We’re here to help! - Phonefinder is here to get you connected! We are ready to answer any question you may have about your mobile deal application or FinServ partner offerings. Please read through our FAQ for assistance.
Application FAQ's
How does the application process work? Why didn’t I get contacted for my mobile application? Why was I contacted for a different deal to that which I applied for? Will I undergo a credit check? Why was my application declined? Is My Decline Permanent? Why must I earn a specific amount to qualify for a monthly subscription of a few hundred rand?
Approval Process
What are the requirements for my contract being approved? How will I know if I qualify? What if I do not meet the requirements? If I am declined on one Network, will another approve me? I am blacklisted can you help?
Being Called
Why have I not been contacted? Sales call got cut, and I have not been called back My device has not been delivered. What should I do? How do I contact my Service Provider?
Phonefinder FAQ's
Where is Phonefinder based? Is Phonefinder a Network Service Provider? Is Phonefinder free to use? What is the benefit of using Phonefinder? How can Phonefinder help if I was declined for the deal I applied for? Can Phonefinder give me my credit score? How do I know what I need in a mobile contract?
Billing FAQ's
Will Phonefinder ever bill me?
Product FAQ's
Coverage is very poor. What should I do? Why is my first debit more than what I signed for? What are Value-Added Services? Why have I been called and offered insurance when I entered my details for a phone?
Device and SIM Card FAQ's
How can I find out the status of my delivery?
How do I activate my sim card once received?
My device received is not working! What do I do? Who do I contact?
How do I manage my data usage and balances?
Application FAQ’s
How does the application process work?
There is certain information needed from you in order ensure that we find you the best possible deal.
For your chosen deal and / or best deal suited for your purpose and pocket, the specific 3rd Party Provider might require a credit scoring and / or credit vetting process before they can see whether you qualify for that deal or not. To ensure quality to you and our 3rd Party Providers, we will only pass your information on to our 3rd Party Providers that you voluntarily submit, where it is information that is needed to provide you with the best possible deal, and where you have agreed and consented to a credit check. By submitting your information to be shared with 3rd Party Providers you acknowledge and agree to the fact that your information may be passed on to more than one 3rd Party Provider. This is to be able to provide you with the best possible option for that perfect deal.
Why didn’t I get contacted for my mobile application?
Once you supply your name and contact details on Phonefinder.co.za, plus click the consent form, your details are given our relevant Partner who’s systems will do a credit check to ensure you qualify for the deal that you selected – this could take up to maximum 48 hours. If you don’t qualify for that deal.
Why was I contacted for a different deal to that which I applied for?
The Network and other providers run a credit check to ensure that you qualify for your selected deal. After all, applying for a mobile contract is like applying for credit – you need a certain credit score and monthly income in order to qualify. At time, you may qualify for a different deal or different Network or partner offering. Phonefinder’s goal is to ensure that you get connected, so if you don’t qualify for what you applied for, you’ll be contacted by another partner for the next best offering.
Will I undergo a credit check?
Yes in most cases. Upon applying for your deal on phonefinder.co.za, you will undergo a free credit check to see if you pass the Network's scorecard. This may take up to 48 hours for some Networks. Upon passing the scorecard you will be contacted by a sales agent. Should you not pass the scorecard Phonefinder will be in touch with other mobile partner deals for you.
Why was my application declined?
Think of a cell phone contract as a loan offered to you by the Network Service Provider (Cell C, MTN, Vodacom or Telkom). A smart phone such as the Samsung Galaxy J5 retails at R3,499. In order to attach this product to your mobile contract the Network Service Provider needs to finance the phone, it therefore becomes a loan (no different to a home or car loan). While smartphones are coming down in price, they are still sizeable risk factors in terms of a loan. For this reason, the Networks take your credit score and match it against their scorecard (think of a scorecard as a pre-determined risk factor chart that matches credit ratings against the Service Providers products). So, while you may pass the credit score you may be eligible for different products to someone else who also passed the credit score.
Factors which may influence your approval rating are income, blacklist status, work history, living situations, defaulted payments, judgement against your name at the credit bureau and debt review.
Get your free credit report here
Is My Decline Permanent?
The Network scorecards are forever changing to match the economic environment. Sometimes they are lenient and sometimes they are extremely strict. Currently the average pass rate is roughly 20%. If you failed the scorecard today, then there is no hard rule to say you won't pass in three months’ time. Failing the scorecard is also not a permanent mark against your name. Should you clear up any factor which may have been responsible for your decline status then you are eligible to pass the next application.
Why must I earn a specific amount to qualify for a monthly subscription of a few hundred rand?
Unfortunately, this is requirement from most Network Providers to qualify for credit. However, should you not qualify this is where the Phonefinder Credit Friendly Service comes in. We will assist where possible by passing you on to one of our other trusted service providers (Credit Friendly Service Providers), who will try their best to assist you in getting a contract deal.
How long does it take to get my SIM card and device (if applicable)?
Upon submitting your application on Phonefinder, we’ll send your details securely, immediately to our Network partners. From then on, the time it takes the Network to contact you may differ as they first need to perform a credit check. If you pass, expect to wait 4 - 48 hours to be contacted.
Approval Process
What are the requirements for my contract being approved?
Taking out a contract is like taking out a loan, especially if your contract comes with a smart phone device. The reason for this is that the Network Service Provider will have to fund your device over the period of the contract (usually for 24-36 months).
For this reason, a credit check will be conducted by the Network so that they are confident in signing you onto their contract (loan).
To pass a credit check your financial affairs will have to be in order. Often the requirements are:
• You are employed (for less than 3 months). If you are self-employed, they will review income and monthly costs
• You earn over a specific amount per month – Network dependant
• You are not blacklisted or under debt review
• You have a valid SA ID (not only a passport)
• You are over 21 years old
• You have a valid SA banking account
• You have a valid SA address (RICA)
How will I know if I qualify?
The service provider will contact you via SMS (and via a telephone call if you pass). Please allow our partners 4-48 hours to complete the credit check.
What if I do not meet the requirements?
This is where the Phonefinder Credit Friendly Service comes in. We will assist where possible by passing you on to one of our other trusted service providers (Credit Friendly Service Providers), who will try their best to assist you in getting a contract deal.
If I am declined on one Network, will another approve me?
Each cellular Network provider will conduct their own credit check and have their own set of requirements that must be met. If you are declined by one Network, then do not lose hope. Phonefinder will apply on your behalf with a different Network where you may potentially be successful.
I am blacklisted can you help?
In some cases, yes, we can. To know for sure, we will need to pass you though the Phonefinder Credit Friendly Service to request that our team of service providers contact you with options they have for you.
I am a student, can I apply?
Students can apply for a cell phone contract so long as they meet the approval conditions. Alternatively, a guardian can apply in your name (but they will have to meet the approval conditions).
Being Called
Why have I not been contacted?
Please allow for us to 24 hours for your credit check to be processed. There are sometimes valid reasons for a delayed sales call, however we are always on your side and would like to help speed up the process. If, after 24 hours you are still waiting for a phone call then please email us at [email protected] so that we can chase up for you.
Sales call got cut, and I have not been called back
This may happen from time to time due to power cuts and bad connections. If this happens to you please email us at [email protected] so that we can get an agent to call you right away.
My device has not been delivered. What should I do?
Please email [email protected] so that we can follow up with the service provider for you.
How do I contact my Service Provider?
I'm a foreigner using a passport. Can I apply?
Unfortunately, the Network Providers require a valid SA ID in order to assist with a deal.
Phonefinder FAQ’s
Where is Phonefinder based?
We are a free to use comparative website that connects you to our Network partners if you apply for any of our deals. Phonefinder does not bill you for using our site and for any products and services that you applied for. We are therefore only accessible online.
Is Phonefinder a Network Service Provider?
No. Phonefinder is a marketplace for mobile deals to be listed (data, smartphone packages, fibre). We connect you to the Service Provider who listed the deal.
Is Phonefinder free to use?
Yes. Phonefinder is free to browse and apply for deals. By using Phonefinder your delivery and SIM connection will also be free.
What is the benefit of using Phonefinder?
Phonefinder was developed in order to make it easier for South African’s to get connected to a mobile deal, be it a cell phone, SIM only or data plan. No other platform gives SA consumers that option to compare plans across all major Networks as well as Mobile Virtual Network Operators (such as Intellicell, Blue Label Connect, The Unlimited, Clientele Mobile and more). This allows us to get you connected with at least one partner or find an alternative solution should you be declined for your first choice. No other comparison service is as connected as Phonefinder. We are committed to getting you connected! This is what sets us apart from the rest.
An added value offering to you, Phonefinder offers to connect our customers South Africa with the perfect cell phone deals to suite individuals’ budgets and needs.
We know what it takes to match product-needs with budgets and lifestyle and as a result, we have partnered with the most well-known and credible Financial and Insurance Service Providers (FinServ) in South Africa. Through our vast partner network, we will be able to connect you with the right product to suite your lifestyle and budgetary needs.
Everyone has different lifestyle and budgetary requirements which is why we have grown a vast network of partners who offer an even wider selection of products. We will find you a quote to beat your car insurance, business insurance, medical aid, hospital cover, life cover, legal cover, or funeral cover.
Read more about our FinServ offering here
How can Phonefinder help if I was declined for the deal I applied for?
This is where the Phonefinder connection comes in! Our team are already at work to find you a mobile deal which we hope you will love. By this time, you should already have been contacted to see if there is an alternative deal that suites you.
Please don’t be concerned that you were declined for your first mobile contract choice, over 80% of South Africans face the same challenge. Luckily there is often a solution in the form of a SIM-only plan, a different smartphone model or a different cellular service provider.
The next steps:
1) You applied for a phone or data contract on Phonefinder
2) Within 24 hours (max 48 hours) you will receive an SMS from Phonefinder confirming your approval status
3) Should you be declined then Phonefinder will contact various other service providers to see if they have a similar deal available for you
4) Should there be a matching deal (by phone, minutes, data or similar value) then you will receive a call from the new service provider
You may also want to apply for our credit friendly mobile deal solutions, See:
Can Phonefinder give me my credit score?
Phonefinder is a comparison website and does not have access to your credit information however, we recommend getting your credit score though ClearScore. ClearScore provides an excellent report for you as well as gives you tips on how to improve your score. Best of all, it's free! Click here to sign up >
How do I know what I need in a mobile contract?
Phonefinder suggests you answer these questions to understand your own needs:
1) New phone or bring your own
Decide if you need a new phone or if your current one will do (you will save a ton if you take a SIM only solution).
2) Understand your communication needs
Do you need a lot of mobile data, or are you around free unlimited Wi-Fi all day? Do you need many minutes, or do you mostly make use of Zoom and WhatsApp to make your calls? Do you send a lot of SMSs, or any at all?
3) Define a budget
Understand your budget and which option, phone or package, should make up most of your budget. A limited budget will be used up by the latest smartphone and leave little room for data and minutes.
4) Compare all possible deals
Use Phonefinder to find and apply for the perfect cell phone contract. Phonefinder compares every possible cell phone contract plan.
Do you offer cash deals?
We unfortunately don’t offer cash deals at this stage, but watch this space 😊
Billing FAQ’s
Will Phonefinder ever bill me?
No. Phonefinder is a free to use service. We will never ask for your banking details, and therefore never charge you for anything. Our service partners however will be in touch with you to sell you the offering you were interested in. All billing transactions will be through our trusted partners.
I was not approved so why am I am being billed?
If this is the case please email [email protected] so that we can investigate the matter. In the event of an error Phonefinder will rectify the mistake with the service provider.
Product FAQ’s
Coverage is very poor. What should I do?
This is unfortunately area dependent; we do recommend checking the coverage map first before placing an order. If you already have your product then we suggest contacting your Service Provider to discuss the matter.
Why is my first debit more than what I signed for?
We apologize if you were not informed but normally Network Providers debit more on the first month because there is a pro-rata amount – so for the balance of the month you signed up in and the month ahead.
What are Value-Added Services?
Value-Added Services (VAS) enhance the experience on your new Smartphone. VAS offers you services like Wi-Fi Hotspots, cheaper call rates and Smartphone damage cover.
Do I have to purchase VAS?
No. Whether you accept or decline the Value-Added Services being offered has absolutely no impact on the outcome of your contract application, as these services are being offered as a separate service to your cell phone contract deal.
How can I cancel VAS?
Should you have opted in for VAS but now wish to cancel your order you are welcome to cancel. We have made the process easy and fast. Simply email [email protected] with your request to cancel.
Why have I been called and offered insurance when I entered my details for a phone?
For the past 10 years, Phonefinder has been connecting South Africa with the perfect cell phone deals to suite individuals’ budgets and needs. We facilitate over 10,000 monthly phone contract applications every month, so we know what it takes to match product-needs with budgets and lifestyle, and we would like to offer that value to the financial and insurance space.
Through our vast partner network, we connect you with the right product to suite your lifestyle and budgetary needs. We will strive to constantly secure the best partners to connect you with to get you that relevant quote to suit your needs, lifestyle and of course, your budget. A list of our partners can be found here. https://phonefinder.co.za/offers/financial-and-insurance-services
You can always opt out here.
Get in touch with Phonefinder
Email [email protected]
Visit our Facebook Page
Device and SIM Card FAQ’s
How can I find out the status of my delivery?
You will be sent a SMS with your tracking number and the provider that will be delivering your parcel. You can always track on their portal.
How do I activate my sim card once received?
How do I activate my sim card once received?
Dependant on the Network you have chosen, you will be automatically activated within 24-48 hours. You will receive an SMS confirming your activation.
My device received is not working! What do I do? Who do I contact?
My device received is not working! What do I do? Who do I contact?
Each network has their own Out-of-Box Failure (OBF) policy, you will need to contact your network that you received the device from and they will assist as long as it is within the specified period. This will be explained to you when you take out the contract. Please note that devices will not be replaced or repaired if damaged due to negligence.
How do I manage my data usage and balances?
How do I manage my data usage and balances?
Most networks have built their own apps which allows you to perform many actions on your account. You can sign up and manage your account in the comfort of your home.
How to Upsize or Downsize your SIM card to fit any mobile device?
How to Upsize or Downsize your SIM card to fit any mobile device?
One size does not fit all when it comes to SIM cards and mobile devices. Mobile devices use one of three types of SIM cards: Standard SIM cards, the smaller Micro SIM cards and the even smaller Nano SIM cards. Depending on your device, you must either up-size or down-size your SIM card.
You can use a SIM card adapter to up-size a Nano SIM card to a Micro or Standard SIM card and a Micro SIM card to a Standard SIM card. A Standard SIM card can be downsized to either a Micro SIM card or a Nano SIM card by taking it to your nearest mobile phone store to have it cut.
