Quick Quote
One simple enquiry form gives you fast access to quotes and rate comparisons from some of Australia's leading debt consolidation specialists.
All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a specialist from our national broker referral panel. See our privacy statement for more details.
Knowledgebase
Return on Investment (ROI):
A measure used to evaluate the efficiency of an investment or compare the efficiency of several different investments.
Debt Consolidation 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


Debt Consolidation Articles

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Consolidating Debts
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Consolidating Debts
Welcome to our guide on avoiding common mistakes when consolidating debts. We're glad you're here, as taking the time to educate yourself is a crucial step towards financial well-being. - read more
Debt Negotiation 101: How to Lower Interest Rates and Reduce Payments
Debt Negotiation 101: How to Lower Interest Rates and Reduce Payments
High-interest debt can feel like a relentless cycle for many in Australia, often making it challenging to gain financial ground. Whether it's credit card debt, personal loans, or other forms of borrowing, the compounded interest can quickly become overwhelming. Fortunately, debt negotiation presents a viable solution for those caught in this dilemma, offering a ray of hope to reduce financial burden. - read more
Smart Budgeting: Building a Financially Stable Future
Smart Budgeting: Building a Financially Stable Future
Many Australians today find themselves navigating the choppy waters of financial instability. The burden of debt weighs heavily, affecting everything from daily stress levels to long-term planning. High interest rates, unexpected expenses, and the seductive ease of credit cards contribute to a culture of borrowing that can lead to a precarious financial situation for many. In this introduction, we explore how smart budgeting is not just about scraping by, but laying the foundations for a financially stable future. - read more
Budgeting 101: A Beginner's Guide to Monthly Expense Planning
Budgeting 101: A Beginner's Guide to Monthly Expense Planning
Budgeting is the process of creating a plan to manage your money. Essentially, it allows you to allocate your income towards expenses, savings, and other financial goals. By keeping track of where your money goes, budgeting helps you ensure that you are not overspending and are prepared for future financial needs. - read more
The Beginner's Blueprint to Creating an Effective Family Budget
The Beginner's Blueprint to Creating an Effective Family Budget
In a world marked by economic uncertainties and the ever-mounting cost of living, the importance of a sound family budget cannot be overstated. Today's economic climate necessitates not just prudent but strategic financial planning. With the right budget in place, families can navigate the choppy waters of their finances, avoiding the all-too-common pitfalls of overspending and under-saving. - read more
Finance News

October 2025 Sees Decline in Personal Insolvencies
October 2025 Sees Decline in Personal Insolvencies
05 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
In October 2025, Australia witnessed a notable decrease in personal insolvencies, with the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA) reporting 1,116 new cases. This marks a decline from 1,169 in September 2025 and an increase from 1,009 in October 2024. The breakdown includes 601 bankruptcies, 498 debt agreements, and 17 personal insolvency agreements. Additionally, 16 new temporary debt protections were recorded, offering individuals a 21-day respite from unsecured creditor enforcement to seek advice or consider insolvency options. - read more
RBA's October 2025 Review Highlights Australia's Financial Resilience
RBA's October 2025 Review Highlights Australia's Financial Resilience
05 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released its October 2025 Financial Stability Review, providing a comprehensive assessment of the nation's financial system amid global uncertainties. The report underscores that Australia's financial institutions are well-positioned to navigate potential challenges, with households, businesses, and banks demonstrating resilience. - read more
RBA Advises Caution in Lending Practices Amid Improved Borrower Finances
RBA Advises Caution in Lending Practices Amid Improved Borrower Finances
05 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has issued a cautionary note to financial institutions, advising them to maintain prudent lending practices despite improvements in borrower financial health. Recent data indicates that the proportion of mortgage holders spending more than they earn has decreased to approximately 3%, down from 5% in mid-2024. This improvement is attributed to factors such as tax cuts and easing inflation. - read more
Australian Borrowers Turn to Refinancing Amidst Rising Mortgage Arrears
Australian Borrowers Turn to Refinancing Amidst Rising Mortgage Arrears
28 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Recent data indicates a notable increase in mortgage refinancing across Australia, driven by borrowers seeking improved loan terms in response to escalating arrears, particularly among substantial loans. This trend underscores the financial pressures many Australians are currently facing. - read more
Australia's Private Debt Market Hits $224 Billion Milestone
Australia's Private Debt Market Hits $224 Billion Milestone
28 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Australia's private debt market has experienced significant growth, with assets under management reaching A$224 billion—a 9% increase from the previous year. This milestone reflects a consistent shift in capital deployment within the Australian lending market, signaling a new chapter of innovation and flexibility. - read more