The best personal loans to make debt feel a little better

How we calculate Personal Loans Finder Scores

Read full methodology

What different scores mean

9+

Excellent

The crème de la crème of personal loans. These products offer the lowest cost loans accompanied by the best features.

7+

Great

Slightly higher in cost and fewer features, but these products are still competitive.

5+

Standard

Typically offering above average rates and possibly lacking in the features department.

0+

Basic

The least competitive in terms of both cost and features.

3 easy steps to help you find the best personal loan for you

What type of personal loan will best suit my needs?

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.

Is the lowest interest rate an indication of the "best personal loan"?

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.

What should I keep in mind when looking for the best personal loan?

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.

How do I submit my personal loan application?

💻 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.

FAQs

• Which bank has the best personal loan interest rate?

  This depends on a number of factors. These include the type of loan you're looking for and what you need the loan for. For instance, a secured car loan will have a lower rate than an unsecured loan.

  What you define as the best interest rate for you will also have to take into account your credit history. A lender may advertise the best rate, but you may not be eligible for it unless you have excellent credit. You'll have to adjust your rate expectations based on your credit history.

• What is the best personal loan for bad credit?

  "Best" is relative to the borrower's circumstances. With a bad credit personal loan, you may have to readjust what you think is best (for example, low cost). Instead, you may have to look into other factors, like which loans you're eligible to apply for. Neobanks, nonbanks and P2P lenders, for instance, may be more amenable to bad credit borrowers. Once you've picked out the loans you can apply for, you can start filtering for cost and features, and select the best from the lot.

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Written by

Rebecca Pike

Editor, Money

Rebecca Pike is Finder’s money editor, with over 7 years of experience in mortgages and personal finance. A frequent TV and radio commentator, she frequently appears on Sunrise and 7News, Today and 9News, as well as Sky News, Channel 10 and across radio and print. Rebecca previously served as Editor of Mortgage Professional Australia. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism as well as ASIC-recognised certifications in Tier 1 Generic Knowledge and Tier 2 General Advice Deposit Products, which comply with ASIC guidelines. See full bio

Rebecca's expertise

Rebecca has written 300 Finder guides across topics including:

• Home loans
• Personal Loans
• Car Loans
• Cost of living
• Budgeting