Why get a personal loan?
Losing your job can be stressful, but finding a loan shouldn’t be.
At City Finance, our fast cash loans for unemployed customers are designed to help you access affordable credit solutions while you get back on your feet.
Unlike many lenders, our team assesses all loan applicants on a case-by-case basis. Those who receive payments through Centrelink, such as Pension, or JobSeeker, may still be eligible for a City Finance loan.
How online loans work
Applying for a personal loan if you’re unemployed is simple. Here’s a quick rundown on what to expect.
1. Apply online
To apply, you’ll need to fill in an online loan application. Just choose the amount you’d like to borrow, your loan repayment period and provide some personal information and proof of identity.
2. Loan approval
Our team will call you to confirm your loan application. Once you get your loan approved, we’ll send you a confirmation email and get your financial details so we can send over the money.
3. Get your money
Once approved, you should receive your money by the end of the day. However, most customers receive their cash loans even sooner. From here, you can spend it on what you please and repay the loan in set instalments.
Eligibility criteria
For our unemployed loans, all we need is proof that you’re receiving some sort of government benefits, your ID and 90-day bank statements.
To be eligible, you must:
- Receive a regular income (including wages or a Centrelink income)
- Be an Australian resident
- Be at least 18 years old or over
Why borrow money with City Finance?
We move quickly
As our team only focuses on small loans, our time isn’t stretched thin over a lot of different tasks. This means we can provide eligible applicants with an approved loan faster.*
Responsible lending practices
Unlike other lenders, we consider unemployed applicants receiving Centrelink payments and those with a poor credit history as long as they meet our eligibility criteria.
Flexible repayment period
Our friendly team can work with you to detail a repayment schedule that you can stick to and are happy to help if your circumstances change and you are unable to meet your loan repayments.
Trusted lenders
With over 20 years of experience as industry-leading credit providers, we’ve helped thousands of Australians access fast cash loans when they need it most.
Hassle-free repayments
To help you avoid late payment fees, we direct debit the payments from your nominated bank account at a frequency that suits your personal circumstances.
No hidden fees
Many people are stung by unexpected hidden fees when borrowing money. As responsible lenders, we’re committed to transparency and don’t charge fees for early pay-outs or extra repayments.
What can I use a personal loan for?
Our loans for unemployed customers can be used for basically anything, but here are some examples of why you may need one.
Car insurance or repairs
If you’re unable to afford mechanic bills or car insurance and need to drive, our loans for car insurance and repairs could help cover the costs and get you back on the road.
Internet & phone bills
From browsing job opportunities to locking in an interview – your phone is essential. Keep both your internet and phone services switched with our instant cash loans.
Medical expenses
Even with Australia’s great healthcare system, there can still be a lot of out-of-pocket medical expenses. From ambulance bills to medication costs, put your health first with our medical loans.
Electricity, gas & water bills
Hit with an unexpectedly high utility bill? Our loans for unemployed customers are designed to provide a much-needed lifeline when you’re faced with a financial emergency.
Vet bills
A sick pet can be a heartbreaking experience and vet bills can seem impossible if you’re not working. Get your furry friend the care they need with our cash loans for unemployed customers.
Home repairs
Whether you’re dealing with a caved roof, burst pipe or broken fridge – City Finance’s loans for home repairs could help you fix urgent home headaches before the situation gets worse.
Travel expenses
Just because you’re unemployed doesn’t mean you should have to miss out on having new experiences and enjoying your life. Visit family interstate or refresh with a weekend getaway with our holiday loans.
Loans for unemployed FAQs
What is a loan for unemployed people?
Unemployment loans are designed specifically to help unemployed people be granted personal loans. Unfortunately, unemployed people often find it difficult to get approval on a loan as most banks and financial institutions require a steady income from an employer.
Rather than running through a checklist or demanding extensive financial details, our team will individually take the time to assess your specific circumstances. They’ll speak with you to figure out what money you have coming in, and what expenses you need to make or pay and tailor a payment plan that works for you.
Can I get an unemployment loan with a bad credit history?
Unemployed people who also have a low credit score may find that their borrowing options are even more limited. Most Australian banks will require personal loan applicants to have a score of over 700. If your rating is lower than 700 a bank may consider this to be a “bad credit score” and deny your application as you are deemed too high risk.
At City Finance, we don’t want unemployed people to feel like they aren’t able to borrow money. We’ve approved hundreds of applications for people who are unemployed and have bad credit ratings. If you’re unemployed and/or have a bad credit history and are in need of a quick cash loan, get in touch with our friendly team to see if you’re eligible. If so, you could receive the money in your bank account the very same day.
What types of unemployed loans do you offer?
At City Finance we have two different types of personal loans for unemployed customers.
- A SACC (small amount credit contract) – This cash loan is designed for smaller payments like paying your car rego or unexpected phone bill. You could borrow between $500 and $2,000. The cost is a 20% upfront establishment fee (split across payments) and monthly fees of 4% for maintenance.
- A MACC (medium amount credit contract) – The second type of personal loan is for unemployed applicants who require a larger loan amount to pay for bigger expenses like a rental bond or emergency home repair. With a MACC you could loan between $2,001 and $5,000. You will be charged a flat upfront $400 establishment fee (split across payments) and a 48% annual percentage rate. With this option, there are no monthly fees for maintenance.
How much will I have to pay each month in repayments for my loan?
There is no set answer for this – as it will depend on how much money you borrow, your personal circumstances and the terms set out in your loan agreement. We offer loan amounts of $500 – $5000 and loan terms between six weeks and one year.
What kind of loans can I get if I’m receiving government benefits?
If you’re unemployed but are on government benefits (e.g. Centrelink payments), then you’re a prime candidate for our loans for the unemployed. These unemployed loans are specifically made for individuals receiving Centrelink. Our team will assess the amount of money that you receive as a Centrelink payment and then determine what amount you can comfortably borrow and repay.
I need money urgently, how long will it take for the loan to arrive in my bank account?
We understand that there are times with bills or payments just can’t wait. We have spent decades implementing strategies to speed up our processes to be able to provide our customers with same-day cash loans. Our staff works solely on approving and processing loans, so they’re trained in doing so very quickly. Often, we can pay a loan into your bank account on the same day that you apply for it.
What are the benefits of choosing an unemployment loan over the no-interest loans scheme provided by the government?
The NILs only offer a very small amount of money for unemployed people to borrow. This varies from state to state but is generally under $1500. Plus, this scheme has strict rules surrounding what you aren’t allowed to spend the money on. For example, in VIC the NILS can’t be used towards emergency relief, bond or rent money, living expenses or debt repayment. So, if you need money to assist with any of the above – or more than $1500 – you’re better off to go with an unemployment loan.