News / Economy and costs
Policy rate is 7.25%; next Reserve Bank decision is on 19 November
The Reserve Bank's policy rate is 7.25%, with the next decision on 19 November 2026, so check your borrowing costs before budgeting.
- Who it affects
- Business owners with variable-rate loans, overdrafts or vehicle finance
- Decision on
- 19 November 2026
- Action
- Check your current lending rate and repayments, then review your cash flow before the next decision
- Official source
- SARB: September 2026 Monetary Policy Committee statement
- Last checked
- 24 October 2026
What changed
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) raised its policy rate by 25 basis points to 7.25% following the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision on 23 September 2026. The increase took effect on 25 September.
The next announcement is on 19 November 2026. That is the date to watch, not a promise of another increase or a cut. The September statement says decisions will be taken meeting by meeting.
Who it affects
If your business has floating or variable-rate debt, interest-rate changes can affect its borrowing costs. SARB explains that higher rates increase costs for borrowers with floating-rate debt.
The policy rate is not a quote for your own loan.
What to do
- Find the interest rate and repayment on your latest lending statement.
- Ask your lender which part of your agreement can change, and when a change would reach your account.
- Put your actual repayments into your cash flow. Test whether you could still cover them if borrowing costs rose.
- Recheck the official decision on 19 November before changing assumptions about future rates.
Do not budget for a rate cut that has not been announced.
Where to find out more
This update is general information, checked against the official source on the date shown. It is not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and dates can change, so confirm with the official source or a qualified adviser before you act.