Finance 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

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.


Finance Articles

The Great Debate: Pros and Cons of Refinancing Your Home Loan
The Great Debate: Pros and Cons of Refinancing Your Home Loan
In recent years, refinancing has emerged as a popular financial strategy for many Australian homeowners. With the housing market's dynamic nature and fluctuating interest rates, more people are considering the benefits of refinancing their home loans. This trend is not surprising, as refinancing can potentially reduce monthly payments, secure lower interest rates, and assist with debt consolidation. - read more
Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Personal Loan in Australia
Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Personal Loan in Australia
Personal loans are a type of financing option that individuals can use to fund various personal expenses. Unlike mortgages or car loans, they aren't earmarked for a specific purpose, giving borrowers more flexibility in how they use the funds. These loans are usually unsecured, which means you don’t have to provide collateral to borrow money. - read more
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

Finance News

Interest Rate Increases: Challenges for First Home Buyers in 2026
Interest Rate Increases: Challenges for First Home Buyers in 2026
10 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent interest rate hikes by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) have introduced new challenges for first home buyers, affecting borrowing capacity and market confidence. - read more
Surge in Personal Loans as Australians Grapple with Rising Living Costs
Surge in Personal Loans as Australians Grapple with Rising Living Costs
09 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
In the first quarter of 2026, Australians have borrowed a record $5.1 billion in personal loans, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This significant increase reflects the mounting financial pressures faced by households due to escalating living costs. - read more
Australian Government Fast-Tracks $6.15 Billion to Bolster Business Resilience
Australian Government Fast-Tracks $6.15 Billion to Bolster Business Resilience
09 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
In response to ongoing global disruptions affecting local industries, the Australian government has expedited the release of $6.15 billion in concessional capital to support businesses. This initiative aims to protect manufacturing and supply chain enterprises from market volatility and to encourage investments in production capacity and decarbonisation efforts. - 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
Monetary Policy:
The actions of a central bank or other regulatory authority that determine the size and rate of growth of the money supply.