A debt consolidation loan can help you to get out of debt sooner. By combining all your debts into one personal loan you can save on interest costs and manage your repayments more easily. Compare debt consolidation loan rates, fees and features in the table below.
Read moreIf you are finding it hard to stay on top of all of your loan, credit card and store card repayments, a personal loan could help you to get out of debt sooner and avoid bad credit. To find the best debt consolidation loan it is good idea to use a debt consolidation calculator to work out what your monthly repayments will be before you apply.
The interest rate on debt consolidation loans will depend on a number of factors including whether you are taking out a secured or unsecured debt consolidation loan. A secured loan will usually have a lower rate because you are putting up an asset as security.
Yes. Standard fees on debt consolidation loans include an application fee, loan service fee and default fees if you miss a repayment or don’t make the full repayment amount. You may also have to pay an early termination fee if you pay out your loan early.
Each Australian banking provider has its own criteria for consolidation loan qualification so it will depend on the amount of debt you’re in and your credit history. It is unlikely you will qualify for an unsecured loan if you have bad credit history, have been bankrupt in the last 10 years, or you are currently unemployed.
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5.75% p.a.to 19.99% p.a.
6.89% p.a.to 23.07% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
Variable, Unsecured
5.75% p.a.to 19.99% p.a.
6.89% p.a.to 23.07% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
Symple Loans offers personal loans starting at a comparison rate of 6.89%. Apply within minutes with a quick response. Loan application fee ranges between 1% and 5% of the loan amount (Application fee shown is for 1% of a $30,000 loan).
9.99% p.a.
11.74% p.a.based on $10,000
over 3 years
Terms from 1 to 7 years. Representative example: a 3 year $10,000 loan at 9.99% would cost $11,864.50 including fees.
Fixed
9.99% p.a.
11.74% p.a.based on $10,000
over 3 years
Terms from 1 to 7 years. Representative example: a 3 year $10,000 loan at 9.99% would cost $11,864.50 including fees.
An unsecured flexible loan with no ongoing fees, which is available for almost any purpose. Flexible repayment frequency - pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
6.99% p.a.to 28.69% p.a.
7.69% p.a.to 29.55% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
Terms from 1 to 5 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 6.99% would cost $36,133.67 including fees.
Fixed
6.99% p.a.to 28.69% p.a.
7.69% p.a.to 29.55% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
Terms from 1 to 5 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 6.99% would cost $36,133.67 including fees.
Fast, 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'll likely qualify. Mozo Experts Choice Awards 2018 - Excellent Credit Unsecured Personal Loan.^
8.00% p.a.
8.21% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
Terms from 1 to 7 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 8.00% would cost $36,647.51 including fees.
Excellent Credit
8.00% p.a.
8.21% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
Terms from 1 to 7 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 8.00% would cost $36,647.51 including fees.
OurMoneyMarket offer competitive low rates on loans over $2,000 and up to $50,000, plus free extra repayments and fee-free redraw facility.
6.89% p.a.
8.89% p.a.based on $10,000
over 3 years
Terms from 1 to 5 years. Representative example: a 3 year $10,000 loan at 6.89% would cost $11,396.66 including fees.
Variable
6.89% p.a.
8.89% p.a.based on $10,000
over 3 years
Terms from 1 to 5 years. Representative example: a 3 year $10,000 loan at 6.89% would cost $11,396.66 including fees.
With 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. To qualify, simply earn above $25,000 and you’ll be on the way to start spending.
8.95% p.a.to 16.95% p.a.
10.56% p.a.to 18.53% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
Terms from 2 to 7 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 8.95% would cost $38,596.37 including fees.
Fixed
8.95% p.a.to 16.95% p.a.
10.56% p.a.to 18.53% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
Terms from 2 to 7 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 8.95% would cost $38,596.37 including fees.
Use the “Get My Rate” feature on the NOW FINANCE website to lock in an upfront personalised interest rate that won’t affect your credit score.
10.98% p.a.
11.35% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
Terms from 1 to 7 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 10.98% would cost $39,368.41 including fees.
Fixed, Unsecured
10.98% p.a.
11.35% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
Terms from 1 to 7 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 10.98% would cost $39,368.41 including fees.
Take control of your finances with this straight forward personal loan. Borrow up to $50,000 with no on-going or exit fees and have the option to make extra repayments for free. To be eligible you must be over 18 and receiving a regular income.
9.35% p.a.
9.67% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
Terms from 1 to 7 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 9.35% would cost $37,896.54 including fees.
Very Good Credit
9.35% p.a.
9.67% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
Terms from 1 to 7 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 9.35% would cost $37,896.54 including fees.
A simple, low rate online personal loan for any worthwhile purpose. No monthly account fees, no early payout fees, so you can pay it off at any time, at no extra cost. To qualify, simply earn more than $25,000 and have no prior defaults.
9.54% p.a.
9.83% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
Terms from 1 to 5 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 9.54% would cost $38,038.55 including fees.
Variable
9.54% p.a.
9.83% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
Terms from 1 to 5 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 9.54% would cost $38,038.55 including fees.
A good choice for Queensland borrowers looking for a cost effective option. Borrow up to $60,000 and pay no exit or monthly fees over the life of the loan. Simple, online application, plus you'll receive discounts if you're an RACQ member.
12.74% p.a.
13.81% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
Terms from 1 to 7 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 12.74% would cost $41,631.36 including fees.
Variable
12.74% p.a.
13.81% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
Terms from 1 to 7 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 12.74% would cost $41,631.36 including fees.
Flexible loan terms. Choose to make weekly, fortnightly or monthly repayments. Choose between a fixed rate, which gives you set repayments for the life of the loan, or a variable rate which allows you more flexibility.
12.69% p.a.to 18.69% p.a.
13.56% p.a.to 19.53% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
Terms from 1 to 7 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 12.69% would cost $41,420.45 including fees.
Variable, Unsecured
12.69% p.a.to 18.69% p.a.
13.56% p.a.to 19.53% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
Terms from 1 to 7 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 12.69% would cost $41,420.45 including fees.
Borrow up to $55,000 for that dream kitchen renovation or holiday of a lifetime and pay no exit fees if you decide to pay out your loan early or make extra repayments. Majority of NAB borrowers will receive the headline rate of 12.69%.
12.99% p.a.to 18.90% p.a.
14.06% p.a.to 19.93% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
Terms from 1 to 7 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 12.99% would cost $41,861.32 including fees.
Variable
12.99% p.a.to 18.90% p.a.
14.06% p.a.to 19.93% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
Terms from 1 to 7 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 12.99% would cost $41,861.32 including fees.
Fast and simple online application & borrow from $2K to $40K
7.65% p.a.to 26.99% p.a.
7.65% p.a.to 23.5% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
Terms from 3 to 7 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 7.65% would cost $36,196.75 including fees.
Fixed
7.65% p.a.to 26.99% p.a.
7.65% p.a.to 23.5% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
Terms from 3 to 7 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 7.65% would cost $36,196.75 including fees.
Personalised rates, no hidden fees and the option to redraw any extra repayments, this is a hassle free, high value option. Submit an application in 10 minutes and you're on your way.
12.45% p.a.
13.32% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
Terms from 1 to 7 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 12.45% would cost $41,500.53 including fees.
Fixed
12.45% p.a.
13.32% p.a.based on $30,000
over 5 years
Terms from 1 to 7 years. Representative example: a 5 year $30,000 loan at 12.45% would cost $41,500.53 including fees.
This big bank loan allows you to borrow up to $50,000 and lock in your rate to help budget for your monthly repayments. And if you ever want a closer look at your repayment details, ANZ Internet Banking helps you manage your loan all in the one place. To be eligible you must earn a minimum of $15,000, be over 18 and be an Australian resident.
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A debt consolidation loan is a type of personal loan that allows you to roll a number of different debts, like credit card balances, store cards or even other personal loans, into one place, so you only have to deal with a single repayment.
That means you only have to remember one due date, plus, it can have other benefits like getting you a lower interest rate than on some other products or meaning you only have to pay one annual fee - or no annual fee.
That depends on your personal circumstances of course, but there are plenty of situations when a debt consolidation loan is a good idea, because it could save you a lot of time, money and hassle. For example:
Like any other kind of lending, a debt consolidation loan could hurt your credit score if you aren’t responsible about meeting your repayments. However, if you’re responsible, it doesn’t have to affect your credit negatively.
If you apply for a debt consolidation loan, it will appear on your credit history as an inquiry and if you’re successful, as a new source of credit available to you. This can be good or bad - it lowers your credit utilisation, which is usually a good thing, but it also raises the amount of total credit available to you which isn’t always as positive.
However, in the long run, paying off lingering debts (and closing old credit accounts if you no longer use them) is a good thing, and usually a positive move not only for your credit history, but for your finances in general.
When you've got debt accruing on everything from your car loan to your credit card, a debt consolidation loan can be a helpful banking product, as you can roll over all your varying debt into one easy to manage personal loan.
Apart from the benefit of saying goodbye to multiple payments as you'll only have one monthly repayment, you'll also get the chance to reduce the interest rates you're paying, particularly if you're consolidating high rate credit or store cards into the new loan. This should mean big savings for you in the long run.
Say you have the following debt:
In this scenario, your monthly repayments would be $899 and over 3 years you would pay $5,373 in interest. Whereas if you rolled that $27,000 worth of debt into one single loan with a 8% interest rate, your monthly repayments would go down to $846 and you would pay just $3,459 in interest over 3 years - that's a total saving of $1,914 in interest.
While one low rate loan could definitely help you kick your debt to the curb, it's important to know how to use the product to your advantage, whilst avoiding the traps that could see your debt stick around for longer than you'd like.
Here are the absolute must DOs
1. Workout what type of debt consolidation loan you'll needThere are plenty of choices when choosing a debt consolidation loan but the wrong choice could end up costing you big time. So make sure you take the time to consider your different options when it comes to finding the right loan for you. Start by deciding whether you will sign up with a secured or unsecured loan:
Secured loan: As the name suggests, this personal loan option requires you to put up an asset, such as a car or house as security for the loan and in return the lender will reward you with a lower interest rate and fees, as you're considered less risky. But keep in mind, if you are unable to keep on top of your repayments, the lender has the right to repossess your assets as restitution for any loss they incur.
Unsecured loan: Many debt consolidation loans in Australia are unsecured, meaning no security is needed. Which is perfect if you're a borrower who doesn't have any assets or is unwilling to put your car or home at risk. But you'll generally have to pay a higher interest rate and fees, compared to a secured loan.
You'll also have the option of choosing between a fixed and variable interest rate. Here's the difference between the two:
Fixed interest rate: With your rate locked in for the life of the loan you will be able to make a clear budget, as you will know what your ongoing repayments will be. But when you start your debt consolidation comparison, try to avoid loans that have high break cost fees if you want to pay out the loan early. Also keep in mind a fixed rate loan may not come with the flexibility of making extra repayments.
Variable rate: An alternative option is a variable rate loan, that usually comes with flexible features and a generally lower interest rate and fees, but be mindful the rate could change at any time depending on the market.
2. Look for flexible features
You're making the smart move of rolling your debt over to a consolidation loan but you could make an even smarter move by choosing a loan with features that will help you pay off your debt sooner. How you ask? With these two flexible options:
Extra repayments: Okay your finances may not be looking their best now. But you never know when you'll land that work promotion or end of year bonus. So if you find yourself with extra money in your pocket down the track you'll want to make sure the debt consolidation loan you sign up with gives you the ability to pump it straight into paying off your loan.
Flexible repayment frequency: Did you know that if you choose to repay your loan on a fortnightly schedule, rather than monthly you will pay off an extra month at the end of the year? It's true, let's give you a scenario. Say you repay $500 a month, over a year you will have paid off $6,000 of your loan. Whereas, if you choose the 26 fortnight option, you will pay off $6,500 - bringing you that much closer to blasting your debt for good.
3. Set up automatic repayments
And last but definitely not least, you can make sure you never miss a fortnightly or monthly repayment by setting up a direct deposit from your bank account to your lender.
1. Roll your debt into your home loan
Yep, home loan interest rates are pretty competitive right now, with many sitting under the 5% mark. However, be mindful that merging your different debt into your home loan, could mean you will pay more in interest due to the fact that home loans have a far longer timeframe.
Using the example of a $300,000 home loan with a 5% interest rate, by rolling $20,000 into your mortgage you will end up paying $15,075 in interest on that debt over 25 years. Whereas, if you merge that debt into a consolidation loan over 3 years with a 10% interest rate you will only pay $3,232 in interest. Rolling debt into your home loan will only make financial sense if you keep repayments high so that you crush the debt in the shortest time possible.
2. Forget to check for hidden fees
The interest rate isn't the only thing you should consider when comparing debt consolidation loans, you should also make sure you can afford any fees including:
Application fees: The provider may charge you an upfront fee to cover administration fees and to run a credit check to see the level of risk they are taking on by approving you for the debt consolidation loan.
Ongoing fees: You could also be charged a small monthly fee around $10 but before you think that's less than a tuna sandwich these days, over 5 years that $10 will add up to $600 - think about how many lunches that could buy you.
Break cost fees: The Australian Government may have kicked variable rate exit fees to the curb back in 2011 but if you sign up with a fixed rate consolidation loan you could still feel the bite of a break cost fee. So this is something to watch out for when you begin your debt consolidation loan comparison, if you think you might pay off your fixed rate loan early.
3. Keep on using your credit cards
Once you've found the right debt consolidation loan for you, it's time to say goodbye to that plastic in your pocket because continuing to spend like you did before on a credit card will only push you deeper into debt.
Remember it's not your money you're using, it's the banks. So once you've signed up with a debt consolidation loan, stick to your budget and put any additional cash you have towards extra repayments on your loan.
Also take the time to close your old accounts because what's the point of paying a credit card annual fee or a loan service fee if you aren't using the account anymore? We'd say that's money much better put to use by paying off your new debt consolidation loan.
Now that you're in the know when it comes to the dos and don'ts of debt consolidation, kick off your search by comparing debt consolidation loans in the table above.
If you’re struggling with paying off your debts and managing repayments, there are resources available to help you out. From debt advisors to online help, here are a few places you can turn for help with debt.
Debt is no fun, but you shouldn’t be embarrassed to seek help. Taking steps to fix the problem is much more admirable than sticking your head in the sand!
Written by: Kelly Emmerton, Mozo Money Editor
There are a few options for taking out a debt consolidation loan. While banks may seem like the most obvious choice, credit unions and peer to peer lenders are also perfectly good options for consolidating debt. Each have advantages and disadvantages whether it’s fees, customer service or borrowing limits. Simply check out our debt consolidation table above, to weigh up different providers and find what suits you.
It all depends on your current banking situation, but there are both pros and cons for staying with the same lender when you take out a debt consolidation loan.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Convenient | Potentially missing out on better deal from alternate lender (less fees, lower interest) |
| Increased chances of being approved because on long standing relationship | Current lender may not offer you a good deal since you’re already a loyal customer (they don’t feel they need to impress you, so to speak |
Make sure you shop around, compare providers and then talk to your current bank and see who can offer you what you want. Or try Mozo’s Switch & Save Calculator to find out how much you can save if you were to jump ship.
Who you take out your debt consolidation loan with affects how much you can borrow, as different lenders have different borrowing limits, but there are also other factors to consider as well. It depends on your credit history, how much you earn, what your monthly repayment would be and how well you’re set up to handle that. While it’s important to borrow enough to consolidate your existing debts, resist borrowing more than you need to - you don’t want to be making bigger repayments than you are already making.
A debt consolidation loan rolls all your debt, like credit card and card loan debt, into one loan where you make one easy-to-manage monthly repayment. Your provider will indicate what the minimum repayment requirements on your new loan will be. This is the amount you need to pay each month in order to pay off your loan within the loan term. Jump over to our personal loan repayments calculator to see how much your repayments could be at different interest rates and different loan amounts.
While that’s all you need to pay each month, it’s a good idea to look for a loan that allows you to make extra repayments so that you can use any extra cash, like a bonus at work or a cash present, to rid yourself of debt sooner.
If your debt consolidation loan application gets rejected it doesn’t mean you can’t apply again, it’s just best if you wait a little while before you do. Instead of banging down the door of your bank or loan provider and demanding they accept your request, give yourself 3 or 6 months to get everything in order and ultimately lessen your chances of being rejected again.
Go through your credit report to ensure you’re in the best financial position you can be to be approved next time. Focus on meeting your current repayments as often as you can, so you look like a reliable borrower to your potential lender.
You may need to tighten your current budget or even create one if you haven’t already. Budgeting is a really important step that should be the first thing you do when looking to pay down debt. Savings here and there can really count, so cut back on spending, like buying more products that are on sale rather than full price at the supermarket or eating in more often than going out.
It may be tough to cut out some of the luxuries in life, but if you’re serious about getting your debt consolidation loan approved and being in a better financial position down the track you may have to make a few sacrifices, at least for a while.
Fixed interest rate at around 15% was ridiculous. Plus monthly account keeping fees. When...
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Fixed interest rate at around 15% was ridiculous. Plus monthly account keeping fees. When compared with others I was disappointed.
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Mike | Victoria
reviewed about 5 hours ago
I have just paid off a 3 year loan and have been approved for another. I am very happy with the...
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I have just paid off a 3 year loan and have been approved for another. I am very happy with the rate and how easy it was considering I don't bank with them and the bank I have been banking with for 25 years declined my application.
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Kylie | Queensland
reviewed about 5 hours ago
Fast and easy application process and because I am an existing customer the money was in my...
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Fast and easy application process and because I am an existing customer the money was in my account within 2 hours of my online application.
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Elizabeth | Queensland
reviewed 4 days ago
