$55,000 loans in Australia – Compare and get the best deal
As far as personal loans go, $55K is a pretty sizeable lump sum. Borrowing from the high end is quite different from taking out, say, a $2,000 loan. Credit providers will likely have stricter requirements to ensure you can service the debt.
On your part, borrowing this much is a serious financial commitment, and you’ll want a competitive rate that makes sense to your budget. Below, we provide helpful information you can use to find the $55,000 personal loan that best serves your purpose.
What are the monthly repayments on a $55,000 personal loan?
A loan this size will probably take longer to pay off. It’s therefore important to opt for a repayment amount you can comfortably afford. Otherwise, you’ll be carrying debt that might wreck your budget for years to come. To avoid this financial nightmare, you can use our $55K loan calculator to pinpoint the perfect repayment estimate for you.
This estimate will vary depending on the term you choose, the interest rate, and fees. For instance, a longer repayment period brings down your repayments and vice versa. But, generally, it’s best to pay down your debt as quickly as possible to avoid gathering more interest.
In any case, here’s a real-life example of what to expect when it comes to $55K loan repayments:
What are the repayments on a $55,000 personal loan?
Your repayment will vary from lender to lender and will depend on factors such as your credit score, loan term and fees. A low credit score will increase your interest rate whilst a good credit score will reduce the interest rate. Longer-term loans will reduce your monthly repayment but will increase your total cost.
Typical repayments on $55,000 over 60 months:
- Application or establishment fee: $0 to $450
- Monthly fee: $0 – $10
- Interest rate: Between 7% and 19%
- Monthly repayments: $1,104 and $1,443
- The total cost on a $55,000 personal loan: Between $66,241 and $86,593
Which $55K loan options are available?
The main features that differentiate personal loans from each other are whether the loan is secured or unsecured and whether it has a fixed interest rate or a variable interest rate.
- Secured. Secured personal loans use your asset to guarantee the debt. If you default, you may lose this asset, whether it’s a car, your home, or a term deposit. However, if you stick to your repayments, you’ll be able to enjoy a lower rate throughout the loan term.
- Unsecured. Unsecured personal loans have no need for collateral. But your credit score needs to be stellar, especially for a loan this size. Still, the rate you get will not be as competitive as that for secured loans, which are less risky for lenders.
- Fixed rate. Fixed rate personal loans offer the security of fixed repayments. This brings peace of mind from knowing your exact repayment amount. A drawback of fixed rate loans is they may come with break costs if you clear the debt sooner.
- Variable rate. Variable rate personal loans can be a suitable option if you’re looking for an opportunity to save once the market rate dips. However, note that this can also expose you to interest rate hikes and repayment fluctuations.
How to get a $55K loan with bad credit?
According to popular Australian credit bureaus, Equifax and Experian, a bad credit score falls below 549 or 509. The good news is, while poor credit increases your borrowing costs, it doesn’t cancel your chances of getting credit.
Bad credit personal loans are typically available from smaller lenders that specialize in providing finance to applicants who have been turned down elsewhere. Also, note that because of the high-risk nature of bad credit loans, your borrowing power might be limited. That means applying for a $55K loan may not always pan out.
Additionally, the higher interest rate and fees can make borrowing such a large amount a costly option. If you wish to get a better deal, taking out a secured loan or adding a guarantor can help.
How to choose the best personal loan lender
If you’re searching for a lender that outshines them all, your decision will mainly depend on your personal circumstances. BestFind cuts out some of the work for you by allowing you to compare $55K loan options in one place. When choosing a lender that’s best for you, keep the following factors first and foremost in your mind:
- Rates and fees. Rates may be tailored to your credit score, in which case the lender will advertise a range. Also, check the comparison rate – which includes interest and fees – to get an overall picture of the loan’s total cost. Generally, a combo of a low rate and low fees and charges will prevent borrowing costs from getting too out of hand.
- Reviews from other borrowers. Nowadays, it’s pretty easy to find out what other customers have to say about providers. Depending on how legit the reviews are, you can save yourself the headache of dealing with an atrocious lender, or you’ll get the confirmation you need to proceed with the application.
- Customer service. The credit provider must ideally respond within a reasonable time. If you’re applying online, you should also be able to engage with a real person, in case you need assistance.
- Loan features and flexibility. Check if the lender offers the loan features you want when it comes to interest rate type, loan term, and loan amount. Repayment flexibility is also somewhat of a must. For instance, you should be able to choose a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly repayment frequency, depending on what suits your income cycle. It’s also great to have the option of making additional repayments, withdrawing those extra repayments via a redraw facility, and paying off your debt early without penalty.
How do I qualify for a $55,000 personal loan?
Before applying for a personal loan, be sure to check out the requirements so you don’t waste time with options you don’t qualify for. While requirements may vary from lender to lender, here’s a general idea of what to expect:
- Eligibility requirements. Be 18 years of age or older, be an Australian permanent resident, earn a regular income, and have a good credit score.
- Required details. Personal details, contact details, loan details, as well as details about your income, employment, monthly expenses, assets, and other debts you have.
- Required documents. Australian ID, payslip, bank statements, utility bills for proof of address, and tax returns/notice of tax assessments from the ATO for self-employed applicants.
How to apply for a $55K personal loan
Applying for a $55K loan online via BestFind is as simple as clicking on the “Go to Site” button in the table above. This makes the process convenient and quick.
Some lenders allow you to pre-qualify before you apply. During this process, you’ll typically get a rate estimate that helps you decide whether to move forward with the application. Usually, pre-qualifying doesn’t hurt your credit score if it only involves a soft pull on your credit file.
But if you decide to apply, the lender will carry out a hard credit check that will imprint on your credit history. This is why borrowers are often warned away from submitting too many applications.
Once your application is approved and you accept the offer, it’s then time for the funds to pitch up in your bank account. This may take anywhere from a few hours to several days. You can help by ensuring you have submitted the correct information the first time around.
$55,000 personal loan FAQs
Where can I get a $55K loan?
Australian lenders that provide $55,000 loans include banks, credit unions, and online lenders. If you’re already banking with a particular lender and are eligible, you can use your status as an existing customer to your advantage.
Borrowing from a credit union can also be a good move since they are non-profit financial institutions with better rates and terms overall. Last but not least, online lenders typically offer more efficient services, such as a faster application process and quick funding.
Can I use the money for anything?
Most credit providers advertise their personal loans as suitable for almost anything. Popular, legitimate purposes for borrowing $55,000 include purchasing big items like a boat, engagement ring, or business equipment. The money is also good for weddings, holiday and travel, home improvements, and cosmetic or IVF procedures. In short, a $55,000 personal loan can open many doors for you.
Can I still get a loan after being denied?
You may have your heart set on borrowing $55K specifically, but it’s important to note there’s no guarantee the lender will approve this amount. If your application is denied, it may be because the lender believes you can’t afford the debt.
Other reasons could be a bad credit score or failure to meet some other requirement. Possible solutions to this scenario include:
– Applying for a different product you qualify for;
– Fixing errors in your credit report to boost your credit score;
– Paying down existing debt to reduce your debt utilisation ratio;
– Taking out a smaller amount.
What mistakes should I avoid when borrowing $55K?
Avoid rushing the process and set aside enough time to shop around instead. Make sure you only deal with reputable credit providers that are licenced by the ASIC. Also, read the fine print before signing on the dotted line.
That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re agreeing to in terms of interest rates, fees, and repayments. If you’re not sure whether taking out a $55K personal loan is a smart move, it’s best to consult with a professional.
Are there any alternatives to personal loans?
If you need a longer list of options to choose from, you can also consider credit cards, home equity loans, lines of credit, or business loans.
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