Finance Australia :: Articles

What Is a Debt Consolidation Loan?

How does a debt consolidation loan work to combine multiple debts?

What Is a Debt Consolidation Loan?

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.

A debt consolidation loan combines several debts into a single loan that you will repay over a set period of time. You can consolidate personal loans, credit cards, medical bills, and other debts into a single loan. Debt consolidation loans can be a good option if you are having trouble keeping up with monthly payments.

You may have found yourself in a position where, through no fault of your own, you have fallen behind on some of your bills.

Although you have done all that you can to stay on top of them, the bills still keep piling up.

Perhaps you've become unemployed or suffered a loss of income due to external economic circumstances ... or maybe you've had to contend with unexpected medical bills.

Whether the situation that you are now in was of your own making or not, the immediate question is ...

"How can I get out of this mess?"

Well, in the majority of cases, a debt consolidation loan will resolve most, if not all of the problem.

Debt Consolidation Loans

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!

A debt consolidation loan does not need to be complicated. It's simply a new loan that you take out to payout your other loans and any outstanding debts.

A well-structured debt consolidation loan should achieve 3 key outcomes:

  1. Immediate debt relief
    • Suddenly you are up-to date with everything.
      All your bills are paid.
    • No more overdue notices, debt collection agencies or threats of reposession.
  2. Lower weekly or monthly repayments
    • Because you have consolidated your loans and high interest debt, credit cards, etc into one lower-interest loan, it is quite likely that you are now enjoying considerably lower monthly repayments.
    • That means more money stays in your pocket, reducing the chance that you will find yourself in a similar position in the future.
  3. Easier to Manage
    • Now you are making only one monthly repayment instead of multiple payments, your bills - and your budget, become much easier to manage going forward.
    • Perhaps you can now think about starting a savings account. Even a small amount set aside regularly can accumulate into a very useful nest egg.

Will A Debt Consolidation Loan Hurt My Credit Rating?

Taking out a debt consolidation loan will not, in itself, have a negative impact on your credit rating.

However, in most cases, the process of applying for a debt consolidation loan will result in an enquiry being run on your credit file.  This is the case when applying for any type of finance and will lower your credit score by just a few points. Too many enquires will start to limit your options - because it may appear that you are desperate.

The take-away from this is the importance of talking to a specialist to put the whole thing together for you ... finding the right lender before any credit enquires are made against your file.

The impact of a single enquiry on your credit file should be far outweighed by the elimination of otherwise problem debts and your ability to stay on top of the new loan.

After all, if you are now in a position where you need a debt consolidation loan to reduce your interest rates, avoid late payment fees and generally balance your budget, a couple of points drop in your credit score is the least of your problems.

So using a specialist to help set up your debt consolidation loan will only serve to help preserve your credit score.

A good debt consolidation specialist should also provide you with a free debt management plan and negotiate with creditors on your behalf if your situation calls for it.

Is a Debt Consolidation Loan My Best Option?

There are potential pitfalls to using a loan to consolidate other loans.

For example, if you use a loan to reduce existing credit card debt and you don’t address the behaviors that caused you to get into debt, you could easily fall back into the same habits and end up with even more debt in the future.

Don't forget, reducing your total debt position is the primary objective. So only use a debt consolidation loan if it truly can help you accomplish that goal.

If you simply use it as a means of obtaining more available credit, you run the risk of turning that credit into additional debt, making your situation even more precarious. A debt consolidation loan is supposed to make life easier, not harder.

Debt consolidation loans have the potential to get your bills in check and provide you with some room to breathe.

A loan which can reduce your monthly installments and even lower your interest rate may be the fix that you have been trying to find.

But, before you rush in, be sure to talk to one of our debt consolidation loan experts for a free assessment of your financial situation... and a plan to get you out if it.

Published: Tuesday, 3rd Aug 2021
Author: 332


Finance Articles

Creating a Bulletproof Budget: Tips for Australians Juggling Debts
Creating a Bulletproof Budget: Tips for Australians Juggling Debts
Creating a sturdy financial foundation is essential for Australians navigating the often turbulent waters of debt. A bulletproof budget does more than just track expenses; it acts as a buffer against unexpected financial downturns and provides a clear path toward financial freedom. Comprehending the full weight of this importance is the first step to turning one's financial destiny around. - read more
A Complete Guide to Caravan Financing: Securing Your Mobile Haven
A Complete Guide to Caravan Financing: Securing Your Mobile Haven
Caravans have surged in popularity across Australia, offering an unmatched fusion of comfort and mobility. This beloved mode of travel grants you the liberty to discover hidden gems off the beaten path while bringing along the comforts of home. With the rise of remote work and the enduring spirit of wanderlust, caravans provide a flexible lifestyle choice for adventurers, retirees, and families alike. - read more
The Ultimate Car Loan Checklist for First-Time Borrowers in Australia
The Ultimate Car Loan Checklist for First-Time Borrowers in Australia
Welcome to the world of car ownership! If you're a first-time borrower in Australia, you're likely to feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. Acquiring a car loan is a significant financial responsibility, and navigating through the options can be daunting. This introductory guide is designed to set you on the right path to making a well-informed decision. - read more

Finance News

Understanding ASIC's 2025 Car Finance Review and Its Impact on Borrowers
Understanding ASIC's 2025 Car Finance Review and Its Impact on Borrowers
25 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
In November 2025, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) conducted a comprehensive review of the motor vehicle finance sector, revealing significant shortcomings in lending practices. This examination was prompted by a surge in consumer complaints and reports from advocacy groups concerning excessive fees and high default rates among car loan borrowers. - read more
March 2026 Sees Increase in Australian Car Loan Interest Rates
March 2026 Sees Increase in Australian Car Loan Interest Rates
25 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
As of March 2026, Australian car loan interest rates have experienced an upward trend, with the average rate reaching 7.73% per annum. This marks a 0.48% increase from the previous month, reflecting broader economic shifts and monetary policy adjustments. - read more
Macquarie Bank Transfers $1.5 Billion Car Loan Portfolio to Allied Credit
Macquarie Bank Transfers $1.5 Billion Car Loan Portfolio to Allied Credit
25 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
In July 2025, Macquarie Bank announced the sale of a $1.5 billion car loan portfolio to Allied Credit, a prominent independent financier in Australia. This transaction involves over 50,000 car loans and is expected to be finalized by the fourth quarter of 2025. - read more

Free Loan Eligibility Assessment

Loan Amount:
Postcode:

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
Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure:
A deed instrument in which a borrower conveys all interest in a property to the lender to satisfy a loan that is in default and avoid foreclosure.