Personal Loans Snapshot: September 2021

With Spring finally here, it’s now time for our September 2021 personal loans market update.
Quite a number of personal loan interest rate changes have taken place over the past month, as well as several other offer changes, such as various application fee waivers.
As reported in last month’s snapshot, there’s also been a recent trend catching on around risk-based pricing, with ING adopting the model for its single loan option.
According to the latest ABS Lending Indicators release, there was a whopping 14.2% increase in fixed-term personal loan commitments (seasonally adjusted) in July 2021. This was a massive leap from May, which had a 5.6% increase in new fixed-term personal loans.
The release also revealed a 2.9% increase in new loan commitments for road vehicles, as well as an unbelievable 92.8% spike in the value of new loan commitments for personal investment.
Personal loan interest rate changes:
Here’s what’s been happening in terms of personal loan interest rate and offer changes as of late:
Interest rate cuts:
- Australian Military Bank has cut 50 basis points off the variable starting rate for applicants with excellent credit on its Car Loan, bringing it down to 3.99% p.a. (4.86% p.a. comparison rate*).
- Community First Credit Union has dropped the variable rates on two of its loan options. Both its Home Improvement Loan and Green Loan now sit at 3.99% p.a. (4.99% p.a. comparison rate*).
- Easy Street has slashed 100 basis points off its fixed-rate Unsecured Personal Loan, dropping it down to 7.99% p.a. (8.26% p.a. comparison rate*).
- Illawarra Credit Union cut 200 basis points off its Green Unsecured Personal Loan rate, and 26 basis points off its Green Car Loan Package - bringing both rates down to 3.99% p.a. (5.15% p.a. comparison rate*).
- QBANK took 114 basis points off its variable rate Discounted Car Loan, which now sits at 4.85% p.a. (5.48% p.a. comparison rate*).
Other changes:
- The Commonwealth Bank is waiving the $250 application fee on its unsecured Personal Loan until the 7th of September 2021
Interest rate increases:
- Plenti increased both the fixed and variable rates on its unsecured Personal Loan for applicants with Excellent Credit by 95 basis points, bringing them to 6.39% p.a. (6.39% p.a. comparison rate*).
Which lenders stand out?
Once again, the lenders offering the lowest personal loan interest rates in the Mozo database are Harmoney, Credit Union SA and Transport Mutual Credit Union, with the addition of Community First Credit Union after its recent round of interest rate changes.
This once again proves that the smaller banks and credit unions are the place to go if you’re wanting competitive rates.
How about big-name lenders?
While there have been several shifts in major bank personal loan interest rates over the past few months, be aware that big bank rates tend to sit much higher than most competitor lenders.
For example, right now, the Commonwealth Bank’s Unsecured Variable Personal Loan interest rate sits just below 12% - a noticeable difference when compared to the lowest interest rate in the Mozo database, which sits at 3.99% p.a.
Variable rate big 4 personal loans:
At this point in time, the lowest big bank variable rate personal loan in the Mozo database is the NAB Personal Loan (Variable, Unsecured), at 6.99% p.a. (7.91% p.a. comparison rate*).
The highest big bank variable rate personal loan in the Mozo database, on the other hand, is the Commonwealth Bank Unsecured Variable Personal Loan at 11.50% p.a. (12.38% p.a. comparison rate*).
Fixed rate big 4 personal loans:
When it comes to fixed-rate personal loans, the big bank with the lowest fixed rate in the Mozo database is NAB with its Personal Loan (Fixed, Unsecured), which offers a 3-year fixed rate of 6.99% p.a. (7.91% p.a. comparison rate*).
However, the highest big bank fixed rate personal loan in the Mozo database belongs to the Commonwealth Bank, with its Unsecured Personal Loan (Fixed), which has a 3-year fixed rate of 11.50% p.a. (12.38% p.a. comparison rate*).
Personal loan rates of note in September:
- Lowest variable rate unsecured personal loan: Community First Credit Union - Green Loan (up to 10 years, Variable, Unsecured) - 3.99% p.a. (4.99% p.a. comparison rate*) and Community First Credit Union - Home Improvement Loan (up to 10 years, Variable, Unsecured) - 3.99% p.a. (4.99% p.a. comparison rate*)
- Lowest fixed rate unsecured personal loan: Harmoney - Unsecured Personal Loan (Fixed) - 5.35% p.a. (6.15% p.a. comparison rate*)
- Lowest variable rate secured personal loan: Transport Mutual Credit Union - GreenRoad Hybrid & Electric Cars (Variable) - 4.74% p.a. (5.04% p.a. comparison rate*)
- Lowest fixed rate secured personal loan: Credit Union SA - Online-only Special Fixed Rate Personal Loan (Secured) - 4.25% p.a. (4.73% p.a. comparison rate*)
Written by: Rhianna Dews, Personal Loans writer, 1 September 2021.
Compare Personal Loans today - last updated 14 May 2022
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- Unsecured Personal Loan - 2022
Unsecured Personal Loan
Fixed
interest rate
comparison rate
Monthly repayment5.95% p.a.to 19.95% p.a.5.95% p.a.to 19.95% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 yearsBorrow up to $50,000 unsecured from the only lender with no fees and none of the bank. Perfect if you earn more than $22,100 p.a. and have good to excellent credit. Back to back winner of Mozo’s Experts Choice Unsecured Personal Loan Award, 2021 & 2022^.
Repayment terms from 2 years to 7 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 5.95% would cost $34,757.21 including fees.
CompareCompare- interest rate
- 5.95% p.a.to 19.95% p.a.
- comparison rate
- 5.95% p.a.to 19.95% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
- interest rate
- 5.95% p.a.to 19.95% p.a.
- comparison rate
- 5.95% p.a.to 19.95% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
- Upfront fee
- $0
- Monthly fee
- $0.00
- Exit fee
- $0.00
- Late payment fee
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- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly
- Early repayment penalty
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- Minimum loan amount
- $5,000.00
- Maximum loan amount
- $50,000.00
- Minimum loan term
- 2 Years
- Maximum loan term
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- Security required
- Unsecured
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Low Rate Personal Loan
Excellent Credit
interest rate
comparison rate
Monthly repayment5.45% p.a.to 8.48% p.a.6.07% p.a.to 8.84% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 yearsOurMoneyMarket offer competitive low rates for borrowers with excellent credit on loans up to $75,000, plus free extra repayments and fee-free redraw facility. Winner of Mozo's Experts Choice Unsecured Personal Loan 2021 award^.
Repayment terms from 1 year to 7 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 5.45% would cost $34,590.57 including fees.
CompareCompare- interest rate
- 5.45% p.a.to 8.48% p.a.
- comparison rate
- 6.07% p.a.to 8.84% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
- interest rate
- 5.45% p.a.to 8.48% p.a.
- comparison rate
- 6.07% p.a.to 8.84% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
- Upfront fee
- $250
- Monthly fee
- $0.00
- Exit fee
- $0.00
- Late payment fee
- $35.00
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Early repayment penalty
- $0.00
- Minimum loan amount
- $2,001.00
- Maximum loan amount
- $75,000.00
- Minimum loan term
- 1 Year
- Maximum loan term
- 7 Years
- Security required
- Unsecured
- Other benefits
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- Rate for Excellent Credit. Establishment fee varies from $250 and is based on your OurMoneyMarket loan grade and total loan amount. The fee is added to the principal amount and paid over the loan term.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the OurMoneyMarket Low Rate Personal Loan
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Unsecured Personal Loan
Fixed
interest rate
comparison rate
Monthly repayment5.35% p.a.to 19.09% p.a.6.14% p.a.to 19.99% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 yearsFast, easy and 100% online, this is a low cost loan with no ongoing fees or extra repayment penalties. It's perfect for savvy borrowers with great credit. If you’re over 18 and earn above $30,000, you could qualify (other eligibility criteria may apply).
Repayment terms from 3 years to 7 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 5.35% would cost $34,832.61 including fees.
CompareCompare- interest rate
- 5.35% p.a.to 19.09% p.a.
- comparison rate
- 6.14% p.a.to 19.99% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
- interest rate
- 5.35% p.a.to 19.09% p.a.
- comparison rate
- 6.14% p.a.to 19.99% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
- Upfront fee
- $575
- Monthly fee
- $0.00
- Exit fee
- $0.00
- Late payment fee
- $15.00
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Early repayment penalty
- $0.00
- Minimum loan amount
- $2,000.00
- Maximum loan amount
- $70,000.00
- Minimum loan term
- 3 Years
- Maximum loan term
- 7 Years
- Security required
- Unsecured
- Other benefits
- Establishment fee is $275 for loans under $5,000.
- Other restrictions
- Establishment fee is added to the loan amount and interest is charged on the total amount.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Harmoney Unsecured Personal Loan
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Home Improvement Loan
Fixed, Unsecured
interest rate
comparison rate
Monthly repayment5.75% p.a.5.96% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 yearsHandypay offers flexible home improvement loans for Excellent Credit or better. Handypay is a specialist home improvement plan provider and offers loans up to $75,000.
Repayment terms from 1 year to 7 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 5.75% would cost $34,840.18 including fees.
CompareCompare- interest rate
- 5.75% p.a.
- comparison rate
- 5.96% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
- interest rate
- 5.75% p.a.
- comparison rate
- 5.96% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
- Upfront fee
- $250
- Monthly fee
- $0.00
- Exit fee
- $0.00
- Late payment fee
- $35.00
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Early repayment penalty
- 0
- Minimum loan amount
- $2,000.00
- Maximum loan amount
- $75,000.00
- Minimum loan term
- 1 Year
- Maximum loan term
- 7 Years
- Security required
- Unsecured
- Other benefits
- Other restrictions
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Handypay Home Improvement Loan
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Personal Loan
Unsecured, Fixed, Excellent Credit
interest rate
comparison rate
Monthly repayment6.39% p.a.to 7.89% p.a.6.39% p.a.to 8.49% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 yearsWith low rates for borrowers with excellent credit, a quick 1 minute rate estimate and simple online application, there’s a lot to love about this loan! You’ll not only benefit from no exit fees, there are also no early repayment fees. You could qualify by simply earning above $25,000 and you’ll be on the way to start spending (other eligibility criteria may apply).
Repayment terms from 3 years to 5 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 6.39% would cost $35,126.40 including fees.
CompareCompare- interest rate
- 6.39% p.a.to 7.89% p.a.
- comparison rate
- 6.39% p.a.to 8.49% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
- interest rate
- 6.39% p.a.to 7.89% p.a.
- comparison rate
- 6.39% p.a.to 8.49% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
- Upfront fee
- $0
- Monthly fee
- $0.00
- Exit fee
- $0.00
- Late payment fee
- $30.00
- Repayment options
- Monthly
- Early repayment penalty
- $0.00
- Minimum loan amount
- $5,000.00
- Maximum loan amount
- $50,000.00
- Minimum loan term
- 3 Years
- Maximum loan term
- 5 Years
- Security required
- Unsecured
- Other benefits
- Up front fee may be higher than shown depending on your application.
- Other restrictions
- Displayed interest rate is for customers with an excellent credit history. Application fees may be higher depending on loan amount.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Plenti Personal Loan
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Unsecured Personal Loan
Fixed
interest rate
comparison rate
Monthly repayment5.95% p.a.to 17.45% p.a.6.79% p.a.to 17.86% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 yearsWisr offers personal loans for any worthwhile purpose, tailored to your credit score to ensure you’re getting a fair deal. Plus, no ongoing or early exit fees. Loans from $5,000 to $79,000. Terms of either 3, 5 or 7 years. $595 establishment fee. Eligibility criteria applies.
Repayment terms from 3 years to 5 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 5.95% would cost $35,352.21 including fees.
CompareCompare- interest rate
- 5.95% p.a.to 17.45% p.a.
- comparison rate
- 6.79% p.a.to 17.86% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
- interest rate
- 5.95% p.a.to 17.45% p.a.
- comparison rate
- 6.79% p.a.to 17.86% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
- Upfront fee
- $595
- Monthly fee
- $0.00
- Exit fee
- $0.00
- Late payment fee
- $25.00
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Early repayment penalty
- $0.00
- Minimum loan amount
- $5,000.00
- Maximum loan amount
- $64,000.00
- Minimum loan term
- 3 Years
- Maximum loan term
- 5 Years
- Security required
- Unsecured
- Other benefits
- Other restrictions
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Wisr Unsecured Personal Loan
* 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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