Can I use a personal loan to pay off
my credit card?

young woman avoiding credit card onlinefraud

If you’re finding it hard to keep up with credit card repayments, you’re not alone. One option some people consider is using a personal loan to consolidate their outgoings into a single repayment. This article explains how that might work and what to think about before making a decision.

Why some people consider it

Here are a few reasons people explore this option:

  • Simplified repayments: One regular repayment instead of managing multiple credit card bills
  • Fixed term: Personal loans usually have a set end date, which can help with budgeting
  • Potential cost savings: Depending on the interest rate and fees, a personal loan may cost less over time than ongoing credit card interest

What is debt consolidation

Debt consolidation means combining multiple repayments into a single one. In this case, it could involve using a personal loan to pay off your credit card balance. You would then repay the personal loan in regular instalments over a set term.

Things to consider

Before applying for a personal loan to pay off credit card debt, it’s important to think about:

Interest rates and fees

Compare the total cost of the loan, including any establishment or monthly fees.

Loan term

A longer term may reduce your monthly repayments but increase the total interest paid.

Discipline

If you continue using your credit card after consolidating, you could end up with more debt.

Credit score

Applying for a new loan may affect your credit score in the short term.

You should carefully consider these factors in order for you to determine whether a personal loan is right for you.

How Pepper Money may be able to help

At Pepper Money, we offer personal loans for a range of real-life needs, including debt consolidation. We look at more than just your credit score and consider your full financial story.

To learn more, visit our personal loans page or speak with a lending specialist on 137 377.

Vasè Marcevska Pepper Money  Head of Direct Sales – Mortgages and Personal

Contributor | Vasè Marcevska, Head of Direct Sales – Mortgages and Personal Loans

Vasè has over 16 years of experience in the Banking and Finance sector, specifically within the Third Party and Consumer lending industry. Her expertise now focuses on enhancing our Customer program through a deep understanding of mortgage origination and service excellence across our Financial products.
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Information provided is factual information only and is not intended to imply any recommendation about any financial product(s) or constitute tax advice. If you require financial or tax advice you should consult a licensed financial or tax adviser.

All applications for credit are subject to credit assessment, eligibility criteria and lending limits. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply. 

Loan repayment terms range from 18 to 84 months for secured loans. Repayment terms range from 18 to 36 months for unsecured loans between $5000 and $7,999, and 18 to 84 months for unsecured loans from $8,000 to $40,000.

EXAMPLE: An unsecured personal loan of $30,000 borrowed over a term of 5 years with the minimum interest rate of 7.95% p.a. (9.56% p.a. comparison rate), would equate to an estimated minimum total amount payable of $38,610 via the weekly payment option (including a $495 establishment fee and $13 per month administration fee). Rates are subject to change.

Pepper Money Personal Loans is a brand of Pepper Money Limited. Credit is provided by Now Finance Group Pty Ltd, Australian Credit Licence Number 425142 as agent for NF Finco 2 Pty Limited ACN 164 213 030. Personal information for Pepper Money Personal Loans is collected, used and disclosed in accordance with Pepper’s Privacy Policy & the credit provider’s Privacy Policy.

Pepper Money Limited ABN 55 094 317 665; AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 286655 (“Pepper”). All rights reserved. Pepper is the servicer of home loans provided by Pepper Finance Corporation Limited ABN 51 094 317 647. Pepper Asset Finance Pty Limited ACN 165 183 317 Australian Credit Licence 458899 is the credit provider for asset finance loans.

Pepper and the Pepper Money logo are registered trademarks of Pepper Group Assets (Australia) Pty Limited and are used under licence.

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