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3 easy steps to help you find the best personal loan for you
1. Matching your loan with the reason you're borrowing
This is the first broad filter for finding the best personal loan for you. You need to ask yourself why you're taking out the loan.
Different types of personal loans are suited to different loan purposes. For instance, a secured personal loan may be a good way to finance a used car. An unsecured loan may be better suited to general purposes where you can't offer collateral.
Depending on the reason you're looking to borrow, the type of personal loan that is best for you will differ – so your first step is to find a loan that matches your loan purpose.
2. Filter for loan features most useful for you
After you've found a loan that caters to your specific loan purpose, you have to consider the features you want.
Personal loans come with a variety of features. This includes how much you want to borrow, over what term, as well as the type of interest you wish to pay – that is, fixed or variable.
Other features include the ability to make additional repayments, and repaying the loan early without penalty and redraw facilities.
Once you've accounted for your preferences, you can compare your loan options to find a loan with the features you want.
3. Compare loans to find the most affordable loan
Apart from filtering for your specific needs, you also need to find a loan you can afford. Here's where comparison really pays off. Comparing loans can help you find the most affordable loan with all the features you're after.
Keep an eye out for the interest rate, as well as the comparison rate – which will give you an idea of the overall cost of the loan. The range for a competitive comparison rate is anything under 10% p.a.
As well as low interest, you should look for low or no fees, as these will add to the cost of your loan. These will include establishment and monthly fees.
Some loans also come with limited time offers. This could be a discounted interest rate or fee waivers. These offers can help you keep down the cost of the loan in the long run, so consider looking out for them.
What type of personal loan will best suit my needs?
There are a range of personal loans you can apply for. If you're not sure what type of loan you need, we've highlighted the options. We've also included what you should keep in mind and watch out for.
Is the lowest interest rate an indication of the "best personal loan"?
The answer is yes and no.
Finding the lowest interest rate is a good indication of a competitive personal loan, but interest rates are not the only feature you should look into. You should also consider other features and fees involved.
Some loans advertise low interest rates but come with high fees. In this case, the loan may cost you more than the benefit you receive from a low rate. This is why you should take note of the comparison rate. It will give you an indication of the overall cost of the loan.
Additionally, if you want features like the ability to repay the loan early, you should consider break costs. Some loans allow you to repay the loan early without penalty. If that's a priority, you should account for this cost too.
What should I keep in mind when looking for the best personal loan?
When you're looking for a personal loan, there are some common misconceptions and mistakes you can make. You should avoid:
🔍 Applying for the first loan you find. The first loan you find may not be the best loan. By searching for other loans and comparing them, you can find what works best for you.
💵 Looking only at the interest rate. As we've mentioned above, you should also consider the comparison rate and loan features.
👀 Not reading loan terms and loan restrictions. You should always be aware of all the fees and restrictions associated with the loan. There could, for instance, be fees associated with extra repayments. Likewise, you may be restricted in terms of how you use the funds. For instance, a car loan can only be used to purchase a car.
💲 Applying for more than you can afford. Lenders are bound by responsible lending laws. According to these laws, they cannot lend you more than you can afford. If you apply for more than you can reasonably repay, your application will likely be rejected. You can work out how much you can afford using a personal loan calculator.
⚠️ Applying to multiple lenders. You may think you're increasing your chances of getting a loan, but this is a no go. This is because every loan application is entered into your credit file. Multiple loan applications in a short period act as a red flag, reducing your chances of getting a loan. Your credit score could also be impacted.
🤔 Not considering all your options before applying. A personal loan may not always be the best option for you, depending on your circumstances. For instance, if you're a low income earner, there are loans designed to address this. You should only apply if you're certain that what you want is a personal loan. It is also important to be sure that using a personal loan is the cheapest option for you.
How do I submit my personal loan application?
💻 After you've compared and found a loan from the table above, you can click "Go to Site".
✍This will take you directly to the lender's website, where you can start the application process.
❗Keep the documents you need on hand. These will include your driver's licence, financial and employment documents, and bank details. If you're applying for a secured loan, you will need details of the asset.
FAQs
This depends on a number of factors. These include the type of loan you're looking for and what you need the loan for. For instance, a secured car loan will have a lower rate than an unsecured loan.
What you define as the best interest rate for you will also have to take into account your credit history. A lender may advertise the best rate, but you may not be eligible for it unless you have excellent credit. You'll have to adjust your rate expectations based on your credit history.
"Best" is relative to the borrower's circumstances. With a bad credit personal loan, you may have to readjust what you think is best (for example, low cost). Instead, you may have to look into other factors, like which loans you're eligible to apply for. Neobanks, nonbanks and P2P lenders, for instance, may be more amenable to bad credit borrowers. Once you've picked out the loans you can apply for, you can start filtering for cost and features, and select the best from the lot.
With over 20 years of experience in property, finance and investment journalism, Sarah is a trusted expert whose insights regularly appear across television, radio, and print media, including Sunrise, ABC News, and Yahoo! Finance. She has previously served as managing editor for Your Investment Property and Australian Broker, and her expert advice has been shared over 2,500 times in 2023-2024 alone. Sarah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and a Tier 1 Generic Knowledge certification, which complies with ASIC standards. See full bio
Sarah's expertise
Sarah has written 200 Finder guides across topics including:
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.
If you're considering applying for a personal loan, you may want to consider Great Southern Bank. They offer car loans as well as secured and unsecured personal loans. Read our guide for more information.
When you have a large expense that your savings can’t cover, a personal loan at a fixed rate from Great Southern Bank is an option worth considering. With no fees and a competitive fixed interest rate, this could be the right loan for you.
If you are budget-conscious and looking for a personal loan with clear expectations and repayments, the ANZ Fixed Rate Personal Loan is an option worth considering. With low fees and a competitive interest rate, this loan might be an option for you.
The ANZ Variable Rate Personal Loan may be a great choice for borrowers who want options. With a free redraw facility and the option to make additional repayments, borrowers get the comfort of a personal loan that will let them access much-needed funds.
Find out what rate you qualify for with Society One's innovative sliding interest rate scale. Loans are available up to $50,000, with flexible loan terms between two and three years. Find out how the loan works and 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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