Lock into certainty with a fixed rate personal loan.
Fixed rate personal loans let you lock into a rate at the beginning of your term, keeping your repayments set for the duration of your loan. This type of loan comes with a lot of benefits, but also a few added restrictions when compared to its variable rate counterpart – we break these down for you in this guide to help you decide if a fixed rate loan is right for you.
Westpac Unsecured Personal Loan Offer
Westpac Unsecured Personal Loan
from
fixed rate
from
comparison rate
- Competitive interest rate
- Flexible repayment options
- Borrow up to $50,000
100% confidential application
Westpac Unsecured Personal Loan Offer
Westpac offers a competitive fixed rate loan up to $50,000 with low ongoing fee.
- Interest rate from: 12.99% p.a.
- Comparison rate: 13.77% p.a.
- Interest rate type: Fixed
- Application fee: $0
- Minimum loan amount: $4,000
- Maximum loan amount: $50,000
Fixed rate personal loan comparison
How do fixed rate personal loans work?
Fixed rate personal loans have an interest rate that does not increase or decrease for the duration of the loan term that is stated in your contract. Typical fixed rate personal loans last from one to five years, but some extend up to seven years.
Having your repayments remain fixed for the life of a loan is a big benefit, but it's important to understand fixed rate personal loans generally come with restrictions. These mostly have to do with repayments. For example, you may not be able to make additional repayments or you may only be able to make repayments up to a set cap. You may also not be able to repay the loan early.
What features come with these loans?
Fixed rate personal loans come with a number of benefits, but also a few restrictions. Here are the typical features you can expect:
- Loan term. Lenders offer varying loan terms depending on the type of loan it is (secured or unsecured) as well as a number of other factors, but you can usually expect a term of between one and five years, with some lenders extending up to seven years. With some loans, part of this term may be fixed, with the other part of the term having a variable rate attached.
- Repayments stability. The interest rate is fixed, and that means your repayments stay the same for the entirety of your loan term. This is no matter what happens to rates in the market.
- Early payment penalties. Fixed rate personal loans usually come with fees for paying your loan back early or for making additional repayments. These differ between lenders, but generally, because you are considering ending the fixed term early, you will be expected to pay a fee. You might also find some lenders only charging fees if you repay your loan within a certain period, for example, in the first year.
- Upfront and ongoing fees. Look out for fees for establishing the loan or ongoing monthly fees. These aren't standard for fixed rate personal loans, so remember to compare what's available.
What can you use a fixed rate personal loan for?
Personal loans that come with a fixed interest rate can be suitable to help you finance a range of different purposes:
- Purchasing a new or used car
- Home improvements
- Buying a vehicle such as a motorbike
- Taking a holiday
- Consolidating debt from loans and/or credit cards
- To get married
"I want a personal loan with a fixed rate – how can I compare my options?"
Given that there is no shortage of fixed rate personal loans to choose from, compare your options to ensure you end up with the best possible deal. You’ll need to consider the following:
- Is the loan secured or unsecured? These are the two most basic types of fixed rate personal loans. If you're looking to buy a vehicle or own a property you can consider a secured fixed rate loan and use the asset you own or are looking to buy as a guarantee. Secured loans come with lower interest than their unsecured counterparts because they're less risky for lenders – you'll lose your asset if you fail to repay the loan.
- What's the interest rate? Comparing interest rates is important – this is the rate you will be paying for the whole term of your loan. Compare the loan against similar offerings to get an idea if it's competitive.
- How long is the loan term? This ultimately comes down to what you need. You can expect most lenders to offer repayment terms of between one and five years, but some lenders extend their offerings up to seven years. How long do you need to repay the loan? You can lower your repayments with a longer term but you will ultimately pay more interest. Decide what you need and then compare lenders so you can find a loan that's right for you.
- What fees and penalties will I be charged? Look out for upfront charges such as establishment fees, any ongoing costs in the form of monthly or annual fees, and what you will be charged if you repay the loan early or make extra repayments. Other costs to watch out for include penalties for late payments.
Benefits and drawbacks of fixed rate personal loans
- No change in what you pay. Your monthly repayments will stay the same for the entire loan term, allowing you to easily budget.
- Your rate won't be affected if the market conditions take a turn. If market interest rates decrease you won't have to worry about your interest rate increasing.
- You still have flexibility with your repayments. You will usually get the choice between weekly, fortnightly or monthly repayments and a choice in how long your loan term is. While early and additional repayment fees are common they differ, so compare to find lesser fees or lenders who do not charge them.
- There are additional fees. Fixed rate loans tend to attract fees for early repayments and for making additional payments than variable rate loans.
- You can't benefit from favourable market conditions. If market interest rates improve, the rate applied to your loan won't decrease.
- There may be restrictions on your repayments. You may not be able to make additional repayments or repay your loan early.
What you need to avoid with fixed rate loans
- Taking on a longer loan term than you need. While your repayments might be lower with a longer loan term, you will end up paying more interest. Budget your repayments before you apply and work out a repayment period you can afford.
- Taking a loan you can’t afford. Establish your ability to repay the loan before you fill in the application. While this is especially true if you take out an unsecured loan, as you stand to lose your collateral, defaulting on an unsecured loan can mean a bad credit rating for the next fives years.
- Not reading the fine print. Go over your loan contract so you're aware of all fees, charges and conditions.
Here's how you can apply
- Compare + Click. Use the table above to compare your fixed rate personal loan options. Once you find a loan that's right for you, you can click on the lender's name to read a more detailed review or click "Go to Site" to start the application process.
- Eligibility + Application. You can confirm your eligibility on the finder.com.au review page and on the lender's website. You will need to meet minimum age, income, employment and credit requirements before submitting your application. Online applications differ, but generally, you will need your personal, financial and employment details.
- Approval + Funding. You can usually find out if you're approved or conditionally approved within a few minutes, but some lenders may take longer. You can check back with the lender to find out about the status of your application. If you're approved, your loan can be funded any time from that same day to a week later. Check with the lender for details on a timeframe.
Some questions we've been asked about fixed rate personal loans
What is the difference between a fixed rate and a variable rate?
A fixed rate is a rate that is locked into your loan contract at the beginning of your term. With a variable rate loan, you still have a rate applied to your loan contract, but this may fluctuate throughout your term.
Can I increase the amount on my fixed rate personal loan?
This depends on your lender but you may be able to apply for a loan top-up. Keep in mind this may be considered as a new credit application.
Can I make additional repayments?
This is generally not allowed, but you may be able to make extra repayments for a small fee, depending on your lender. Check your loan contract before you apply.
Why do fixed rate loans come with lower rates that variable rate loans?
Generally, fixed rate loans come with more restrictions than variable rate loans, and as such you are given a lower rate by your lender. These restrictions usually come in the form of repayments, for example, not being able to repay your loan early.
How long are the loan terms on a fixed rate personal loan?
This differs between lenders, but you'll usually be able to apply for a loan term of between one and five years.
Am I eligible for a fixed rate personal loan?
Eligibility criteria vary greatly between lenders. Generally, you'll need to be over the age of 18, have a good credit history and be an Australian citizen or permanent Australian resident. However, there are loans available for temporary residents and those with less-than-perfect credit.
we are wanting to remodel our home. what loan would be good for us?
Hi Shelly,
Thanks for your question.
I’m not able to recommend a specific loan to you as the best loan will depend on how much you’re looking to borrow, your financial situation, what you’re eligible for, etc. To remodel your home you can use an unsecured personal loan, some of which are on the page above, or a home equity loan, which secures the loan amount against the equity you hold in your home in gives you a lower rate. You can compare your loan options using the tables on the page above and on the page I’ve linked. Once you’ve found a loan you’re eligible for and that you want to apply for, click ‘Go to Site’ to find out more and submit your application.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
is there an organisation i can talk to that would go through all aspects with me on the phone to make sure i’m making the right decision on a personal loan
Hi Steve,
Thanks for your question.
Unfortunately we can’t recommend a specific organisation to you, as this is considered personalised advice. You might be interested in the services of a financial planner.
Cheers,
Shirley