Top personal loan tips and traps

01 Aug 2020

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Personal loans are likely to become increasingly popular in coming months as Australians look to consolidate debt, finance long-planned home projects while in shutdown or simply avail themselves of some extra cash in these economically tough times.

A low rate personal loan from a trusted bank or non-bank lender is a far better option than opting for a payday or fast cash loan, and personal loan rates are now more accessible than ever, but there are plenty of things that can go awry in the process of taking out a loan and paying it off.

So if you're considering a personal loan, read on for the Mozo expert guide to the top tips and traps of personal loans and check our comparison of low rate personal loans from bank and non-bank lenders in Australia.

Expert personal loan tips:

Look beyond the big banks to find the most competitive rates. Smaller online lenders have some of the lowest rates on the market, with rates starting from under 10% for borrowers with good credit.

Save on interest with fee-free extra repayments. Every extra cent you put into paying off your loan will reduce the interest you pay. Just watch out for fees, as some lenders will charge you for extra repayments.

Pay off lingering debt with a debt consolidation loan. If you've got multiple credit card or small loans and are getting lost in the paperwork and late repayment penalties, consider combining smaller debts into one lower rate debt consolidation loan.

Avoid these personal loan traps:

Steer clear of payday and fast cash loans. Payday loans might be quick and easy to organise, but in Australia the legal interest rate cap for these loans is an astounding 48% p.a. plus hefty upfront fees.

Choose the right fixed loan term up front to avoid break cost fees. Ensure you don't lose out savings made through early repayment by choosing your loan term carefully and finding a loan that will allow for extra repayments.

Check your consolidated loan timeline. You might have scored a lower interest rate to reduce your repayments, but if the loan term is stretched out much longer than the individual debts were, you could end up paying more interest over the life of the loan.

LOW RATE PERSONAL LOANS SEPTEMBER 2020 - rates updated daily

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OurMoneyMarket

OurMoneyMarket

Low Rate Personal Loan (Excellent Credit) (Fixed, Unsecured)

interest rate

8.00% p.a.

comparison rate*

8.21% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years

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Symple Loans

Symple Loans

Personal Loan (Variable, Unsecured)

interest rate

5.75% p.a.to 21.99% p.a.

comparison rate*

6.47% p.a.to 25.11% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years

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Alex

Alex

Personal Loan (Unsecured, Fixed)

interest rate

6.95% p.a.to 19.99% p.a.

comparison rate*

6.95% p.a.to 19.99% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years

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NOW FINANCE

NOW FINANCE

Unsecured Personal Loan (Fixed, $5,000 - $15,000)

interest rate

6.95% p.a.to 17.95% p.a.

comparison rate*

6.95% p.a.to 17.95% p.a.based on $10,000
over 3 years

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Jacaranda Finance

Jacaranda Finance

Unsecured Personal Loan (Fixed, Excellent Credit)

interest rate

7.59% p.a.to 8.89% p.a.

comparison rate*

12.24% p.a.to 13.91% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years

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Liberty

Liberty

Personal Loan (Fixed, Unsecured)

interest rate

7.65% p.a.to 26.99% p.a.

comparison rate*

7.65% p.a.to 26.99% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years

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Wisr

Wisr

Unsecured Personal Loan (Fixed)

interest rate

7.95% p.a.to 19.45% p.a.

comparison rate*

8.78% p.a.to 20.4% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years

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SocietyOne

SocietyOne

Unsecured Personal Loan (Excellent Credit, Fixed)

interest rate

6.99% p.a.to 9.49% p.a.

comparison rate*

6.99% p.a.to 12.2% p.a.based on $10,000
over 3 years

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MoneyPlace

MoneyPlace

Unsecured Personal Loan (Fixed)

interest rate

7.65% p.a.to 26.99% p.a.

comparison rate*

7.65% p.a.to 28.6% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years

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Plenti

Plenti

Unsecured Personal Loan (Fixed, Excellent Credit)

interest rate

6.49% p.a.to 8.79% p.a.

comparison rate*

7.84% p.a.to 9.36% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years

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^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 for the amounts and terms below, based on monthly principal and interest repayments, on a secured basis for secured loans and an unsecured basis for unsecured loans. 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. ^Based on $10,000 over 3 years ^^Based on $30,000 over 5 years

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