$5,000 loans

A personal loan is one of the easier ways to borrow $5,000, and with a good credit score you can get a competitive rate. Bad credit borrowers still have options, but they are more expensive.

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Name Interest Rate (p.a.) Comp. Rate (p.a.) Application Fee Monthly Fee Monthly Repayment
NOW Finance No Fee Unsecured Personal Loan
NOW Finance logo
Finder award winnerFixed18 Months - 7 Years $5,000 - $50,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
6.75%
to 26.95%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
6.75%
to 26.95%
Application Fee
$0
Monthly Fee
$0
Monthly Repayment
$153.81
Go to siteMore Info
Harmoney Unsecured Personal Loan
Harmoney logo
Finder award winnerFixed3 - 7 Years $2,000 - $70,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
5.76%
to 24.03%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
6.55%
to 24.98%
Application Fee
$275 - $575
Monthly Fee
$0
Monthly Repayment
$169
Go to siteMore Info
Revolut Unsecured Personal Loan
Revolut logo
Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $50,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
6.56%
to 24.99%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
6.56%
to 21.79%
Application Fee
$0 - $499
Monthly Fee
$0
Monthly Repayment
$168.69
Go to siteMore Info
Latitude Variable Rate Personal Loan
Latitude Financial Services logo
Variable2 - 7 Years $5,000 - $70,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
9.49%
to 29.99%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
10.37%
to 30.69%
Application Fee
$0
Monthly Fee
$13
Monthly Repayment
$173.14
Go to siteMore Info
Special Finder offer: $395 establishment fee waived for approved personal loan applications submitted through Finder. Latitude may withdraw offer at any time. T&Cs apply.
NAB Personal Loan Unsecured Fixed
NAB logo
Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $55,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
8.49%
to 20.49%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
9.88%
to 21.78%
Application Fee
$250
Monthly Fee
$15
Monthly Repayment
$180.71
Go to siteMore Info
NAB Personal Loan Unsecured Variable Rate
NAB logo
Variable1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $55,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
8.49%
to 20.49%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
9.88%
to 21.78%
Application Fee
$250
Monthly Fee
$15
Monthly Repayment
$180.71
Go to siteMore Info
Jacaranda Finance Secured Personal Loan
Jacaranda Finance logo
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
$246.54
Go to siteMore Info
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How can I get a $5,000 loan?

Taking out a personal loan is probably the simplest way for most borrowers to get a $5,000 loan.

  • While payday loans are advertised as fast, easy ways to get smaller loans, they're limited by law to $2,000 and have very high fees.

What kind of personal loans can I use to borrow $5,000?

Most people looking for a $5,000 loan will choose an unsecured personal loan. These loans are easier to get and you don't have to put up a car as security.

Secured personal loans typically require a new (or newish) car as security. While some lenders may offer you a lower rate (because the loan is lower risk to the lender), these days the lowest unsecured personal loan rates are often just as low.

How much does a $5,000 personal loan cost?

The exact cost of a $5,000 personal loan depends on:

  • The length of the loan.
  • The interest rate.
  • The fees.

$5,000 personal loan cost examples

Loan valueLoan termInterest rateMonthly feeMonthly repaymentsTotal cost
$5,00037%$10$165$918
$5,000410%$5$132$1,328
$5,000512%$8$120$2,154

It's important to consider the different fees, interest rates and loan terms when you apply for a personal loan. As you can see, a 5 year loan term with a higher interest rate will give you lower monthly repayments, but you'll end up paying much more in fees and interest over the loan period.

These are just simplified examples that don't take your personal circumstances into account. Use a personal loan repayment calculator to figure out your own loan costs.

📌 A note on comparison rates and $5,000 personal loans

The personal loan comparison rate takes into account both the loan's interest rate and the cost of fees. It's designed to help you understand the true cost of a loan.

Every personal loan has a comparison rate, but most lenders calculate these rates based on different loan sizes, typically $30,000 or $10,000. So these rates don't always reflect the costs for a $5,000 loan.

How do I compare $5,000 loans?

  • Look at the rates and fees. A loan with a lower rate and fewer fees will save you money.
  • Choose the right loan term. A personal loan with a 1-year term is usually cheaper than a 5-year loan because you pay less interest over a shorter time. But your monthly repayments will be higher. So the right loan term is about balancing your monthly and your overall costs.
  • Look for a loan with features you need. Some personal loans allow you to make extra repayments without a fee, which helps you pay off the loan faster.
  • Check the lender's eligibility criteria before you apply. Don't waste time (and hurt your credit score) applying for a $5,000 loan you're not eligible for. Make sure you meet the lender's criteria first.
  • Get your credit score in good shape. The lowest rates and the best deals go to borrowers with excellent credit scores. Improve your credit score before applying for a loan.

Check your credit score for free through Finder

Can I borrow $5,000 if I have bad credit?

Borrowers with bad credit who need money quickly often turn to:

  • Payday loans. Payday lenders offer fast approval and are only available up to $2,000. Some lenders may go as high as $5,000 - but it is not considered a payday loan.
  • Bad credit personal loans. Some lenders specialise in lending to borrowers with bad credit or limited proof of income.

When borrowing as much as $5,000, short-term loans and bad credit loans are going to become very expensive. These loans have higher interest rates and hefty fees. This makes any loan expensive, but the more money you borrow the worse it gets.

Can I get a $5,000 personal loan with guaranteed approval?

Beware of lenders whose websites mention "guaranteed approval" for small loans. The truth is any regulated lender will perform some kind of check on your credit score and suitability as a borrower before lending you $5,000.

These lenders are often going to charge you very high interest rates and fees.

If a lender is truly promising you "a small personal loan with guaranteed approval" they are likely a scam. You can check ASIC's register to see if a lending business is appropriately licensed.

⚠️ Warning about Borrowing

payday-warningDo you really need a loan today?*

It can be expensive to borrow small amounts of money and borrowing may not solve your money problems.

Check your options before you borrow:

  • For information about other options for managing bills and debts, ring 1800 007 007 from anywhere in Australia to talk to a free and independent financial counsellor
  • Talk to your electricity, gas, phone or water provider to see if you can work out a payment plan
  • If you are on government benefits, ask if you can receive an advance from Centrelink: Phone: 13 17 94

The Government's MoneySmart website shows you how small amount loans work and suggests other options that may help you.

* This statement is an Australian Government requirement under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009.

Which lenders offer $5,000 bad credit loans?

The following lenders offer loans up to $5,000 for bad credit applications. Be sure to compare lenders before applying:

LenderLoan amountEligibility criteriaFind out more
Fair Go Finance
$500 to $5,000
  • Earn at least $500 per week
  • Only considers Single Parent, Family Tax Benefit and Carer's Allowance for Centrelink income
  • Employed on a casual, part-time or full-time basis
nmoni
$2,001 upwards
  • Self-employed applicants must earn at least $35,000
  • Centrelink benefits cannot make up more than half of someone's income
More Info
Swoosh Finance
$2,200 to $4,584
  • 18 years old or over
  • Employed for at least 3 months
  • Australian citizen or permanent resident
More Info
Nimble
$500 to $5,000
  • Earn a regular income
  • Not be dependent on Centrelink benefits
More Info
Rapid Finance
Varies
  • Bad credit and self-employed applicants are considered
More Info
Wallet Wizard
$500 to $8,000
  • Bad credit, Centrelink and unemployed applicants are considered
More Info
MoneyMe
$5,000 to $50,000
  • 18 years old or over
  • Australian residents
  • Be employed
More Info
Cash Converters
Up to $4,600
  • 18 years old or over
  • Australian resident
  • Earn over $750 per week
  • Be employed for at least 3 months
More Info

Alternatives to a $5,000 personal loan

If a personal loan doesn't work for you and you'd rather avoid a pricey payday loan, you could consider one of the following:

  • Credit card. If you have an existing credit card you might be able to get the credit limit raised to $5,000. You might already have a limit that high. This could be useful to cover a one-off purchase instead of a personal loan. Credit cards also offer interest-free periods. But after that, you'll be charged a higher interest rate compared to a personal loan. If you can't pay back the $5,000 purchase in a short time this will end up being quite expensive.
  • Home loan top up. If you have a home loan and you've been making repayments on time, your lender may approve a top up to the home loan, allowing you to borrow slightly more against your equity and put it on your loan. Your home loan will have a lower rate than a personal loan. But keep in mind that a home loan is a much longer debt, so adding to it means you pay more in interest in the long run.
  • No interest loans (NILs). While you can't get $5,000, eligible Australians on low incomes can qualify for no interest loans from community-led non-profit organisations. You don't get charged interest, but it's also not really a loan. You can only use the money for an approved expense, such as car repairs, medical expenses or an essential household item.

Using a credit card to borrow $5,000

You could get a credit card with a $5,000 credit limit. But it's probably a bad idea if you have to cover a single $5,000 purchase.

The card's transaction limit might not allow you to spend this much in one go.

And if you don't pay off the card within the interest free period (usually up to 50 days) then you'll pay interest at a much higher rate than a personal loan. And there's no end date with a credit card debt. If you're not disciplined in pay the card off you could be paying interest for years.

Why compare personal loans with Finder?

freeAddicted 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)
expert adviceRates 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.
independentCash 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

Rebecca Pike's headshot
To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Rebecca Pike as part of our fact-checking process.
Richard Whitten's headshot
Editor

Richard Whitten is a money editor at Finder, and has been covering home loans, property and personal finance for 6+ years. He has written for Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine and Homely; and has appeared on various radio shows nationwide. He holds a Certificate IV in mortgage broking and finance (RG 206), a Tier 1 Generic Knowledge certification and a Tier 2 General Advice Deposit Products (RG 146) certification. See full bio

Richard's expertise
Richard has written 553 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Home loans
  • Property
  • Personal finance
  • Money-saving tips

More guides on Finder

  • OurMoneyMarket personal loans

    OurMoneyMarket offers personal loan solutions for whatever your need. Whether you want to buy a new car, pay for your wedding or renovate your home, you can choose between secured and unsecured loan options.

  • Secured Personal Loans

    Are secured personal loans better than unsecured personal loans and how do they work?

  • Pepper Money Unsecured Personal Loan

    Find out more about Pepper Money's no fee personal loan and benefit from a competitive rate from 6.95% p.a., zero fees and loan terms of up to 7 years.

  • How much can I borrow with a personal loan?

    Personal loans offer a range of loan amounts to suit different purposes and budgets. Here's how to get the loan amount you need.

  • Citi Ready Credit

    If you are looking for a credit card that gives access to a limited balance transfer offer, Visa and dining benefits, look no further than the Citi Ready Credit.

  • Unsecured personal loans in Australia

    Compare unsecured personal loans from some of Australia's top lenders. Find the best deal on rates, fees and features in seconds.

  • Fixed rate personal loans from 5.76% p.a.

    We’ve written about fixed rate personal loans and what their advantages are.

  • The best personal loans – 5 expert picks

    Finder's experts look into our database of over 200 personal loans each month to bring you our Top Picks across 5 key categories.

  • Low interest personal loans that’ll peak your… interest

    Find a low interest loan by comparing your options with Finder. See interest rates, fees, and features for loans across Australia, plus guides to help you get the best deal.

  • Refinance your personal loan

    If you're sick of paying too much interest, find out how you can save money when you refinance your personal loan. There is a range of options available and you might get out of debt sooner.

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248 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    LukeNovember 29, 2015

    Hi I want to get about 5k loan to pay out my finacal situation out and so I only have the one re payment to pay instead of 4 seperate ones but I’m now on Centrelink as well,

      AvatarFinder
      ElizabethNovember 30, 2015Finder

      Hi Luke,

      You can find a list of lenders who consider Centrelink applicants on this page. You can click on the name of the lender to see the review page and find more detailed application criteria, and when you’ve found a loan you want to apply for and are eligible for, click “Go to Site” to submit your application.

      I hope this has helped.

      Thanks,

      Elizabeth

    Default Gravatar
    NigelNovember 25, 2015

    Hi I have finished a debt agreement 9 months ago I do seasonal work as I do 1 job 6mth 2nd job 6 months looking at getting a boat but people aren’t willing to give me ago

      AvatarFinder
      MattNovember 26, 2015Finder

      Hi Nigel,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      Lenders will require to see a steady income in your account to ensure that you meet the income requirements for the loan you want to take out.

      You can compare a range of loans for discharged bankrupts and the eligibility criteria they require.

      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.

      Cheers
      Matt

    Default Gravatar
    luckesNovember 11, 2015

    I am in South Africa and i need loan so how can i applay

      AvatarFinder
      ElizabethNovember 12, 2015Finder

      Hi Luckes,

      Unfortunately these loans are only available for people currently residing in Australia. You will need to find a bad credit lender in South Africa to apply for a loan.

      Sorry we couldn’t be of more assistance.

      Thanks,

      Elizabeth

    Default Gravatar
    luckesNovember 11, 2015

    i want to open a loan but i have bad credit so i need help becouse i want to start business with this money.

      AvatarFinder
      ElizabethNovember 12, 2015Finder

      Hi Luckes,

      Thanks for your question.

      You can compare business loans and check for lenders who are able to let you borrow even with bad credit. These loans are only available for people currently residing in Australia. You will need to find a bad credit lender in South Africa to apply for a loan.

      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.

      Thanks,

      Elizabeth

    Default Gravatar
    LindaNovember 11, 2015

    Need a loan for medical needs very soon. I need to pay back over a 12 month period. I have bad credit history. Can u help

      AvatarFinder
      ElizabethNovember 11, 2015Finder

      Hi Linda,

      Thanks for your question.

      You can apply to the lenders on the comparison table for bad credit loans by simply selecting ‘Go to Site’ and speak to these lenders for chances of approval before applying. You can also refer to lenders who offer larger loans of up to $10000 and consider applicants with bad credit.

      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.

      I hope this will help.

      Thanks,
      Elizabeth

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