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Cash Advance Vs Payday Loans: What’s the Difference

Can’t decide whether to take out a cash advance or payday loan? Given how may financial options are now available, finding the right one for your circumstances can be a confusing process. Cash advance loans and payday loans both have different benefits and conditions. To help you make the right decision, learn more about each type of loan below.

What is a Cash Advance?

Cash advances provide a fast way of acquiring a loan when you don’t have money to pay for something essential. This type of loan is suitable if you need a small amount of money urgently. Often referred to as a short-term loan, a cash advance loan can be taken out through your existing credit card.

Got a broken down car? Need emergency home renovations? Or maybe you’ve just received an unexpected medical bill? If your savings won’t cover the cost, a cash advance loan may be your best option.

Before applying for a cash advance, make sure your lender is legit and not a scammer. You should also check the terms and conditions of your loan to familiarise yourself with the repayment process. Find out what the interest rate is and if there are any penalties for missed repayments. Only take out the loan if you think you can manage the repayments.

What is a Payday Loan?

In Australia, payday loans are short-term loans that typically lend small amounts (usually between $100 and $2,000). You can take out a payday loan and get access to funds on the same day if you’re running out of cash.

Charges and fees on payday loans are capped by the government in Australia. Generally, the fees included in a payday loan include:

  • Establishment fee (20% of the loan amount)
  • Monthly account keeping fee (4% of the loan amount)
  • Government charge
  • Default fee
  • Enforcement expenses.

Lenders are not permitted to charge interest on the loan.

Payday loans can be deposited directly into your bank account or deducted from your salary. Your reimbursements will normally be deducted on the day you get your paycheque, so ensure there is sufficient money in your bank account to avoid defaulting on your loan.

What’s the Difference Between a Cash Advance and Payday Loan?

Now that you know more about each loan, we can explain some of the key points of difference when it comes to cash advance vs payday loans.

Borrowing Limits

Cash advance loans have pre-set borrowing limits and can usually be accessed at any time. You may be suited to this type of loan if you’re not sure how much money you’ll need. It’s like a credit card, providing you with access to funds whenever you need extra cash. After you’ve repaid a cash advance loan, you may be able to withdraw money again if you need more funds later.

A payday loan gives you a lump sum, which can be helpful if you need a one-off amount. Payday loans can be used for all kinds of things, such as home repairs and renovations, medical costs, debt consolidation and holidays.

Repayments and Interest

Both loan types entail regular repayments. Cash advance loans are usually paid back in monthly repayments, with charges depending on the borrowed amount, your previous balance, accruing interest, and other factors.

The interest rate on a payday loan can be fixed, where it remains stable throughout the loan term. It’s also possible to get a variable interest rate with payday loans, which means the amount of interest can rise or fall depending on market rates.

Loan Terms

Cash advances have no set term and you can borrow again after the funds (plus interest) have been repaid. You’ll repay a set amount or around 2% of your monthly balance, whichever is greater.

In contrast, payday loans have a fixed term and must be repaid in full by the end of the loan term. Your monthly repayments will be set out in the loan contract, so you’ll know how much will need to be paid back each month. The interest rate on a cash advance, given the added convenience, can be slightly higher than on a payday loan.

If you found this article useful, check out some of our other blog posts for more financial tips that can help you achieve your goals.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that Cigno Loans’ articles do not replace advice from an accountant or financial advisor. All information provided is intended to be used as a guide only, as it does not take into account your personal financial situation or needs. If you require assistance, it is recommended that you consult a licensed financial or tax advisor.

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Cigno is a business name of FTA Data Solutions Pty Ltd ABN 95 670 814 221.

FTA Data Solutions Pty Ltd is an Authorised Credit Representative (Credit Representative No. 552387) of Finance & Loans Direct Pty Ltd Australian Credit Licence No. 390166.

Cigno is not a credit provider or a credit assistance provider. When you complete the Information Form, you are not applying for credit or any other particular goods and services. The completion of our Information Form also does not guarantee that you will be provided with credit or any other goods and services through our network.

Depending on the information you provide to us in the Information Form, we endeavour to assist you by providing your information to our intermediary partners. Where we provide your information to our intermediary partners, we may receive a fee.

If the information you provided to our intermediary partners meets their requirements, they may connect you with a credit provider, goods and/or services provider and/or specific products to meet your their needs (depending on the information your input into the Information Form).

Any application you ultimately make through a particular credit provider or goods and/or services provider is subject to that provider’s eligibility criteria and terms and conditions. The loan, credit, product or service may not be available to every person. We do not endorse or recommend any particular provider, product or service that you be connected with or offered. All statement on this website are general in nature and do not constitute financial, credit or legal advice (or any other advice).

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NOTIFICATION OF MISCONDUCT BY CIGNO AUSTRALIA

Ordered by the Federal Court of Australia

The Federal Court of Australia has found that Cigno Australia Pty Ltd (Cigno Australia) and BSF Solutions Pty Ltd (BSF Solutions) have breached the law by engaging in unlicensed credit activity and charging prohibited fees.

In the period from July 2022 to 3 October 2023, over 100,000 consumers have been lent a total of $34 million, and charged fees of over $70 million, under the ‘No Upfront Charge Loan Model’ operated by BSF Solutions and Cigno Australia. At no time has either BSF Solutions or Cigno Australia held an Australian Credit Licence.

The Court also found that Mark Swanepoel (director of Cigno Australia) and Brenton James Harrison (director of BSF Solutions) were involved in these breaches of the law.

With effect from 24 May 2024, the Court has granted permanent injunctions preventing Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions from:

  • demanding, receiving or accepting fees or charges, including amounts of loan principal, from consumers in relation to credit provided under the ‘No Upfront Charge Model’; and
  • engaging in further credit activity pursuant to the ‘No Upfront Charge Loan Model’, including by entering into new agreements with consumers, for so long as they do not hold an Australian Credit Licence.

Cigno Australia was ordered by the Court to, by 5th July 2024, send written communications to consumers who between July 2022 and December 2022 entered into agreements with Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions under the ‘No Upfront Charge Loan Model’.

The Court will later determine whether (among other things) Cigno Australia and Mark Swanepoel ought to pay a pecuniary penalty in respect of this conduct, and whether Mark Swanepoel should be restrained from carrying on a business engaging in credit activity.

Cigno Australia, BSF Solutions, Mr Swanepoel and Mr Harrison intend to appeal the decision of the Court and have filed an application for leave to appeal. If the appeal is successful, some or all of the orders of the Federal Court of Australia may be set aside.

Where can you get more information?

Where to go for further support

You can access legal advice in your state at: Free legal advice – Moneysmart.gov.au.

If you are experiencing trouble with debt, or money worries in general, contact:

  • the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 or online chat (9:30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday).

If you need someone to talk to, contact:

  • Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hours) or their crisis support online chat or
  • Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 (24 hours) or their webchat