Help guide
Refinance: when switching lenders is (and isn’t) worth it
Break fees, cashback, loyalty discounts, rate perception — a broker-style checklist to compare true cost over your intended hold period — general information.
Look past the headline rate
Account for discharge fees, new application fees, LMI top-ups, valuation shortfalls and any fix break costs — a refi calculator helps but lender quotes finalise numbers.
Cashback promotions have tax and clawback clauses — read summary boxes.
Behavioural factors
If you repeatedly extend IO or redraw for lifestyle spend, a lower rate alone may not fix cashflow — sometimes consolidation or budgeting support is parallel work.
Equity access (“cash out”) triggers extra responsible-lending questions — don’t assume automatic approval.