Small Loans Australia :: Articles

The Truth Behind Payday Loans

What should you know about the reality of payday loans?

The Truth Behind Payday Loans

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

There’s a lot been said about payday loans. Many claim that the interest rates charged are outrageous. Others say that they are the only source of finance available for those with less than perfect credit score. There is a bit of truth in both claims but there is much more to payday loans than meets the eyes.

A Simple Concept

When Pay Day Loans first appeared in the finance industry, they came to fill a gap not covered by any other financial product.

The original idea which remains in most of the loan products of this kind is to provide a small amount of money, usually up to half of the borrower’s wage for a short term (till pay day) at the end of which the money is reimbursed plus a fee or an amount of interests.

This was a simple and speedy way to solve a temporary lack of funds.

Traditional personal loans took too much time to be approved because there were too many credit examinations to be done.

The whole concept was extremely simple: A small amount, a short term, fast approval.

Debt Stressed?
Image for Debt Stressed?If you're struggling to pay your debts and covering living expenses, we're here to help. Through our national panel of Debt Management specialists, we can help customers with $10k or more in debt by consolidating your existing loans, stopping Debt collectors from contacting you and re-negotiating repayments on your terms!

How do lenders get a return on such small amounts?

Even simpler, the interest rate charged is considerably higher. The high return in terms of percentages also came to justify the high risk involved in these transactions for the lender.

Since there are no credit checks whatsoever and the loan is unsecured, there is absolutely no guarantee that the borrower is going to return the money (other than his/her salary).

The Actual Situation

Problems began when the proliferation of this kind of loan drew so many unscrupulous lenders to this new market.

In order to attract new customers they began to offer longer repayment programs, loan renovations, interest reschedules, etc.

As with credit cards the flexibility offered by Pay Day Loan lenders began to create a vicious circle for many people that had no control over their finances.

Thus, they take a pay Pay Day Loan, fail to repay it on time and take another one in order to pay the previous one and so on.

Debt starts accumulating, interests increase and sooner or later a debt consolidation program is necessary or worst, they have to file for bankruptcy.

It’s as unfair to say that the whole responsibility belongs to the lenders as it is to say they have no responsibility at all.

The advertisements, the hidden loan terms concealed in the fine print of loan contracts too long for anyone in a desperate situation to read and the easiness with which some lenders extend loans for people they know can’t repay without making huge sacrifices has a lot to do with the bad reputation of Pay Day Loans.

Applying for a Pay Day Loan is not a sin

If an unexpected situation arises and you don’t have the money you need to solve it, nor you have the time to resort to other forms of finance and you know that you’ll be able to repay the loan without problems by next payday, it won’t kill you to request a Pay Day Loan.

What you need to understand is that they are meant for emergency situations and you must avoid taking it as a habit to request a Pay Day Loan every time you need extra cash for whatever reason.

Published: Tuesday, 24th Aug 2021
Author: 11


Personal Loans Articles

The Smart Borrower's Guide: Understanding Interest Rates on Small Loans
The Smart Borrower's Guide: Understanding Interest Rates on Small Loans
When it comes to borrowing money, whether it's for personal use or for your small business, understanding interest rates is paramount. An interest rate, simply put, is the cost you pay to borrow money. It's typically expressed as a percentage of the principal amount you're loaned. This fee is how lenders earn on the funds they lend and is a key component you should consider before signing a loan agreement. - read more
Secured Versus Unsecured: Which Loan Option Aligns with Your Financial Goals?
Secured Versus Unsecured: Which Loan Option Aligns with Your Financial Goals?
The landscape of personal financing is broad and varied, particularly in the Australian market where individuals have access to an array of loan options. When considering lending, the fundamental distinction to comprehend is that between 'secured' and 'unsecured' loans. - read more
How to Boost Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Personal Loan
How to Boost Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Personal Loan
Your credit score is a numerical representation of your financial trustworthiness. Lenders use this score to assess the risk of lending you money. - read more
Debt Consolidation Strategies: How to Regain Control of Your Finances
Debt Consolidation Strategies: How to Regain Control of Your Finances
Debt can often feel like a formidable obstacle on the path to financial stability. Many individuals battle with various forms of debt, from high-interest credit cards to significant loans that seem to have an unyielding grip on their financial lives. Recognizing the challenges that debt presents is the critical first step towards regaining control of your personal finances. - read more
Understanding the Key Differences Between Secured and Unsecured Loans
Understanding the Key Differences Between Secured and Unsecured Loans
In simple terms, a loan is an amount of money you borrow from a lender and agree to pay back over time, often with interest. Loans come in various forms and can be tailored to suit different needs, such as buying a home, financing a car, or consolidating debt. - read more
Interest Rates for Small Loans: Breaking Down the Basics
Interest Rates for Small Loans: Breaking Down the Basics
Interest rates play a vital role when it comes to borrowing money. They determine how much extra you'll pay on top of the amount you've borrowed. - read more
Budgeting Basics: How to Create a Stress-Free Financial Plan
Budgeting Basics: How to Create a Stress-Free Financial Plan
Budgeting is often seen as a restrictive practice, something that curtails fun and spontaneity. However, the truth is quite the contrary. Proper budgeting is a fundamental aspect of nurturing financial well-being. It's about understanding your income, controlling your spending, and ensuring that you prioritize saving and investing. A well-crafted budget can lead to a stress-free financial life by giving you a clear view of where your money is going and where you can potentially save. - read more
Budgeting 101: How to Get a Personal Loan Despite Bad Credit
Budgeting 101: How to Get a Personal Loan Despite Bad Credit
Smart budgeting is the cornerstone of financial health. It helps you understand where your money is going and empowers you to make informed financial decisions. In Australia, like everywhere else, a well-managed budget can significantly improve your quality of life and financial stability. - read more
Smart Budgeting Tips to Improve Your Financial Health
Smart Budgeting Tips to Improve Your Financial Health
Smart budgeting is one of the most vital tools in maintaining and improving your financial health. It provides a clear picture of your financial situation, helping you make informed decisions about spending, saving, and borrowing. - read more

Finance News

ASIC Highlights Compliance Concerns Among Payday Lenders
ASIC Highlights Compliance Concerns Among Payday Lenders
06 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently conducted a comprehensive review into the practices of payday lenders, uncovering potential breaches of consumer protection laws. This scrutiny comes in the wake of reforms introduced under the Financial Service Reform Act 2022 (FSR Act), aimed at enhancing safeguards for consumers engaging with small amount credit contracts. - read more
Harmoney Introduces Tailored Small Personal Loans
Harmoney Introduces Tailored Small Personal Loans
06 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
Harmoney, a prominent Australian non-bank lender, has expanded its offerings to include small personal loans designed to meet the diverse needs of consumers. These loans range from $2,000 to $100,000, with interest rates starting from 5.76% per annum, tailored to each individual's credit profile. - read more
Swoosh Finance Delivers Quick Small Cash Loans Online
Swoosh Finance Delivers Quick Small Cash Loans Online
06 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
Swoosh Finance, an Australian online lender, is offering small cash loans ranging from $2,200 to $5,000, with a streamlined application process that can result in same-day approval. This service is designed to provide quick financial relief for individuals facing unexpected expenses or short-term cash flow challenges. - read more
RBA's Interest Rate Reduction Fuels Surge in SME Lending
RBA's Interest Rate Reduction Fuels Surge in SME Lending
29 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) recent decision to cut the official cash rate by 0.25% has had a significant impact on the small business sector. In the three months following the February rate cut, small business lending volumes surged by 40% year-on-year, according to data from SME lender OnDeck Australia. This uptick suggests a renewed confidence among small business owners, who are leveraging the lower interest rates to invest in growth and expansion. - read more
Australian SMEs Increasingly Turn to Non-Bank Lenders for Investment
Australian SMEs Increasingly Turn to Non-Bank Lenders for Investment
29 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
Recent findings from ScotPac's SME Growth Index Report reveal a significant shift in the financing preferences of Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Over half (54%) of SMEs plan to utilise non-bank lenders for business investment in the next six months, marking a notable increase from 47% recorded a year ago. This trend indicates a growing inclination among SMEs to seek alternative financing solutions that offer greater flexibility and accessibility. - read more
Rate Money Announces Rate Reductions for Self-Employed Borrowers
Rate Money Announces Rate Reductions for Self-Employed Borrowers
21 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
In a move to support self-employed Australians, non-bank lender Rate Money has announced significant reductions in interest rates across its 'Evolve Easy Doc' loan range. Effective from June 30, 2025, the new rates start from 6.64% per annum, aiming to provide more accessible financing options for small business owners and self-employed individuals. - read more
Renown Lending Partners with Marlbury Capital to Expand SME Asset-Backed Loans
Renown Lending Partners with Marlbury Capital to Expand SME Asset-Backed Loans
21 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
Renown Lending has announced a significant partnership with Marlbury Capital, securing a $100 million facility to expand asset-backed loans for Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This initiative is designed to offer fast, simple, and flexible financing solutions, enabling business owners to seize opportunities, manage cash flow, and stabilize operations. - read more
ASIC Highlights Compliance Issues Among Small Credit Lenders
ASIC Highlights Compliance Issues Among Small Credit Lenders
21 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently expressed concerns regarding the compliance practices of certain small credit lenders. A comprehensive review conducted by ASIC revealed that some providers of small amount credit contracts (SACCs) may be steering vulnerable consumers towards financial products that offer fewer protections, potentially exposing them to increased financial risk. - read more
Small Business Lending Surges After RBA's Interest Rate Reductions
Small Business Lending Surges After RBA's Interest Rate Reductions
13 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant development for Australia's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), recent interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) have led to a notable increase in small business loan applications. This trend underscores a renewed sense of optimism among business owners, eager to leverage more favourable borrowing conditions to drive growth and expansion. - read more

Need Help Finding a Loan?


All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a specialist from our national broker referral panel. See our privacy statement for more details.

All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation.
We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Prime Rate:
The interest rate that commercial banks charge their most creditworthy customers.


Quick Links: | Small Loans | Small Personal Loans | Small Business Loans | Quick Loans Under $10000 | Fast Cash Loans | Emergency Loans | Instant Approval Loans | Bad Credit Small Loans | Online Loans Under $10000 | Short Term Loans | Unsecured Loans