menu

Bad Credit Loans

Your guide to getting the right bad credit loan.

Lender Score
review star
review star
review star
review star
review star
4.7 out of 5 | 10,059 Reviews | 9 Lenders
Find the best Bad Credit Loans for you with Emu MoneyFind the best Bad Credit Loans for you with Emu Money

A quick guide to bad credit loans

Bad credit loans are designed for individuals with a poor credit history who may struggle to obtain a loan from traditional lenders. These loans help those who have experienced financial difficulties, like missed payments or defaults, to meet their financial needs. It's important to note that these loans usually come with higher interest rates, reflecting the increased risk to the lender.

Here's what a bad credit loans typically looks like:

eligibility orange tickBorrow from $5,000 - $100,000
eligibility orange tickLoan terms from 1 - 7 years
eligibility orange tickWeekly, fortnightly or monthly repayments
eligibility orange tickFixed interest rates from 6.75%
eligibility orange tickVariable interest rates from 8.95%
eligibility orange tickInterest rate tailored to your situation

What can I use a bad credit loan for?

A bad credit loan can be used for various purposes. It's commonly used for consolidating high-interest debts, making large purchases, covering emergency expenses, or improving your home. It can also be a tool to help improve your credit score when used responsibly.

Here are some common reasons people take out a bad credit loan:

Debt Consolidation

Bad credit loans are often used to consolidate several high-interest debts into one manageable payment, potentially reducing the interest burden and simplifying repayment.

Home Improvement

Borrowers might use bad credit loans to fund necessary home improvements or repairs, such as fixing a leaky roof or replacing a broken furnace.

Unexpected Expenses

If unforeseen expenses like medical bills or car repairs arise, a bad credit loan can provide the necessary funds.

Car Purchase

Even with bad credit, individuals may need to finance the purchase of a new or used car.

Rent or Mortgage Payments

Bad credit loans can be used to cover housing costs in times of financial strain.

Business Expenses

Some people use bad credit loans to fund startup costs or cover cash flow issues in their small businesses.

Educational Costs

From tuition fees to buying books, bad credit loans can help cover the costs associated with education.

Rebuilding Credit

Regularly making on-time payments on a bad credit loan can help improve the borrower's credit score over time.

Essential Appliances

A bad credit loan can be used to replace or repair essential household appliances, like a refrigerator or washing machine.

Vacation or Special Occasion

Though it's less ideal, some people might use a bad credit loan to finance a vacation or a special occasion like a wedding, especially if they anticipate being able to pay off the loan quickly.

Ready to run the numbers?

Calculate your repayment estimates and more.

How much can I borrow for a bad credit loan?

Bad credit loans in Australia can be a lifeline for those who find it challenging to secure traditional loans due to their credit history. The amount you can borrow is typically between $2,000 to $5,000, but in certain circumstances, some lenders may offer loans up to $10,000 or more. This variability allows you to select a loan size that is well-suited to your individual financial needs and capabilities. Determining factors for the loan amount include your current income and expenses, employment status, and the lender's individual policies. If you have assets that could be used as collateral, this could potentially increase the loan amount that you are eligible for.

While it's true that bad credit loans often have higher interest rates and fees than traditional loans, they can provide much-needed financial support when other options aren't available. They can also be a stepping stone towards improving your credit score, as timely repayments reflect positively on your credit report. Optimistically, a bad credit loan can not only cater to your immediate financial needs, but it also offers an opportunity to start rebuilding your credit history. It's always recommended, however, to ensure you're able to comfortably manage repayments before committing to a loan. Take advantage of our loan calculators to help you make an informed decision.

Bad Credit Loan Repayment Calculator

To estimate your monthly repayments and the total cost of the loan, input the loan amount, loan term and interest rate into the calculator below. This helps you plan your budget and choose the most suitable loan terms.

Loan Amount
$
Establishment Fee
$
Loan Term (Years)
Interest Rate
%
Total amount to repay
$0.00
Your repayments
$NaN

Balance over time

Am I eligible for a bad credit loan?

Lenders consider several factors when assessing your eligibility, including your credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio, age, residency, and required documentation. While meeting the eligibility criteria doesn't guarantee loan approval, having a good credit score, stable income, and a positive financial profile significantly improve your chances.

You are eligible to apply for a bad credit loan if you are:

eligibility orange tickOver the age of 18; and
eligibility orange tickAn Australian citizen or permanent resident; and
eligibility orange tickHave a regular source of income, that is enough to meet the repayments

How to apply for a bad credit loan?

Applying for a bad credit loan is easy and only takes a few minutes. Get started by filling out some basic information into our application form. We’ll review your information, and someone will be in contact with you to discuss the best option for you from over 50+ Australian lenders.

If you’re eligible for a bad credit loan, and you are happy with the initial quote, you will need to prepare documents such as:

eligibility orange tickPassport or drivers licence
eligibility orange tickProof of income and expenses (e.g. payslips, bank statements)
eligibility orange tickDetails of any current debts or other loans

Ready to get started?

Compare over 50+ lenders with one application.

How to get the best bad credit loan for you?

When searching for a bad credit loan, it's essential to understand the different factors to find the best fit for your needs. From interest rates and fees to loan terms and early payout options, each factor can increase or descrease the total amount you will repay.


Interest Rate

When seeking a bad credit loan, it's crucial to pay attention to the interest rate. A lower interest rate means you'll pay less over the loan term. It pays to research and compare rates from different lenders to ensure you secure the best possible rate that aligns with your financial circumstances.

Fees

In addition to interest rates, it's essential to consider the fees associated with bad credit loans. These may include application fees, ongoing fees, and early repayment fees. Assess these costs and opt for a loan that offers competitive fees, ensuring you don't incur unnecessary expenses throughout the loan duration.

Comparison Rate

Comparison rates provide a more comprehensive understanding of the overall cost of a loan by factoring in both the interest rate and any associated fees. When comparing loan options, look beyond the interest rate and consider the comparison rate to make a more accurate assessment of the total cost of borrowing.

Loan Term

Consider the loan term or repayment period that best suits your financial situation. Shorter loan terms may involve higher monthly repayments but result in lower overall interest paid. Longer loan terms may offer lower monthly payments but result in higher interest paid over time. Choose a loan term that strikes the right balance between affordability and minimising interest costs.

Early Payout

It's crucial to check whether the bad credit loan allows for early repayment without penalty. This feature provides flexibility and the opportunity to save on interest costs by paying off the loan sooner. Opting for a loan that allows early payout can help you become debt-free faster and potentially reduce the overall cost of borrowing.

Find the best Bad Credit Loans for you with Emu MoneyFind the best Bad Credit Loans for you with Emu Money

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about bad credit loans?

These helpful FAQs will help you find the answers you need. If you can't find what you're looking for, you can request a callback below.

Can I use a bad credit loan to improve my credit score?
plus
How easy is it to get a bad credit loan?
plus
How long does it take to get a loan?
plus
Which loan is better than a bad credit loan?
plus
Is a bad credit loan bad for credit?
plus
Can I borrow money with very bad credit?
plus
What interest rate will your credit score get you?
plus
Can I get a bad credit loan if I’m self-employed?
plus
How is the interest calculated on a bad credit loan?
plus
What costs are involved?
plus