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

The Role of Business Insurance in Protecting Your Australian Enterprise
The Role of Business Insurance in Protecting Your Australian Enterprise
Starting and running a business in Australia can be an exhilarating experience, full of opportunities for growth and success. However, it also comes with its fair share of risks and uncertainties. From unexpected natural disasters to potential legal disputes, the threats to the sustainability of a business are ever-present. This is where business insurance becomes pivotal as a protective tool for Australian enterprises. It provides the much-needed safety net to help businesses mitigate potential losses and continue operations with confidence. - read more
How Your Credit Rating Impacts Your Loan Options: What You Need to Know
How Your Credit Rating Impacts Your Loan Options: What You Need to Know
A credit rating is essentially a numerical representation of your financial trustworthiness. It's like a report card for your creditworthiness, where higher scores indicate better financial habits. Lenders and financial institutions scrutinize this score when you apply for credit, serving as a primary factor in approving or denying loan applications. - read more
The Road to Recovery: How to Rebuild Your Credit for Future Loans
The Road to Recovery: How to Rebuild Your Credit for Future Loans
In today’s economy, a good credit score is more than just a number—it's a pivotal element of financial health that can open doors to necessary funding when it's most needed. Whether it's for purchasing a new home, investing in a business, or obtaining personal loans, a robust credit score in Australia is your ticket to favorable interest rates and loan terms. - read more

Finance News

Carconnect's Administration: Impact on Australian Car Buyers
Carconnect's Administration: Impact on Australian Car Buyers
25 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
In early March 2026, Australian car-buying platform Carconnect entered voluntary administration, leaving approximately 200 customers without the vehicles they had paid for. This unexpected development has raised significant concerns about consumer protection within the online car purchasing sector. - read more
ASIC's Findings Highlight Urgent Need for Reform in Car Finance Lending Practices
ASIC's Findings Highlight Urgent Need for Reform in Car Finance Lending Practices
25 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has conducted a comprehensive review of the motor vehicle finance sector, uncovering significant concerns regarding lending practices. This examination has highlighted issues such as exorbitant establishment fees and a troubling rate of early loan defaults, raising questions about the adequacy of current lending standards. - read more
Australian Car Buyers Postpone Finance Decisions Amid Market Uncertainty
Australian Car Buyers Postpone Finance Decisions Amid Market Uncertainty
25 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent research from carsales has revealed a notable shift in the timing of car finance decisions among Australian buyers. The study indicates that only 71% of buyers have decided how they will pay for their car before beginning their search, down from 77% in previous years. This trend suggests that more consumers are postponing financing decisions until later in the purchasing process. - 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
Jumbo Loan:
A mortgage loan that exceeds the conforming loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).