What are payday loans?

Payday loans, also known as cash loans, small loans, micro loans and short-term loans, are sometimes used as a short-term solution for cash-strapped individuals. They are amounts of up to $2000, with loan terms of up to a year, and have historically attracted very high fees. They have incurred the wrath of both government and lending watchdogs for the extraordinary amounts consumers have been known to repay. Sometimes it’s up to a few hundred per cent of the original borrowing amount. As such, they should be viewed as loans of last resort.

Why do people take out payday loans?

• Financial emergencies, such as short term shortfalls;
• Payday loans often have a very quick approval time;
• They are often directly paid into the borrower’s back account.

What is the problem with payday loans?

According to an Australian Securities and Investments Commission investigation, “consumers of payday loans were charged costs that, given their financial position, put them at risk of an ongoing cycle of disadvantage that reduced the potential for financial and social inclusion”.

The charges associated with payday loans are often extraordinary. In one instance, reported by ASIC, a consumer was charged more than 800 per cent interest on a washing machine, which meant they spent more than $3000 on a product worth little over $300.

Has anything changed to make payday loans safer?

In the last couple of years, an increasing number of provisions have been introduced to try to protect consumers from predatory lending practices, such as restrictions on very short loan terms, restrictions of multiple loans in a 90-day period and the addition of new warnings and disclosures. Lenders can now charge a maximum of 20 per cent as an establishment fee and 4 per cent a month on the loan amount. However, that is still significant and the onus is on the consumer to be prudent about the suitability and dangers associated with payday lending.

Below are a couple of examples of how much a shorter and a slightly longer term payday loan could cost:

Alternatives to payday loans 

Given the high interest rates and fees associated with payday loans, prudent borrowers should explore alternatives before going down the path of cash loans. Here are some other options that are sometimes explored before cash loans:

• Centrelink advance – Centrelink recipients should investigate the possibility of a payment advance if they are having trouble paying bills or other expenses. Sometimes there are intermediary services on offer.
• Low interest rate credit card – While credit cards still charge interest, there are cards that offer significantly lower rates than payday loans.
• Personal loans – Some personal loans cater to borrowers with one off expenses at a lower rate of interest than they would get for a payday loan.
• Ask for an extension – some providers offer extensions for people who are having financial difficulties. Before seeking a loan of last resort, it’s worth inquiring about whether there are other options for people who are unable to pay their bills or for an immediate repair.

Where to get help?

If you are having financial difficulties, there are always places to turn for help. As a starting point, call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007, which is open Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 4.30pm and is free. More support is available here. 

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