You start by selecting what you want to purchase. These range from electronics and home furniture to vehicles, as well as educational or medical services, depending on what is offered by the consumer finance provider.

You can get financing through a bank, a licensed consumer finance company, or even directly from some retailers (if they’re registered as official providers). Some options are available at physical branches, while others operate entirely online or through mobile apps.

This can be done on the spot at the store, through a company website, or via a mobile app. Most applications require your national ID, proof of income, and sometimes, proof of address or employment.

Providers will also verify your identity through Know Your Customer (KYC) checks.

Providers will then assess your ability to repay. This either involves reviewing your credit score through I-Score (Egypt’s national credit bureau) or evaluating your financial situation based on your proof of income.

Some fintech apps or microfinance companies are more flexible in that regard.

If approved, you’ll receive a standardized financing contract. The Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) requires all licensed providers to clearly outline:

• The item or service being financed
• Purchase price and down payment (if any)
• Total financed amount
• Duration (minimum of 6 months)
• Number and value of monthly payments
• Interest rate and fees
• Any collateral or guarantees, if required

This contract should be easy to read and fully transparent. And if anything seems unclear, always ask before signing.

Once the contract is signed, you can complete the purchase. In most cases, the provider pays the merchant directly.

You’ll repay the financing amount in fixed monthly installments over the agreed period. Payments can typically be made through bank transfers, mobile wallets, E-payment apps, or cash at authorized payment points.

• Only banks licensed by the Central Bank of Egypt and companies licensed by the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) can legally offer Consumer Finance.
• The minimum repayment period is six months.
• Providers are required by law to disclose all terms, including any fees or interest, before you sign anything.

Many local and international banks offer installment plans and personal loans in Egypt for a variety of needs. These are often geared toward salaried employees or account holders with existing relationships.

Some examples:

• Banque Misr offers durable goods loans up to EGP 500,000, with long repayment terms and life insurance coverage.
• CIB provides personal financing for up to EGP 675,000, often as part of its wealth management services.
• NBK Egypt, Emirates NBD, and Arab Bank all offer unsecured personal loans, with some options available up to EGP 3 million, depending on income and credit score.

Important Note
Bank loans require more paperwork and a longer approval time, especially if you don’t already have an account with them.

These are private companies focused exclusively on consumer financing. They usually offer faster approvals and more flexible eligibility, making them a strong option for individuals who don’t meet traditional banking criteria or would rather avoid the hassle and longer wait times.

Examples include:

• Contact - Egypt’s first consumer finance company (est. 2001), offering services for cars, education, furniture, and more.
• valU - Known for Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options and customizable plans across thousands of stores.
• Halan - A fintech platform that offers both small business financing and BNPL options.
• Sympl - Specializes in flexible installment payments at the point of sale.

These companies often serve the underbanked, offering installment plans even to those without formal credit histories.

This category has grown massively thanks to Egypt’s push for digital financial inclusion. Many fintech platforms now allow users to apply via mobile and track their payments in real-time. BNPL, in particular, has gained significant traction due to its convenience and low entry barriers. Users can pay for electronics, fashion, healthcare, and even groceries in installments with just a national ID.

Popular players include:

• Khazna - Focuses on improving access to financial tools for low-income users.
• Paymob - A payments aggregator working with businesses and online retailers.
• Meeza & InstaPay - Government-backed tools that simplify digital payments.

While technically regulated under a different law, microfinance companies like Tanmeyah, Aman, and Al Ahly Tamkeen play a big role in financing small purchases and business needs, especially in rural and underserved areas.

• Small-ticket installment loans
• Low documentation requirements
• High outreach in governorates outside Cairo and Alexandria
• Targeted support for women, farmers, and micro-entrepreneurs

• Unclear total costs: Some providers may highlight the monthly payment but fail to disclose the full amount you’ll repay.
• Hidden penalties: Make sure to ask about late payment fees or early settlement charges.
• Over-borrowing: Just because you’re approved for a certain amount doesn’t mean it’s a good fit for your budget.
• Unlicensed providers: Not all installment plans are offered through licensed companies. Watch out for informal lenders or retailers offering unclear terms.

If you're working with a licensed provider (regulated under Law No. 18 of 2020), you’re protected by the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), which requires:

• Transparent contracts: You must receive a copy of a standardized agreement detailing the loan amount, number of installments, interest, fees, and total repayment.
• Full disclosure: Providers must explain your payment obligations in plain terms.
• Fair treatment: Licensed companies are subject to oversight and penalties if they engage in deceptive or unfair practices.

• What is the total I’ll pay by the end of the contract?
• Are there fees for early repayment or delays?
• Is the company licensed by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)?
• What happens if I miss a payment?

If the answers aren’t clear, walk away or ask for clarification. A trustworthy provider will always be willing to explain and put it in writing.

Make sure the provider is regulated by the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA). Licensed companies are legally required to use transparent contracts and follow standardized practices.

You can check the provider’s status on the official FRA website.

Is there a flat service fee or interest rate? Are there penalties for late payments or early settlement? Do prices vary based on the repayment period?

If the numbers aren’t clear, that’s a red flag.

Need the product fast? Some companies offer approvals in minutes, especially digital-first platforms like BNPL services. Others, especially banks, may take several days to weeks.

Do they have a mobile app? Can you manage your payments online? Is customer service easy to reach? Your convenience matters, especially when managing multiple payments.

A longer plan might mean lower monthly payments, but it could also mean paying more overall. Run the numbers and make sure the monthly amount works for your income and expenses.

Search for user feedback online or ask around. Real stories from other customers can tell you a lot about reliability and service quality.