Looking for a more ethical personal loan in 2020? Here are 4 picks to check out
So you need a bit of extra cash but you’re feeling a little disgruntled with banks in general. Maybe you’ve fallen out of love with the big four or you’re keen to find a bank that aligns more with your own values.
If you’re searching for a more ethical personal loan, but you don’t know where to start, we might have a few ideas for you. We’ve rounded up a few personal loans and car loans from credit unions and banks who, according to environmental campaigner Market Forces, do not currently invest in fossil fuels.
So if you want to fund your home renovation, new car, equipment costs or whatever you need with money that’s perhaps a little greener, you might want to check out these loans:
Heritage Bank - Low Rate Secured Personal Loan
- Low rates from 4.69% (7.16% comparison rate*)
- Borrow up to $100,000
- Free extra repayments
With interest rates starting as low as 4.69% (7.16% comparison rate*), not only does Heritage Bank’s Low Rate Secured Personal Loan have one of the lowest rates in the Mozo database for secured personal loans, but the money you borrow might be a little greener. According to Market Forces, “Heritage Bank does not invest with companies involved with coal and gas production.” The loan also offers the ability to make free extra repayments, meaning you might be able to clear yourself of debt sooner. So if you’re searching for a greener loan with a low interest rate, extra perks and repayment flexibility, then this could be for the one for you.
Great Southern Bank - Unsecured Personal Loan
- Fixed rates start from 9.89% (10.14% comparison rate*)
- No ongoing fees
- Free extra repayments, plus free redraw facility
CUA’s Unsecured Personal Loan might be a good idea if you don’t want the hassle of providing security for a loan and you want to benefit from a few extra perks. This unsecured loan comes with no ongoing fees and the ability to make extra repayments, meaning you could banish your debt sooner. Plus, according to CUA’s statement on Market Forces’ website “CUA does not directly finance the coal and gas sector and we do not lend directly to companies within those sectors.” So if you’re looking to borrow up to $50,000, you’re keen to get some extra benefits and you want a loan that is a little kinder to the planet, CUA’s unsecured personal loan could be the right choice.
People's Choice - Discounted Personal Car Loan
- Low rates start from 5.64% (5.99% comparison rate*)
- No monthly account fees
- Extra repayments allowed, plus no penalties for early repayment
It may seem counterintuitive to search for a car loan from a bank or credit union that doesn’t invest in fossil fuels, but even if you can’t afford a green car right now, being able to choose where you put your money is a pretty powerful tool to have. With that in mind, you’ll be pleased to hear that according to the credit union’s website, “People’s Choice has no equity investments in the fossil fuel sector, nor do we lend directly to companies in those sectors.” So if you’re looking to borrow between $20,000 to $100,000, you want a more flexible repayment schedule and the ability to make extra repayments, then People’s Choice Credit Union’s Discounted Personal Car Loan might just be a good option to fund your wheels.
Beyond Bank - Low Rate Car Loan Special Offer
- Low rates start from 5.49% (5.73% comparison rate*)
- No early repayment penalty
- Extra repayments allowed plus optional offset account
With interest rates starting at a competitively low 5.49% (5.73% comparison rate*), Beyond Bank’s secured car loan might be an option if you’re tired of the big banks and you’re looking elsewhere to fund your new set of wheels. This loan comes with free extra repayments, a free redraw facility and the ability to choose whether to make repayments weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Plus, according to Market Forces “Beyond Bank Australia does not have any investments with fossil-fuel associated companies.” So if you need to take out a loan of $25,000 or more, you want flexibility and a lower rate, then you might want to check out Beyond Bank’s Low Rate Car Loan.
Didn’t quite find the personal loan you were looking for? Why not head to our personal loans comparison page for a full list of personal loans compared by Mozo, or click on through to our car loans comparison page for more options to finance your vehicle.
* WARNING: The Comparison Rate combines the lender's interest rate, fees and charges into a single rate to show the true cost of a personal loan. The comparison rates displayed are calculated based on a loan of $30,000 for a term of 5 years or a loan of $10,000 for a term of 3 years as indicated, based on monthly principal and interest repayments, on a secured basis for secured loans and an unsecured basis for unsecured loans. 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.
^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Personal Loan Awards
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