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How much do you need to earn to get a personal loan?

Learn how lenders determine your borrowing power to get a better chance of being approved.

Elizabeth Barry
Elizabeth Barry

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Personal loans are available to people in a range of financial situations. To make sure the loan is suitable, lenders set certain requirements that borrowers need to meet to be eligible to apply for the loan. One of these is a minimum income requirement. This is one way of proving you're able to afford the loan.

Learn how to find out if you’re eligible for a personal loan based on your income with this guide.

What's in this guide?

  1. What income do I need to earn to be approved for a personal loan?
  2. What if the lender has no minimum income requirement?
  3. How can I prove my borrowing power?
  4. What do I do if I’m not eligible?
  5. Compare a range of personal loans

What income do I need to earn to be approved for a personal loan?

LenderMinimum income requiredReview the loans
ANZ$15,000 p.a.Review
Bankwest$20,000 p.a.Review
Bank of MelbourneNo minimumReview
BankSANo minimumReview
bcuNo minimumReview
Bendigo BankNo minimumReview
Citi$40,000 p.a.Review
CommBankNo minimumReview
CUANo minimumReview
IMBNo minimumReview
Latitude$24,000 p.a.Review
ME BankNo minimumReview
NABNo minimumReview
PlentiNo minimumReview
RACQNo minimumReview
RACVNo minimumReview
SocietyOne$30,000 p.a.Review
St.GeorgeNo minimumReview
WestpacNo minimumReview
LenderMinimum income requiredReview the loan
Cash Converters$300 per weekReview
Cash Train$1,200 per monthReview
ClearLoansNo minimumReview
Fair Go Finance$500 per weekReview
MoneyMeNo minimumReview
MoneySpotNo minimumReview
NimbleNo minimumReview
Speckle$22,000 p.a.Review
Swoosh Finance$300 per weekReview
Sunshine Loans$300 per weekReview
Wallet WizardNo minimumReview

What if the lender has no minimum income requirement?

If the lender has no minimum income requirement then it will rely on its own methods to determine whether or not you can afford the loan. The lender will do its due diligence by asking for your bank statements and/or an estimate of your expenses and other commitments, such as credit card limits and loans, to see if you will be able to afford the repayments.

If you have concerns about whether or not you will be approved, you might want to contact the lender to get some more information.

How do lenders determine how much I can borrow?

When you submit an application for a loan, the lender will most likely ask about your expenditure. You should try to be as accurate as possible when estimating your expenses as the lender may check your bank statements. Lenders also use a formula called the Household Expenditure Method (HEM) to work out how much you’re likely to be spending based on the median spending of Australian households.

The HEM uses the number of adults and dependents in your household, the state you live in, whether you rent or own and how lavish a lifestyle you lead to determine how much you’re spending. While this may not seem altogether fair, as your expenditure may actually be lower than the average, it does help banks curtail false expenditure claims.

How can I prove my borrowing power?

The first step to proving your borrowing power is working out whether you can actually afford the loan. Use a personal loan repayment calculator to work out your repayments based on the interest rate, fees, loan amount and loan term of your chosen personal loan. After you’ve done this, determine whether you’ll be able to manage the repayments on your current budget.

If you’re unsure of your borrowing power, you can use this borrowing power calculator to find out how much you might be eligible to borrow.

What do I do if I’m not eligible?

There are a few things you can do if you find out you don’t meet the minimum income requirements:

  • Apply for a lower amount. If you can’t prove your ability to manage repayments for your current requested loan amount, consider borrowing less. This will mean lower repayments and less of a risk for the lender.
  • Choose a more affordable loan. The reason you might be ineligible for a loan could be that the loan has costs that are deemed too expensive for you. Other loans may have lower interest rates and fewer fees, which will give you a better chance of managing the repayments.
  • Try your current bank. If you have a good banking history you might have a better chance of being approved for a loan with your current bank. You may be able to find products that you could be eligible for by logging into your Internet banking portal.

Compare a range of personal loans

Now that you know how to find out what income you need to earn to be approved for a personal loan, and how to determine your own borrowing power, compare a range of personal loans to find the right one for you.

Data indicated here is updated regularly
$
Name Product Interest rate (p.a.) Comparison Rate (p.a.) Monthly Repayment Rates View details CTA
Plenti Fixed Rate Personal Loan
Plenti Fixed Rate Personal Loan
From
5.99%
(fixed)
6.27%
Interest Rate (p.a.)
Comparison Rate (p.a.)
Monthly Repayment
From
5.99%
6.27%
(fixed)
You'll receive a fixed rate between 5.99% p.a. and 15.89% p.a. based on your risk profile
A flexible loan with amounts from $2,001 and terms starting from 3 years. Interest and comparison rates calculated for a loan term of 5 years.
You'll receive a fixed rate between 5.99% p.a. and 15.89% p.a. based on your risk profile
A flexible loan with amounts from $2,001 and terms starting from 3 years. Interest and comparison rates calculated for a loan term of 5 years.
Go to site
View details
Symple Loans Personal Loan
Symple Loans Personal Loan
From
5.75%
(variable)
6.47%
Interest Rate (p.a.)
Comparison Rate (p.a.)
Monthly Repayment
From
5.75%
6.47%
(variable)
You'll receive a personalised interest rate from 5.75% p.a. to 25.99% p.a. based on your risk profile
Borrow up to $50,000 to pay for what you need.
You'll receive a personalised interest rate from 5.75% p.a. to 25.99% p.a. based on your risk profile
Borrow up to $50,000 to pay for what you need.
Go to site
View details
Harmoney Unsecured Personal Loan
Harmoney Unsecured Personal Loan
From
6.99%
(fixed)
7.79%
Interest Rate (p.a.)
Comparison Rate (p.a.)
Monthly Repayment
From
6.99%
7.79%
(fixed)
You'll receive a fixed rate between 6.99% p.a. and 25.69% p.a. based on your risk profile.
Apply for a loan up to $50,000 and repay your loan over 3 or 5 years terms.
You'll receive a fixed rate between 6.99% p.a. and 25.69% p.a. based on your risk profile.
Apply for a loan up to $50,000 and repay your loan over 3 or 5 years terms.
Go to site
View details
OurMoneyMarket Personal Loan
OurMoneyMarket Personal Loan
From
6.75%
(fixed)
6.96%
Interest Rate (p.a.)
Comparison Rate (p.a.)
Monthly Repayment
From
6.75%
6.96%
(fixed)
You'll receive a fixed rate from 6.75% p.a. to 20.99% p.a. based on your risk profile
A personalised loan from $2,001 to $75,000 that varies based on your credit history and financial situation.
You'll receive a fixed rate from 6.75% p.a. to 20.99% p.a. based on your risk profile
A personalised loan from $2,001 to $75,000 that varies based on your credit history and financial situation.
Go to site
View details
Alex Personal Loan
Alex Personal Loan
From
6.95%
(fixed)
6.95%
Interest Rate (p.a.)
Comparison Rate (p.a.)
Monthly Repayment
From
6.95%
6.95%
(fixed)
You'll receive a fixed interest rate from 6.95% p.a. to 19.99% p.a. based on your risk profile
Borrow between $2,100 and $30,000 from 6 months to 5 years. Benefit from no ongoing fees. Note: Waived $295 establishment fee for all applications submitted before 15 February 2021.
You'll receive a fixed interest rate from 6.95% p.a. to 19.99% p.a. based on your risk profile
Borrow between $2,100 and $30,000 from 6 months to 5 years. Benefit from no ongoing fees. Note: Waived $295 establishment fee for all applications submitted before 15 February 2021.
Go to site
View details
SocietyOne Unsecured Personal Loan (2-3 years)
SocietyOne Unsecured Personal Loan (2-3 years)
From
6.99%
(fixed)
6.99%
Interest Rate (p.a.)
Comparison Rate (p.a.)
Monthly Repayment
From
6.99%
6.99%
(fixed)
You'll receive a fixed rate between 6.99% p.a. and 17.99% p.a. based on your risk profile
A loan from $5,000 to use for a range of purposes. Benefit from no ongoing fees and no early repayment fee.
You'll receive a fixed rate between 6.99% p.a. and 17.99% p.a. based on your risk profile
A loan from $5,000 to use for a range of purposes. Benefit from no ongoing fees and no early repayment fee.
Go to site
View details
SocietyOne Unsecured Personal Loan (5 years)
SocietyOne Unsecured Personal Loan (5 years)
From
7.99%
(fixed)
7.99%
Interest Rate (p.a.)
Comparison Rate (p.a.)
Monthly Repayment
From
7.99%
7.99%
(fixed)
You'll receive a fixed rate between 7.99% p.a. and 20.49% p.a. based on your risk profile
A loan from $5,000 to use for a range of purposes. Benefit from no ongoing fees and no early repayment fee.
You'll receive a fixed rate between 7.99% p.a. and 20.49% p.a. based on your risk profile
A loan from $5,000 to use for a range of purposes. Benefit from no ongoing fees and no early repayment fee.
Go to site
View details
CUA Unsecured Fixed Rate Personal Loan
CUA Unsecured Fixed Rate Personal Loan
9.39%
(fixed)
9.64%
Interest Rate (p.a.)
Comparison Rate (p.a.)
Monthly Repayment
9.39%
9.64%
(fixed)
You'll receive a fixed rate of 9.39% p.a.
An unsecured loan from $5,000 with flexible repayments and no monthly fee.
You'll receive a fixed rate of 9.39% p.a.
An unsecured loan from $5,000 with flexible repayments and no monthly fee.
Go to site
View details
Latitude Personal Loan (Unsecured)
Latitude Personal Loan (Unsecured)
From
7.99%
(fixed)
9.24%
Interest Rate (p.a.)
Comparison Rate (p.a.)
Monthly Repayment
From
7.99%
9.24%
(fixed)
You'll receive a fixed rate between 7.99% p.a. and 22.99% p.a. based on your risk profile
Apply for what you need from $3,000 and use it for a range of purposes. Repay weekly, fortnightly or monthly. You can check your interest rate before applying with no impact to your credit score.
You'll receive a fixed rate between 7.99% p.a. and 22.99% p.a. based on your risk profile
Apply for what you need from $3,000 and use it for a range of purposes. Repay weekly, fortnightly or monthly. You can check your interest rate before applying with no impact to your credit score.
Go to site
View details
NAB Personal Loan Unsecured Fixed
NAB Personal Loan Unsecured Fixed
From
9.99%
(fixed)
10.88%
Interest Rate (p.a.)
Comparison Rate (p.a.)
Monthly Repayment
From
9.99%
10.88%
(fixed)
You'll receive a fixed rate between 9.99% p.a. and 18.99% p.a. ( 10.88% p.a. to 19.83% p.a. comparison rate) based on your risk profile
An unsecured loan up to $55,000 you can use for a range of purposes and pay off over up to 7 years. Note: Majority of customers will get the headline rate of 12.69% p.a. (13.56% p.a. comparison rate) or less. See Comparison rate warning in (i) above.
You'll receive a fixed rate between 9.99% p.a. and 18.99% p.a. ( 10.88% p.a. to 19.83% p.a. comparison rate) based on your risk profile
An unsecured loan up to $55,000 you can use for a range of purposes and pay off over up to 7 years. Note: Majority of customers will get the headline rate of 12.69% p.a. (13.56% p.a. comparison rate) or less. See Comparison rate warning in (i) above.
Go to site
View details
NOW Finance No Fee Unsecured Personal Loan
NOW Finance No Fee Unsecured Personal Loan
From
6.95%
(fixed)
6.95%
Interest Rate (p.a.)
Comparison Rate (p.a.)
Monthly Repayment
From
6.95%
6.95%
(fixed)
You'll receive a fixed rate between 6.95% p.a. and 17.95% p.a. based on your risk profile
Apply for loans from $5,000 and get a dedicated loan advisor. No security required.
You'll receive a fixed rate between 6.95% p.a. and 17.95% p.a. based on your risk profile
Apply for loans from $5,000 and get a dedicated loan advisor. No security required.
Go to site
View details
Plenti Variable Rate Personal Loan
Plenti Variable Rate Personal Loan
From
5.59%
(variable)
6.25%
Interest Rate (p.a.)
Comparison Rate (p.a.)
Monthly Repayment
From
5.59%
6.25%
(variable)
You'll receive a variable rate from 5.59% p.a and 12.89% p.a. based on your risk profile
A flexible loan with amounts from $2,001 and terms starting from 12 months. Benefit from transparent costs and a rate estimate before you apply.
You'll receive a variable rate from 5.59% p.a and 12.89% p.a. based on your risk profile
A flexible loan with amounts from $2,001 and terms starting from 12 months. Benefit from transparent costs and a rate estimate before you apply.
Go to site
View details
MoneyMe Personal Loans
MoneyMe Personal Loans
From
6.25%
(fixed)
7.64%
Interest Rate (p.a.)
Comparison Rate (p.a.)
Monthly Repayment
From
6.25%
7.64%
(fixed)
You'll receive an interest rate between 6.25% p.a. and 19.95% p.a. based on your risk profile
A flexible personal loan from MoneyMe with access to cash when you need it.
You'll receive an interest rate between 6.25% p.a. and 19.95% p.a. based on your risk profile
A flexible personal loan from MoneyMe with access to cash when you need it.
Go to site
View details
NAB Personal Loan Unsecured Variable Rate
NAB Personal Loan Unsecured Variable Rate
From
9.99%
(variable)
10.88%
Interest Rate (p.a.)
Comparison Rate (p.a.)
Monthly Repayment
From
9.99%
10.88%
(variable)
You'll receive a variable rate between 9.99% p.a. and 18.99% p.a. ( 10.88% p.a. to 19.83% p.a. comparison rate) based on your risk profile
An unsecured loan up to $55,000 you can use for a range of purposes. Benefit from fee-free additional repayments and a redraw facility. Note: Majority of customers will get the headline rate of 12.69% p.a. (13.56% p.a. comparison rate) or less. See Comparison rate warning in (i) above.
You'll receive a variable rate between 9.99% p.a. and 18.99% p.a. ( 10.88% p.a. to 19.83% p.a. comparison rate) based on your risk profile
An unsecured loan up to $55,000 you can use for a range of purposes. Benefit from fee-free additional repayments and a redraw facility. Note: Majority of customers will get the headline rate of 12.69% p.a. (13.56% p.a. comparison rate) or less. See Comparison rate warning in (i) above.
Go to site
View details
CUA Unsecured Variable Personal Loan
CUA Unsecured Variable Personal Loan
11.89%
(variable)
12.15%
Interest Rate (p.a.)
Comparison Rate (p.a.)
Monthly Repayment
11.89%
12.15%
(variable)
You'll receive a variable rate of 11.89% p.a.
Borrow from $5,000 with the option for flexible repayments and no monthly fees.
You'll receive a variable rate of 11.89% p.a.
Borrow from $5,000 with the option for flexible repayments and no monthly fees.
Go to site
View details
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Personal Loan Offers

Important Information*
Logo for Harmoney Unsecured Personal Loan
Harmoney Unsecured Personal Loan

You'll receive a fixed rate between 6.99% p.a. and 25.69% p.a. based on your risk profile.
Apply for a loan up to $50,000 and repay your loan over 3 or 5 years terms.

More info
Logo for NAB Personal Loan Unsecured Fixed
NAB Personal Loan Unsecured Fixed

You'll receive a fixed rate between 9.99% p.a. and 18.99% p.a. ( 10.88% p.a. to 19.83% p.a. comparison rate) based on your risk profile
An unsecured loan up to $55,000 you can use for a range of purposes and pay off over up to 7 years. Note: Majority of customers will get the headline rate of 12.69% p.a. (13.56% p.a. comparison rate) or less. See Comparison rate warning in (i) above.

More info
Logo for SocietyOne Unsecured Personal Loan
SocietyOne Unsecured Personal Loan

You'll receive a fixed rate between 6.99% p.a. and 20.49% p.a. based on your risk profile
A loan from $5,000 to use for a range of purposes. Benefit from no ongoing fees and no early repayment fee.

More info
Logo for Pepper Money Unsecured Fixed Rate Personal Loan
Pepper Money Unsecured Fixed Rate Personal Loan

You'll receive a fixed rate between 6.95% p.a. and 17.95% p.a. based on your risk profile
A loan from $5,000 to use for a range of purposes. Make additional repayments or pay off the loan early, penalty-free.

More info

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2 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    WarrenAugust 2, 2017

    I earn $565 per week. Am I able to borrow $5000?

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      RenchAugust 2, 2017Staff

      Hi Warren,

      Thanks for reaching out to us.

      I believe this page will also be helpful to you. You can make use of the personal loan calculator and get helpful info from there. Also, you may compare your options for personal loans.

      Cheers,
      Rench

      Reply
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