Is refinancing a personal loan a good idea?

Refinancing a personal loan may be useful if the new loan offers terms that better suit your circumstances after fees, interest and repayment length are considered. It is not automatically beneficial, especially if costs are high or the new term increases the total interest paid.

How can I budget effectively to prepare for a loan application?

To budget effectively for a loan application, start by assessing your current financial situation. Track your income and expenses to identify areas where you can cut unnecessary spending. Create a budget that prioritises essential living costs and reduces discretionary spending, allowing you to save more. Aim to build an emergency fund to cover at least three to six months of expenses, which lenders often view positively. Regularly pay your current bills on time to maintain a good credit score, a crucial factor in loan approvals. Consider consolidating existing debt to reduce interest payments and simplify finances. Lastly, keep a detailed record of your financial documents, including pay slips, bank statements, and any other relevant information required for the loan application. This approach will not only make you more attractive to lenders but also ensure you're financially prepared for future needs.

How can I effectively manage my loans during times of economic uncertainty?

To effectively manage your loans during economic uncertainty, start by assessing your current financial situation. Create a detailed budget to understand your income and expenses and identify potential savings to allocate towards loan repayments. Where possible, build or maintain an emergency fund to cushion against unexpected financial pressures. Contact your lenders to discuss your situation, as many offer flexible repayment options or hardship programs during economic downturns. Consider consolidating your loans to simplify payments and potentially lower interest rates. Pay attention to government initiatives that might provide temporary relief or assistance. Focus on paying down high-interest loans first and make at least the minimum payments on all loans to avoid penalties. Lastly, avoid taking on new debts if possible until the economic situation stabilises. By prioritising and adapting your financial strategy, you can navigate your loans more effectively during challenging economic times.

How can I improve my credit score for better chances of getting a personal loan?

To improve your credit score and enhance your chances of getting a personal loan, start by regularly checking your credit report for errors and promptly correcting them. Ensure you pay all your bills on time, as punctual payments have a significant positive impact on your score. Reduce any existing debt to keep your credit utilisation ratio low. It's also beneficial to maintain a mix of credit types, as a diverse credit portfolio can be favourable. Avoid applying for too many new credit accounts in a short span to prevent negatively affecting your score. Keeping old accounts open, even if they're not in use, can also boost your credit history length, another factor in your score calculation. Consistently practising these habits will not only improve your credit score over time but also enhance your eligibility for personal loans.

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Comparison results are from participating brokers within our referral network and may not represent all providers in the market. We may receive a referral fee at no cost to you. We do not provide financial advice or credit assistance directly.

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Any Loan Type

Home loans, car loans, personal loans, debt consolidation, bike, boat, caravan, truck and business finance. Submitting your initial enquiry with us will not create an entry on your credit file, but if you choose to proceed with a lender or broker they may conduct a credit check as part of their application process.

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Simply complete our short online loan enquiry form to check whether you can be referred to a participating broker or lender who may be able to assist with your specific needs and circumstances.

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Multiple lenders

When you submit an online loan enquiry with us, we use your details to check your eligibility for referral against criteria set by brokers and lenders in our national referral network. You must meet the criteria of at least one participating broker or lender, and a referral may not always be available. This is not a loan approval or credit assessment. We do not compare personal loans; after referral, a participating broker can help you compare options available through them, which may not cover every personal loan in the market.

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No credit check for your initial enquiry

Submitting your initial finance enquiry with us will not create an entry on your credit file. However, if you choose to proceed with a lender or broker after your enquiry, they may conduct a credit check in line with their application process. Multiple credit file entries can make it more difficult to obtain a loan and can severely limit your options.

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Please Note: Submitting your enquiry with us will not result in an entry recorded on your credit file. However, if you choose to proceed with a lender or broker, they may conduct a credit check in line with their application process

Warning to Borrowers: Unsecured personal loans

The following information is specific to unsecured personal loans.

Minimum period for repayment 6 months, maximum period 5 years.

The maximum Annual Percentage Rate (APR) including all fees and charges is 36% for small, shorter term loans. Longer term loans for larger amounts may be available for an APR of 15% or lower.

For example, a $1000 loan over 6 months could require a fortnightly repayment amount of as much as $96.92 including total costs (interest fees and charges) of $260 in addition to the amount that you borrowed.

Secured loans such as home loans, car loans, etc. are usually a much cheaper finance option. The interest rate will be different depending on what you are financing. For example, home loan interest rates will be typically lower than for a car, boat, caravan or truck loan.

Personal Loans Australia: The Weekly News Wrap

Podcast Cover Image This weeks wrap previews the RBAs 29 September rate decision, recaps an RBA Board members 22 September remarks downplaying the risk of a wage–price spiral, and explains the RBAs 23 September assessment of ASX clearing and settlement. Why it matters: cash‑rate moves can affect personal‑loan pricing; inflation still drives policy; and resilient payments infrastructure supports smooth lending. Practical tips: compare lenders with one application, use a repayment calculator, consider fees and features, and have documents ready for faster turnaround.

Listen to this week's episode

Personal Loans Articles

Effective Credit Repair: Long-Term Strategies for Sustained Improvement

Maintaining a good credit score is crucial for financial health. In Australia, a solid credit score can unlock better interest rates, higher credit limits, and improve your chances of loan approval. - read more

Personal Loans with a Low Credit Score: What Australian Borrowers Should Know

A low credit score does not automatically stop you from applying for a personal loan in Australia, but it can affect your eligibility, loan options and total cost. Here is what to consider before you apply. - read more

Avoid Common Budgeting Mistakes for First-Time Borrowers

As a first-time borrower, understanding the importance of budgeting is crucial. Effective budgeting can make all the difference in achieving financial stability and meeting your financial goals. It helps you manage your income, control your spending, and save for future needs. - read more

Finance News

Card Spending Trends Keep Personal Loan Planning in Focus

17 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s latest retail payments update offers another useful snapshot of how households are managing everyday spending, card use and short-term credit. While payment data is not the same as loan approval data, it can still tell borrowers something important: the way money moves through a household each month can affect how comfortable a lender feels about future repayments. - read more

RBA Lending Rate Update Highlights the Real Cost of Personal Borrowing

10 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s latest lending rate statistics are a useful reminder that personal borrowing costs can vary widely, even when the broader cash rate outlook appears steady. For households considering a car loan, debt consolidation loan or unsecured personal loan, the key issue is not simply whether rates are rising or falling. It is whether the loan being offered is affordable, suitable and competitive for the borrower’s circumstances. - read more

Latest Credit Signals Reinforce the Need for Careful Loan Planning

03 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s latest financial aggregates add another layer to an ongoing story for personal loan borrowers: consumer credit remains an important pressure point for household budgets, even as interest rate settings stay under close watch. - read more

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Knowledgebase

Second Mortgage:
A type of subordinate mortgage made while an original mortgage is still in effect.