Laptop loans and finance options

What is a laptop loan?

Although laptops don't have to be too expensive these days, they can still be a burden to pay for. Whether you simply don't have the extra cash to stretch to a new laptop, you need a more upmarket model for your job, or you're studying and need something reliable, you may need to borrow money to pay for it.

A laptop loan is where you borrow the money and then repay it back plus interest over time. You may not necessarily need a loan, but let's look at your options.

What are my laptop loan and finance options?

Unsecured personal loan

An unsecured personal loan is when you borrow money from a lender, without having to use an asset as security. You then pay the loan back (including interest) in weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments over an agreed term.

With an unsecured personal loan, you receive the money upfront and then can pay for your new computer or laptop in full.

Credit card

If you have a credit card, you can purchase your new laptop and pay it off over an extended period of time in instalments. You could also consider a 0% purchase card, which will give you a certain period of time to pay off your balance without incurring any interest.

In-store finance

Many shops offer in-store finance to help customers purchase expensive items like laptops. With in-store finance, you can spread the cost of your new laptop over 6, 12 or even up to 18 months. Many companies even offer interest-free loans or a 0% interest period.

Buy now pay later

Buy now pay later apps allow you to shop in-store or online and spread the cost of your item over time. This can be over several weeks or months depending on how much you borrow and the app you're using. You should make sure you're able to meet all the repayments though as charges can stack up.

NILS

If you're on a low income, you may be able to qualify for a No Interest Loan (NILS) to cover the cost of your laptop. NILS are available up to $2,000 for essential devices like laptops.

To qualify for NILS, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Have a Health Care Card or Pension Card
• Earn less than $70,000 per year before tax (or less than $100,000 for couples or people with dependants)
• Have experienced family or domestic violence in the last 10 years

If you are under 18, your parents may be able to qualify on your behalf, depending on their circumstances. Anyone applying for a NILS must also be able to demonstrate that they can afford to repay the loan.

Can I get a laptop loan with bad credit?

You may still be eligible for a loan even if you have bad credit, though you will usually find that your options are more limited compared to someone with good credit. If you are eligible for a No Interest Loan, your credit score will not be checked.

You can check your credit score for free with Finder.

What are my other options?

If you're not looking to purchase a laptop, there are a few ways to borrow a laptop free-of-charge:

Through a university or TAFE

If you're currently enrolled at a university, TAFE or other tertiary institution, you may be able to borrow a laptop directly through your school. Many of the biggest universities offer laptop loan programs through the university library or student centre.

You can generally borrow a laptop or computer for up to a couple of days for free, but may need to pay a small fee if you borrow it for an extended period of time.

Borrow from a library

Like universities, many Australian libraries offer public access computers and laptops that can be used for free. You'll generally need to be a member of the library in order to book a laptop and will normally be unable to take it home with you.

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Interest rate (p.a.)	Comp. Rate (p.a.)	Application Fee	Monthly Fee	Monthly Repayment
Promoted Revolut Unsecured Personal Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $50,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.17% to 26.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 6.17% to 23.79%	Application Fee $0	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment	Apply online and then access your funds in minutes if you're approved. Pay no monthly or annual fees to use the loan and no early repayment fees. Eligibility: Must be an Australian/NZ citizen or permanent resident, employed for 3+ months, earning at least $2,000/month, with a recommended Equifax credit score of 500+.	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Finder Rewards ExclusivePromoted NOW Finance No Fee Unsecured Personal Loan Finder AwardFixed18 Months - 7 Years $5,000 - $50,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 5.95% to 26.95%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 5.95% to 26.95%	Application Fee $0	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment	ENDS SOON! $500 VISA CARD REWARD 1 Join Finder 2 Settle a loan with NOW Finance 3 Get gift card up to $500 from Finder Ends by. T&Cs apply.	Borrow up to $50,000 for any worthwhile purchase and pay no establishment or ongoing fees without providing collateral. You can also benefit from a more competitive interest rate if you have a strong credit score.	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Promoted OurMoneyMarket Unsecured Low-Rate Personal Loan ($20,000-$100,000) ExclusiveFixed1 - 7 Years $20,000 - $100,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 5.95% to 18.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 5.95% to 21.78%	Application Fee $0 min.	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment	Finder exclusive: Receive a $100 eGift Card if you have Excellent Credit (as determined by OMM’s credit assessment and scorecard), apply via Finder by 31 Mar 2026, and settle by 15 Apr 2026. For loans between $20,000 and $100,000 only. T&Cs apply.	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Jacaranda Finance Secured Personal Loan Fixed25 Months - 3 Years $3,000 - $25,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 16.95% to 29.95%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 32.99% to 45.50%	Application Fee $125 - $1,190	Monthly Fee $26	Monthly Repayment	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Jacaranda Finance Unsecured Personal Loan Fixed25 Months $3,000 - $10,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 27.95% to 29.95%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 44.50% to 46.50%	Application Fee $13.50 - $950	Monthly Fee $26	Monthly Repayment	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Westpac Unsecured Personal Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $4,000 - $50,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 7.00% to 21.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 8.41% to 23.28%	Application Fee $250	Monthly Fee $15	Monthly Repayment	ContinueView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
CommBank Fixed Rate Personal Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $4,000 - $50,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 7.00% to 22.00%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 8.41% to 23.29%	Application Fee $250	Monthly Fee $15	Monthly Repayment	ContinueView details Compare product selection Compare	loading

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Am I eligible for a laptop loan?

Whether or not you are eligible for a personal loan for a laptop will largely depend on the type of finance that you opt for. However, if you are planning on opting for a standard personal loan from a bank or non-bank lender, the below criteria usually applies:

• 18 years or over
• Australian resident or permanent citizen
• Have a regular income
• Have a good credit rating

Remember to compare your options thoroughly prior to submitting an application.

How do I apply for a laptop loan?

How you apply for a laptop loan depends on the type of finance you're applying for. Typically though, you'll be able to apply via an online application.

For a personal loan or credit card, you can usually apply online and submit all of your required documentation online too. Many personal loan providers now will also give you the ability to connect read-only access to your bank so they can check your bank statements for your income and expenses. The credit provider may also get in touch with you for more information or further documentation.

For finance like BNPL or in-store credit, there are likely to be a few easy steps as the application can take place in the shop.

Why compare personal loans with Finder?

Addicted to details. We know taking out a personal loan is something you'll be hooked up with for a while. That's why we put hours into research for this guide (and still do at least once a month)

Rates obsessed. Lenders come in all shapes and sizes, that's why we don't just track the big banks, but all the digi folk too. Pretty much everyone but your parents to be honest.

Cash for whatever you need. Lending rates verified from 180+ products day and night. Whether you're buying a car, rennovating your home or heck just ready to let loose with the spending - we got you.

Frequently asked questions about laptop loans

• What happens if I've been rejected for a laptop loan?

  If you've been rejected for a personal loan, it's important that you don't rush into applying for another form of credit.

  Multiple rejected applications can be bad for your credit score so you should first take stock to see why you've been rejected. If you have an average or bad credit score, you may need to improve your record before you apply again.

  If you have an excellent credit score but you were still rejected, you can ask the lender for more information about why you were rejected. It might be that you didn't fit the eligibility criteria, you requested a loan amount outside of their limits, or you didn't fit some other borrower checks.

  Once you've spoken to the lender they might be able to help you reapply with a slightly different application or you'll be better prepared to find another loan that suits you better.

  You can find a full guide on what to do if you've been rejected for a personal loan here.

• Can I get a short-term or payday loan for a laptop?

  Short-term loans or payday loans should only ever be used as a very last-resort solution, especially when it comes to larger amounts of money. These credit options often have very high interest rates and you'll end up paying above and beyond, with only short periods of time to pay the loan back. If you can't repay on time you'll face even higher costs.

• What can I do to improve my chance of approval?

  To improve your chance of approval for a personal loan for your IVF treatment, first make sure your credit profile is in good condition. You'll ideally have an Excellent credit score, but a Good credit score will also be accepted (you may be offered higher interest rates though).

  You should also make sure you've double checked the lender's eligibility criteria and loan terms.

  Other ways to increase your chance of approval are:

  • Reduce any other debts or credit card limits.
  • Cut back on discretionary spending, especially things like food takeaways or online shopping.
  • Ensure you have the required documentation ready to upload, like pay slips and identification.
  • Consider securing an asset against the loan, like the equity in your property or a vehicle.

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