What sets the price of a personal loan in Australia, how comparison rates and fees work, and the consumer credit rules that apply in 2026.
A personal loan in Australia is priced from the lender's view of your risk, whether the loan is secured, the term, and the fees it adds on top of the interest rate. Because most personal loans are regulated consumer credit, the National Credit Code requires a comparison rate in advertising, and the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 requires lenders to check that a loan is not unsuitable for you.
Start with the overview of personal loan requirements and comparison rates. Then read how the comparison rate and its mandatory warning work, compare fixed and variable personal loans and secured and unsecured loans, and go through the fees guide. Three guides cover the rules: responsible lending and the not-unsuitable test, payday loans and medium amount credit caps, and buy now pay later regulation from June 2025.
Rates quoted on this site are illustrative examples, not current offers from any lender. Lender pricing changes often and depends on your profile, so check the key facts sheet and the credit contract you are actually given.
Costs, Comparison Rates and 2026 Rules
What changed when buy now pay later became regulated credit on 10 June 2025, how low cost credit contracts work, credit checks, late fees, hardship and how BNPL affects a personal loan application.
Costs, Comparison Rates and 2026 Rules
How the personal loan comparison rate is calculated under the National Credit Code, why it carries a warning, which fees it excludes and when it understates your cost.
Costs, Comparison Rates and 2026 Rules
How fixed and variable rate personal loans differ in Australia, a worked example of a rate rise, early repayment fees, extra repayments and how to choose.
Costs, Comparison Rates and 2026 Rules
How small amount credit contracts (20% plus 4% a month) and medium amount credit contracts (48% cap) work in Australia, the 2023 reforms, worked cost examples and cheaper alternatives.
Costs, Comparison Rates and 2026 Rules
What Australian lenders check before approving a personal loan, how the comparison rate and fees set the real price, and which 2026 consumer credit rules protect you.
Costs, Comparison Rates and 2026 Rules
Every fee a personal loan can carry in Australia, what the National Credit Code says about them, a worked example of a fee added to the loan and how to compare fees.
Costs, Comparison Rates and 2026 Rules
How NCCP Act Chapter 3 responsible lending works for personal loans, what lenders must check, your right to see the assessment and what to do if a loan was unsuitable.
Costs, Comparison Rates and 2026 Rules
Why secured personal and car loans usually cost less than unsecured loans in Australia, what the lender can do with the security, PPSR registration and how to choose.
