Denise found out the hard way about pay day lenders: 
“Well at first, I got payday loans. A payday loan is never a good idea.  I got stuck.  There were hidden fees and costs. The interest was phenomenal. I felt really really trapped.”

Denise has used NILs on 7 separate occasions. NILs has helped her buy – a fridge, a washing machine, with repairs to her home and helped with her medical expenses. Since being diagnosed with MS, Denise lost her driving licence and a big part of her independence. Recently, she received approval for a NILs loan to help her buy an electric bike:
“As a disabled pensioner and losing my license, it’s been so hard to get around. Getting my electric bike through a NILs loan has not only helped me to get from A to B but given me my sense of normalcy back. NILs honestly gave me my freedom back.” 

”NILs has made a big difference in my life, and I am keen to connect my community to the program. I feel so happy!” 

Proud Narungga and Kokatha woman, was referred to No Interest Loans by her bank NAB. With support from the NILs team, she accessed a NILs loan to repair her car and get back on the road quickly, helping her continue supporting her family and community.

Reflecting on the experience, Eunice said:
“They were just so helpful! I felt overwhelmed with the paperwork, but they made the process so easy.” 

Eunice was also relieved by the affordability of the loan repayments:
“I just couldn't believe it really was no interest. Ever. The repayments for me are $40 a fortnight. I don’t even notice the repayments."

NILs helped Kate provide for her children during tough times

Single mother of three, Kate, says her family would have had to “go without” if she hadn’t discovered No Interest Loans (NILs). Kate faces constant financial pressure as the cost of living continues to rise.

Over four years, Kate has used NILs to purchase essential household items including a washing machine, dryer and a compulsory school tablet for her children.

“Without NILs I wouldn’t have been able to purchase the items,” Kate said. “I wanted things to last and to have the benefit of having a warranty. Otherwise, my kids go without.”

For Kate, NILs has become a practical budgeting tool that helps her plan and manage unexpected costs without financial stress.

“Repayments are super easy, manageable and affordable,” she said. “Having NILs there is a godsend.”

Kate has since encouraged others in her community to access the program.

“People need to know about No Interest Loans. It’s the real deal.”

NILs helped Edi replace essential household items without financial stress

Like many Australians facing rising cost-of-living pressures, Edi found it difficult to manage when unexpected expenses arose. After her washing machine suddenly broke down, her local Salvation Army community partner suggested she apply for a No Interest Loan (NILs).

“I rang them on Monday and by Wednesday afternoon, I received my washing machine. That’s how quick it was,” Edi recalls.

Since then, Edi has also used NILs to help pay for prescription glasses and a fridge. She said the process felt respectful and supportive. For Edi, NILs was about more than accessing essential items - it helped restore her confidence and independence.

“I didn’t feel judged, and they wanted to be sure I could repay it comfortably.”