What your creditors don't want you to know about debt consolidation loans.
Debt consolidation allows you to combine all your loans into one. Essentially, it can give you a way to reduce your interest rates and fees, thereby giving you a way to get yourself out of debt. If you choose to consolidate your debt, you'll have one loan repayment to worry about rather than several. A debt consolidation loan offers reduced interest and fees, but it's important to also consider refinancing costs and early payout fees from your existing loans to see if the cost of consolidating is more than the money you'll save.
Personal loans for debt consolidation
Compare the features of some of the best* personal loans for debt consolidation
| Personal Loan | Features |
|---|---|
| CUA Fixed Rate Personal Loan | With interest rates starting from 10.99% p.a. you can use this loan to consolidate a number of debts. |
| The ANZ Fixed Rate Loan has rates from 10.99% p.a. to consolidate your debts. | |
| This peer-to-peer loan comes with rates starting from 7.75% p.a. for debt consolidation. |
How can a debt consolidation loan work for me?
Debt consolidation refers to the process of combining multiple loans into a single one, with people normally take this road to minimise their ongoing expenditure and make their credit more manageable. For example, if you owe $2,000 on your credit card, $2,000 on a store card, and $6,000 on a personal loan, you can look for a debt consolidation loan of $10,000. Apart from leaving you with a single repayment, you no longer have to deal with different interest rates and multiple fees, so it can also lead to savings in this way. There are two types of debt consolidation: good credit debt consolidation and bad credit debt consolidation. The former involves you taking out an unsecured personal loan or balance transfer credit card to consolidate multiple credit accounts, while the latter involves you taking out a debt agreement, which is a form of bankruptcy.
When should I think about debt consolidation?
While debt consolidation is a good option for some, it may not be right for everyone. So, when should you be considering debt consolidation?
- If you have trouble keeping up with monthly repayments. In this case, debt consolidation can reduce the number of repayments and simplify the management of your debt. This is especially if your cards you are nearing the credit limits of your cards or you've already reached your limit.
- If you have a low-interest credit card with available credit. Then a balance transfer credit card might be an option to consider. These cards let you pay 0% p.a. for a set period for balances transferred. Debt consolidation loans might need to be considered for larger credit card debts or if you want to consolidate a range of different credit types.
- If you have equity in your home. In this scenario, the interest rate your home loan attracts would be considerably lower than that of a personal loan or credit card, so debt consolidation could be a viable option for you to consider.
- If you have bad credit and a large amount of debt. You're able to consider a debt consolidation loan in order to take back control of your finances. There are some brands who specialise in bad credit debt consolidation loans, although keep in mind that some of these might be debt agreements which are a form of bankruptcy.
What debt can I consolidate?
It's possible to consolidate a variety of debts using one of these loans. Common types of debt that are consolidated include the following:
- Personal loans. This is a common type of debt that is consolidated. You can take out a debt consolidation loan to consolidate two or more separate personal loans, a personal loan and another type of credit, or even refinance a personal loan to one with a lower rate and/or fees.
- Credit cards. If you have a large outstanding balance due on your credit card then you can consider taking out a personal loan to pay it off. This is often an option when you want to consolidate your credit card as well as another debt or if you aren't a candidate for a balance transfer.
- Store/charge cards. Balances can easily increase on store and charge cards as they do on credit cards, making them another type of debt people choose to consolidate.
- Other credit accounts. Depending on the loan you take out, you may also be able to consolidate other types of debt. This can include private loans, debts to utility companies (i.e. electricity, phone, Foxtel), etc. See what the credit provider will allow you to consolidate.
What options do I have for debt consolidation?
When you choose to consolidate your debts you have three basic options to choose from, all of which are outlined below:
- Pay off your credit card debt when a balance transfer isn't an option If you have multiple credit cards, you can consider transferring balances from high interest cards to a different card that attracts lower interest rates. If you aren't eligible for one of these cards or aren't able to transfer the balance within the promotional period, you can consider a debt consolidation loan. You'll have longer to pay off the debt (up to seven years) and can usually fix your rate, so you'll know how much your repayments will be each month.
- Refinance or pay out your current personal loan You can use a personal loan to pay off existing debts, but since this is an unsecured line of credit you might want to look for a competitive fixed interest rate. You’ll need to have a good credit rating to be approved for a personal loan.
- Rolling debts into your home equity A home equity loan is a secured line of credit that uses the equity in your house as collateral. Getting a home equity consolidation loan can make sense if it relieves your debt considerably, or if it leads to savings in the form of lower interest rates and costs. Keep in mind that while the interest rates for these loans are often quite low, the fees can be considerable and you're also risking your home should you default on your repayments. Make sure you compare your debt consolidation loan options to find the best one for you.
How can I work out what my best option is?
If you plan on paying off your debts ahead of time and save in the form of interest paid, debt consolidation can be a good idea — but how do you work out if it's a good option for you? One way is a debt consolidation calculator. These calculators put the tools in your hands to work out what debt consolidation option is the best avenue for you to go down. Simply input the amount you want to consolidate, the frequency of your repayments and the applicable interest rates and the calculator will show you how much you'll need to pay each month.
Collin
Collin was a freelance photographer who was forced to take three months off owing to an accident with a snake on a photo shoot. As a freelancer he had no leave or other benefits to rely on. During this six-month period, his family’s debt increased considerably as they could only rely on his wife's salary, who worked part-time. He defaulted on his car and home repayments as they were drawing on their savings to pay for day-to-day expenses. The debts started piling up and by the time he returned to work they were only barely starting to repay what they owed. After six months, Collin owed a total of $254,000, his outgoing repayments stood at $3,500 per month and he risked losing his home and car. He and his wife's joint income was not enough to cover it all. After working with a debt consolidation company he refinanced all his debts into a single loan and his monthly repayment came down to $2,438, which was a reduction of more than $1,000. They worked on a budget and cut down on their expenses so they could pay off their debt as quickly as possible.
But I have bad credit, can I still consolidate my debt?
Bad credit can strike at any time. Whether you lose your job or miss a few repayments due to illness, debt consolidation for bad credit borrowers is still possible. If you find that your repayments are spiralling out of control, debt consolidation could be for you. With the help of our guide, you could potentially get your finances back on track. Consolidating your debt with bad credit
What to consider when consolidating debt
Affordability
Ensure that you'll be able to meet the requirements for a debt consolidation loan before you apply. Take into account the additional fees and charges you might have to pay, especially if you have existing fixed rate loans. Choose the term of the new loan with care, because while longer terms could result in lower repayments, you could end up paying more in the form of interest. Consolidating debts can also lead to more available credit on your hands, which could, in turn, result in more debt.
Comparing costs, interest rates and loan term
Before signing on the dotted line it's crucial that you know exactly how much you have to pay. This includes the interest rates, fees and costs. If this is not lower than what you’re paying on your existing loans, opting for a debt consolidation loan might not be a good idea after all. This process requires that you add up all the costs of your existing loans, including exit costs, and compare these with the costs linked to getting a new loan. Paying attention to the loan term is also important because if you opt to pay a short-term loan with a high interest rate over a longer term through a lower interest alternative, you could still end up paying more in the long run.
Early repayment costs
Some lenders charge repayment penalties if you pay your loan off earlier than agreed. Check to see if your current lender charges early repayment penalties or payout fees, and if this will still help you save when you take out the debt consolidation loan. If you’re getting a home equity loan or a loan against any other asset, the process might involve application fees, valuation fees, legal fees and stamp duty.
Licensing
If you decide to use the services of a credit provider or a debt consolidation organisation, it’s your responsibility to check for its ASIC licensing. This is because there are brokers and credit providers who operate illegally in Australia.
The good and the not-so-good details of debt consolidation
The good
- You can lower your costs and repayments The majority of all people who opt for debt consolidation do so in order to benefit from lower costs, and if you choose to consolidate your debt you can save as much as 50 per cent on outgoing costs. If you’re looking for a debt consolidation mortgage, you can expect to benefit through lower interest rates than with credit cards and personal loans.
- No more phone calls from debt collectors If you’re running behind on payments you probably receive a number of pesky phone calls from people chasing you for money. Once you consolidate all your loans, the phone calls will more than likely stop.
- The potential to access to extra features A debt consolidation loan can offer features that an unsecured line of credit does not, including fixed interest rates and the ability to lock in repayment amounts.
- You could avoid bankruptcy If you see yourself struggling to make multiple payments and think you might be headed for bankruptcy, consolidating your debts can give you a chance to get back on track.
The not-so-good
- You could lose your property to foreclosure If you get a debt consolidation mortgage and fail to make timely payments, you give the lender the right to foreclose on your property. This is because the lender uses your property as collateral towards the amount you borrow, so when you fail to repay this amount in a timely manner, you stand to lose the property in question.
- Increasing debt There are instances when people who opt for debt consolidation end up increasing their debt. For example, if you consolidate your credit card balances through a debt consolidation mortgage, you might start racking up big debts on your credit cards again and increase your problems even further.
How can I make debt consolidation work for me?
While taking out a debt consolidation loan can help you reduce the interest you pay and better manage your repayments, it's up to you to make the most of your debt consolidation efforts. The following are some useful tips you can take on to help your debt consolidation loan work best for you:
- Work out a debt management plan. If you're in a position where you need to enter a debt agreement with your creditors, it's important to agree to a plan that is manageable by you. These agreements are informal and can be worked out between you and your credit provider. If you choose to take out a debt consolidation loan you can make sure that the debt management plan you entered into.
- Use a budget. Budgeting your debt consolidation repayments ensures that they will remain manageable over the term of the loan. How much will you need to pay each month to ensure your debt is paid off? Work your loan repayments into your budget before you take out the loan.
- Compare your options. Make sure you take a look at all the options available to you before you apply for a debt consolidation loan. Are you applying for the most competitive option available? Ensure you look at fees as well as rates and any additional features you may have access to see if you're getting the best option for you.
- Make extra repayments. If your loan allows for it, making additional repayments can help see your loan paid off sooner and save interest. Make sure you won't be charged fees for additional repayments, lump sum payments or early repayment penalties depending on how you plan to repay your loan. If you find you're saving considerable on interest from consolidating your debt, make sure to put those savings back into your loan.
- Look for ways to cut down on your expenditure. Are there any ways you can cut down on your outgoings? By cutting down your expenditure you can have more money to make additional repayments, the benefits of which are explained above. Ensure you're in a safe position to manage your repayments and pay back your debts.
 | Gary is in a bit of a situation. |
He is paying off a few debts — two credit cards a car loan and another small personal loan — and he finds that a large portion of his salary is being used each month to pay off his debt.
Gary is at a loss for what to do.
He wonders if there’s a way to cut down the amount he pays in interest each month, thereby allowing him to pay off his debt faster. He works out a budget to see if making additional repayments will make a difference, but the amount he would be able to afford to pay extra would not be paying down enough of his principal loan amount — only what he’s being charged in interest.
Gary is still a little confused.
After looking online he sees that he can apply for a debt consolidation loan with a very competitive rate. He calculates that his new interest rate means he’ll be paying less interest across all of his debt than he currently is, and he’ll be able to better manage his loan with one repayment each month.
Gary's situation is looking better.
Gary also uses a debt consolidation calculator and sees that he’ll pay off his debt much earlier than if he’d continued with his current repayments, and he’s going to save thousands in interest.
He compares his debt consolidation loan options and after punching the figures into the calculator he applies online.
Gary is now quite happy with his situation.
Questions you've had about debt consolidation but haven't asked
The debt consolidation road map can be tricky to navigate, and you may not get all the answers you need from your bank of financial planner.
Is debt consolidation right for me?
As outlined on the page above, there are a few different situations that might make debt consolidation the right option for you. Before you take out a debt consolidation loan, work out what your current monthly repayments are as well as the interest rates you're paying. Then you can consider the options you have available for your debt consolidation and see if you'll actually save when you consolidate.
Can I consolidate more than one credit card?
If you have more than one credit card from different brands you might be finding it hard to manage your interest repayments. By rolling your existing debts into new consolidation loan, you could lower your repayments and pay less interest. If you have one credit card with a $6,400 at 19.99% p.a., another $1,000 at 13.49% p.a. and an "interest-free" store card, these can all be consolidated into a new loan.
I'm on Centrelink, can I still apply for debt consolidation?
Centrelink can be classed as genuine income by some lenders, and can be used as income to assess your serviceability for a debt consolidation loan. It's important to calculate your repayments and find out if your lender accepts your types of income. If you are on Newstart or Youth Allowance you may need to speak to your creditors and work out a repayment please.
Are debt consolidation companies legitimate?
Facing down the barrel of financial peril is scary enough, without having to worry about the legitimacy of the company you are dealing with. As with any financial product, it's important for you to compare a wide range of products and decide whether these are right for you before applying. Use the tables above to research and compare a range of legitimate companies. As a rule of thumb, if an offer looks too good to refuse, then it probably is.
My current bank offers a debt consolidation loan. Should I just apply with them?
There are some definite advantages to applying with your current bank — they may be more willing to approve you because they have a past relationship with you and they can see all your incomings and outgoings. Then again, they may not be able to offer you the best deal. You may want to compare your options before you apply to see how competitive their products are. Then, talk to your bank before applying to discuss your eligibility.
What's the difference between debt consolidation and a debt agreement?
A debt consolidation loan is just a standard personal loan product that allows you to consolidate your current debts into one. A debt agreement is something usually taken out by people with large debts and even bad credit history and is a form of bankruptcy. Make sure you find out the terms of the loan you're entering into and the effect it'll have on your credit file.
I have some equity in my home. Should I refinance and consolidate my debts that way?
If you have equity, then this is another option you have available to you, but there are some things to consider. First off, while rates on home loans are generally much lower than on personal loans, remember these are spread across a much longer term — thirty years as compared to a five or seven-year term. You also need to consider the costs of refinancing before you take on this kind of loan. This kind of option might be good to consider if you have a large amount of debt to consolidate or if you find this is the most competitive consolidation option that will help best manage your debt.
Do I need to spend or save differently when I take out a debt consolidation loan?
This depends on the lender you apply with. With regular debt consolidation personal loans you will not be required to change your budget, so long as you manage your repayments. With other types of debt consolidation loans, your budget may be restricted as you are technically entering into a form of bankruptcy. Keep in mind that even if you aren't restricted, it's always a good idea to go over your budget and see if there's any way to cut back on expenses to pay down your debt faster. This can help you save on interest.
i want to consolidate 3 cc and 1 pers loan worth around 14000 alltogether,,i earnt 92000 this fin year and these are my only debts
Hi Rod,
Thank you for contacting finder. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.
You may provide that information on the table above and it will populate options that would fit your needs. You may review and compare the options available on the table. Once you have selected one, you may proceed by clicking the green “Go to Site” button.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Danielle
Hi just a quick question if I consolidate my debts into 1 does that allow u to be able to get a new credit card or loan another part of the question for example if I have $20,000 worth of debt and I consolidate for $30,000 what happens to the rest after I’ve consolidated my debt does that become money u can use like a loan or does the consolidation loan only cover ur debt
Thanks for allowing me to ask these questions
Hi Anthony,
Thank you for your inquiry.
With debt consolidation, if you meet the eligibility criteria, a lender may only approve you for an amount that you are able to service and repay. They would take all your previous debts into account including your credit card limit, other personal loans, etc. So basically, to help you in managing your debts, they would usually approve an amount that can only cover your debts.
Furthermore, if you are applying for a higher amount, though, you would need to specify in your application that you would want to use the money to consolidate debts as well as for another purpose. If in case this for a debt agreement, none of this applies as it is already a form of bankruptcy.
Cheers,
May
Ok so do they add up all the debt
Hi Anthony,
Thanks for getting back.
Basically, yes. All the debts that you want to consolidate will be taken into account.
Cheers,
May
I am waiting on my late mothers estate which has been left to my brother and myself 50/50 .It has been cleared from being in probate and now just waiting to be finalized which we have been informed by the lawyers will take about two wks to be cleared. I was on a career’s pension for my mother and since her death i now have applied for unemployment benefits till i get another job. Unfortunately the change over from the career’s payment left a time gap and i wasn’t able to pay certain bills which have to be paid like rent and power etc. I am seeking to apply for loan of $1,000 and will be able to repay the entire loan with in less than a month. Can any lending company help me out please
Hi Julie,
Thanks for your question.
The lenders on this page may consider you for a loan.
Please click the name of the lender so you’ll see your loan options. Do check also the eligibility criteria to apply before hitting the ‘go to site’ button to submit your application.
Cheers,
Anndy
Any unsecured loans for repaying a U.K. Credit card. Australian citizen. Retired.
Hi Kate,
Thanks for your question.
Since you are retired, the loans that may be available to you are the ones listed on this page. I suggest that you read through the page to get more information on our guide. Before you apply, it’s best to the review the criteria and requirements and then contact the lender to discuss your chances of approval.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
May
Hi,
I have considerable debts (Credit cards and unsecure loans)at the moment and looking at what my options are to bring these down. What is the maximum amount of debts that I can have to be considered for either loan consolidation or a debt agreement.
Hi Michael,
Apologies for the delayed reply.
A debt agreement is an act of bankruptcy while debt consolidation is simply a personal loan that you can apply for with a lender to consolidate your existing debts into one. You can check if you meet the eligibility criteria for a debt consolidation loan by having a look at the individual review pages above.
You are able to propose a debt agreement if you meet the following criteria:
- are insolvent (unable to pay their debts as and when they fall due)
- have not been bankrupt, had a debt agreement or given an authority under Part X of the Bankruptcy Act in the last 10 years (this will be verified by the Official Receiver)
- have unsecured debts, assets (specifically the equity in assets) and after-tax income for the next 12 months all less than the indexed amounts (unsecured debts must be less than $109,036.20 and you cannot earn more than $81,777.15 p.a.)
pay the debt agreement lodgement fee specified in fees and charges (you can check these on the Australian Financial Security Authority’s website).
Keep in mind there are several consequences of a debt agreement, and as I mentioned it is considered an act of bankruptcy.
I hope this information has helped,
Elizabeth
We are considering a debt consolidation loan or a balance transfer. We have a number of credit cards of which two are maxed out, but have one we do not use (that we have paid out from a balance transfer) and another where we have a big credit limit that we do not need.
Should we cancel the card we don’t use and decrease the limits. That is the logical thing in my head but I read on American sites that this would worsen our credit rating. I am confused.
Hi John,
Thanks for your enquiry.
The US credit rating system works quite a bit differently from ours, where your credit utilization, or your ratio of debt to credit, has a large effect on your credit score. In Australia, your credit score is affected by information such as credit enquiries, defaults, shopping patterns and your payment history. You can find out more information on this page.
Basically, you can select the debt consolidation method that will help you best get in control of your debt.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
Thanks for that, so it is different. So will it hurt an application if I leave the limits where they are and if I don’t cancel the card. I have a very good credit history and my wife unbelievably has an excellent one.
Hi John,
When lenders consider you for a new credit product they take your entire financial circumstances into account – including your available credit limits. It should be noted that lenders cannot see the debt you owe on these cards, only the available credit. So when you apply, they will take the credit limit of these four cards into account and determine your ability to manage these limits as well as another credit product based on your income, credit history, etc.
If you think you may have a better chance of being approved and do not need one of the cards then you have the option of closing the card, but this is up to you.
Hope this information has helped.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
OK thanks. I will probably limit two of those cards
hi i have been trying to get a Debt Consolidation,loan for 25000 also to fix my van and a holiday i have payday lenders i wont to put together but is hard to get a loan and a lot of inquiry on my credit history is there anyone that can help me in that roving door trying to get out. thank you
Hi Darren,
Thanks for your question.
As a financial comparison service we’re unable to offer any personal advice on your situation, but there is a free financial counselling service you might want to get in touch with – you can give them a call on 1800 007 007. You can also have a read of our bad credit debt consolidation guide which might give you some useful information.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
my partner and myself have 2 c/cards total $10,000 and a personal loan $16000 while we are able to pay loan with ease we are struggling with c/cards we are with NAB can we consolidate these within our own bank?
Hi Dean,
Thanks for your question.
If you are referring to balance transferring your credit card balance onto an existing NAB card, you are able to do this, however the cards you’re transferring the balance from cannot be a NAB credit card. If you are referring to taking out a personal loan or adding onto an existing loan you have, you should also be able to do this. You can click ‘Go to Site’ alongside the NAB personal loan on this page to find out more about their debt consolidation loan.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
Due to a business tax debt my wife had to use the services of a lawyer to negotiate on her behalf. She now has a payment plan and is back on track but the lawyers fees need to be paid. I am full time permanently employed in a professional capacity and am not involved in my wife’s business but would like to help her with the legal fees. The lawyer is no longer working on behalf of my wife. Will any of your providers give personal loans that could be used to clear these lawyers fees? ($10,000). I am aware that some lenders will not lend for this purpose. If not, do we have any other options to clear this debt?
Hi Andrew,
Thanks for your question.
You may want have a look at our guide on unsecured loans.
They’re personal loans where you don’t need to offer an asset as security and can generally be used for any purpose.
Cheers,
Shirley
We currently have:
- a personal loan of $44,000 with CBA at 15.90% p.a with a monthly repayment of $1,004 plus account fee of $10 each month.
- a CBA credit card with a balance of $7,000 at 19.74% p.a which we pay at least the minimum payment.
- a St George credit card with a balance of $3,300 interest free for 12 months as we did a balance transfer from CBA.
We both work full time with income of $3,000 each after tax. I’m just wondering if we decide to go with Debt Consolidation, is it a good idea? As we want to put our loan into one account and reduce the account keeping fee from the Personal Loan account and reduce the amount of interest we pay.
Look forward to hear back from you soon.
Hi Sally,
Thanks for your question.
Unfortunately finder.com.au can only provide general advice regarding the products we display. The nature of this enquiry comes under financial advice so you’ll need to speak to a licenced professional.
If you’d like free financial guidance you can call the Financial Counsellors hotline on 1800 007 007. It is open from 9:30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
You may even want to approach one of your existing lenders to discuss what debt consolidation options are available to you.
Cheers,
Shirley