USA! USA!

Travel Loans for the United States

  • Borrow between $2,100 and $25,000
  • Apply in minutes1 with same-day outcomes2
  • Repay your way with loan terms up to 48 months
  • Weekend approvals available!

The United States of America (USA) loves freedom, and so do we at Jacaranda Finance. Apply for one of our travel loans and be free to explore the United States with your funding secured.

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Why travel to the United States?

After being decimated by COVID-19, international travel is roaring back for Australians. And once again, the United States of America is one of our destinations of choice. According to the latest available data from the United States National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO), as many as 1.14 million Australians travelled to America in 2019. That's almost 5% of our population!

While it might seem like you can't avoid hearing about the USA sometimes, there are many reasons why it's worth going to at least once in your life. The US an incredibly diverse melting pot of a country, with each of the 50 states being different to the next. You could visit two different states and feel like you're in a completely different country!

From its amazing natural beauty, iconic man-made landmarks, history, food and entertainment on offer, the USA could be ideal for your next overseas holiday.

What is a travel loan?

A travel loan, or holiday loan, is simply a personal loan used to pay for travel expenses. According to our data, holidays and travel are commonly listed as one of the most popular reasons for taking out a loan, with customers using them to pay for some of the following:

  • Flight costs
  • Accommodation
  • Travel insurance
  • Transport and car hires
  • Tours and activities
  • Activities and events

By borrowing a lump sum to be repaid in manageable instalments with a travel loan, you know exactly what your trip will cost before you even leave the country with a travel loan.

About our United States travel loans

Got the itch to explore the US, but don't fancy using your hard-earned savings all at once? Jacaranda has got you covered with our travel loans for the United States. Our express holiday loans can provide up to $25,000 and loan terms as long as 48 months.

With rapid 5-12 minute applications1, same-day approvals2 and 60-second transfers3 available 100% online, you could have the money you need for your dream American holiday before you can say 'Aye, I'm walkin' here!'.

See below for more information on how our application process works or click here if you're ready to get started!

4.9/5
Google Rating
2,660+ Reviews
4.8/5
Word of Mouth
880+ Reviews
4.7/5
Product Review
1,790+ Reviews
4.8/5
Trustpilot
880+ Reviews

United States travel loan details

Loan Amounts:

$2,100 to $25,000

Loan Terms:

9 months to 48 months

Loan Type:

Secured and unsecured

Rate type:

Fixed

Repayment Options:

Weekly, fortnightly or monthly

No Early Payout or Exit Fees:

Customers who pay their loan out early do not incur any additional fees or charges for doing so. Fixed fees that have already been incurred are due and payable.

This is not an offer for credit. The amount you can borrow as well as the offer you receive may vary once you complete an application and all relevant details are captured and verified. Fees, credit criteria and terms and conditions apply. Example tables and calculators are illustrative only and are not intended to be your sole source of information when making a financial decision. Consider whether to get advice from a licensed financial adviser.

THE LOAN PROCESS

How does the application process work?

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1. Submit your application

This is done 100% online and it’s fast and simple. If you’re fast with your fingers it could take as little as 5-12 minutes1 to complete, but it could take longer depending on a number of factors such as how fast you are at typing or if you have all the required information on hand.

Alternatively, if you like to take things slow, fill in the application at your own pace from anywhere in Australia on any device as long as you have the internet.

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2. We’ll do a credit assessment

For most customers, we verify the information you provide us and get back to you with an outcome on your application on the same day2 during normal business hours. If you pass the credit assessment and we can assist you, we’ll send a loan offer for you to review.

We do not guarantee same-day outcomes for all customers: customers that apply outside of business hours or customers that are required to provide additional information may experience a longer timeframe.

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3. Review your loan offer

Once you have been approved and have accepted our offer by signing your digital contract, we automatically attempt to release the money to your bank account. Most customers have a New Payments Platform (NPP) bank account and receive the money in their bank account within 60 seconds.3

You must have an NPP-enabled bank account. For customers without an NPP-enabled bank account (or the instant payment fails), the money will be available overnight on weekdays and overnight the following business day if approved on a weekend or public holiday.

How much does it cost to travel to the United States from Australia?

A holiday in the US can get quite expensive, and we're not just talking about flights and accommodation. The cost of food, drink, transport, entertainment and of course, tipping, can quickly add up, although the cost of your trip will depend on a range of different factors.

Based on data from NTTO, the average Australian spends about 18.8 nights in the US, with an average spend of $4,068 USD per trip. As of February 2023, that's just shy of $6,000 Australian dollars!

Budget Your Trip meanwhile recommends budgeting around $318 for each day you spend in the US (per person). For your flights, a quick glance at various flight comparison websites shows you can expect to pay around $800 - $1,000 at a minimum for a budget economy return trip. During peak travel times you can easily fork out several thousand.

According to Skyscanner, the cheapest flight found to the US from Australia is just $455 (February 2023), and October is the cheapest month to fly.

The average cost of travel to the United States

One week (AUD)

Two weeks (AUD)

One month (AUD)

For one person

$2,224

$4,450

$9,535

For a couple

$4,450

$8,899

$19,070

Source: budgetyourtrip.com, accurate as at 20 February 2023. Dollar amounts are based on 'mid-range' travellers.

What to do/see in the United States

The United States is the third-most popular tourist destination in the world, sitting just behind France and Mexico according to the World Tourism Organisation. It's pretty easy to see why: with 50 states, there's an overwhelming amount of things to do.

While it's impossible to fit everything into the one trip (unless you've got years on your hands), we've compiled a list of some of the top things to do and see in the good old US of A.

Explore New York City

One of the most famous cities in the world, New York could occupy your whole trip by itself, and you still might not get through everything! Some of the most popular tourist spots include:

  • Times Square
  • Central Park
  • The Empire State Building
  • The Statue of Liberty
  • The 9/11 Memorial

And more.

See the Grand Canyon

Located in Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Colorado and stretching for 447 kilometres, the Grand Canyon is one of the natural wonders of the world for good reason. The Grand Canyon is also as wide as 29 kilometres and as deep as nearly two kilometres, so it offers some truly stunning views.

Visitors can take in the stunning views on hiking trails, from helicopter rides, or from viewpoints along the rim.

Tour the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Home to many of the nation's most famous landmarks including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the White House, the National Mall is a must-visit for history and culture lovers.

Experience the magic of Disney World

*disclaimer: not sponsored by Disney

Disney World is a favourite destination for families around the world, so why not stop by if you're in Florida? Disney World is so massive you can easily spend several nights in nearby accommodations while you enjoy the rides and entertainment during the day.

Visit Hawaii

With its stunning beaches, lush greenery and unique culture, Hawaii is a popular destination for relaxation and outdoor adventure. There's plenty on offer for history buffs too, such as the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

Drive down Route 66

The historic Route 66 spans over 2,400 miles across the United States and passes through multiple iconic destinations, including Chicago, Grand Canyon, and Santa Monica. So why not rent an oversized pickup truck and burn rubber down one of the world's most famous roads?

Las Vegas baby!

Las Vegas is arguably the best place in the world to go if you're keen to indulge in the type of behaviour you can't get away with at work. Home to some of the world's most famous hotels, casinos and restaurants, you're guaranteed a fun time in Sin City. Vegas also has a constant rotation of some A-list shows and performances if you're looking to be entertained.

Honourable mentions

It could literally take hours to list down everything memorable you could do across the United States, but here's a small shortlist we've managed to narrow them down to:

  • San Francisco (Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge etc.)
  • See a show on Broadway
  • The museums of Chicago (Mainly the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, and the Museum of Science and Industry)
  • San Diego Zoo
  • The National WWII Museum (New Orleans)
  • Yellowstone National Park
  • The Museum of the American Revolution (Philadelphia)

Health and safety concerns when travelling to the United States

The United States Capitol. Washington, D.C.

Despite being the world's most advanced economy, the USA isn't a perfect place by any means. While the government's Smartraveler website recommends taking 'normal safety precautions', there are some very real dangers to be aware of as a tourist in America.

Some of the more likely things to be mindful of when travelling to the US include:

  • Crime: America has higher rates of violent crime than Australia. As a large country, some areas have higher rates of crime than others. Visitors should take precautions and do their research on the place they're visiting.
  • Gun violence and terrorism: According to Smartraveller, Mass shootings and active shooter events can and do occur. There is a heightened threat of terrorist attacks and mass casualty violence in the US. Taking time to learn active shooter drills might not be a bad idea when visiting the US.
  • Traffic safety: Traffic accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in the United States. Be aware of local driving laws, wear seat belts, and avoid driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Natural disasters: The United States is prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and wildfires. Be aware of local weather conditions and listen to local authorities.
  • Healthcare costs: Healthcare costs in the United States can be extremely high, and Australia does not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the US. That means Medicare won't cover you for anything like it would in, say, New Zealand. Visitors should ensure that they have appropriate travel insurance to cover any medical expenses they may incur.
  • Civil unrest: Although unlikely to be dangerous, avoid areas where demonstrations and protests are occurring.
  • COVID-19: Coronavirus is still an ongoing concern in the US, and transmission occurs regularly.

Always check local sources before travelling to check the safety/weather conditions so you can be prepared. You should also make sure you know the local emergency services number (911) and the numbers of the Australian consulate/embassy.

The United States Capitol. Washington, D.C.

Thinking of going somewhere else?

There are plenty of other places you can go besides the USA! Check out our pages on some of the top tourist destinations for Aussies by clicking the links provided to read some detailed information on each one:

Not flying overseas?

We also offer loans for domestic airfares and cruises!

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Am I eligible for a Jacaranda loan?

The basic eligibility criteria you must meet before submitting an application:
  • Be at least 19 years of age.
  • Be employed on a permanent or casual basis.
  • Have a consistent income going into your own bank account for the last 90 days.
  • Be in control of your finances and be handling existing financial commitments comfortably.
  • Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident with a fixed address.
  • Have an active email address, phone number, and online banking account in your name that belongs to you.
We accept a wider range of credit history than a bank or a prime lender, but we do not recommend submitting an application if:
  • You are currently or recently bankrupt (you must be three years discharged and in control of your finances)
  • You are not comfortably repaying your existing financial obligations
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See all FAQs

United States travel loan FAQs

Need to know more about how or loans work before you head to the US? Check out some of our most frequently asked questions below.

Jacaranda offers three loan products with varying loan amounts that you could borrow:

For detailed information about who our products are designed for, please review our Target Market Determinations.

Use our loan repayment estimate calculator to get a guide on what your repayments could be. To get an idea of what rates, fees and charges are associated with our loan products, visit our rates and fees page.

The interest rate, fees and charges applied to your loan will depend on your individual circumstances and the information verified during the loan assessment. It will also depend on our assessment criteria and the loan product, loan amount and loan term you qualify for.

Use our loan repayment estimate calculator to get a guide on what your repayments could be. To get an idea of what rates, fees and charges are associated with our loan products, visit our rates and fees page.

We use the information you provide in the online application form as well as information on your bank statements to make sure that you qualify for a loan product during our credit assessment. If you don't qualify, your application will be declined without a credit check being conducted.

Once we have verified that you meet our non-credit report-related criteria, we do perform a credit check as part of our credit assessment, where an inquiry will be left on your credit file.

We will never perform a credit check without your express consent, which you provide to us when you apply for a loan with Jacaranda Finance. We store your acknowledgement and consent for seven years, and it can be supplied on demand.

There are four credit reporting bodies that we may use to conduct a credit check:

  • Equifax
  • Experian
  • illion
  • Talefin

Review our Privacy Policy for more information.

Our loan application process has been designed to be as simple and quick as possible, as we know how important it is to receive your funds in a timely manner. How quickly you can apply for a personal loan and receive your funds will depend on your situation.

Applying for a loan with Jacaranda Finance takes most people 5-12 minutes1, but it could take longer depending on a number of factors such as but not limited to how fast you are at typing or if you have all the required information on hand.

After applying, most customers get an outcome on their loan application on the same day during normal business hours once we have received all of the supporting information we require. We do not guarantee same-day outcomes for all customers.2

Once an applicant has been approved and they have signed a contract, we automatically attempt to release the money to the applicant's bank account. Most customers have a New Payments Platform (NPP) bank account and receive the money in their bank account within 60 seconds. For other customers, the money will be available overnight on weekdays and overnight the following business day if approved on a weekend or public holiday.3

Repayments on your loan are automatically set up to be deducted via direct debit from your bank account in line with your pay cycle.

Provided you are meeting your minimum contractual repayments, you can change the date of your direct debit payments, make extra repayments, change your bank account details and more from either the FastMoney app or online portal.

Download the app on the Google or Apple store today.

Read more: Personal Loan Repayments 101.

A loan with Jacaranda Finance is a flexible option you can use to pay for some of life's biggest expenses: planned or unexpected.

Here are some of the most common reasons our customers take out a loan:

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Need a hand?
Our customer service team are here to help.

If you have any questions, whether you're a new customer or an existing one - our friendly customer service team will be happy to help you. Our customer service team is 100% Australian-based in Brisbane: at Jacaranda, you speak to a real human being every time.