Best online mortgage lenders in Australia
Nowadays, more and more Australians turn to online lenders when taking out a home loan. With amazing perks like convenient applications, fast approval, and lower interest rates, it's not hard to see why!
So if you’re looking for an alternative to the traditional brick-and-mortar bank, here are some amazing options to consider, including winners of the 2024 Mozo Experts Choice Home Loan Awards^.
Mozo Experts Choice Home Loan Awards
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Every year, Mozo’s expert judges comb through hundreds of home loans from 99 lenders across our database, sifting through rates, features, and fees until stand-outs emerge to be crowned winners. This year had fantastic offers from online lenders and digital banks, so there’s much to compare.
Browse a selection of award-winning loans from this year below.
Compare best online home loans
Unloan - Variable Home Loan
- Variable rates from 5.99% p.a. (5.90% p.a. comparison rate*)
- Zero upfront or ongoing fees
- Low cost home loan winner - Mozo Experts Choice Awards 2023 & 2024^
Expert verdict:
Unloan’s Variable Home Loan has taken out a low cost home loan award for the second year running in the Mozo Experts Choice Awards^. Built by CommBank, Unloan offers owner-occupiers a super low 5.99% p.a. variable rate (5.90% p.a. comparison rate*) along with a loyalty discount that shaves 1 basis point off your interest every year for up to 30 years. Loan features include free extra repayments and redraw, and there are no pesky fees to pay. Available for loans of up to $10M. Minimum 20% deposit.
IMB Bank 2 year Fixed Rate Home Loan
- 5.69% p.a. 2 year fixed rate (6.28% p.a. comparison rate*)
- Up to $4,000 cashback (T&Cs apply)
- Free Internet and Mobile Banking redraws
Expert verdict:
Get the peace of mind of a competitive fixed rate home loan for 2 years with IMB and score up to $4,000 cashback in your pocket once approved (T&Cs apply). You have the freedom to make up to 12 months repayments in advance without penalties, plus you’ll have free Internet and Mobile Banking redraws (T&Cs apply). There’s only a 5% deposit required and you have the flexibility to split your home loan as required. No offset account.
Editor's picks online home loans
Looking for something unique? Us too! While these loans may not have won an award this year, we still believe they offer something unique worth checking out. So if you're comparing online home loans, here are this month's editor's picks.
Premium 'Special' Fixed Rate Home Loan (Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR 80%)
- Fast and paperless online application process
- Free extra repayments (up to 20K per annum)
Fixed rates from 4.99% (6.15% comparison rate*) - min 20% deposit
Lock in a competitive interest rate and enjoy peace of mind for the fixed period with SWS Bank’s Optimum Fixed Rate Home Loan. Get the flexibility of loan split options and redraw facility. There are no application, ongoing or banking fees to pay and first home buyers and refinancers can apply with a 20% deposit and a speedy online application. No offset account. 800k minimum loan deposit. Other fees may be applicable. T&Cs apply.
Bendigo Bank Express Fixed Home Loan
- 5.54% p.a. 2 year fixed rate (6.11% p.a. comparison rate*)
- Offset account and redraw facility
- 2024 Mozo Experts Choice Exceptional Home Lender^
The online-only Express Home Loan allows live-in borrowers to lock in a 2 year fixed rate of 5.54% p.a. (6.11% p.a. comparison rate*). Other fixed rate terms are available up to 5 years. You'll also net features to help you save on interest including an offset account, redraw facility and the ability to make free extra repayments (of up to 20% in fixed period). You can borrow up to $10 million and have the flexibility to split. Only a 10% deposit is required. Keep in mind that there is a $10 monthly service fee and a $134 electronic valuation fee.
Mortgage Simplifier
- 6.14% p.a. variable rate (6.17% p.a. comparison*)
- Free extra repayments, no monthly or annual fees
- Only 20% deposit required
Winner of Australia’s Best Bank title in the Mozo Experts Choice Awards 2024^, ING is known for its great value products and the Mortgage Simplifier Home Loan is no exception. Not only does this home loan come with top features to help you pay off your home loan faster like a low variable rate, no annual or monthly fees, you’ll also have the freedom to make extra repayments or redraws, which are also free. Available to owner occupier borrowers with at least a 20% deposit or equity (T&Cs apply). Please note upfront fees of $299 and discharge fee of $250.
FAQs about online home loans
How do you apply for an online home loan?
When applying for an online home loan, there are a few things you'll need to prepare beforehand.
Identification
Having proof of your identity is mandatory for taking out nearly any financial product, but especially loans. You may need to provide multiple forms of ID for your application. Valid forms of ID can include:
- Birth certificate.
- Passport.
- Licence (either local or overseas).
- Citizenship certificate.
- Pension card issued by Centrelink.
- Medicare card.
- Household bill, e.g. council rates, phone, or electricity bill.
Income
Providing proof of income shows the lender how you will repay the loan. This can include recent pay slips, tax returns, employer statements, rental agreements, or any other valid paperwork showing how much money you expect to make.
Living expenses
Before applying for a home loan, calculate all your living expenses, including any unexpected expenses. This includes food, rent, clothing, utilities, and so on. If you're a landlord receiving rental income, include any costs related to renting out the property, including maintenance or insurance.
After you have this information, filling out the forms and uploading the required documentation can take around 30 minutes.
How do you apply for a line of credit online?
Applying for a line of credit is similar to applying for a credit card. The bank assesses your financial situation and establishes a max loan amount and your ability to pay back debt. From there, they will give you a line of credit up to this amount.
Applying online follows a similar process to in-person. Simply fill out the forms with the required documentation and submit it for approval.
What does refinancing your home loan mean?
Refinancing your home loan just means you've swapped your existing mortgage for a new one, either to a different product with the same lender or a totally new lender. It's the home loan equivalent of switching mobile plans or energy providers.
How does refinancing your home loan work?
Refinancing a mortgage is done for a number of reasons, such as switching to a better interest rate or a loan with fewer fees and better features, like free extra repayments with a redraw facility.
While refinancing can sometimes be a bit of a process, it's still a worthwhile option if you're unhappy with your current home loan. Many lenders even offer cashback to customers who refinance with to one of their products, so shop and around and see what deals could be out there for you.
Once you find one you're happy with, get in touch with the lender to see what their refinancing options look like. They'll take into consideration your property, the outstanding balance on your loan, your loan-to-value ratio and how much equity you have, and other serviceability tests like your income and other debts. If they decide you're a good fit, they'll approval your refinancing application and start the process of moving you over. All up, it can be done in as little as six easy steps.
How long does it take to apply for an online home loan?
Applying for an online home loan can be easy if you have all your required paperwork ready. Most online forms can be filled out within 20-30 minutes and you can expect a result in the coming days or weeks. Some lenders even claim to offer ten minute applications, so compared to going in person, online can definitely be speedier. This can make it especially handy if you're after pre-approval before moving on a property, but keep in mind 'quick' shouldn't mean 'careless': it's still important to do your due diligence and understand what you're getting into.
^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Home loans Awards
Want to see how the selection above stacks up against other home loan offers? Visit our home loan comparison hub to filter your search by rate and mortgage type.
* WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. The comparison rate displayed is for a secured loan with monthly principal and interest repayments for $150,000 over 25 years.
** Initial monthly repayment figures are estimates only, based on the advertised rate. You can change the loan amount and term in the input boxes at the top of this table. Rates, fees and charges and therefore the total cost of the loan may vary depending on your loan amount, loan term, and credit history. Actual repayments will depend on your individual circumstances and interest rate changes.
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