Beforepay
Pay Advance
vs Payday Loans

Shouldn’t loans leave you in a better spot than you started? We think so.

Beforepay Pay Advance exists to help working Aussies handle sudden, unexpected, or more-than-expected expenses quickly, easily, and fairly.

ACTUAL REAL PEOPLE

Why choose a Beforepay Pay Advance over a payday loan?

The Beforepay Pay Advance, unlike payday loans, is designed to be a safe and affordable way to help you manage temporary cash-flow challenges, so you never need to go near a payday lender again.

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Transparent pricing

Know what you owe upfront - no hidden costs, no nasty surprises.

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Quick application

Sign up and cash out up to $2,000† in as little as 5 minutes (subject to eligibility, T&Cs apply).

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No credit bureau check

Our custom assessment criteria does not impact your credit score or history.

Notes on comparing Beforepay Pay Advance to payday loans

Financial products work in different ways, with different features like fee structures and time periods for payments, so it’s hard to compare “apples to apples”.

The calculations assume usage/repayment over 12 months and are based on a $2,000 payday loan on a fortnightly repayment plan over a year, assuming you don't miss a repayment, compared to $2,000 borrowed over a year through Beforepay’s Pay Advance product. Note that the Beforepay Pay Advance is for a maximum duration of 62 days only (there is no minimum repayment period).

The below table compares the estimated 12-month cost from fees and interest on a payday loan and a Beforepay Pay Advance in cases where only a fixed 5% fee applies.

Each payday lender will have its own fee structure, and your fees will depend on how much you borrow. The associated fees are capped at a 20% establishment fee and a 4% monthly fee on the outstanding balance.

The payday loan fees used in this example are based on the common fees charged by payday lenders.* The below calculations are based on maximum fees, however note that this is not representative of every product offering on the market.The below calculations are based on maximum fees, however note that this is not representative of every product offering on the market.

Applicable fees and interest rates are estimates only, they are not representative of every product offering on the market.

ACTUAL REAL PEOPLE

How does Beforepay’s Pay Advance compare to payday loans?

Beforepay was founded to disrupt payday loans and payday lending, providing safe and affordable loans to working Australians. Here are how the two products compare.

Fees

Pay Advance

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    Pay a 5% fixed fee.
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    No late fees or default charges.
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    Clear, simple terms and pricing.

Payday Loans

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    Pay an establishment fee that is 20%* of your loan amount.
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    Pay an additional 4%* of your balance every month, until your loan is paid in full.
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    Late fees and default charges may apply if you’re unable to pay your loan in full within the terms.

Speed & security

Pay Advance

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    Can take as little as 5 minutes from sign-up to cash out (subject to eligibility).
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    Funds are transferred into your account within minutes (up to 2 business days in some cases).
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    No impact on your credit score or credit history.
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    No contact with your employer required - syncs with your bank to verify your eligibility.

Payday Loans

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    Can take up to 24 hours for approval.
  • Arrow curving upward around a circle, symbolizing progress or growth.
    Can take several hours to access the funds in your account.
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    No impact on your credit score or credit history.
  • Arrow curving upward around a circle, symbolizing progress or growth.
    May impact your credit score, particularly if you are unable to repay the loan within your terms.

Spot the difference

Compare Beforepay Pay Advance and payday lenders side-by-side.

Features
Pay Advance
Payday loans
Amount Borrowed

$2,000

$2,000

Fixed Fee

$100

Based on 10 Cash Outs of $200 each across 12 months.

-

Establishment Fee

-

$400**

20% of loan amount.*

Estimated Total Monthly Fees

-

$960**

4% of outstanding balance every month.*

Estimated Fortnightly Repayments

-

$129.23**

Estimated amount for each of 26 total payments across 12 months.

Total Repayment

$2,100

$3,360**

Total estimated cost in fees and other charges over 12 months
$100
$1,360**

Disclaimer: This comparison is a model, not a prediction. These figures have been included for general information only without considering your personal circumstances. Results are estimates; the actual amounts may be higher or lower.

*https://moneysmart.gov.au/loans/payday-loans

**https://moneysmart.gov.au/loans/payday-loan-calculator

Why choose a Beforepay Pay Advance over a payday loan?

Pay Advance is designed to be a safe and affordable way to help you manage temporary cash-flow challenges. The key word is ‘temporary’. We don’t want any Aussies stuck in a debt cycle, worried about how they’ll pay off a loan, or need to reborrow to pay off an existing one. Beforepay is a boost, not a burden.

ACTUAL REAL PEOPLE

Chosen by Over 1.7M Aussies

Plan, track, compare, and save with Beforepay’s free finance tools.

Testimonial from Trustpilot star rating

Very good

Very good, helps my financial shortage

customer
May 7, 2026
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Very easy app to use and the money…

Very easy app to use and the money transfers to you very quickly

Jackie
May 7, 2026
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Easy and useful when you need it

Easy and useful when you need it

Elsa
May 7, 2026
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Amazing service

Amazing service

Dm
May 6, 2026
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Quick and efficient

Quick and efficient, very helpful

customer
May 6, 2026
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It’s very easy and convenient for when…

It’s very easy and convenient for when you need extra funds before your pay.

ANNA J.
May 5, 2026
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Has always helped us out

I like how the give you a minimum payment and different options to is the money back

customer
May 5, 2026
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Helpful in time of need

Helpful in time of need Awesome

ESETIA LETOGA
May 4, 2026
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Very helpful and fast in transferring…

Very helpful and fast in transferring money into my account.

Carla
May 2, 2026
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Payments have been a lot of…

Payments have been a lot of help....easy and simple instuctions to follow, week to week repayments make it easy on the current high living costs.I have recommended to many family n friends whom all are thankfull for the small %interest incurred. Great job BeforePay team...thank you with 5 stars of happiness.

Nghia T
May 1, 2026
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Good experience for more than 1 year

Good experience for more than 1 year

Ramy
April 30, 2026
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Easy and fast service

Doing well and fast

Taiifilele Tuaniu
April 30, 2026
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Excellent service

Excellent service

Nathan Barrett
April 30, 2026
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Easy quick no hassles and low fees.

Easy quick no hassles and low fees.

customer
April 30, 2026
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Great support financially.

Great support financially.

Narelle
April 30, 2026
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They seem to help out when I need most…

They seem to help out when I need most it's not much I get from them but it's something I guess it's be better if he had places like this but they let you borrow up to $5000

Kyal
April 30, 2026
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Very helpful quick responses

Very helpful quick responses

customer
April 29, 2026
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There unreal

Before pay I can't they are shit wouldn't listen to me when someone took my phone and made the last transaction on my account and why being mentally ill

Phabian Carlson west
April 29, 2026
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Very fast and helpful

Very fast and helpful

customer
April 29, 2026
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Very fast and nice service

Very fast and nice service Good luck guys

customer
April 28, 2026
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Great service & help when needed.

Great service & help when needed.

Kodeane Manaia
April 28, 2026
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Very helpful

Very helpful

Filomena
April 28, 2026
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Very seamless

Very seamless. I downloaded the app, logged in and in under 5min, the money was in my account. Thank you!

Mike T
April 28, 2026
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Service was good

Service was good

LEO'S GRADER HIRE PTY LTD
April 28, 2026
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Fast deposit

Fast deposit

customer
April 27, 2026
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Very handy when your struggling financially

This has been very helpful for me financially and easy to use!

customer
April 27, 2026
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Fantastic company!

Fantastic company with great customer service! Really helpful in times of need.

Dani
April 27, 2026
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Quick and easy financial solutions

Quick and easy financial solutions

customer
April 27, 2026
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Unbelievable helped out in a time of…

Unbelievable helped out in a time of need

Adamcustomer
April 26, 2026
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So so helpful thank u team

So so helpful thank u team

marcus tuhua
April 26, 2026
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ACTUAL REAL PEOPLE

FAQs

Everything you need to know.

What is the difference between a pay advance and a payday loan?

A Beforepay Pay Advance is a short-term loan designed for unexpected or more-than-expected expenses. Eligible borrowers can access up to $2,000 with a fixed 5% setup fee, no late fees, and repayments aligned to your pay cycle. Beforepay Pay Advance doesn’t perform credit checks or affect your credit score.

A payday loan is a type of short-term loan that may include an establishment fee, monthly fees and, depending on the lender and your repayment behaviour, late fees or default charges. Each lender’s terms can vary, so it is important to compare the full cost before applying.

Is Beforepay Pay Advance the same as a payday loan?

No. Beforepay Pay Advance is designed to provide short-term finance support for unexpected or more-than-expected expenses. Pay Advance offers loans with transparent costs, no hidden fees, and repayments aligned to your pay cycle. 

Payday loans are another short-term finance option, often characterised by high interest and multiple fees that can add up over the life of a loan. Each lender is different, so it’s worth checking the terms and conditions of each product before borrowing.

How much does a Beforepay Pay Advance cost compared with a payday loan?

Beforepay charges a fixed 5% setup fee, with some customers also charged interest. All fees and costs are shown upfront before you confirm the Pay Advance. There are no hidden costs or fineprint fees. 

Payday loan costs can vary by lender and loan structure. Fees can include late fees, early repayment fees, admin fees, establishment fees, failed payment fees, default charges, and more. It’s always important to check the terms and conditions of each loan product before borrowing.

What fees can lenders charge?

Payday loan fees can vary depending on the lender and the loan terms. Common fees may include an establishment fee, monthly/admin fees, late fees, early repayment fees, default charges, and more. Actual fees may be higher, lower, or different depending on the provider, loan amount, repayment period, and your circumstances.

Does Beforepay charge late fees, early repayment fees, or default fees?

No. Beforepay Pay Advance does not charge late fees, early repayment fees, or default charges. Pay Advance charges a fixed 5% setup fee and applicable interest, presented upfront before you borrow. 

Make sure to review the Pay Advance terms and conditions before cashing out.

What should I consider before choosing a pay advance or a payday loan?

The right financial product is different for everyone but things to consider include the total cost, repayment timing/structure, fees, eligibility requirements, and whether the product suits your short-term cash flow needs as well as your long-term financial health.

Applications are typically approved in under 60 seconds, though some applications may require additional review.

† Approved loan amounts are subject to Beforepay’s lending criteria and verification requirements.

‡ Comparison rate calculated on a $2,500 loan over a 2-year term.

‡ WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the example given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or loan amounts may result in a different comparison rate.