digit account no. |
| Flash Merchants | Provide account number at any Flash vendor | Sixteen-digit account no. |
| Mobile or internet banking | Add Ackermans as a beneficiary, use account number as reference | Sixteen-digit account no. |
| Debit order | Complete mandate form in-store or via WhatsApp | — |
| WhatsApp Bot (Ozow link) | Select “Pay My Account” to launch secure EFT | Link auto-generates |
Payments reflect within forty-eight hours. Early settlement is allowed without penalties.
Advantages
- Low entry threshold: Minimum income R1 250, accessible to pensioners and grant recipients.
- Flexible remote management via USSD and WhatsApp.
- Optional lifestyle benefits through Ackermans Club.
- Ability to request credit increases after responsible usage.
- No interest on zero balance; you pay service fee only if you carry credit.
Disadvantages
- Store-card limitation: Usable only at Ackermans, Dunns, Shoe City, and Refinery.
- High interest on overdue balances if repayment extends beyond twelve months.
- Limited partner variety—does not cover groceries, electronics, or fuel.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the monthly service fee? – R9.95, which covers death, temporary disability, and retrenchment insurance.
- How long does approval take? – Three to five working days. Account details are sent by SMS.
- Is there an initiation fee? – No initiation fee at present.
- Can I settle early? – Yes, with no early-settlement penalty.
- How do I close the account? – Pay the balance in full, then call 0860 900 100 to request closure.
- Will missing a payment affect my credit score? – Yes, missed or late payments are reported to credit bureaux.
- Can I add supplementary cardholders? – Not currently; the account remains in the principal’s name only.
- Does Ackermans offer debt-review support? – Customers under debt review may contact the call centre for tailored payment arrangements.
Conclusion
The Ackermans Account provides an accessible line of credit for clothing and homeware purchases across four popular South African retail chains. Low income requirements, simple application routes, and robust remote-management tools make it attractive to consumers who might not qualify for traditional credit cards. The optional Ackermans Club delivers additional value, although shoppers seeking a broader store network may prefer a general retail account. Always review the interest rate quoted on approval and repay within twelve months to avoid excessive charges.
