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How to apply for a Personal Loan with Bad Credit

Jan 9, 2023 | Finance Tips

Personal loans for bad credit may be easier to apply for than you think. You may have heard that you can’t get bad credit personal loans in Australia, but there are several options available that may be suitable for your circumstances.  

Even with a poor credit history, you may be eligible to apply for a personal loan to suit your needs — provided you can meet the eligibility requirements, such as having a steady income stream and providing documents proving your identity.

What is bad credit?

Your credit score is generally your history of paying bills and repaying credit accounts — things like loans, credit cards, phone bills and other utilities accounts. If you have had trouble keeping up with your financial commitments, this can result in a bad credit history. Ending up in this position can happen all too easily — even to those with the best intentions. Mistakes like outstanding bills that were sent to the wrong address (without your knowledge) can take a good credit score and send it on a slippery downward slope.

How long does bad credit last?

The good news is bad credit doesn’t have to be forever — a good credit history could be just around the corner! By paying your bills promptly and repaying your loans, your credit can improve, and lenders may have the opportunity to look at your credit file more favourably.
One way to improve your credit score may be to take out a new personal loan or consolidate smaller loans or accounts. By repaying new personal loans promptly and regularly, you can show that you are reliable, and your credit score may improve again.

Finance One Personal Loans

You may seek to apply for a bad credit personal loan. A personal loan for bad credit is designed specifically for people with a problematic credit history. 

Apply for a Personal Loan Online
One way to improve your credit score may be to take out a new personal loan or consolidate smaller loans or accounts. By repaying new personal loans promptly and regularly, you can show that you are reliable, and your credit score may improve again.
Generally, your best steps to help maintain or improve your credit score include:
  • Accessing a copy of your credit report:  There’s no point in taking a stab in the dark when it comes to fixing bad credit scores. Understand what’s led to your low credit score by accessing a copy of your credit report from one of the credit reporting agencies in Australia. Sometimes, misinformation, such as incorrect personal details, can push your score lower than it needs to! Reach out to the credit reporting agency if any of your details are incorrect or if you have incorrectly listed accounts on your credit file. 
  • Paying your bills on time:One of the first steps to helping fix your credit score is to assess all your bills and make sure they are paid on or before their due dates every month. Missed payments can negatively impact your credit score. 
  • Minimising credit checks:Loan applications or other credit applications (such as credit cards or payday loans — even increasing your credit card limit) require a credit check. Frequent applications to borrow money can appear to future lenders that you are irresponsible with your money and are living above your means. 

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Setting a budget that includes regular savings (even a small amount per week or pay period) can help build a nest egg for financial emergencies such as car repairs or medical expenses. This will help reduce the need to borrow more money when things go awry. It will also help demonstrate to loan specialists that you are financially disciplined.

  • Keep your bank account in the green:Australia has a comprehensive credit reporting system — Australian banks will now register when your account gets overdrawn! No matter what loan option you choose, the chances of your credit provider looking through your bank statements as part of the application process are high. 

What if I need more time to repair my bad credit score?

If you need a cash boost sooner rather than later, you may seek to apply for a bad credit personal loan. A personal loan for bad credit is designed specifically for people with a problematic credit history. 

Bad credit personal loans

Bad credit personal loans can help to improve your credit score, provided you make your payments on time and stick to the terms of your bad credit loan agreement. There are a couple of essential things you may want to look out for in bad credit loans:

Flexibility with your bad credit loan option:

First, look for flexibility. Paying off a loan early can save you a lot of money in the long run; the sooner your loan is repaid, the less interest you pay. Plus, finalising a credit account on your credit file can work wonders to build a positive credit history.

Did you know:

Other lenders often penalise loan holders for making extra repayments, but at Finance One, we encourage you to pay down your personal loan a little extra where you can! 

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Find a reputable loan provider

Next, you may want to ensure that you find a reputable and ethical lender. Unscrupulous lenders will pack their loans with hidden fees and loopholes that may cost you more than you bargained for.

Look for Secured personal loans

Bad credit loans that are secured (meaning you offer the lender collateral to back the loan) often help bad credit borrowers avoid higher interest rates. Of course, not all bad credit loans can be secured, such as if the loan is for a wedding or medical expenses.

Why you should avoid major banks when applying for bad credit finance

Major banks and other financiers typically can’t provide the flexibility that specialist lenders can. Often, if applicants don’t meet the basic criteria, traditional lenders decline the application and look no further. Finance One specialises in providing people with bad credit, those on Centrelink benefits, or self-employed people a chance at accessing the finance they need. 

Our local team is based in Australia and will work closely with you from your first enquiry to your last repayment to ensure you can access the loan you need while rebuilding the credit score you deserve. Contact our friendly support team to find out how we can help you access a bad credit personal loan. 

Apply for a Personal Loan Online

Normal lending criteria apply. Fees and charges are payable. Terms and conditions apply.

Finance One means:
Fin One Pty Ltd – ABN: 80 139 719 903
Australian Credit Licence: 387528

Disclaimer: The information above is of a general nature only and does not consider your personal objectives, financial situation or particular needs. You should consider seeking independent legal, financial, taxation or other advice to check how the information relates to your particular circumstances. We do not accept responsibility for any loss arising from the use of, or reliance on, the information. Please note that approvals for loan applications are subject to satisfactory documentation being received to properly assess the application. Normal lending criteria apply. Fees and charges are payable. Terms and conditions apply.

How to apply for a Personal Loan with Bad Credit

Jan 9, 2023 | Finance Tips

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WRITTEN BY

WRITTEN BY

Makala Elliott

Makala is the Marketing Manager at Finance One. She has worked in the Finance and Lending industry for over 10 years, gathering a wealth of experience. She is passionate about helping Australians get back on track with their finances by passing on her knowledge.

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