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Credit scores and credit history help lenders determine whether someone will be able to responsibly manage a loan. Negative listings on your credit history, such as late payments or default accounts, can seem risky to lenders. This makes it harder to get your application approved.
Although, you can still get a loan even if you have a bad credit history. The downside is that these options higher fees, interest rates and other restrictions when compared to other personal loans. This makes it important to carefully compare the options available before deciding if this type of loan is suitable.
If you're struggling financially and would like to speak to someone for free financial advice, information and assistance you can call the Financial Counsellors hotline on 1800 007 007 (open from 9:30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday). If you are suffering financial problems related to the coronavirus pandemic you may be eligible for additional support. Find out more here: https://www.finder.com.au/coronavirus-financial-help
Do you really need a loan today?*
It can be expensive to borrow small amounts of money and borrowing may not solve your money problems.
Check your options before you borrow:
The Government's MoneySmart website shows you how small amount loans work and suggests other options that may help you.
* This statement is an Australian Government requirement under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009.
If someone with bad credit history wants to apply for a personal loan, there are a few different options they can consider. This includes:
If a lender has offered you a personal loan with guaranteed approval, this is likely a scam. No personal loans are "guaranteed" and lenders that promise you will be approved are often looking to charge you excessive interest and fees or get you to sign a contract with unfair or illegal terms.
You can check if a lender is legitimate by verifying that it's listed with ASIC or seeing if they appear on ASIC's "do not deal with" list. If you think you're being scammed, stop dealing with the lender immediately and report the scam to ASIC.
The costs can vary depending on factors including the lender, the type of loan and the amount borrowed. However, lenders must not charge more than the following amounts:
Loans under $2,000 with terms between 16 days and one year
Loans between $2,001 and $5,000 with terms between 16 days and two years
Loans over $5,000 with terms between 16 days and two years
From
variable rate
From
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Swoosh Finance offer fast, reliable, and hassle-free secured loans up to $4,584 for when you are in need of money.
As with any loan, approval is determined based on a range of eligibility factors and lending criteria. So, before applying, it is important to check the details and requirements of a loan to decide if it is suitable. Some other actions to consider include:
By checking your credit score you can get an idea of your credit position and any details that may affect the chances of loan approval.
If you're struggling financially and need help, the Financial Counsellors hotline (1800 007 007) offers free support and advice from qualified professionals. This can help you make decisions that fit with your current circumstances.
Applying for more than one loan at a time (or over a short amount of time) is a red flag to lenders and can hinder the chances of loan approval now and in the future. If applying for loans, apply for one and wait for a response before taking further action.
This will ensure you don't apply for a loan you can't afford. Lenders, when reviewing your application, will only approve your loan if you can afford the repayments.
How to use a personal loan calculator
Although the definition of "bad credit" differs between each lender, bankruptcy, defaults and Part 9 debt agreements are all red flags to lenders and generally will place you in the bad credit history category.
However, your credit file also holds other important financial information which may look bad to prospective lenders. This includes late bill payments, late loan repayments, multiple credit applications or exceeded credit card limits. There are varying levels of how bad your credit file can look to lenders, so be sure to check and compare the application criteria for personal loans to see if you may be eligible.
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Pepper Money is an Aussie non-bank lender that offers a vast range of personal loans and home loans to customers Australia-wide. Find out more here.
I have a 300 credit score and 2 defaults needing a loan
Hi Michell,
Thank you for reaching out to finder.
We are on the correct page for you to make a comparison on a table of providers in taking out a loan. Kindly review and compare your options on the table displaying the available providers. Once you have chosen a particular provider, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
Im wanting a provider who will help with a 15000 car loan with a poor credit raiting
Hi Teneal,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Though I can’t recommend one specific lender to you as we are a comparison website, you may be able to compare some lenders that offer car loans with bad credit. Please review the criteria and get in touch with the lender directly for the possible options available to you. When you are ready, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the lender’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
May
I have 2 defaults on my name from a stuiped furniture company, I gave back there furniture in excellent condition, and the defaulted me 2 times of $1400 I’m still paying them off, and I have a variable impact from Telstra on my name.
I’ve been approved for a $600 loan and almost done paying it off, I am I need of a $2000 loan where can I get one? Also I’m working and on single parenting
Hi Rebecca,
Thanks for contacting Finder.
You can check our list of payday loans for single parents. On the page, is a comparison table you can use to see which lender suits you. You can click the name of the lender or the “More info” link to be redirected to our review page and learn more about the lender’s loan offer, rates, and requirements as well as the pros and cons of using their loan service. When you are ready, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the lender’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. You can also contact the provider if you have specific questions.
I hope it helps.
Best regards,
Judith
Hi i currntly have car on fianance that i have been paying for the past year and have not missed or made a late payment a d now i a inneed of a $5000 loan for repairs but my credit rating is not so good i have bee employed for over 6 years fulltime is there any lenders that will give the amount i am after thanxs
Hi John,
Thanks for your question.
For your borrowing needs, you may want to consider the lenders on our $5,000 personal loan page. Please do check the eligibility criteria of the loan product you are interested in before submitting an application.
Cheers,
Anndy
So I need a loan in the amount of 3400 dollars to pay off all my debt and I’m self employed and I’ve applied to many but all declined.
Hi JP,
Aside from the loans above, check out our page about $5,000 personal loans for you to compare your bad credit loan options for up to $5,000.
Keep in mind that every time you apply for a loan, it is listed on your credit file and too many rejected applications can be a bad sign to lenders. You may want to consider waiting before you apply for another one to give yourself a better chance of being approved.
Hope this helps,
Elizabeth
Hi
I was wondering where can I get a small $200 loan.
I have no credit rating,and I am just out of bankruptcy.
Regards Wendy
Hi Wendy,
You can check bankrupt loans to find lenders who will consider people who have discharged bankruptcy records.
I hope this helps,
Elizabeth
Hi there
My credit rating isn’t to bad I have no defaults but I have applied for a few loans and declined them because I wasn’t happy with the interest rate then I shopped around but had no idea until now that credit enquires had a negative affect on my credit score so now my credit rating is looked at as bad and I wanted a loan to consolidate my credit card debt and I’ve since been declined by Citibank but approved with another lender with a really high interest rate which I declined, so can you tell me who will actually help me with a loan please
Hi Damien,
Unfortunately I can’t recommend any specific lenders to you. However, I can send you some general information. You may want to order a free copy of your credit file to find out what kind of situation you are really in, this will give you a good idea of your situation when you’re applying for loans. There are also larger and long-term personal loans available from some lenders, for instance, loans up to $5,000 and loans up to $10,000.
I hope this will help,
Elizabeth
Hi there mu credit file is shocking woth 2 defaults currently getting paid also i have had lots of short term loans eithbmany lenders at the same time have paid always paid them off a few missed payments but always paid them off o earn roughly after tax 1500-2000 per week amd have had the same job for 8 years im looking at getting a personal loan for $20000 that i will pay off $1000 a week wich im used to paying with the payday loans and i have a freind that will go guarantor he owns his own home and also earns good money what do you think my chances would be and also which companys would you recommend if you think i have a chance or should i see a broker?? Thank you in advance
Hi Mr B,
It may be difficult to find lenders that are able to offer a loan amount of $20000 with a bad credit. Some lenders may offer only up to $10000 as their maximum loanable amount. You may refer to a list of lenders that offers bad credit loans and find out about their loan eligibility, features and fees by selecting ‘More’ to read a review of the lender. You can head over to their website directly to apply.
If you’re thinking of applying with a guarantor you can consider a guarantor personal loan, but you have to make sure to check the details of the loan, its eligibility criteria as well as the terms and conditions before you apply. Once you’re ready, you can select the ‘Go to site’ button and process the application from the main page of the lender.
You may also want to get in touch with a broker or call the free financial counselling hotline on 1800 007 007.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
My credit rating is shocking.i have been working for a couple of years and am on centerlink benefits i am a single dad that helped out some bad people and made some bad choices when i was younger but since then have never had the oppertunity or been given a second chance to prove myself is thete any lenders out there who would consider taking me on i wont let u down
Hi Troy,
Thanks for your question and sorry to hear about your situation.
If you are considering any of the lenders on this page, they will look at more than just your credit rating when considering you for a loan. They will also look at your income, your employment, your general financial circumstances etc. If you are concerned about your credit rating you can consider no credit check loans.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
I have made bad choices and really got myself in a rut. I have several payday loans and can’t keep up? It’s sending me broke. Is there a personal loan out there to recover all so I only have one payment monthly.? Many thanks
Hi Tamara,
Thanks for your question.
You can compare debt consolidation personal loans, you can also take a look at our guide in looking for a bad credit debt consolidation loan option. Select ‘Go to Site’ to head over to their website to apply.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you.
I hope this information will be of use.
Thanks,
Elizabeth