Take Out a Loan in Austria

Are you looking for a flexible, transparent and above all simple way to expand your financial scope? Then you’ve come to the right place! At kredit-fuchs.at you will find valuable tips on taking out a loan in Austria and an uncomplicated way to find the loan that suits your needs. Everything you need is just a few clicks away!

Take out a loan


Do you want to take out a loan? Calculate the conditions beforehand!


Take out a loan online with kredit-fuchs.at – how it works

Loan calculator

1. Calculate your desired loan

Taking out a loan begins with determining your actual needs. Our website offers you an intuitive tool to calculate your desired loan quickly and easily. Simply enter the desired amount and term, and the calculator does the rest. This gives you an initial overview of the possible monthly instalment, and you can run through various interest rate scenarios with the slider. With your inquiry, you then receive offers matching your borrower profile.

Loan inquiry

2. Fill in and send your loan inquiry

Once you have determined your loan requirements, it’s time to send your inquiry. The great thing: at kredit-fuchs.at you can do this conveniently and completely online. Fill out our easy-to-use form with some basic personal and financial information. Your inquiry is then processed quickly so that you receive prompt feedback.

Loan comparison

3. Compare suitable offers

After your inquiry, you receive a selection of suitable loan offers. Thanks to our cooperation with partner banks active in Austria, you get a transparent overview of the offers, including effective annual interest rates and terms, which makes it easy to compare the various options.

Loan disbursement

4. Choose your offer and receive the loan amount in your account

The last step is choosing your preferred offer. Once you have decided, the process is completed by signing the contract, and the loan amount is paid out to your account. After signing, you still have a 14-day right of withdrawal under the Austrian Consumer Credit Act (§ 12 VKrG).

Essential information for taking out a loan in Austria

What are the requirements for a loan?

Woman takes out a loan online

To apply for a loan in Austria, certain requirements must be met. These criteria ensure that borrowers can bear the financial responsibility of a loan:

  1. Age limit: You must be at least 18 years old.
  2. Regular income: A steady income is essential to ensure your ability to repay.
  3. Residence in Austria: A registered main residence in Austria and, for non-EU citizens, a valid residence title.
  4. Positive creditworthiness: A good credit rating without ongoing enforcement proceedings or serious negative entries with the KSV1870 or CRIF.

These criteria protect both borrowers and lenders and ensure responsible lending.

Digital loan applications: the online way to a loan

Digitalisation has made the loan process simpler and more accessible. At kredit-fuchs.at you can handle your loan inquiry entirely online – a convenient option that saves you time and effort. The advantages:

  • Time saving: No waiting times or appointments at the bank necessary.
  • Simplicity: uncomplicated inquiry from home.
  • Comparison: You see several loan offers at the click of a mouse.

Calculating your possible credit limit

How much you can borrow depends on various factors, including your income, your expenses and your financial history. Our service helps you make a realistic assessment of your possible credit limit. Use our credit limit calculator. It helps you choose a loan that meets your needs while remaining affordable.

Criteria for borrowing: who is eligible?

Loans for different groups of people

In Austria, many groups of people and professions can take out a loan, with certain factors taken into account. For employees, for example, the type of employment contract and the length of employment matter. Civil servants or people with many years of permanent employment often receive more favourable conditions because their income is considered secure. Self-employed persons and freelancers generally have to provide more detailed evidence of their income and business situation.

Married couples are another group with a special position when it comes to loans. Although many still choose to take out a loan alone while married, there are clear advantages to taking out a loan together as a couple.

Loan options for freelancers and the self-employed

Loans are also available for freelancers and the self-employed in Austria, although with some additional requirements:

  • Proof of income: Income tax assessments and annual financial statements, often for several years.
  • Business stability: Proof of stable business activity.
  • Creditworthiness check: A thorough check of financial circumstances and credit rating.

These requirements compensate for the higher risk of fluctuating income.

Good times and reasons for taking out a loan

When is a loan the right solution?

The decision to take out a loan should be made carefully. Good reasons for a loan can be:

  • Financing larger purchases: such as a car, furniture or a wedding.
  • Bridging temporary financial bottlenecks: for example, in the event of unexpected expenses.
  • Investing in the future: such as further training or business expansion.
  • Low interest rates: If the market environment is favourable, a loan can be worth considering, e.g. for the repayment of a loan with a higher interest rate.

However, it is always important to assess your ability to repay realistically and make sure the loan does not overstretch your budget.

Explore alternative financing options

Before deciding on a loan, you should also consider alternative financing options:

  • Savings: Use existing savings to avoid interest payments.
  • Public funding: Check whether you are entitled to public subsidies, for example housing subsidies from your federal state.
  • Private loans: A loan from family or friends can be more flexible and cheaper than a bank loan, but carries other risks, which is why we usually advise against it.

Weighing up all the options helps you make an informed decision that is right for your situation.

Compare before taking out a loan: the best options in Austria

Lender comparison: find the right loan

Choosing the right lender is a crucial step. At kredit-fuchs.at we offer you a comparison platform where you can compare different lenders and their conditions. Important criteria are:

  • Interest rates: Compare the effective annual interest rates to understand the total cost of the loan.
  • Repayment terms: Look for flexible repayment options (e.g. instalment breaks). In Austria, you also always have the right to early repayment.
  • Customer service: Good customer service can make the difference, especially if questions or problems arise.

Decisive selection criteria for lenders

When choosing a lender, you should also pay attention to the following points:

  1. Transparency: Clear information about all loan conditions is crucial.
  2. Reputation: Find out about the experiences of other customers.
  3. Additional fees: In Austria, all costs must be reflected in the effective annual interest rate. Be wary of providers who demand fees before disbursement.

These criteria help you find a trustworthy lender that meets your needs.

Overview of loan types: which loan should I take out?

The different loan types

Various loan types are available in Austria for different needs. The most common are:

  • Consumer credit: An unsecured personal loan, ideal for general expenses such as holidays, weddings or consolidating debts.
  • Car loan: specifically for buying a vehicle, often with more favourable interest rates.
  • Student loan: for tuition fees or further education, as a supplement to study grants.
  • Corporate loan: for business investments or to bridge temporary liquidity bottlenecks.

Each loan type has its own characteristics and advantages that need to be taken into account.

Suitable loan solutions for individual needs

The right loan type depends on your specific requirements:

  • Amount and term: Determine how much you need to borrow and how quickly you can repay it.
  • Purpose of the loan: Some loans offer special conditions depending on their purpose.
  • Personal financial situation: Your credit rating and financial stability play an important role.

The right choice helps you find a loan that suits your financial situation and goals.

Taking out a loan despite enforcement proceedings?

Risk assessment

A loan despite ongoing enforcement (Exekution) is very difficult to obtain in Austria. Lenders carry out a particularly detailed risk assessment in such cases and look at the type and number of proceedings, your current financial situation and your payment history. Be transparent and disclose all relevant information – incorrect information can lead to rejection or even termination of the contract.

Alternatives for a weak credit rating

If taking out a loan is difficult due to enforcement proceedings or negative entries, there are alternative options:

  • Guarantor or co-borrower: A trustworthy person with a good credit rating can strengthen your application.
  • Small loans: smaller loan amounts with shorter terms are more likely to be approved.
  • Debt counselling: The state-recognised debt counselling services in Austria help you stabilise your finances free of charge and create the conditions for a future loan.

Practical tips for taking out loans in Austria

How to find the best loan terms

Signing a loan agreement

To secure good loan terms, it is important to be well informed and prepared. Here are some tips:

  1. Comprehensive comparison: Use our Austrian loan comparison at kredit-fuchs.at to compare offers from different lenders.
  2. Understand the total costs: Look not only at the interest rate, but also at the effective annual interest rate, the total amount payable and flexible repayment options such as instalment breaks.
  3. Match the loan to your needs: Choose a loan that fits your financial possibilities and requirements.

A thorough comparison and a good understanding of the conditions are crucial for finding the best offer.

Avoid common pitfalls when taking out a loan

To avoid problems when taking out a loan, note the following points:

  • Avoid excessive debt: Do not borrow more than you can realistically repay.
  • Read the small print: Pay attention to the details of the loan agreement to avoid unexpected clauses.
  • Be careful with variable interest rates: Variable rates are usually linked to the EURIBOR and can rise; understand the risks before signing.

These tips help you make an informed and safe loan decision.

FAQ: answers to your questions about taking out a loan

Does it make sense to take out a loan?

Taking out a loan can make sense if it is carefully considered and suits your financial situation. The loan should be used for a specific, sensible purpose, such as an important purchase, education or an investment that creates long-term value. It is equally important that you are aware of your repayment obligations and have a solid plan to repay the loan on time without undue strain. A loan should never be an impulsive decision, but one based on a thorough analysis of your current and future financial situation.

What are the reasons against taking out a loan?

The main arguments against a loan are financial instability and insufficient ability to repay. If you already have significant debts, another loan can worsen your situation and lead to a debt trap. It can also be problematic if the loan is used for unnecessary consumption that offers no long-term value. You should also refrain from taking out a loan if your income is uncertain or if the additional monthly instalment exceeds your budget.

When can you not take out a loan?

There are circumstances in which you cannot or should not take out a loan. This includes situations in which your creditworthiness is impaired by negative entries with the KSV1870 or CRIF, ongoing enforcement proceedings or an entry on the banks‘ warning list. Not having a regular income or a registered residence in Austria can also be an obstacle. Furthermore, you should not take out a loan without a clear plan for its use and repayment, or merely to service existing debts without a long-term solution. By law, lenders in Austria must check your creditworthiness (§ 7 VKrG) and warn you if the check shows doubts about your ability to repay.