Fixed Or Variable Personal Loan: Your Complete Australian Guide

fixed or variable personal loan can help you consolidate debt, fund a major purchase, or cover unexpected expenses. Here's how to find the best option for your needs.

Understanding fixed or variable personal loan

Personal loans in Australia come in two main types: secured (backed by an asset) and unsecured (no security required). Rates typically range from 6.99% for excellent credit to 20%+ for poor credit.

Current Interest Rates

Eligibility Requirements

• Age: 18+ years
• Income: Regular employment, self-employment, or Centrelink
• Residency: Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Credit: Requirements vary by lender
• Bank account: Active Australian bank account

How to Apply

1. Check your credit score (free through CreditSavvy or similar)
2. Calculate how much you need and can afford to repay
3. Compare options from multiple lenders
4. Gather documents: ID, income proof, bank statements
5. Submit application online or through a broker

Personal Loan Options in Australia

Personal loans provide a lump sum that you repay over a fixed term with regular payments. They're useful for consolidating debt, funding major purchases, or covering unexpected expenses. Australian lenders offer both secured and unsecured options with terms typically ranging from 1-7 years.

Interest rates vary significantly based on your credit profile, loan amount, and whether you provide security. Shopping around can save thousands over the life of the loan.

Secured vs Unsecured Personal Loans

Common Uses for Personal Loans

• Debt consolidation - Combine multiple debts into one lower-rate payment
• Car purchase - Often better rates than dealer finance
• Home improvements - Renovations, repairs, landscaping
• Medical expenses - Dental, elective surgery, IVF
• Wedding costs - Venue, catering, honeymoon
• Travel - Holiday funding (though saving is usually better)
• Emergency expenses - Unexpected bills, repairs
• Education - Courses not covered by HECS/HELP

Avoid using personal loans for everyday expenses or depreciating assets where possible.

How to Compare Personal Loans

1. Look at comparison rates - These include fees and give a truer cost picture
2. Check total repayment amount - A lower rate over a longer term may cost more overall
3. Review fees - Establishment, monthly, early repayment, and late payment fees
4. Consider flexibility - Can you make extra repayments without penalty?
5. Check early exit terms - Some loans charge fees for paying off early
6. Read reviews - Customer experience matters, especially if issues arise

When Personal Loans Make Sense

Personal loans are appropriate for specific situations:

Avoid using personal loans for: everyday expenses, holidays you can't afford, depreciating items like electronics, or gambling/speculation.

Debt Consolidation Strategy

If you're using a personal loan to consolidate debts:

1. List all debts - Include balances, interest rates, and minimum payments
2. Calculate total - This is your consolidation loan amount
3. Compare rates - Personal loan rate must be lower than weighted average of existing debts
4. Factor in fees - Establishment fees, early exit fees on existing debts
5. Close old accounts - Avoid re-using credit cards after paying them off
6. Set up direct debit - Automatic payments prevent missed repayments

Consolidation only works if you address the underlying spending habits. Otherwise, you risk ending up with both the personal loan and new credit card debt.

Personal Loan Alternatives

Consider these options before committing to a personal loan:

• Credit card balance transfer - 0% periods available, good for short-term consolidation
• Buy now pay later - Interest-free for smaller purchases (watch for fees)
• Payment plans - Many providers offer interest-free installments
• Salary advance - Some employers offer advances on earned wages
• Savings - Delay purchase and save if not urgent
• Family loan - Interest-free but formalise with written agreement

Why Compare Multiple Options

The Australian lending market is competitive, with significant variation between lenders in rates, fees, criteria, and service levels. What one lender declines, another may approve at competitive rates. This is why comparison is essential:

• Rate differences - Even 0.5% difference saves thousands over a loan term
• Fee structures - Some lenders charge high fees but lower rates, others the reverse
• Approval criteria - Each lender has different risk appetites and policies
• Processing times - Range from same-day to several weeks depending on lender
• Service quality - Support levels vary; read reviews before committing

A finance broker simplifies this by accessing multiple lenders through one application, matching your situation to appropriate options, and handling paperwork on your behalf—at no cost to you since brokers are paid by lenders.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Finding the right finance option doesn't have to be complicated. At Esteb and Co, we help Australians compare options across 83+ lenders to find solutions that match their situation—whether that's perfect credit or a more complex history.

Our process is simple:

1. Quick online form - Tell us about your situation (2 minutes, no credit check)
2. Personalised options - We match you with suitable lenders from our panel
3. Expert guidance - Our team explains your options and handles the application
4. Ongoing support - We're here throughout the process and beyond

Whether you're ready to apply or just exploring your options, there's no obligation and no impact on your credit score to get started.