Name: No Interest Loans
Price range: $

About NILs

NILs helps people get essential goods and services without the stress of interest, fees or charges.

Whether it’s a fridge for fresh food, a laptop for study, or a car to get to work, NILs gives people access to the things they need to support themselves and their families.

Since 1981, the No Interest Loans Scheme has helped hundreds of thousands of Australians move forward without turning to high-cost lenders or payday loans.

A program you can count on

NILs is one of Australia’s longest-running community finance programs.

It is backed by the Australian Government Department of Social Services and National Australia Bank (NAB) and operated by Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand.

The program is delivered by more than 130 community organisations across over 500 locations nationwide. These are local people who understand your community and are there to help, when it matters the most.

Every repayment goes back into the program to support more people in need. There is no private profit. Just practical support when it matters most.

About Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand

Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand is the not-for-profit organisation behind NILs.

Since 1863, Good Shepherd has supported women, girls and families across Australia and New Zealand to build safety, stability and independence.

Their work includes:

Financial wellbeing support, including loans and financial counselling
Family and domestic violence services
Children, youth and family services
Housing and homelessness support for women

Good Shepherd is also part of a global network working in more than 70 countries.

Their vision is simple - all women, girls and families are safe, well, strong and connected.

Learn More

Who we’ve helped. Real stories. Real impact.

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.”

Denise

”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."

Eunice

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.”

Kate

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.”