Find out how to apply for a payday loan to have the best chance of being approved.
Payday loans are becoming increasingly popular in Australia, with more and more lenders on the market specialising in small, short-term loans. These lenders differ in their eligibility requirements and application processes, so here's a quick guide on how to find a lender and how to apply for a payday loan.
The application process:
Step 1: Compare lenders
Finding the right lender is the first important start of the application process. Review loan amount, fees, turnaround time and loan term to ensure you are applying for a loan that meets your needs.
Step 2: Review the eligibility criteria and required documents
Lenders vary on their application criteria and the information they need when you apply. Usually, you'll need to be over the age of 18 and receiving a regular income, but lenders will differ on where that income can come from (Centrelink, employment or a combination of the two) and what level of bad credit they will accept. For example, some lenders accept discharged bankrupts but others don't.
When it comes to documents, lenders need to check the last 90 days of your bank statements as well as your employment and financial information. Check what the lender needs before you start your application.
It's a requirement of ASIC for payday lenders to check 90 days of your bank statements. To help lenders get your loan to you sooner, most ask for your Internet banking logins in order to obtain a read-only version of your banking history. This is done through a secure, third-party service such as Credit Sense or Yodlee. You can find out more information about how this works in our guide.
Step 3: Approval
Lenders can usually let you know if you've been approved or not in a matter of minutes. This is because most lenders have a system approved your application rather than a human being. If more information is required in order to approve you, the lender will get in contact to get this information, but your application may be delayed.
Step 4: The contract
If you're approved, you need to agree to the loan contract before you are sent the funds. Many lenders do this by sending you an SMS or a copy of a digital contract that you can sign online. Review the contract carefully as it will set out your loan terms, repayments amounts and fees for late payments or defaults. If you have any questions about the contract, get in contact with your lender.
Step 5: How long it takes to receive your funds
This differs between lenders and will also usually depend on who you bank with. If the lender uses the same bank as you do you can receive your funds within minutes of being sent. Some lenders are able to do this if you bank with any of the Big Four.
However, with most, you will need to apply and be approved by a certain time (usually around 2pm) for the funds to be received on the same day. If you need your loan today, the earlier you apply the better chance you have.
Want to compare payday lenders?
Sunshine Short Term Offer
Sunshine Short Term Offer
- Centrelink borrowers considered
- Fast approval service
- Borrow up to $2,000
100% confidential application
Sunshine Short Term Offer
This is a short term loan offer with a fast and easy online application for bad credit borrowers who are employed. You can apply today to get approved for up to $2,000
- Loan amount: $2,000
- Loan term: 9 weeks
- Turnaround time: 30 Minutes - conditions apply
- Fees: 20% of borrowed amount + 4% of borrowed amount each month
- Bad credit borrowers OK
- Quick and easy Approval
- No Credit Checks - Must be employed
Warning about Borrowing
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:
- For information about other options for managing bills and debts, ring 1800 007 007 from anywhere in Australia to talk to a free and independent financial counsellor
- Talk to your electricity, gas, phone or water provider to see if you can work out a payment plan
- If you are on government benefits, ask if you can receive an advance from Centrelink: Phone: 13 17 94
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.
How much does a payday loan cost?
This depends on how much you apply for:
- Loans up to $2,000. These are referred to as Small Amount Credit Contracts (SACCs) and have a fee cap. You cannot be charged more than a 20% establishment fee and a 4% monthly fee.
- Loans $2,001 - $5,000. Referred to as Medium Amount Credit Contracts (MACCs), these are also restricted by an ASIC fee cap. You cannot be charged more than a $400 establishment fee plus an interest rate of 48% p.a. which includes all other fees and charges.
- Loans over $5,000. Lenders offering loans of this amount, excluding Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions (ADIs) are restricted to charging a rate of 48% p.a. which needs to include all fees and charges.
What if I need another payday loan?
Most payday lenders will allow you to borrow for them more than once if you prove yourself to be a responsible borrower. Some lenders, such as Nimble, make it easy for people to repeatedly take out loans with them by providing them with "members benefits". These benefits include a member's area that makes it easy to apply and a Nimble debit card through which you can receive instantaneous loans.
Have more questions?
How much can I borrow?
This depends on the amount lenders offer and what you can afford. If you're a first-time borrower you may be restricted to a slightly lower amount than what is available.
What can I use the loan for?
You can use the funds for any worthwhile purpose, which can include car repairs, medical expenses or to help manage bills.
What if I'm not approved?
Any loan you aren't approved for will be listed on your credit file, meaning the next time you apply for a loan a lender will be able to see you have recently applied with another lender. Keep this in mind when submitting any additional applications.
Do I have to give my Internet banking logins?
Many lenders require this as this is built-in to their application process. However, you can find lenders that do not require this, allowing you to submit PDFs of your statements, or have a storefront where you can bring your statements in person.
Payday loans are designed to cover you for expenses that come up before payday. These can include car repairs, large purchases such as furniture or appliances, to pay forgotten bills or for medical emergencies. You should not use these loans to solve longer-term financial problems such as to make repayments on existing debts.
Are there any payday lenders who will approve you loan with your employment contract if you have only started and are yet to receive your first payslip?
Hi Jessie,
Thanks for your question.
Payday lenders use a variety of criteria to determine your eligibility for a loan, but they will look at your last three months of banking history for some evidence of income so you can repay the loan. Lenders will also take your form of income into account.
You can look at what’s required with each lender before applying to see if you are eligible and if a payslip is required.
I hope this has helped,
Elizabeth
My only income is disability pension no employment and I have default with cash stop long term loan cash loan who will give me a loan
Hi Michael,
I’m unable to recommend any specific lenders to you. However, you can find lenders who may consider you for a loan while receiving the pension on this page. When you’ve found a lender you want to apply with and that you are eligible for you can click “Go to Site” to submit your application.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
Hi i need to borrow 1700 to pay rent tomorrow but i get paid cash in hand and also get 750 a fortnight from centrelink but that money goes straight to my mothers medical bills. Can you please tell me what i could do?
Hi Lelola,
Lenders need to be able to see some evidence of your pay, and if you apply online this is usually verified using your Internet banking logins, through which they will receive a read-only copy of your bank statements. If you deposit your pay into your account or receive payslips you can use this as evidence – just make sure the lender will accept this. You can compare payday lenders here and click through to the review pages to find out what is needed in the application. Your best bet might be to call the lenders and find out if you are eligible before you apply.
You might also want to consider alternative loan options, such as a Centrelink cash advance, which can bring your next Centrelink payment forward to help you pay your rent.
I hope this information has helped.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
Hi, I need to borrow 1200 tomorrow
Regarding furniture for me and my kids,
Hi Glen,
Thanks for your question.
Your eligibility for a payday loan will depend on your income, your employment and your current debts. This guide should give you a rough idea of whether or not you are eligible. You can then compare and apply for loans here.
I hope this will help.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
Hi
My problem is I get paid by cash in a pay packet with my wage info on the envelope so I don’t have proof in my bank statements where do I go from here ?
Hi Mel,
Thanks for your question.
Payday lenders need to be able to verify your income using payslips or your bank statements. If they are not able to verify this information then you may not be able to be approved. Lenders need to see the last three months of your bank statements and see regular salary deposits, so if you’ve been depositing your cash salary into your account yourself at regular intervals this might be okay. Reviewing the approval requirements on our review pages is a good place to start, and you might also want to get in touch with the lenders before you apply to discuss your eligibility.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Elizabeth