Payflex vs Mobicred vs PayJustNow — which BNPL actually wins?
All three appear on most South African checkouts now. They look similar from the front end but behave very differently when something goes wrong. Here's the real-world comparison.
Key takeaways
- 01Payflex and PayJustNow split your purchase into 3 interest-free instalments over 6 weeks.
- 02Mobicred works like a revolving credit card — flexible terms, but real interest applies.
- 03Late fees on Payflex and PayJustNow start at R50 and escalate. Don't miss a payment.
- 04For amounts over R20,000, Mobicred is usually cheaper than 3-instalment options because of longer terms.
Side-by-side comparison
| Payflex | Mobicred | PayJustNow | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instalments | 3 | 3–24 months | 3 |
| Interest | 0% if paid on time | ~21% APR | 0% if paid on time |
| Credit check | Soft | Full NCR | Soft |
| Max amount | R30,000 | R35,000+ | R30,000 |
| Late fee | R50 + | Interest accrual | R50 + |
| Approval time | Instant | 1–3 days | Instant |
When to use Payflex
You want a phone in the R3,000–R15,000 range, you have predictable income, and you can comfortably afford a third of the price every 2 weeks. The interest-free aspect is genuinely interest-free if you pay on time — there's no hidden admin fee tucked behind it.
When to use Mobicred
You're buying something more expensive — a MacBook, an iPhone 16 Pro Max, multiple items — and 6 weeks is too short. Mobicred lets you stretch payments out and only pay interest on what's outstanding. It's regulated as proper credit, so it does affect your credit score (positively if you pay well).
When to use PayJustNow
Mechanically identical to Payflex. Approval algorithms differ slightly, so if Payflex declines you, PayJustNow often approves the same amount. Either is fine — go with whichever gives you the higher limit at checkout.
The catch nobody talks about
BNPL is easy to stack — you can have an active Payflex, Mobicred, and PayJustNow plan running at the same time. Lenders share data via SACRRA, so by month six you've quietly built a credit footprint that affects future home loans and vehicle finance. Use one at a time, pay it down, then use the next.
FAQ
Will BNPL hurt my credit score?
Only Mobicred reports to credit bureaus by default. Payflex and PayJustNow report late payments only — pay on time and you're invisible.
Can I combine BNPL with a trade-in?
Yes — at Nextech you can apply trade-in credit and finance the remaining balance through any of the three providers.
Talk to a human
Buy your next phone in 3 interest-free payments.
Every product at Nextech is available via Payflex, Mobicred, or PayJustNow. No hidden fees, instant approval at checkout.
Repairs near you