Bad Credit Loans Adelaide from $3,000 to $30,000

Looking for a personal loan with bad credit?

Adelaide residents can apply for a bad credit loan from $3,000 to $30,000 with Jacaranda Finance. We're a specialist Australian lenders that consider more than just your score.

DNHQ-badCredit-headerImage

Check If You Qualify

With no impact on your credit score*!

Subject to lending criteria, terms and conditions. See below for details.

Subject to lending criteria, terms and conditions. See below for details.

Over 5,000 reviews

Trusted by thousands

Google logo 4.9/5
Word of Mouth logo 4.8/5
ProductReview logo 4.8/5
TrustPilot logo 4.7/5

What is a bad credit loan?

A bad credit loan is a personal loan that may be available to people with a low credit score, missed repayments, defaults or other negative information in their credit history. It isn't a separate type of loan, but rather a personal loan offered by lenders who may consider more than just your credit score when assessing your application.

Jacaranda Finance offers secured and unsecured personal loans to eligible Australian borrowers, including those living in Adelaide.

DNHQ-badCredit-twoColumnImage-1

Can you get a personal loan with bad credit in Adelaide?

Yes, you may be able to get a personal loan with bad credit in Adelaide. A low credit score, defaults or previous missed repayments don't automatically rule you out. At Jacaranda Finance, we consider your current financial situation and ability to afford repayments alongside your credit history. You can apply online from anywhere, including Adelaide, South Australia.

If a loan is not the right fit for your situation, we will tell you.

DNHQ-badCredit-twoColumnImage-2

What does Jacaranda Finance consider?

  • Income

    Current and consistent income

  • Spending

    Regular expenses and living costs

  • Existing commitments

    Current loans and other financial commitments

  • Banking information

    Recent financial activity used as part of the assessment

  • Credit history

    Your credit history remains part of the assessment, it isn't ignored

  • Loan purpose

    What you’re looking to use the loan for

Bad credit Personal Loan amounts, rates and fees

Rates and fees vary by product and individual assessment. Before accepting any offer, you'll see the applicable interest rate, fees, repayments and total cost.

Loan amount
$3,000 - $30,000
Loan terms
25 to 48 months
Interest rate
Fixed for the life of the loan
Repayment cycle
Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
Early repayment
No early repayment fees
Cooling-off period
48 hours on every loan4

Our Rates & Fees

Our loans are designed to be fast, fair, and, above all, affordable, with no hidden fees. See the table below for a quick guide to our charges, or visit our fees page to learn more. For detailed information about who our products are designed for, please review our Target Market Determinations.

Interest Rate
Comparison Rate
Loan Term
Repayment Cycle
Secured or
Unsecured
Establishment Fees
Monthly Fees
Risk Fee
Comparison Rate Warning*
  • Unsecured
    Personal Loan
    $3,000 - $15,000
    Interest Rate
    27.95% - 29.95%
    Comparison Rate
    44.50% - 46.50%
    Loan Term
    25 - 36 months
    Repayment Cycle
    Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
    Secured or
    Unsecured
    Unsecured
    Establishment Fees
    $13.50 - $990
    Monthly Fees
    $26 p/month
    Risk Fee
    $0 - $1,295
    Comparison Rate Warning*
    The comparison rate is based on $10,000 over 36 months. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate.
  • Secured
    Personal Loan
    $3,000 - $30,000
    Interest Rate
    14.95% - 29.95%
    Comparison Rate
    30.98% - 45.50%
    Loan Term
    25 - 48 months
    Repayment Cycle
    Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
    Secured or
    Unsecured
    Secured
    Establishment Fees
    $125 - $1,190
    Monthly Fees
    $26 p/month
    Risk Fee
    $0 - $995
    Comparison Rate Warning*
    The comparison rate is based on $10,000 over 36 months. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate.
  • Unsecured
    Personal Loan
    $3,000 - $15,000
    Interest Rate
    27.95% - 29.95%
    Comparison Rate
    44.50% - 46.50%
    Loan Term
    25 - 36 months
    Secured or
    Unsecured
    Unsecured
    Monthly Fees
    $26 p/month
    Repayment Cycle
    Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
    Establishment Fees
    $13.50 - $990
    Risk Fee
    $0 - $1,295
    The comparison rate is based on $10,000 over 36 months. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate.
  • Secured
    Personal Loan
    $3,000 - $30,000
    Interest Rate
    14.95% - 29.95%
    Comparison Rate
    30.98% - 45.50%
    Loan Term
    25 - 48 months
    Secured or
    Unsecured
    Secured
    Monthly Fees
    $26 p/month
    Repayment Cycle
    Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
    Establishment Fees
    $125 - $1,190
    Risk Fee
    $0 - $995
    The comparison rate is based on $10,000 over 36 months. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate.

We don't have a loan repayment calculator

We offer something better.

Repayment calculators can only provide estimates. By sharing a few details about yourself, you could check what you qualify for without impacting your credit score*.

In just a few minutes, see which loan products you could be eligible for, how much you could borrow, your available loan terms and estimated repayments.

Funds in 60 seconds3

Once approved and you've accepted your loan contract, most customers get paid in 60 seconds.

Apply by 3:00pm with everything we need, and you could get your loan outcome that same day - simple as that.

Unsatisfied with your loan? You can return the total principal funds, including any payments made to third parties on your behalf within the 48-hour cooling-off period and cancel your loan.

It’s easy to get started...

What are you after?
Loan amount $15,000
$3,000 $30,000
Loan term (months)

Please note that loans exceeding $15,000 or with Loan Terms of 48 months will require security in the form of a registered motor vehicle you own.

When a personal loan makes sense, and when it does not

 

It may not suit you if

  • You are currently struggling to meet your existing repayments
  • You are looking to borrow to cover ongoing living expenses rather than a specific cost
  • You may have other options, such as a no interest loan, arranging a payment plan with your existing provider, or accessing a Centrelink advance payment if you're eligible
  • You have been bankrupt in the past three years, or you are currently in an active debt agreement

It may suit you if

  • You have a defined, practical cost to cover and a clear plan to repay it
  • Your credit history may have been affected by past events, but your finances are now more stable
  • You can comfortably afford the repayments alongside your rent or mortgage, bills and living costs
  • You have been declined by a bank on credit score alone
  • Your credit score is 1 or above6

Cheaper options worth checking first

Borrowing is not always the right answer to a cost, and it is worth comparing before you commit to any amount. Free and independent help is available. The National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 offers free financial counselling. ASIC's Moneysmart explains how no interest loan schemes work for people on lower incomes. If you receive an eligible Centrelink payment, Services Australia may be able to provide an advance payment from your own future payments. And if the cost is a bill from an existing provider, asking them for a payment plan often costs nothing at all.

What counts as bad credit in Australia?

There is no single official definition, but credit reporting bodies publish score bands. Equifax, the largest credit bureau in Australia, uses a 0 to 1,200 scale for its Equifax Score.

Source: Equifax. Experian and Equifax use different scales, so a score from one bureau will not match another.

Equifax score bands

Excellent
853 - 1,200
Very Good
735 - 852
Good
661 - 734
Average
460 - 660
Below Average
0 - 459

Am I eligible for a loan with Jacaranda Finance?

Am I eligible for a Loan with Jacaranda Finance? 

You must meet the following basic eligibility criteria before submitting an application:

  • Be at least 19 years of age
  • Be employed on a permanent or casual basis, with consistent income for 90 days
  • Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a temporary visa in one of our eligible visa subclasses with a fixed address.

  • Have an active email address, phone number, & online banking details in your name.
  • Be in control of your current finances and handling existing financial commitments comfortably.
You can check if you qualify initially if you aren’t sure whether you're eligible. This won’t impact your credit score*.
Information you will need to provide:
  • Basic personal information (i.e. full name, address, D.O.B, number of dependants etc.)
  • Employment status & details
  • Your bank statements*: we will assess the last 12 months of your bank statements to help determine if you can afford to repay your loan.

*This is standard procedure for loan applications across the industry. Data is safely secured with 256-bit SSL encryption. We utilise safe and secure third-party Open Banking service providers to make this quick and easy for you.

Our guide explains how we read your bank statements and what we are looking for. If you hold an eligible temporary visa, our personal loans for temporary residents page covers what else applies.

Meeting the criteria above does not guarantee approval or any particular amount. It is the starting point for an assessment, not the outcome of one.

How Jacaranda Finance assesses your application

When you apply for a personal loan in Adelaide, we consider more than just your credit score. As part of our assessment, Jacaranda Finance will consider your current income, regular expenses, existing financial commitments and your ability to comfortably afford repayments, alongside your credit history.

DNHQ-personalLoans-twoColumnImage-2-1

Why we don't offer guaranteed approval or no credit check loans

Some of the most common loan searches in Australia are for guaranteed approval or no credit check loans. It is worth being direct about what those terms mean.

Every lender holding an Australian Credit Licence is bound by the responsible lending obligations in the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009. Those obligations require an assessment of whether a loan is suitable and affordable for the individual applicant.

Checking whether you qualify with Jacaranda Finance has no impact on your credit score.* If you proceed to a full application, we may carry out a credit check, and that enquiry is recorded on your credit file for five years.
We do not offer no credit check loans. What we do is weigh your credit history alongside your current circumstances, rather than treating it as the only factor.

If a lender advertises guaranteed approval or no credit checks, it is worth confirming they hold an Australian Credit Licence and are a member of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority before you provide any personal information. You can check a credit licence on ASIC Connect and membership on the AFCA member directory.

Jacaranda Finance holds Australian Credit Licence 456404 and is a member of AFCA.

What goes on your credit file, and for how long

Your credit score is influenced by information in your credit report, including credit applications, repayment history and defaults. In Australia, your credit report is governed by the Privacy Act 1988. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner determines how long each type of information can stay on file. Repayment history is the most heavily weighted part of your score, and remains on your file for up to 2 years.

You can request a free copy of your credit report from each credit reporting body every three months.

How long it stays on your report

Repayment history
2 years
Financial hardship information
1 year
Defaults
5 years
Credit enquiries (applications)
5 years
Court judgments
5 years
Serious credit infringements
7 years
Bankruptcy
The later of 5 years from the day you became bankrupt, or 2 years from the day you were no longer bankrupt
Debt agreements
The later of 5 years from the day the agreement was made, or 2 years from the day it ended

How to apply for a personal loan in Adelaide

  • Step 1
    Get a quote

    Learn what you could borrow without impacting your credit score*.

  • STEP 2
    Receive a same-day outcome2

    Apply with everything we need, and you could get your loan outcome that same day2.

  • STEP 3
    Money in 60 secs3

    Once approved and you've accepted your loan contract, most customers get paid in 60 seconds3.

How does a personal loan affect your credit report?

At Jacaranda Finance, you can get a quote with no impact on your credit score*. If you decide to proceed, we may carry out a hard credit check and this enquiry could stay on your credit file for up to five years. For more information, visit our guide to applying for a loan.

Jacaranda Finance participates in Comprehensive Credit Reporting (CCR), which means consistently making repayments on time could improve your credit score. On the other hand, missed or late payments could appear in your credit report and may result in your credit score decreasing.

DNHQ-personalLoans-twoColumnImage-5-1

An Australian lender, regulated and accountable

Australian Credit Licence 456404 · Regulated by ASIC · Member of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) · 100% Australian-owned and operated.

Back-to-back 2025 & 2026 WeMoney Award Winner - Personal Loans, Car Loans and Accessible Credit.

Jacaranda Finance is a specialist Australian lender providing fixed-rate personal loans and car loans. Jacaranda Finance is not a bank, payday lender, wage-advance provider, Buy Now Pay Later provider or loan broker.

+
Australians helped.
hr
cooling-off period.
+
years lending.
/5
average Google rating.

Award-winning lender

  • Finder 2024 Award Winner logo
  • Finder 2025 Award Finalist logo
  • Great Place to Work 2025
  • Product Review Award 2026
  • WeMoney Awards 2025
  • WeMoney Awards 2026
Over 5,000 reviews

Trusted By 1,000s

Google logo 4.9/5
Word of Mouth logo 4.8/5
ProductReview logo 4.8/5
TrustPilot logo 4.7/5
  • Google Logo
    Brendan Lau88 - Google Review
    Brendan Lau88 Rated Jacaranda Finance 5 out of 5 stars
    Excellent 5 STAR customer service and always available with a quick response. Very happy with advice and the fantastic service provided. Quick, hassle free and easy. Thank you.
  • Google Logo
    Shaan Johari - Google Review
    Shaan Johari Rated Jacaranda Finance 5 out of 5 stars
    Super easy and fast system, applying was seamless and money was instant!
  • Google Logo
    naomie falconer - Google Review
    naomie falconer Rated Jacaranda Finance 5 out of 5 stars
    Jacaranda is always helpful, wonderful customer service every time. Contact is easy and quick.
  • Google Logo
    Nathan Ross - Google Review
    Nathan Ross Rated Jacaranda Finance 5 out of 5 stars
    Brilliant service and quick action during application process the best there can be when it comes to quick loans.
  • Google Logo
    Dianita Miguel - Google Review
    Dianita Miguel Rated Jacaranda Finance 5 out of 5 stars
    It is easy to apply online, fast, reliable and they will try to help you as much as they can. I can recommend it to my friends and relatives. Thank you very much.
Frequently asked questions

Adelaide Bad Credit Loan FAQs

Yes, you could be approved for a personal loan even if you have bad credit. Jacaranda Finance doesn't rely on your credit score alone. We use smart technology to assess your application, then separately check your credit history, whether repayments are manageable and whether the loan meets your needs.

Yes. Your credit score is one part of the assessment process, but it doesn't decide your application on its own. We also assess your credit history, whether repayments are manageable and whether the loan meets your needs.

No. Lending criteria, interest rates and fees are the same across Australia. Your application is assessed on your individual circumstances, not your location.

Apply by 2:30pm ACST or 3:30pm ACDT and you'll receive a same-day outcome2 on your application. Funds delivered in 60 seconds if approved3.

Yes, you may be able to use a Jacaranda Finance personal loan to cover a rental bond in Adelaide. Our personal loans could help with upfront rental costs, including your bond, rent in advance and moving expenses.

No. Jacaranda Finance does not offer guaranteed approval. Every application is subject to eligibility, assessment and lending criteria, and no single check decides the outcome.

Need a Hand?

Contact us

Our customer service team is available six days a week. If you have a question before you apply, during the process or after you have taken out a loan, you can reach us directly.