What is a redraw facility?

Are you thinking about getting a loan but need to borrow more money? Or maybe you’re wondering what kind of financing options you have as a homeowner? If so, you should check out redraw facilities.

Redraw facilities are a helpful tool for homeowners that give them more control and freedom with their money. They make managing finances easier and more appealing for people.

In this blog post, we’re going to talk about redraw facility. So if you’re someone who wants to manage your debt situation better, this could be something worth thinking about.

Overview of redraw facilities and why they are beneficial

A redraw facility is a useful feature offered by lots of lenders. Basically, it lets you get your hands on any extra money you’ve put towards paying off your loan, on top of the minimum amount required. So, if you’ve been making extra payments to lower your loan balance, you can easily tap into that money whenever you need it.

This type of facility offers some great advantages. It helps you lower the interest costs on your loan and gives you the freedom to use extra funds whenever you need them later on.

So, if you’re thinking about paying for your child’s education, getting a new car, or going on a much-needed vacation, a redraw facility can really come to the rescue.

What is a redraw facility and how does it work?

A redraw facility is a helpful tool for those who have taken out a mortgage. 

It essentially acts as a savings account that is linked to your home loan. 

If you pay more than the minimum amount each month, you can keep that extra money in a special account called the redraw facility. Later on, if you need some cash for things like fixing up your house or paying unexpected bills, you can take out the money you saved. It’s a useful option to have when you could use some extra money for important expenses.

Remember, it’s really important to keep in mind that there might be some rules about when and how much money you can take out again from your loan. So, it’s super crucial to read the terms and conditions of your specific loan agreement to know all the details.

In general, having a redraw facility can be a clever approach to handle your money and speed up the process of paying off your mortgage.

Benefits of utilising a redraw facility when managing your home loan

Utilising redraw facility can help you save money in the long run by reducing interest costs and enabling you to pay off your loan sooner

In addition, the redraw facility lets you take back any extra money you’ve put towards your loan. It’s a great choice for people who want to stay in control of their finances.

So, if you’re looking for an effective way to manage your home loan, consider taking advantage of the benefits of a redraw facility.

Businessman holding a plastic miniature house while using a calculator.

How to apply for a redraw facility?

Redraw facility allows you to access the extra payments you’ve made towards your mortgage, giving you a pool of ready cash. But how do you apply for one? 

First things first, reach out to your lender and ask if they offer a redraw facility. If they do, find out what their rules and requirements are for using it. After that, you’ll have to fill out a form and give them any papers they need to process your request.

If you use the redraw facility, your lender might charge you a fee for every time you withdraw money. But, it’s worth considering because having that option can be really reassuring. It means you’ll have extra cash available whenever you need it, which can bring you some peace of mind.

Tips for reducing the cost of setting up and taking advantage of a redraw facility

Setting up a redraw facility can be a smart financial decision, allowing you to access extra funds when needed, without having to apply for a new loan. However, there are costs involved in both setting up and using this feature. 

  • To reduce these costs, consider negotiating with your lender for a better interest rate, as this can impact the amount you’ll end up borrowing over time. 
  • You could also opt for a low or no fee account, and be sure to monitor and limit the amount of times you access the funds. 

By taking these steps, you can make the most of a redraw facility, while minimising the additional expenses.

Redraw facility vs savings account

A redraw facility and a savings account are two popular banking options in Australia. 

While a savings account can provide a safe place to store your money and earn interest, a redraw facility allows you to access any extra payments you have made on your home loan. But which one is right for you? It depends on your financial goals and personal circumstances

If you have a mortgage and you want to pay it off faster but still want the option to use some extra money when necessary, a redraw facility can be a good choice. On the other hand, if you’re saving up for something specific like a vacation or a down payment on a house, a savings account might be a better option.

Ultimately, it’s important to do your research and speak with a financial advisor to determine the best option for your individual needs.

Mortgage illustration.

Redraw facility vs offset accounts

When it comes to managing your finances, it’s essential to choose the right tool to keep your money working for you. In Australia, two popular options are redraw facilities and offset accounts

A redraw facility allows you to withdraw any extra payments you’ve made on your mortgage, while an offset account operates as a savings account that reduces the amount of interest you have to pay on your loan. 

Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to do your research and consider your financial goals before deciding which one is right for you. 

By choosing the right product, you can ensure you’re making the most of your hard-earned money and securing your financial future.

Is a redraw facility a good idea?

While redraw facility might sound like a great opportunity for homeowners, there are some potential drawbacks to the redraw facility that should be considered. 

For instance, borrowers who withdraw money from their home loan may end up paying more interest over the life of the loan. 

Additionally, some lenders may charge fees for access to the redraw facility. 

Ultimately, whether the redraw facility is a good idea for your personal financial situation depends on a variety of factors, including your goals for your home loan, your savings habits, and your overall financial stability.

Woman holding a wooden miniature house.

Redraw facilities are an incredibly useful tool when it comes to home loan management. The ability to draw excess payments out of your loan often at no extra cost and save on interest is a huge benefit for many Australians. 

Overall, if managed well, taking out a redraw facility can help you get ahead financially in a convenient way.