Payday loans in Australia are part of the small loans market, which was valued at around $400 million a year in the 12 months to June 2014.
The growth of this market mirrors the growth in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Because the market for small loans is becoming more defined, the regulatory authorities and the larger financial organizations are beginning to take a much closer interest.
Most fringe lending is now covered by the Uniform Consumer Credit Code (UCCC); but, in the past this industry was not very highly regulated, and some lenders still continue to use loopholes to avoid the UCCC. A report from 4 Corners found that some lenders utilise bait and switch methods to circumvent laws regarding establishment fees and interest. Payday lenders have also come under fire due to accusations of predatory lending and charging excessively high interest rates.
Australia has a payday loan fee cap of 24% per $100 borrowed, made up of a 20% establishment fee and a 4% monthly fee.