Money in South Africa today
The South African Reserve Bank's interest rate, the latest inflation figure and what the South African rand is worth today, with what they mean for your savings and loans.
Repo rate decided 23 September 2026. Inflation from the Statistics South Africa.
What is happening
The Reserve Bank raised the repo rate by 0.25 points to 7.25% in September 2026, so the prime lending rate is 3.5 points higher at 10.75%. Inflation rose for a second month to 4.5% in September. The next decision is on 19 November 2026.
What it means for you
- Savers: interest rates are above inflation, so savings accounts, money market funds and government bills that pay close to the central bank rate can grow faster than prices. Compare what you earn after tax with the 4.5% inflation rate.
- Borrowers: bank lending rates and variable-rate loans follow the central bank. After the latest rise, expect loan rates to go up.
- Prices: inflation of 4.5% means something that cost 1,000 a year ago costs about 1,045 now.
Tools and guides for South Africa
Buying your first home in South Africa: bonds, deposits and costs
Buying a home is the biggest purchase most people make. How much you can afford, how home loans work, the extra costs and how the prime rate affects you.
Medical aid and gap cover in South Africa: how they fit together
Medical aid pays most private healthcare costs, but not always all of them. Plan types, prescribed minimum benefits, gap cover and how to choose.
Retirement annuities in South Africa: tax savings and how they work
A retirement annuity lets you save for retirement and cut your tax bill. How the deduction works, what you can invest in and the rules on access.
Stokvels in South Africa: how they work and how to run one well
Millions of South Africans save through stokvels. The main types, how to set one up properly, and how to make the group's money work harder.
Your credit report and credit score in South Africa
Lenders check your credit report before giving you a loan, a phone contract or even a lease. What it contains, how to get it free and how to improve your score.
The two-pot retirement system explained
Since September 2024 your retirement contributions go into two pots: one you can dip into once a year, one locked until retirement. How it works and the costs.
Sources
- SAnews: CPI rises in September
- Rio Times: SARB repo rate and inflation outlook
- South African Reserve Bank
Exchange rates update automatically through the day. Interest rates and inflation are updated after each central bank decision and monthly release.