Paying for a funeral can be hard to plan for, because the bill often arrives within days and before other money is available. This guide explains funeral finance in Australia: the main ways to spread the cost, what each one involves, and the questions to ask before you agree to anything.
Last reviewed 5 November 2026. General information only, not financial, legal or tax advice. Rules and terms change, so confirm details with the provider or agency involved.
Not sure how you will pay? Compare itemised quotes from independent funeral directors through eziFunerals, free for families and with no obligation, or call 1300 236 402.
Funeral finance means spreading the cost of a funeral over time instead of paying it all up front. The main options are a payment plan with the funeral director, a personal loan, and buy now pay later. Each comes with obligations, so compare the total you will repay, not just the instalment. eziFuneralPay is not a lender: it explains your options and connects you with an independent funeral director to discuss payment.
MoneySmart says a funeral can cost from $4,000 for a basic cremation to around $15,000 for a more elaborate burial. It advises shopping around, because funeral directors offer different packages, and asking for a breakdown of all costs so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Knowing the real cost first matters. The smaller the amount you need to finance, the less you pay in fees and interest. You can compare funeral costs or use the funeral cost calculator to see indicative ranges.
| Option | How it works | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Funeral director payment plan | The funeral director lets you pay a deposit and then pay the rest in instalments. | Terms are set by each provider. Ask for them in writing, including any interest or fees. |
| Personal loan | You borrow a fixed amount and repay it with interest over a set term. MoneySmart says terms are usually one to seven years. | The comparison rate, application and monthly fees, and whether the loan is secured against an asset. |
| Buy now pay later | You go ahead now and repay by instalments. Since 10 June 2025 these contracts are regulated as credit. | Fees, what happens if you miss a payment, and whether the provider holds an Australian credit licence. |
| Money already available | The person’s savings or super may help. MoneySmart says families may be able to pay for a funeral with super, but may have to pay upfront and claim it back once the will is finalised. | How long it will take to arrive, and whether you can cover the bill in the meantime. |
Some funeral directors offer to split the cost into a deposit and instalments. These arrangements are set by each provider, so they vary widely. Ask what the deposit is, how much each instalment will be, whether interest or fees apply, and what happens if you miss a payment. Do not feel pressured to choose a more expensive service to fit a plan. Our guide to funeral payment plans explains what to ask.
A personal loan lets you borrow a fixed amount and repay it with interest. MoneySmart says the comparison rate shows the cost of a loan as a single figure that includes the interest rate and most fees, and that your own rate depends on things like your credit score, income and expenses. It also notes you should check the application fee, monthly service fees and any early exit fee.
A secured loan uses an asset, such as a car, as security, and the lender can take and sell it if you miss repayments. An unsecured loan has no security but usually costs more. If you fall behind, MoneySmart says you will be charged a missed payment fee and the lender can still take you to court to recover the money.
Buy now pay later (BNPL) lets you go ahead with a purchase now and repay in instalments. ASIC says the National Credit Code was extended to BNPL contracts, and that from 10 June 2025 anyone engaging in credit activities involving BNPL contracts must hold an Australian credit licence. ASIC also says these providers must be members of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).
MoneySmart lists the general risks of BNPL as overspending, late repayments being recorded on your credit report, and BNPL use counting against loan applications. Terms differ between providers, so read them before you agree.
Contact your provider early. AFCA encourages people in financial difficulty to contact their credit provider to discuss a hardship arrangement, and says you can contact AFCA if you cannot reach a suitable arrangement. MoneySmart also lists the National Debt Helpline, 1800 007 007, which offers free and confidential financial counselling.
If you are planning for your own funeral, MoneySmart says prepaid funeral plans can be cheaper than funeral insurance or funeral bonds, because the cost is calculated at today’s prices. It advises reading the product disclosure statement and understanding the costs before you sign up for a bond or insurance. It also warns that if you stop making repayments on funeral insurance, you lose what you have already paid.
Funeral finance means spreading the cost of a funeral over time instead of paying everything up front. It can be a payment plan with the funeral director, a personal loan or buy now pay later. Each option has its own fees and obligations.
Some funeral directors offer a deposit and instalments, but terms are set by each provider and vary widely. Ask for the terms in writing, including any interest, fees and what happens if you miss a payment.
MoneySmart says funerals can cost from $4,000 for a basic cremation to around $15,000 for a more elaborate burial. Prices vary by provider and location, so ask for an itemised quote.
Yes. ASIC says that from 10 June 2025 anyone engaging in credit activities involving BNPL contracts must hold an Australian credit licence, and providers must be AFCA members.
No. eziFuneralPay is not a lender, credit provider or financial institution. It explains your payment options and connects you with an independent funeral director to discuss payment.
Check the total you will repay, the comparison rate, application and monthly fees, any early exit fee, and whether the loan is secured against an asset. MoneySmart also advises comparing loans before you commit.
Contact your provider early to ask about a hardship arrangement. If you cannot reach a suitable arrangement, you can contact AFCA. The National Debt Helpline, 1800 007 007, offers free and confidential financial counselling.
MoneySmart says that if the person had super, their family may be able to pay for the funeral with it, but may have to pay upfront and claim it back once the will is finalised.
Ask each one for an itemised quote and compare the totals and inclusions. You can request quotes from independent funeral directors through eziFunerals.
You don’t have to work through this alone. eziFuneralPay can:
Call 1300 236 402, compare funeral costs and directors through eziFunerals, or find a funeral director in your area.
eziFuneralPay is not a lender, credit provider or financial institution, and nothing on this page is an offer or solicitation to lend. It provides general information and connects you with independent funeral directors.
eziFuneralPay is part of eziFunerals. Search independent funeral directors across Australia and request free quotes on ezifunerals.com.au.
© Copyright 2026 eziFuneralPay. All Rights Reserved.
eziFuneralPay provides general information and guidance on funeral finance options and is not a lender, credit provider, or financial institution. eziFuneralPay does not currently have an active lending partner, and nothing on this site constitutes an offer or solicitation to lend. Users of this site are subject to eziFunerals privacy policy and terms and conditions.