This is the first broad filter for finding the best personal loan for you. You need to ask yourself why you're taking out the loan.
Different types of personal loans are suited to different loan purposes. For instance, a secured personal loan may be a good way to finance a used car. An unsecured loan may be better suited to general purposes where you can't offer collateral.
Depending on the reason you're looking to borrow, the type of personal loan that is best for you will differ – so your first step is to find a loan that matches your loan purpose.
After you've found a loan that caters to your specific loan purpose, you have to consider the features you want.
Personal loans come with a variety of features. This includes how much you want to borrow, over what term, as well as the type of interest you wish to pay – that is, fixed or variable.
Other features include the ability to make additional repayments, and repaying the loan early without penalty and redraw facilities.
Once you've accounted for your preferences, you can compare your loan options to find a loan with the features you want.
Apart from filtering for your specific needs, you also need to find a loan you can afford. Here's where comparison really pays off. Comparing loans can help you find the most affordable loan with all the features you're after.
Keep an eye out for the interest rate, as well as the comparison rate – which will give you an idea of the overall cost of the loan. The range for a competitive comparison rate is anything under 10% p.a.
As well as low interest, you should look for low or no fees, as these will add to the cost of your loan. These will include establishment and monthly fees.
Some loans also come with limited time offers. This could be a discounted interest rate or fee waivers. These offers can help you keep down the cost of the loan in the long run, so consider looking out for them.
There are a range of personal loans you can apply for. If you're not sure what type of loan you need, we've highlighted the options. We've also included what you should keep in mind and watch out for.
| Type of loan | What it's best for | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Unsecured personal loan |
|
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| Personal line of credit loan |
|
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| Secured car loans |
|
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| Secured loan |
|
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| Short term loans |
|
|
The answer is yes and no.
Finding the lowest interest rate is a good indication of a competitive personal loan, but interest rates are not the only feature you should look into. You should also consider other features and fees involved.
Some loans advertise low interest rates but come with high fees. In this case, the loan may cost you more than the benefit you receive from a low rate. This is why you should take note of the comparison rate. It will give you an indication of the overall cost of the loan.
Additionally, if you want features like the ability to repay the loan early, you should consider break costs. Some loans allow you to repay the loan early without penalty. If that's a priority, you should account for this cost too.
When you're looking for a personal loan, there are some common misconceptions and mistakes you can make. You should avoid:
🔍 Applying for the first loan you find. The first loan you find may not be the best loan. By searching for other loans and comparing them, you can find what works best for you.
💵 Looking only at the interest rate. As we've mentioned above, you should also consider the comparison rate and loan features.
👀 Not reading loan terms and loan restrictions. You should always be aware of all the fees and restrictions associated with the loan. There could, for instance, be fees associated with extra repayments. Likewise, you may be restricted in terms of how you use the funds. For instance, a car loan can only be used to purchase a car.
💲 Applying for more than you can afford. Lenders are bound by responsible lending laws. According to these laws, they cannot lend you more than you can afford. If you apply for more than you can reasonably repay, your application will likely be rejected. You can work out how much you can afford using a personal loan calculator.
⚠️ Applying to multiple lenders. You may think you're increasing your chances of getting a loan, but this is a no go. This is because every loan application is entered into your credit file. Multiple loan applications in a short period act as a red flag, reducing your chances of getting a loan. Your credit score could also be impacted.
🤔 Not considering all your options before applying. A personal loan may not always be the best option for you, depending on your circumstances. For instance, if you're a low income earner, there are loans designed to address this. You should only apply if you're certain that what you want is a personal loan. It is also important to be sure that using a personal loan is the cheapest option for you.
💻 After you've compared and found a loan from the table above, you can click "Go to Site".
✍This will take you directly to the lender's website, where you can start the application process.
❗Keep the documents you need on hand. These will include your driver's licence, financial and employment documents, and bank details. If you're applying for a secured loan, you will need details of the asset.
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I really need help to apply BUT I got bad credit, so any chance to help me?
Hi Alofa,
Your best bet might be to contact the National Debt Helpline for some support with getting your debts and finances back on track. They’re a free financial counselling service: https://ndh.org.au/
You may also be eligible for a no-interest loan worth up to $3,000 from Good Shepherd.
Hope this helps!
I need a loan for a jims franchise, I have a guarantor am I best going for a personal or buisness loan ? Who’s the best people to go through?
I’m sorry but at Finder we can’t tell you which option is best for you. We provide information and encourage people to compare their options.
You could contact several lenders and ask if they lend to borrowers with a guarantor.
Please tell me the best loan I can apply for with bad credit and being on a disability pension
Hi Josephine,
Here are some options for bad credit loans:
https://www.finder.com.au/bad-credit-personal-loans
Hope this helps!