Online home loans from digital lenders are a popular option for home buyers on a strict budget, or anyone who wants to save money. With sharp rates, a wide range of products and easy-to-use platforms, they can be a great alternative to traditional banks.
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Just because you haven't heard of a small online lender doesn't mean they're an unreliable. Most of these brands are owned or funded by a larger lender. And even the smallest lender is bound by Australian financial regulations.
However, if you are concerned about the safety of an online lender, you should check that they have a Australian Credit Licence (ACL). Lenders should list their ACL number at the bottom of their webpage. This number can be cross-referenced with ASIC Connect's databases.
Who takes the risk?
It's important to keep in mind that when you take out a home loan, the lender is the one actually taking the risk. In the extremely unlikely event an online lender closes up shop, your home loan likely to be sold to another lender. This should have little to no effect on your repayments, and the only change will be the company servicing your loan.
Tell me more about some of these online lenders
Here's a little more information about some of the online lenders in our table, including which organisations fund or support them, and the digital innovations they offer:
UBank. This entirely digital lender is backed by NAB, one of the nation's largest banks.
Athena. This digital fintech lender offers low-rate mortgages and an entirely online, convenient service.
Tic:Toc. This startup boasts that its online application tool can process your mortgage application faster. They're backed by the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank.
Homestar. A 100% online lender, Homestar has been providing mortgages to Australian borrowers since 2004.
Loans.com.au. A Brisbane-based online lender, Loans.com.au is backed by Firstmac, Australia's largest non-bank lender.
ME Bank. Member's Equity was established back in 1994 and went fully digital in 2012.
ING. This online bank is part of the global, Dutch-based financial group of the same name.
What are the benefits of using an online home loan lender?
Lower rates. Because they don't have the overheads of operating branches, online lenders can pass their savings onto you in the form of much lower interest rates. Many online lenders also offer innovative products and have a wide product range to suit a variety of borrowers.
Convenience. Online lenders also often have easy-to-use platforms that can help you speed through the application process. And with a heavy focus on tech development, they're often able to offer faster approvals than traditional lenders. They also offer the ease and convenience of completing the mortgage application process from home rather than having to visit a bank branch.
Are there any downsides to going with a digital lender?
For regional properties. Some of the smaller online lenders aren't able to lend money for properties in regional areas. In the mortgage world, rural areas are regarded as riskier security, and many online lenders don't have the size nor expertise to handle these types of loans. When purchasing a rural property, it is worth asking around for the lenders that permit home loans for regional areas.
The personal touch. If you're uncomfortable with using the Internet for your banking, or you'd prefer face-to-face communication with your lender, then an online home loan probably isn't right for you.
Marc Terrano is the lead publisher of Points Finder and a co-host of the Pocket Money podcast. He was previously a writer and publisher for home loans at Finder. Marc has a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) from the University of Technology Sydney. He’s passionate about creating honest and simple reviews and comparisons to help Australians get the best value for their money.
Online only cashback offer: Refinancers borrowing $250,000 or more can get a $4,000 cashback for their first application (Other terms, conditions and exclusions apply). Buyers and refinancers can get this competitive variable interest rate. Application fee waived for loans above $150,000.
Thanks for your comment and I hope you are doing well. You would be able to know if a lender approves property purchases in a certain state by contacting them directly. You will find a table that compares the features and benefits of each home loan provider such as max loan rate, interest and etc. This way it will be easier for you to see which provider fits you best. To get started, browse through the list of lenders on the page and click the GO TO SITE button to be redirected to their main website. You can also click the compare box beside each loan option and compare up to 4 options side by side for easier comparison.
As a friendly reminder, carefully review the eligibility criteria of the loan before applying to increase your chances of approval. Read up on the terms and conditions and product disclosure statement and contact the bank should you need any clarifications about the policy.
Hope this helps and feel free to reach out to us again for further assistance.
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Do you lend on property purchases in country Qld e.g Innisfail?
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for your comment and I hope you are doing well. You would be able to know if a lender approves property purchases in a certain state by contacting them directly. You will find a table that compares the features and benefits of each home loan provider such as max loan rate, interest and etc. This way it will be easier for you to see which provider fits you best. To get started, browse through the list of lenders on the page and click the GO TO SITE button to be redirected to their main website. You can also click the compare box beside each loan option and compare up to 4 options side by side for easier comparison.
As a friendly reminder, carefully review the eligibility criteria of the loan before applying to increase your chances of approval. Read up on the terms and conditions and product disclosure statement and contact the bank should you need any clarifications about the policy.
Hope this helps and feel free to reach out to us again for further assistance.
Best,
Nikki