Applying for and obtaining a payday loan in Australia works very much the same way that it does in other countries, like the U.S. for example. You are essentially taking out a short-term loan that is supported by your paycheck as proof of income.
Procedurally, you provide the lender a personal check after proving or validating your identification, employment and pay status, and contact information. Once done, the lender holds your check provided for the loan amount. On the due date, you have a choice of paying the loan directly or the lender cashes your personal check to recoup the funds provided. The check is frequently made out for the amount of the loan plus required interest charges.
Payday loans in Australia have the same risk as elsewhere. They incur a high interest charge because the lender is taking on a risk without any collateral in case there is a default. In this respect the payday loan is a consumer loan. From the lender’s perspective the amount borrowed tends to be capped at a small amount, typically $1,500. Ergo the name “Payday Loan” as the loans borrowed typically don’t exceed what the borrower can prove he received on a regular paycheck.
Eligibility criteria tends to be fairly straightforward to get a loan. In Australia you need to be at least 18 years of age or older. You also need to be able to prove you are employed, ergo the pay stub proof requirement. Additionally, you will need to show proof that you permanently live in Australia. Many lenders have a minimum threshold of borrower income earning required as well, typically over $300 a week. And to be sure the money actually does go to the account that the held personal check is drawn upon, you will need to show that you have direct deposit of your paycheck to your account for many lenders.
Ironically, a credit history is generally not required. Lines of credit are provided based on proof of employment. Those that are self-employed typically find it harder if not impossible to get a payday loan due to an inability to show a constant paycheck.
Some lenders emphasize maximum flexibility of lending with online applications and loan approval within 60 minutes. Others require you to appear at the lending office in person at least with your documentation. There is no constant standard since so many lenders exist in Australia.
Penalties can be incurred by not paying the loan back timely. Significant interest charges compound for each month the loan is outstanding. In practice, most loans only last 30 days. If it needs to be extended, the higher charges kick in. The lenders themselves emphasize the loans only for emergency and quick needs that can be paid off in a few weeks easily. Payday loans are not advertised for long-term lending given the significant interest charges that can aggregate in a short time.
Some critics charge or assert that payday loans are substandard forms of financing which in reality result in predatory lending. Others claim payday loan outfits are just a sham stealing from the poor who need financial help.
In reality, many lenders will be the first to emphasize these loans are not for long-term needs. Using a payday loan works best when you have an unexpected financial emergency, such as an emergency medical need, and cash has to be paid to solve it. You should already know how you’re going to pay off such a loan in 30 days before applying for the funds. In this respect, people can keep themselves out of trouble and avoid the large interest charges that can otherwise occur.