How we rank loans, lenders, and rates

What we score

For lending products, we score on six factors with explicit weights. The weights are published on every "Best of" page and applied consistently across that pillar. Where a factor cannot be evaluated objectively (for example, customer experience without a third-party survey), we exclude it rather than guess.

• Comparison rate (35%). The headline rate plus standard fees, expressed under the National Credit Code formula.
• Total cost over a representative term (25%). Worked example using the same loan amount and term across the panel, so cost differences are directly comparable.
• Flexibility (15%). Extra repayments, redraw, offset, splits, fixed break costs.
• Eligibility breadth (10%). Self-employed acceptance, credit-event tolerance, deposit requirements.
• Lender stability (10%). APRA-regulated ADI vs non-bank, capital backing, ownership.
• Customer support (5%). Hours, channels, complaint-handling record.

What we exclude

Three things deliberately do not influence scores:

• Commission to the partner broker. The credit assistance partner referenced in our Credit Guide is paid by lenders if a loan settles. Those payments are uniform across the panel and do not enter our scoring.
• Editor preference. Where two products score within one point, we order them alphabetically by lender. Subjective ranking inside a tied band is not honest reporting.
• Marketing budget. Lenders with larger advertising spend do not get uplifted. We do not run sponsored placements inside scored lists.

Comparison rate methodology

Where we publish a comparison rate, it follows the National Credit Code formula: secured loan of $30,000 over five years for vehicle finance, $50,000 over five years for equipment finance, $150,000 over 25 years for home loans. The figure is true only for the example given. Different terms, fees, or amounts can change the comparison rate materially.

When pages are reviewed

Every page carries a publish date and a last-reviewed date. We re-review on the following triggers, in addition to the annual cycle described in our editorial policy:

• RBA cash rate decisions where the result was non-consensus.
• State or federal budget changes affecting duty, concessions, or grants.
• ASIC, APRA, or ATO guidance changes affecting responsible lending, tax, or duty.
• Reader-flagged factual issues, on confirmation.

How to challenge a ranking

Email info@australianlendinggroup.com.au with the page URL, the product, and the factor you believe is wrong. We acknowledge within one business day, investigate, and either fix the page (with a dated correction note) or write back explaining the score we held. The correction record is kept on the page indefinitely if the change was substantive.