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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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 value
Loan term
Interest rate
Monthly fee
Monthly repayments
Total loan cost
$5,000
3
7%
$10
$165
$5918
$5,000
4
10%
$5
$132
$6,328
$5,000
5
12%
$8
$120
$7,154
When you apply for a personal loan it's important to consider the different fees, interest rates and loan terms. 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.
What is the personal loan comparison rate?
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.
The lowest unsecured rate is 5.76% and the average is 10.74%.
The lowest secured rate is 6% and the average is 9.79%.
The average Australian is carrying $22,451 in personal loans (including car loans).
Most people take out personal loan terms of 4 years.
44% of millennials with a loan are concerned about their debt.
*The information in this update comes from Finder's loans database and Consumer Sentiment Tracker. Information is correct as of 7 April 2025.
Can I borrow $5,000 if I have bad credit?
If you have bad credit you might find it harder to get a personal loan. A small loan amount like $5,000 might be accepted by some lenders, but you'll probably find you have a higher interest rate.
Borrowers with bad credit who need money quickly often turn to payday loans or bad credit loans, but these solutions are usually very costly and can make your debt situation worse.
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
Do 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.
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 or you might already have a limit that high. 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.
Our expert says: Think carefully before using a credit card
"A credit card might be tempting as a rolling credit solution, particularly if you already have one. But if you need the money to cover a single $5,000 purchase, a credit card is rarely the answer.
With high interest rates and a short interest-free period, you would need to be confident you could pay off the money quickly. Interest free periods are usually around 44 days, but after that you would pay a much higher rate than with a personal loan."
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 $5,000 personal loans
Click "Go to Site" on Finder's comparison table to begin your applications. Most lenders have applications online, making it easier to access.
Some lenders have a faster approval time than others and offer quick loans. While you may get the money faster, it's important to be aware that these loans may charge higher interest rates.
If you have a steady income, a decent credit score and minimal outstanding debts then getting a $5,000 loan approved shouldn't be too difficult.
Many lenders will approve much larger loans for creditworthy borrowers.
This will differ between lenders. However, you will typically receive a notification on whether or not your application has been approved. The lender will also provide instructions for the next steps.
When you apply for a loan online, your details are securely transmitted over an encrypted connection. The majority of the sites you apply through use 128 bit SSL encryption to ensure your details are safe and secure.
You may be able to apply, but you'll need to be receiving some form of income to qualify. Lenders will look into whether you can afford to repay the loan. If you receive Centrelink payments, it shouldn't exceed 50% of your total income. You can read more about loans for unemployed applicants in our guide.
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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 is Finder’s Money Editor, with over seven years of experience in home loans, property and personal finance. His insights appear in top media outlets like Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine, and the Herald Sun, and he frequently offers expert commentary on television and radio, helping Australians navigate mortgages and property ownership. Richard holds multiple industry certifications, including a Certificate IV in Mortgage Broking (RG 206) and Tier 1 and Tier 2 certifications (RG 146), as well as a Graduate Certificate in Communications from Deakin University. See full bio
Richard's expertise
Richard has written 605 Finder guides across topics including:
You can compare lenders above and check the eligibility criteria by clicking through to the lender’s review pages. Once you find a lender you are eligible for and want to apply with, you can submit your application by clicking “Go to Site”.
Hope this helps,
Elizabeth
AnnMay 13, 2016
Hi Sonya
I have been off work for the past few months receiving treatment for breast cancer. Having used most of my savings I have been on centrelink payment since January.
I now have the all clear and return to work at the end of May. My gross weekly pay is $4750.
I would like to borrow $5000 for no more than 6 months. What can you suggest?
TanyaMay 25, 2016
i really need some help over the last few month I have got myself in bad credit and am about to lose a lot of my stuff in cash converters and that would break my heart so if there is any one out there that could help me ii would be so very thank full
Finder
ElizabethMay 26, 2016Finder
Hi Tanya,
Lenders offering $5,000 for bad credit are outlined on the page above, but your whole financial circumstances will be assessed before you are approved for the loan. You will need to think about your ability to afford the loan and also your alternative options. For instance, you may be able to call Cash Converters to work out an alternative payment plan and say you are under financial hardship.
If you want to apply for a loan, getting in contact with lenders before applying is a good step to take to ensure you are eligible.
I hope this helps,
Elizabeth
Finder
ElizabethMay 16, 2016Finder
Hi Ann,
I can’t recommend any specific options for you, unfortunately, but if you’ve been receiving Centrelink benefits you might want to consider some lenders (both bank and alternative) through our Centrelink loans page. You can also give the free financial counselling service a call for some free financial advice on 1800 007 007.
I hope this has helped,
Elizabeth
sonyaMay 5, 2016
i just need help with getting car fixed and pay some bills
Finder
ElizabethMay 5, 2016Finder
Hi Sonya,
You can find loans up to $5,000 available on the page above. You can click through to the review page to find out more information on each loan, including fees and rates as well as eligibility criteria, and once you’ve found a loan you want to apply for and are eligible for, you can click “Go to Site” to submit your application.
Hope this helps,
Elizabeth
ChrisApril 21, 2016
Whats my status
Finder
ElizabethApril 21, 2016Finder
Hi Chris,
Thanks for your enquiry.
We don’t have access to your application, so you’ll need to get in contact with the lender you applied with.
Sorry I couldn’t be of more assistance,
Elizabeth
ChrisApril 21, 2016
Can i get 5000 dollar loan for.a truck.Its a must if i want to get a job
Finder
ElizabethApril 21, 2016Finder
Hi Chris,
Lenders often ask the purpose of your loan at the time of application, but as these loans are unsecured what you do with the loan amount is largely up to you.
This secured loan may be used for any worthwhile purchase and requires security against a vehicle. It uses risk-based pricing, so your interest rate will be set based on your credit score and history.
Why not be rewarded for your good credit history? MoneyPlace offers unsecured personal loans with rates starting at 8.49% p.a. – finance a range of personal purposes and borrow up to $80,000. Read the review and see if you're eligible to apply.
Use a personal loan calculator to work out your repayments or compare loans with a comparison calculator.
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I want to apply for 1000 loan
Hi Ali,
You can compare lenders above and check the eligibility criteria by clicking through to the lender’s review pages. Once you find a lender you are eligible for and want to apply with, you can submit your application by clicking “Go to Site”.
Hope this helps,
Elizabeth
Hi Sonya
I have been off work for the past few months receiving treatment for breast cancer. Having used most of my savings I have been on centrelink payment since January.
I now have the all clear and return to work at the end of May. My gross weekly pay is $4750.
I would like to borrow $5000 for no more than 6 months. What can you suggest?
i really need some help over the last few month I have got myself in bad credit and am about to lose a lot of my stuff in cash converters and that would break my heart so if there is any one out there that could help me ii would be so very thank full
Hi Tanya,
Lenders offering $5,000 for bad credit are outlined on the page above, but your whole financial circumstances will be assessed before you are approved for the loan. You will need to think about your ability to afford the loan and also your alternative options. For instance, you may be able to call Cash Converters to work out an alternative payment plan and say you are under financial hardship.
If you want to apply for a loan, getting in contact with lenders before applying is a good step to take to ensure you are eligible.
I hope this helps,
Elizabeth
Hi Ann,
I can’t recommend any specific options for you, unfortunately, but if you’ve been receiving Centrelink benefits you might want to consider some lenders (both bank and alternative) through our Centrelink loans page. You can also give the free financial counselling service a call for some free financial advice on 1800 007 007.
I hope this has helped,
Elizabeth
i just need help with getting car fixed and pay some bills
Hi Sonya,
You can find loans up to $5,000 available on the page above. You can click through to the review page to find out more information on each loan, including fees and rates as well as eligibility criteria, and once you’ve found a loan you want to apply for and are eligible for, you can click “Go to Site” to submit your application.
Hope this helps,
Elizabeth
Whats my status
Hi Chris,
Thanks for your enquiry.
We don’t have access to your application, so you’ll need to get in contact with the lender you applied with.
Sorry I couldn’t be of more assistance,
Elizabeth
Can i get 5000 dollar loan for.a truck.Its a must if i want to get a job
Hi Chris,
Lenders often ask the purpose of your loan at the time of application, but as these loans are unsecured what you do with the loan amount is largely up to you.
Hope this helps,
Elizabeth