Bad Credit Loans

Cash Train is a responsible short-term lender providing fast cash loans to Australians for over 20 years. We operate both online and through branches across the country, offering a simple and transparent borrowing experience.

Cash Train follows the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 and assesses every loan application carefully to ensure it is suitable for the borrower. We give our customers a fair go, without hidden fees or penalties.

• We consider applications from customers with bad credit or receiving Centrelink benefits, unlike many other lenders.
• No hidden fees and no early repayment penalties.
• Fast online applications with same-day processing in many cases.
• In-person service at branches for those who prefer face-to-face applications.

Learn more About Us here.

Yes, in many cases! At Cash Train, we consider applications from people with bad credit. While we do assess your financial situation, we focus more on your current ability to repay rather than your past credit history.

A credit check may occur, but only for personal loans with loan amounts over $2,000.

Cash Train does not conduct a credit check when you apply for a loan up to $2,000. Instead, we focus on your current financial situation, including your income, expenses, and disposable income, to determine if the loan is affordable for you. Even if you have bad credit, you may still qualify, if you can comfortably manage the repayments.

At Cash Train, the amount you could borrow depends on the type of loan and your ability to afford repayments.

We offer two types of loans:

1. Small Cash Loans (Small Amount Credit Contracts – SACCs)

• Loan Amount: $200 – $2,000
• Loan Term: 2 to 12 months
• Repayments: Fixed repayments over the loan term
• Fees: An establishment fee: 20% of the loan amount, plus a monthly fee: 4% of the loan amount

Learn more about our small loans with bad credit.

2. Personal Loans (Medium Amount Credit Contracts – MACCs)

• Loan Amount: $2,001 – $4,600
• Loan Term:
  $2,001 – $2,999: 13-month term
  $3,000 – $4,600: 15-month term
• Fees & Interest:
  Establishment fee: $400
  Interest: Fixed interest charges apply

While Cash Train makes every effort to offer loans to customers with a bad credit history, not every applicant will be eligible for a loan. However, applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, as we know that people’s current circumstances are not always indicative of past credit incidents.

Your credit rating (credit score) is managed by credit reporting agencies in Australia. You can check your credit score for free once a year from the following providers:

• Equifax – www.equifax.com.au
• Experian – www.experian.com.au
• illion – www.illion.com.au

To request your credit report, you’ll typically need to provide:

• Your full name, date of birth, and address
• A copy of your driver’s licence, passport, or Medicare card
• Any previous addresses from the past five years

Checking your credit score does not affect your rating. Reviewing your credit report can help you understand your financial history and ensure there are no errors.

Tip: For loan requests up to $2,000, Cash Train does not check your credit score, even if you have a low credit rating, you may still qualify based on your income and affordability.

Credit scores in Australia typically range from 0 to 1,200, depending on the credit reporting agency.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of credit score ranges across major agencies:

• Excellent: 800+
• Good: 625 – 799
• Fair: 500 – 624
• Poor (Bad Credit): Below 500

A bad credit score is generally considered to be below 500, but each lender has different criteria.

Cash Train may check your credit score when assessing loan applications for amounts over $2,000. However, we focus on your income, expenses, and ability to afford repayments, meaning you may still qualify even if your credit score is low.

We accept income from:

• Employment (full-time, part-time, or casual work)
• Self-employment (with proof of regular earnings)
• Centrelink benefits (such as Age Pension, DSP, FTB, Carer’s Allowance, JobSeeker)

Yes, it's possible! Cash Train considers Centrelink loan applications from individuals receiving Centrelink benefits. We assess your ability to afford repayments based on your income and expenses, rather than your credit history.

Commonly accepted Centrelink benefits include:

• Age Pension
• Disability Support Pension (DSP)
• Family Tax Benefits (FTB
• Carer’s Allowance
• JobSeeker (Newstart)

Each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure the loan is affordable and suitable for you. If you receive Centrelink as your primary income, you may still qualify if your disposable income meets our affordability criteria.

We'll give you a go!

Cash Train processes loans quickly, but the time you receive your funds depends on when you apply, how busy we are and how quickly you sign your loan agreement with us.

• Online Applications: If approved and your contract is signed early in the day, funds may be transferred the same business day.
• Branch Applications: If applying in person, you may receive cash on the spot after your loan approval.

Yes! You can pay off your loan early without any extra fees or penalties.

Phone: 1300 733 009

Online Enquiries: Contact Us

Visit a branch: Use our Branch Locator

Yes! Cash Train has branches in NSW, VIC, QLD, and TAS, where you can apply and collect your funds in person.
If you’re in SA or WA, you’ll need to apply online, as there are no branches in these states.

Find a branch near you.