How We Compare Personal Loans

What we compare

We compare selected personal loan products from selected providers, not every loan in Australia. Results can include rates, fees, loan amounts, terms, security requirements and features.

Amount, term and security filters use the information listed for each product. They do not confirm your eligibility, whether your purpose is accepted, or the rate you will receive.

Comparison coverage and broker access

The products shown in our comparisons are not a confirmed broker panel. A listing does not establish that Rate Challenge can arrange that product. Before you proceed, ask us to confirm the available lender options, application route and any broker or referral fee. An enquiry is a request to discuss your options, not an application for the selected loan.

How results are sorted

Results start with the lowest advertised interest rate. You can also sort by comparison rate, lender name, repayments excluding fees, or monthly cost with verified fees.

Repayment sorting excludes all fees. “Monthly cost (verified fees only)” includes a verified, unconditional monthly fee and excludes options where that fee is unconfirmed or conditional. Neither sort includes upfront or other charges.

Each displayed repayment states whether it includes a verified monthly fee. Its order can differ from the fee-free repayment sort. The lowest rate is not necessarily the lowest total cost.

Rates, fees and repayment estimates

Advertised rates come from scheduled collection and validation. Selected fee details are checked separately against lender disclosures; their review dates and conditions appear with the product.

Estimates add a monthly fee only when its amount is verified and it applies unconditionally. Upfront fees remain separate; conditional and unconfirmed charges are excluded. “Not confirmed” does not mean zero. Calculator examples assume upfront fees are paid separately, not added to the loan.

Comparison rates use a separate example

Comparison rates use the lender’s stated example amount and term, which can differ by product. Where the basis has not been confirmed, we say so. They do not recalculate for your selected amount or term.

Some charges may be excluded. Different amounts, terms or fees can produce a different comparison rate. Check the lender’s current example and all charges before applying.

When information is updated

Rate updates are scheduled daily. If an update does not pass our checks, the previous rates may remain visible with their original collection date. After 36 hours it is labelled stale; after seven days rates are hidden.

“Rates checked” is when the displayed rates were collected and passed our checks. It is not the lender’s effective date or a daily manual review of every offer. Fee checks have their own expiry dates. Fees are also hidden when the listed rates are more than 36 hours old.

Our role and the limits of the comparison

Personal Loan Finder is operated by Rate Challenge. Website comparisons and calculators provide general information, not a personal recommendation, quote or approval. Confirm current pricing, fees and conditions with the lender.

A sponsored placement, if labelled, is advertising rather than a personal recommendation. Read How We Make Money for commercial disclosures and About for our business details.