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Unsecured personal loans in Australia
With faster applications and approvals, you could get your unsecured personal loan approved on the same day.
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Compare unsecured personal loans
An unsecured personal loan lets you borrow money without using an asset as security. They can have shorter applications and faster approval times than secured loans. However, unsecured personal loans are more expensive than secured loans.
What is an unsecured personal loan?
An unsecured personal loan is money you borrow from a bank or a lender to pay for a big expense.
It is called "unsecured" as you don't need to provide a personal asset (like your house or car) as security for the loan. Because the lender does not have an asset as security, their risk is higher. As a result, these loans have higher interest rates.
These loans can be for amounts as small as $1,000 or for larger amounts up to $100,000. You can pay the loan off over a period of time that you set.
You can take an unsecured personal loan to pay for your wedding, home renovations, dream holiday, a new car or cosmetic surgery, for example. It can also be used to pay off your existing debt or consolidate other, higher interest debts.
Unsecured personal loans can be used for single or multiple purposes, unlike secured loans.
What is the comparison rate on an unsecured personal loan?
A comparison rate helps you understand the true cost of a loan. Displayed as a percentage, this rate includes both the interest rate and the various fees and charges that come with the loan. That's why it is generally higher than the displayed interest rate. Please read our guide to personal loan comparison rates for more information.
Why opt for an unsecured personal loan?
- To pay for large expenses. An unsecured personal loan is useful if you have large expenses coming up, such as home renovations, a wedding, medical expenses or holidays, and you don't have assets or the money up front.
- If you don't want to risk your assets. You may be unwilling to risk your personal assets by using them as security. Or you may have already used your asset/s as security for other loans. In such instances, an unsecured personal loan may help you finance those upcoming expenses.
- To consolidate existing debt. You can use an unsecured personal loan to pay off other, higher interest debts at a lower rate. It can also be used to consolidate multiple debts to save on fees and simplify your repayments.
- For emergencies. In case of emergencies like car repairs, medical expenses or urgent travel, you could take out an unsecured personal loan instead of a costlier payday loan.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of unsecured personal loans?
Are you wondering how unsecured personal loans compare against secured personal loans? We've highlighted the pros and cons of unsecured personal loans below.
Pros
- Flexible. Compared to secured loans, unsecured loans have fewer restrictions on how you can use the money.
With secured personal loans, you can only use the money for a specific purpose, such as purchasing a car.
You can use an unsecured personal loan for a single expense, such as a large medical bill. Or you could use it to pay for various expenses, such as renovating your home and buying new furniture or appliances.
- Lower risk to assets. As you haven't put up any collateral to secure the loan, the risk to your personal property is lower. With a secured loan, the lender can claim your asset if you don't pay the money back.
- Shorter applications and approvals. Applications for unsecured personal loans are shorter. This is because you do not have to prove ownership of an asset. As a result, they are also approved faster, sometimes within the same day.
- Options for bad credit. If you have a bad credit score, you may still be able to take out an unsecured loan, although lending rates tend to be significantly higher.
Cons
- Higher interest rates. Compared to secured personal loans, unsecured loans tend to have higher interest rates. This makes them more expensive.
This is because the lender does not have an asset as security, making the loan more risky. To protect against this, the interest rate is higher.
- Additional fees. You may be charged fees for paying late, or even for repaying your loan early. And if you fail to make your repayments, the lender can take legal action against you.
What should I look for when comparing?
- Comparison rate. The comparison rate is the true cost of the loan. This is displayed as a percentage. It includes both the interest rate and the various fees and charges that come with the loan. The comparison rate is often higher, but never lower than the interest rate. It is how much you will actually pay for the loan.
- Fixed or variable interest rates. The rate of interest for an unsecured personal loan can either be fixed or variable. A fixed interest rate stays the same over the loan period. In contrast, a variable rate of interest can change on a monthly basis depending on the interest rate set by the lender. You can choose between the two based on what suits your circumstances.
- Competitive rates. Some lenders provide a better interest rate than others. This should not be all you look for. With some lenders, the interest rate may be competitive but the total cost of the loan may be high. Interest rates for unsecured personal loans usually range from 7.5% to 18%.
- Loan terms and repayment. Apart from the cost of the loan, you should also take into consideration the length of your loan. You should also calculate how much your repayments will cost. This will help you determine whether you can afford the loan. It will also tell you what you will be paying in terms of rates and fees over the life of the loan.
- Loan amounts. Minimum and maximum loan amounts are set by lenders and usually vary between $1,000 to $100,000. It's important to check if the amount you need is within the range offered by the lender.
- Additional fees. These can include establishment, ongoing and administration fees, and will add to the overall cost of your loan. Some loans may waive them altogether, but in some cases it may be unavoidable. When comparing the cost of the loan, make sure you consider both the fees and interest rates in your calculations.
What should I avoid?
- Borrowing more than you need. When it comes to loans, more money isn't always better. If you borrow more than you actually need you'll end up paying more in fees and interest than it's worth. Our personal loan repayment calculator can help you estimate your repayments and help you work out what's affordable.
- Unlicensed lenders. Always ensure you are getting your loan from a lender licensed with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). At Finder, we only include licensed lenders for you to compare. You could also search for your lender on the ASIC Professional Register.
- Providing false information. When applying for an unsecured personal loan, you will need to tell the lender what you need the funds for. Always be upfront and honest.
What can I use an unsecured personal loan for?
There are a multitude of options for what you can use your unsecured personal loan for:
Why is the interest rate higher than a secured loan?
Interest rates on unsecured loans are higher for borrowers, as lenders are taking on a higher risk. If your loan is secured, the lender can take ownership of the asset you've used as collateral to cover the cost of the loan. Because they don't have that collateral on an unsecured loan, to safeguard themselves, lenders charge more interest so that they have more to fall back on should you fail to meet your repayments.
Should I choose a fixed or variable interest rate?
You will be given two options when it comes to your rate of interest: either a fixed or variable interest rate.
A fixed interest rate is when the rate of interest on your loan doesn't change over the life of your loan.
Conversely, a variable interest rate is when the rate you're paying can change over the period of your loan. This means that the rate can, but does not always, fluctuate. It can either increase or decrease throughout the term of your loan.
This is because variable interest rates are offered based on the rate set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). This is done eleven times a year. Based on this rate, each bank or non-bank sets its own rate of interest.
This means that if you opt for a fixed interest rate and the rate of interest drops, you may end up paying more. On the other hand, if the rate of interest goes up, you will end up paying a better rate.
We've provided an outline of unsecured loans with both fixed and variable interest rates below.
| Features | Fixed interest rate | Variable interest rate |
| Interest on repayments | Will not change over the loan term, remaining consistent throughout. | May or may not rise over your loan term. This means that you may or may not see an increase or reduction in your interest rates. |
| Budgeting | Easy to budget as your repayments remain the same every month. | Monthly budgeting may be tricky as the interest rate may vary on a monthly basis. |
| Loan terms | Ten years maximum. | Ten years maximum. |
| Break fees | This means that if you wish to pay off the loan early, you will incur additional charges. These penalties can sometimes be high. | Includes the option of repaying the loan early without penalty. |
| Additional repayments | May not have fees for additional repayments. This means that you may not incur charges if you make additional payments to pay the loan early. | No penalty for additional repayments, allowing you to pay the loan early if it is within your means. |
| Redraw facilities | Some fixed personal loans offer redraw facilities. This allows you to withdraw money if you need it. There may be charges. | Allows you to make extra payments and then withdraw that money if you need to, often free of charge. |
Am I eligible for an unsecured personal loan?
Once you've compared lenders, you need to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. Preparing all your documents before applying can make the process easier. To be eligible for an unsecured personal loan in Australia, you need to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be either an Australian or New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident or have an acceptable visa.
- Have a good credit rating. You can check your credit score for free on Finder.
- Provide documentation to prove your ability to pay the loan. This can include employment details for the last three months and financial information such as your income before and after tax. The lender may also ask for your monthly living expenses including rent and insurance. You may also be asked to provide proof of assets you own, and information on other debts you have. This can include home loans, credit cards, other personal loans or buy now pay later loans.
- You may be asked to provide copies of payslips, bank account statements and other information on other loans if you have any.
- Provide 100 points of ID. This can include your driver's licence, birth certificate, passport and government employment ID. It can also include your Medicare card, Australian marriage certificate, property lease agreement, utility bills or mortgage documents where applicable.
Is there anything to avoid with an unsecured personal loan?
- Not being upfront about what you're using the funds for. When you apply for an unsecured personal loan, you will need to tell the lender what you're applying for. Always be upfront with your lender about this, whether it be for business purposes, to consolidate debts or to take a holiday – honesty is the best policy.
- Borrowing more than what you need. Use a personal loan repayment calculator to see how much your repayments will be. This will ensure that you're aware of whether or not you'll be able to afford repayments on your current budget. Even if you're offered a larger loan, consider whether you should take it on. The loan will be your responsibility to repay.
- Unlicensed lenders. Always make sure you're getting an unsecured personal loan from a licensed lender. All providers must be licensed with ASIC. You can search through the ASIC Professional Register to check this.
- Loans with excessive costs. Make sure to compare loans so that you get a competitive offering. Don't just look at the interest rate either; make sure you check upfront and ongoing fees as well as the comparison rate to get an idea of the true cost of the loan.
How can I find and apply for an unsecured personal loan?
Now that you know what to look for, you can use our comparison table to find a loan that works best for you.
When you're ready to apply, you can click the "Go to site" button, where you'll be taken directly to the lender's website to complete the application.
What is a personalised interest rate?
If you're planning on taking out a loan, you may notice lenders advertising "personalised interest rates". The rate of interest quoted to you may also be different from that of someone else who applied for the same loan.
This is because the lender is basing the rate of interest on how risky it is to lend to you. A personalised rate is the rate of interest based on risk.
Lenders calculate this based on the loan amount you've requested, your credit status, how long you need to pay back the loan, your financial history and employment status.
You will be offered a lower rate if the lender thinks you are a low risk borrower and likely to pay back the loan on time. Conversely, if you fall into the high risk category, have other debts or lower income, you will receive a higher rate of interest.
What else should I know?
Whether you are looking for a small or large unsecured personal loan, we've rounded up some tips to help you make the best choice.
| Tips for borrowing a small unsecured personal loan | Tips for borrowing a large unsecured personal loan |
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Who offers unsecured personal loans?
Unsecured personal loans are offered both by large, traditional banks such as NAB, and non-bank lenders like OMM or Harmoney. Non-banks are governed by the same regulations as banks, so both options are equally secure.
The key difference between a bank and a non-bank is that non-banks hold a credit licence and not a banking licence. This means that they cannot provide some banking services, such as taking deposits. If you prefer to do all your banking in the same place, this may not be an option for you.
Typically, non-banks provide cheaper and more competitive products, with lower set-up and ongoing fees. However, they may have fewer loan options compared to traditional banks. Non-banks can also be more flexible and may provide better, personalised service when compared to traditional banks.
Can I get an unsecured personal loan with bad credit?
If you have a poor credit history, it may be more difficult to be approved for an unsecured personal loan, as the risk to the lenders is higher. However, there are some loans that specifically cater to bad credit borrowers. These include payday loans and debt consolidation loans. You can read more here.
Can I get an unsecured personal loan if I am self-employed?
If you are self-employed and have a good credit history, you can get an unsecured personal loan. To qualify for a standard unsecured personal loan, you may have to provide more documentation than a full-time employee. This could include:
- Tax returns. Up to two years' worth of personal or company tax returns.
- Financial statements. Profit and loss statements may also be required to provide evidence of your income.
- Notice of Assessment. The lender may require up to two years of the latest Notice of Assessment (NOA) given to you by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
- Proof of rental income. If you receive any income from rental properties, you can declare this with real estate statements or copies of your executed lease agreements.
- Recent bank statements. These can be accessed digitally via your bank. Though, depending on the lender, hard copies may be required.
- Company-specific information. If you own your business, be prepared to provide information such as your company's ABN, address, etc.
You could also opt for a low documentation personal loan. These loans are easier to apply for and require less paperwork. Low documentation personal loans usually charge higher interest rates and fees.
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I am on a disability pension and want to pay off my credit card and Centrelink loans. Can you advise me of the best way to get a loan for $1000 please
Hi Karen,
Thank you for leaving a comment.
If you are looking to pay off your credit card balance and Centrelink loan, you may consider applying for a personal loan for debt consolidation. According to our review, 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. When you are ready, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the lender’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. You can also contact the provider if you have specific questions. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
Hi. I need a personal loan of 40k to pay off an existing loan and leave some to purchase a motorcycle. These sites are all just taking into consideration MY circumstances instead of the household income. My husband pays most things and I pay the existing loan and other insurance expenses etc. Who can I contact to get a loan which includes my household combined income?
Hi Colleen,
Thanks for getting in touch with Finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
I understand you’re looking for a lender that would consider your household income. Indeed, the majority of lenders would only assess your individual income primarily. However, we do have a page that lists lenders who provide personal loans on joint applications.
On that page, you will see a table that allows you to conveniently compare your options. You can compare according to the loan amount, fees, term payment, and so on. Once you have found the right one for you, click on the “Go to site” green button to learn more or initiate your application.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
am a starter in businesses and and i need loan $ 2500 to enable have the working capital and set up, am citizen of Kenya.. please advise
Hi Lilian,
Thanks for leaving a question on finder.
Unfortunately, the lenders featured on our website only caters to residents from the US, Australia, UK, Canada and New Zealand. You will have to check with your local lenders if you are not from those 5 countries I mentioned. Sorry about that.
Cheers,
Joel
Of all of CUA’s personal loans which ones can be used as an unsecured personal loan for ~$55000
Hi LM,
Thank you for you inquiry.
Unfortunately, there is no available unsecured loan from CUA. Thankfully, there is a list of unsecured personal loans featured on this page. Please go ahead and check them. You might find the right one for you through that page.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold
Hello
What will be the best loan option if I am looking at buying an overseas (Subcontinent) property. I am looking at around $150,000. I have a good paying job where I am making more than $10,000 pre-tax a month.
Hi Frank,
Thanks for your question.
If you’re looking for a personal loan, I’m afraid that these lenders featured on our site offer loans to Australian markets only and the maximum amount they can lend would be at $50K. Higher than that amount would generally be risky to most lenders. Usually, if you’re to purchase a property, the option you would have is to take a home loan, but again, the banks/lenders would only service the people in Australia and the properties would also be in the country.
Regards,
May