Utility bills
A quarterly bill that landed larger than the last one, or several that arrived in the same fortnight.
Talk to your provider first
Energy and water retailers in Australia are required to offer hardship arrangements, and asking for one does not affect your credit file. A payment plan, a bill smoothing arrangement, or a concession you were not claiming will usually cost you nothing, borrowing to pay a bill you could have spread for free is the more expensive path.
When a loan makes sense
When the plan on offer still leaves a shortfall, or when disconnection is imminent and the arrangement will not move quickly enough. It is a gap-filler here, not a first resort.
What we look at
Recent repayment history and the fit between the repayments and your pay cycle. If more than a small share of your income already goes to short-term credit, we will decline, that limit is set by regulation, not by us.
What to have ready
- The bill, including the due date and any disconnection notice
- What your provider offered when you asked about a payment plan
- Online access to the bank account your income is paid into
Amounts, terms and the fees that apply are set out in full on our loan types page, and the exact cost of your loan is disclosed before you sign.
See amounts, terms and feesAlso common