There is a way to get the best personal loan* – it's as easy as 1, 2, 3...
You could take out a personal loan for a range of different reasons. While one person might need a personal loan to buy a car, another might take one out for renovating a home or making a consolidating debt. There's a large number of personal loans available, so, how do you find the best one for you?
Must read: What is the best personal loan?
The best personal loan is the one that meets your needs and circumstances. So, while that means that there is no single answer to that question, there is a way to find the best personal loan for you. This guide (continued below the comparison table) will take you through what you need to know.
Citi Personal Loan Plus Offer
Citi Personal Loan Plus Offer
From
variable rate
From
comparison rate
- Loan amounts from $5,000
- Offers a reusable credit facility
- Repay over 5 years
100% confidential application
Citi Personal Loan Plus Offer
A reusable credit facility of up to $75,000. Receive a tailored interest rate between 8.99% p.a. and 17.99% p.a. based on your risk profile.
- Interest rate from: 8.99% p.a.
- Comparison rate: 9.96% p.a.
- Interest rate type: Variable
- Application fee: $199
- Minimum loan amount: $5,000
- Maximum loan amount: $75,000
Compare a range of personal loans
Compare the best personal loans below
-
HSBC Personal Loan:
10.06% p.a. comparison rate. Competitive fixed rate personal loan for renovating, large purchases and holidays. -
ANZ Fixed Rate Personal Loan:
11.87% p.a. comparison rate. Set repayment plans mean you'll always know your budget. -
CUA Fixed Rate Personal Loan:
10.99% p.a. comparison rate. Personal loan with a discounted interest rate and unlimited additional repayments. -
SocietyOne Unsecured Personal Loan:
9.51% p.a. comparison rate. Peer-to-peer platform that tailors rates based on your credit history.
3 steps to help you find the best personal loan
What type of personal loan will best suit my needs?
Not sure what type of personal loan you need? Look at the images below and find what you are borrowing for to see the loans that may be suitable for you.
Loans designed for your loan purpose or borrowing situation
You want to take out a loan to consolidate debt across your existing credit cards and/or personal loans.
If you want to make a large purchase such as furniture, electronics, a holiday or need funds for an investment, an unsecured personal loan might suit your needs.
If you need access to funds for an ongoing period or you aren't sure how much you need to borrow, you may want to consider a line of credit personal loan.
If you're purchasing a new or used car you can benefit from a lower interest rate when you take out a secured car loan.
Secured personal loans let you benefit from lower interest rates when you attach an asset you already own as security. You can then use the funds however you need to.
Short-term lenders may consider you for a loan but keep in mind the costs are much higher than with standard personal loans.
How to compare personal loans to find the best one for you
When you want to apply for a personal loan you should first compare multiple offerings so you can track down the right product. Pay attention to the following aspects and you could enjoy considerable savings:
-
Secured or unsecured?
Both of these loans suit different purposes. If you're looking at buying something like a car or you already own an asset like a car, you can consider a secured personal loan. You will benefit from a lower interest rate by using the asset as security but you risk losing it if you default on the loan. An unsecured personal loan may come with a slightly higher interest rate but requires no security and allows you to use the funds however you need to. -
What is the interest and comparison rate?
Compare interest rates against similar loans. While you should also check the fees you will be charged, the comparison rate will give you an idea of the true cost of the loan as it is comprised of both interest and fees. -
What fees are charged?
Consider both upfront and ongoing fees. For example, upfront fees may include application or establishment fees and ongoing fees can include monthly or annual fees. -
How much can you borrow?
The amount you can borrow should also factor into your decision. You will not find out how much you will be approved for before you apply but lenders will have a set minimum and maximum borrowing amount. Ensure how much you want to borrow falls within these limits. -
What restrictions apply to the loan?
Are there restrictions on additional repayments or repaying the loan early? Are there restrictions on how you can use the loan amount? Find out what restrictions apply with the loan. -
What will the term of your loan be?
Work out how much you can afford to repay and what repayment terms you will need. Then, make sure the loan you are applying for offers these terms.
What should I keep in mind when looking for the best personal loan?
While personal loans are helpful in many scenarios, it’s in your best interest to avoid certain traps and pitfalls.
-
Read the fine print.
Scrutinise all your options carefully right from the start and remember to look for ongoing account-keeping fees, early repayment fees and late payment fees. Read the terms and conditions document from start to finish and ensure you are aware of all fees and restrictions. -
Don't take on a loan you can't afford.
When borrowing money it is always important to use a calculator to find out what your repayments will be. If you can comfortably afford a loan don't feel tempted to consider borrowing more in the even that you can't afford it.
How to submit your personal loan application
Before you apply for a personal loan, establish how much you want to borrow and your monthly repayment ability. You should find out how long it might take for you to pay the loan off completely, remembering that you can usually choose between making weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments.
Read through the eligibility criteria set by the lender and then ensure you meet them. Also make sure you have the required documents – usually your driver's licence, financial and employment documents and bank details – on hand. If you're applying for a secured loan you will need details of the asset.
Once you find a loan you wish to apply for, proceed to the lender’s website by clicking "Go to Site" and start the application process.
I tried to follow steps for a loan with Harmoney but it said my drivers licence details were incorrect – they weren’t, I’ve no other ID from the list.
What’s the best bank in SA to go to to collaborate debt with a low interest low payment loan?
Hi Aimee,
Thank you for getting in touch with finder.
Regarding your enquiry that you don’t have a driving licence, below are the list of documents needed to verify your identity.
Lenders usually require at least two forms of identification. These can be any of the following:
-Driver’s licence
-Passport
-Proof of age card
You may also need supplementary documentation in the form of:
-Your birth certificate
-Your citizenship certificate
-A pension card or health care card
-Utility bills
-Your overseas driver’s licence
Currently, we have no page about banks in a certain state/territory however we have a page about personal loans for debt consolidation. You may want to check out the list of lenders/banks that would help you further on this page.
I hope this helps.
Have a great day!
Cheers,
Jeni
would like a personal loan for a holiday and payout an existing loan would it be possible
Hi Amanda,
Thank you for your inquiry.
The personal loan you can compare are listed above. You can use the proceeds of the loan to whatever purpose you want. Best to contact a lender directly so you can discuss your options and chances of approval.
Cheers,
May
I have a small amount in a term deposit with a major bank and wonder if I would be eligible for a fast approval small amount to enable me to have a Christmas which is just not possible in my current situation
Hi Kelly,
Thanks for your inquiry. Please note that we are not affiliated with any company we feature on our site and so we can only offer you general advice.
If you’re in need of some extra money but don’t think you’ll be eligible for a standard personal loan, you still have options to consider. Lenders that offer “easy approval” look behind your salary and employment and just focus on your ability to afford the loan. Find out more about your options in this guide.
Please click the name of your preferred lender to find out the details and the minimum eligibility. You may then click the green “Go to Site” button to submit your loan application online.
Best regards,
Rench
I’m wishing to get a personal loan wanting to do some renovations to my house to upgrade the value of it. Any help would be appreciated.
Hi Mark,
Thanks for reaching out to us. Please note that we are not affiliated with any company we feature on our site and so we can only offer you general advice.
You can also have a look on this page for helpful info and compare your options for
Home Improvement & Renovation Loans. While on this page, you can make use of our personal loan calculators to give you an idea how much you can borrow and how your repayments will be.
Please click the name of your preferred lender to find out the details and the minimum eligibility. You may then click the green “Go to Site” button to submit your loan application online.
Hope this information helped.
Cheers,
Rench
Hi,
I’m wanting to get a loan for $10,000 and the “big” banks won’t help me because I had a quick cash loan but it was paid off last month with no dramas. I don’t have a bad credit rating and I’m not sure who I can go to for help?
Thank you,
Hi Jessica,
Thanks for reaching out.
The information on this page allows you to compare some personal loans you can choose from. You make click on “more” to get additional details about the loan offered.
As each time one applies for a personal loan, the information shows up on the credit file, so multiple loan applications may not look good on the lenders. You may want to review this page as it will give you a guide on how you can narrow down your choices in terms of selecting a personal loan you can go for.
Cheers,
Joanne
Hi, I was wondering what would be the best personal loan for me to pay out my $4000 credit card and get a little extra on top. I pay $50 to $80 a week on it at the moment but I just keep using it and I want to get rid of it.
Hi Darren,
Thanks for reaching out to us. Please note that we are not affiliated with any company we feature on our site and so we can only offer you general advice.
You can also have a look on this page for helpful tips and compare your options for personal loans for debt consolidation.
Please click the name of your preferred lender to find out the details and the minimum eligibility. You may then click the green “Go to Site” button to submit your loan application online.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Rench
My mother and I are pensioners and would like advice on which bank/building society can help us with a personal loan of $25,000 over 5-8yr period asap.
Hey Lynette,
Thank you for reaching out to us.
You may find useful information on this page on Pensioner Loans which includes lenders that consider pensioners for a loan.
As finder is an online comparison service and is not a product issuer, it would be best to get in touch with a lender featured on this page to discuss your eligibility or options.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and requirements and to read the details, as well as the relevant PDS/ T&Cs of the option before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you.
I hope this helps.
Cheers!
Maria
I want a personal loan. Please send me as much information as possible. Thank you!
Hi Dean!
On the page where you’re at are the list of lenders we have available. Kindly choose among them based on your personal circumstances and eligibility preferences.
You can click “Go to Site” green button to proceed with your application of your chosen lender. Specific questions should be raised to them.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Hi
I currently have 2 credit cards, 1 of $2000 and 1 of $8000.
I’m currently paying $400 per month to these cards but the interest just eats most of it so im not really getting anywhere with them and i want them gone. I was considering applying for an interest free credit card to consolidate them and paying as much as i can for the interest free period, then getting an unsecured personal loan at the end of the interest free period at the lower then credit card interest rate. I’m part time for 20 hours per week and work a minimum of 32 hours, I net approx 700-800 per week. Does this sound like a good idea or am I going to give myself a headache and bad credit because from what I’ve heard interest free credit cards have a negative impact of your credit rating.
Cheers
Phil
Hi Phil,
Thanks for your question.
Balance transfer is a good option for you if you are looking to save on interest payment on your credit card debt, and you can ensure that you’ll be able to repay all your debts within the promo period. Kindly note that after the balance transfer promo period, any remaining balance on your debt will attract a high rate of interest.
In regards to your income, balance transfer credit cards have different income requirements. If you are looking for a credit card with low income requirement, you can compare your options here.
Balance transfer may leave a positive effect on your credit rating. For more information, you can visit this page.
Hello
I have a bad credit from Origin Energy Electricity Ltd which I paid in full on the 6/12/16 of $330- ..paying extra to Origin to have it remove from my credit rating.
Iam on DSP looking for a car loan $14700-00 found the car just need a LOAN pls..
Cheers
Brenda
Hi Brenda,
Thanks for reaching out.
If you are receiving Centrelink payments, the banks and short-term lenders on this page may consider you for a loan.
Please make sure that you’ve read the relevant T&Cs or PDS of the loan products before making a decision whether the product is right for you.
Cheers,
Anndy