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Updated September 2026.
Bottom line: Beforepay is one of the better pay advance apps for people with a regular wage. You can borrow $50 to $2,000. Cost is a 5% setup fee plus interest up to 24% a year. There is no traditional credit check. If Centrelink is more than half your income, or you cannot repay on payday, skip it.
Try Beforepay if: you get wages into your bank account, need a short bridge before payday, and want a clear quote without a classic credit pull.
Skip Beforepay if: Centrelink is more than 51% of your income, your pay is too irregular to prove, or you already know you cannot cover the debit. For cheaper cash on a small amount, try PressPay first. For more than $2,000, look at Wagepay.
See what Beforepay would charge you
The app shows the fee and interest before you take the money.
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What matters
- Pay Advance: $50–$2,000. Personal Loan: $2,001–$5,000 over a longer term.
- 5% setup fee on both. Interest up to 24% p.a. No late fees listed on Beforepay’s product table.
- Centrelink is allowed only if it is no more than 51% of total income. Casual work is fine if pay is regular.
- Bad credit is not an automatic no, because there is no traditional credit check for Pay Advance. Messy bank history still can be.
- App Store sits near 4.9 stars from tens of thousands of ratings.
Is Beforepay legit?
Yes. Beforepay Group Limited is a real company. Pay Advance comes from Beforepay Finance Pty Ltd. Personal Loans come from BPG Credit Pty Ltd under Australian Credit Licence 554659. “Legit” does not mean “free” or “always a good idea.” You still owe the money, and a failed debit can stress an already tight week.
How much does Beforepay cost?
For Pay Advance, Beforepay charges a fixed 5% setup fee plus interest of up to 24% a year. You see the full cost before cash out. There is no early repayment fee.
| Item | Pay Advance | Personal Loan |
|---|---|---|
| Amount | $50–$2,000 | $2,001–$5,000 |
| Setup fee | 5% | 5% |
| Interest | Up to 24% p.a. | Up to 24% p.a. (29.50% p.a. comparison rate on their $2,500 / 2-year example) |
| Time to repay | Up to 62 days, up to 4 instalments | 3–12 months |
| Traditional credit check | No | No |
Real money example
Borrow $100 for about two weeks. Setup fee is $5. Interest at the 24% maximum is about $0.92. You repay about $105.92.
Borrow $500 for about two weeks. Setup fee is $25. Interest tops out around $4.60. You repay about $529.60.
The fee is the real cost. Interest on a short advance is small. That is why PressPay can beat Beforepay on price for cash (same 5%, but zero interest). Beforepay still wins for many people on limit size and flexibility.
Ready to see your number?
Who can get Beforepay?
You need to be 18 or older, hold a current driver’s licence, passport, or Medicare card, and get a regular wage. Centrelink can be part of income only if it is no more than 51%. You can only hold one Beforepay loan at a time.
Casual workers can qualify when pay hits on a steady pattern. If your deposits jump around with no rhythm, expect a no. Gig-only income with wild swings is a weak fit.
Centrelink readers: If wages are still the bigger half of your income, Beforepay is one of the fairer doors to knock on. If Centrelink is most or all of what you live on, Beforepay is not built for you. Save the application stress and look at bill payment plans or free counselling (National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007) instead.
Credit score and repayments
Pay Advance does not use a traditional credit check. Beforepay still reads your bank data to set a limit. That is why bad credit is not an automatic wall, and why a clean credit score will not save a messy bank account.
Repayments come out of your main account on a schedule tied to your pay, up to four instalments within 62 days. You can pay early with no early fee. If you set up PayTo, you can pause or cancel that agreement in your own internet banking.
For account help, email support@beforepay.com.au. Beforepay lists support hours as 9am to 5pm, seven days.
- Better Centrelink mix allowance than MyPayNow’s Centrelink-only ban
- No traditional credit check
- $50 minimum is friendlier than Wagepay’s $100 floor
- PressPay cash is cheaper (no interest)
- Wagepay goes higher ($3,000) if you earn enough
- Interest still stacks on top of the 5% fee
Compare the full list
PressPay, MyPayNow, Wagepay, and Wagetap sit next to Beforepay on one page.
If Beforepay still looks right, take the quote next.
FAQ
Is Beforepay safe?
It is a real lender with licensed credit entities behind the products. Safe still means you can repay. A legit app can still leave you short next payday if you borrow more than you can cover.
How are repayments made?
Automatic debit from your primary bank account on a schedule tied to your pay cycle, within 62 days for Pay Advance.
Does Beforepay hurt my credit score?
Pay Advance skips a traditional credit check. Bank assessment still happens. If you need a hard answer about bureau reporting for a home loan later, ask Beforepay support before you apply.
Can Centrelink users get Beforepay?
Yes, when Centrelink is no more than 51% of total income and you still have a regular wage. Centrelink-only is a no.
Does Beforepay work in the United States or Canada?
No. This review is for people in Australia. US: directory. Canada: PockBox.
How do I raise my limit?
Keep regular wages flowing and repay on time. Beforepay sets limits from your finances. There is no public cheat code that guarantees a higher limit.
