Learn about our information service

How To Finance Your Next Purchase

Posted February 25th, 0002 and last modified April 21st, 2011

Our article will help you to answer the question of “how to finance my purchase?” by finding out how to tap into different sources of finance. Before you opt for a specific source, carefully consider the options available to ensure you make a wise decision.

Most people at some point in their lives will have to ask the question: “How can I finance my purchase?” It doesn’t matter why you want to raise the funds – it may be for an essential item, or a luxury – what matters is that you understand your options and how each one can work for you.

Credit cards

This is a very convenient option when making purchases that are within your credit limit. Purchases made at the start of your statement period can also take full advantage of the interest-free period available on nearly all cards, which is typically either a maximum of 44 or 55 days. You should also keep in mind the possibility of grabbing a new credit card with an introductory rate on purchases for the first few months. You will certainly want to make sure that your existing credit card has a low regular interest rate if you are not going to be clearing your debt at the end of the month.

Personal overdrafts

Taking a personal overdraft on your bank account is a good answer to the question of “how do I finance my purchase?” as it not only provides you with access to additional funds, it also offers the added flexibility of not tying you to making monthly repayments. This can be a good fallback for the future as well.

Personal loans

For larger items such as a car, where the above two options cannot cover them, taking out a personal loan may be the answer. Your main consideration here would be the interest rate applicable to the loan and the period the loan is over; the longer the loan lasts, the more you pay in interest charges.

Home loans

Withdrawing equity from your home loan or increasing the size of the loan can be a simple answer to “how do I finance my purchase?” Rates will be some of the lowest available, however you would have to remember that a home loan may be over many years, so the item you borrowed money to buy will end up costing you a massive amount more over the life of the loan.

Always bear in mind that borrowing finance on any credit costs money, so never enter any credit agreement without considering the real cost over the loan period, and always read the fine print to make certain you know exactly what you’re signing up to. These are legally-binding contracts that could have a significant effect on your life if badly chosen.

Was this content helpful to you? No Yes

Ask a Question

Please note: Question moderation is enabled and may delay your question. There is no need to resubmit your question. Once approved, your question will be public and appear on this page.

Disclaimer: At Finder.com.au we provide factual information and general advice. Before you make any decision about a product read the Product Disclosure Statement and consider your own circumstances to decide whether it is appropriate for you.

Was this content helpful to you? No Yes

Credit card offers:

Learn about our information service
HSBC Credit Card Bankwest Zero Platinum Credit Card Virgin Flyer Credit Card ANZ Low Rate
HSBC Credit Card Bankwest Zero Platinum Virgin Flyer Credit Card ANZ Low Rate

0% p.a. for 6 months

on balance transfers & no annual fee

0% p.a. for 9 months on balance transfers & platinum benefits

0% p.a. for 8 months

on balances transfers & reward points

0% p.a. for 9 months

on balance transfers & low rate

Subscribe to our newsletter and get "The Ultimate Guide to Balance Transfers"

If You Like This Post...

Get all the latest deals, guides and loopholes in Finder's free bi-monthly email. Don't miss out - join the thousands who get it emailed!

We Respect Your Privacy

Credit Cards Comparison

Learn about our information service
Interest rate (p.a.) Balance transfer rate (p.a.) Annual fee Cash advance rate (p.a.)
ANZ Low Rate
ANZ Low Rate
A low rate on purchases, balance transfer and a low annual fee. 13.14% p.a. 0% p.a. for 9 months $58 p.a. 21.49% p.a. Apply Now For The ANZ Low Rate
Read More About The ANZ Low Rate
HSBC Credit Card
HSBC Credit Card
No annual fee for the life of the credit card. Plus a low balance transfer offer. 17.99% p.a. 0% p.a. for 6 months $0 p.a. 21.99% p.a. Apply Now For The HSBC Credit Card
Read More About The HSBC Credit Card
Bankwest Zero Platinum MasterCard
Bankwest Zero Platinum MasterCard
Exclusive Offer to Credit Card Finder. No annual fee credit card with platinum benefits. 17.99% p.a. 0% p.a. for 9 months $0 p.a. 21.99% p.a. Apply Now For The Bankwest Zero Platinum MasterCard
Read More About The Bankwest Zero Platinum MasterCard
Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Credit Card
Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Credit Card
A low interest rate offer on purchases and balance transfers. 0% p.a. for 5 months (reverts to 12.99% p.a.) 5.99% p.a. for 5 months $78 p.a. ($48 for qualifying customers) 21.24% p.a. Apply Now For The Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Credit Card
Read More About The Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Credit Card
ANZ Platinum Credit Card
ANZ Platinum Credit Card
No annual fee for the first year and a balance transfer offer. 19.39% p.a. 0% p.a. for 9 months $0 p.a. annual fee for the first year ($87 p.a. thereafter) 20.99% p.a. Apply Now For The ANZ Platinum Credit Card
Read More About The ANZ Platinum Credit Card

* The credit card offers compared on this page are chosen from a range of credit cards CreditCardFinder.com.au has access to track details from and is not representative of all the products available in the market. Products are displayed in no particular order or ranking. The use of terms 'Best' and 'Top' are not product ratings and are subject to our disclaimer. You should consider seeking independent financial advice and consider your own personal financial circumstances when comparing cards.