Magnetization study of single-crystalline ErFe5Al7

► ErFe5Al7 is a complex system with competitive exchange and anisotropic interactions. ► Magnetic properties of ErFe5Al7 have been systematically studied. ► ErFe5Al7 displays strong easy-plane anisotropy and anisotropy within the basal plane. ► Field-induced magnetic transitions are observed along the [1 0 0] and [1 1 0] axes. ► Strong magnetic and thermal hysteresis is observed at low temperatures.