Can You Get a Car Loan If Youโ€™ve Recently Filed for Bankruptcy?

๐Ÿ’ฐ Does Bankruptcy Affect Car Loan Approval?

Yes! Bankruptcy can significantly affect your ability to secure a car loan, as it is viewed as a major financial issue by most lenders. However, itโ€™s still possible to get a car loan after bankruptcy if you:

โœ… Have completed your bankruptcy
โœ… Can demonstrate stable income
โœ… Have rebuilt your credit history

While bankruptcy may make getting a car loan more challenging, some lenders specialize in second-chance loans for those recovering from financial hardship.


๐Ÿ” How Lenders View Bankruptcy for Car Loans

Lenders are cautious about applicants who have recently filed for bankruptcy because it indicates a failure to meet financial obligations in the past.

Bankruptcy Status Approval Chances Lenderโ€™s View
โœ… Completed Bankruptcy Moderate Most lenders will approve once bankruptcy is discharged.
โš ๏ธ Recently Discharged (<2 Years) Moderate to Low Some lenders approve, but interest rates may be higher.
โŒ Active Bankruptcy Very Low Lenders will not approve until bankruptcy is discharged.

If your bankruptcy is discharged, waiting at least 6 months to 1 year can improve your chances of securing a car loan.


โœ… How to Get a Car Loan After Bankruptcy

If youโ€™ve recently filed for bankruptcy, follow these steps to increase approval chances:

1๏ธโƒฃ Wait for Bankruptcy to Be Discharged โ€“ Most lenders wonโ€™t approve until bankruptcy is officially over.
2๏ธโƒฃ Check Your Credit Report โ€“ Make sure your bankruptcy is correctly recorded as completed.
3๏ธโƒฃ Build a Positive Payment History โ€“ Establish a record of on-time payments to prove financial recovery.
4๏ธโƒฃ Show Proof of Stable Income โ€“ Lenders want evidence of consistent income for at least 6 months.
5๏ธโƒฃ Use a Finance Broker โ€“ A broker can find lenders that specialize in second-chance car loans.

Even after discharge from bankruptcy, you may still be able to secure a higher-interest loan or a secured car loan to reduce lender risk.


๐Ÿšจ What If Your Car Loan Is Declined Due to Bankruptcy?

If your application is rejected due to bankruptcy, consider:

โœ… Waiting for your credit to improve post-bankruptcy.
โœ… Applying with a co-signer or guarantor to increase approval chances.
โœ… Using a secured loan (car as collateral) to lower lender risk.

A finance broker can help find lenders that approve applicants with a bankruptcy history.


๐Ÿš€ Why a Finance Broker Can Help If Youโ€™ve Filed for Bankruptcy

If your car loan application was rejected due to bankruptcy, a finance broker can help by:

โœ… Finding lenders who specialize in second-chance car loans.
โœ… Matching you with a loan that fits your financial situation post-bankruptcy.
โœ… Helping you avoid unnecessary credit checks that lower your score.

If youโ€™ve recently filed for bankruptcy but need a car loan, donโ€™t risk rejection! ๐Ÿš—๐Ÿ’จ A finance broker can help you secure finance with the right lender.


If youโ€™ve filed for bankruptcy but need a car loan, you still have options! A finance broker can match you with lenders who approve car loans despite past bankruptcies.

ย 

DISCLAIMER

The information provided on this website is general in nature only and has been prepared without considering your financial needs, circumstances and objectives and should NOT be construed as financial, taxation or legal advice. For more information, get in touch with our experienced partner brokers today.

Back to blog

All Your Questions Answered

What is a car loan and how does it work?

A car loan is a finance product where a lender provides funds for you to purchase a vehicle, which you repay over time with interest.

Whatโ€™s the difference between secured and unsecured car loans?

Secured loans use the car as collateral, often leading to lower interest rates. Unsecured loans donโ€™t, but usually have higher rates.

What loan terms are available for car finance?

Most car loans offer terms from 3 to 7 years. Find out what term suits you best.

How is interest calculated on a car loan?

Interest is based on the loan amount, term, and rate. Fixed-rate loans have predictable repayments, while variable rates can change.

Can I get a car loan for a private sale?

Yes, many lenders accept private sellers. Youโ€™ll need to provide extra documents.

Do government employees get lower interest rates on car loans?

Yes โ€” many lenders offer better rates due to your stable income. Explore finance options for government employees.

Can I apply for a car loan while on probation?

Yes. Many workers are approved during probation.

What credit score do I need as a government employee?

A score of 650+ is ideal, but lower scores may still be considered.

Are corporate professionals eligible for low-rate finance?

Yes, especially if you're full-time with strong income.

Can I get car finance with a novated lease?

Yes, many government departments support novated leasing.

Can I get a car loan with no credit history?

Yes, it's still possible to get a car loan with no credit history.

What if Iโ€™ve been declined elsewhere?

A broker can help restructure your application for better results.

How do I check my credit score?

Use Equifax, Experian, or Illion for a free check.

Can I get finance if I have a current personal loan?

Yes, if your income supports both loans. A broker will assess your capacity.

What documents do I need to apply?

Typically: ID, payslips, and bank statements.

Can casual workers get car loans?

Yes, if youโ€™ve worked consistently for 6+ months.

Can I apply if Iโ€™m self-employed with an ABN?

Yes. Consider a low-doc loan.

Can Centrelink be used as income?

Yes, when paired with PAYG income.

Whatโ€™s the minimum income to qualify for car finance?

Most lenders prefer $30,000+ annually, but this varies.

Can I apply on a fixed-term contract?

Yes, especially if itโ€™s government-backed.

Can I finance a used car?

Yes, most lenders allow used cars under 10 years old.

Can I get a loan for an SUV or family car?

Absolutely

Can I finance a caravan or motorbike?

Yes

Can I finance an EV or hybrid car?

Yes. You may even qualify for green car loan discounts.

Can I use my car for both work and personal use?

Yes you can.

What is a balloon payment?

Itโ€™s a lump sum due at the end of the loan term.

Can I make extra repayments?

Yes, many lenders allow this without penalty.

Can I pay off the loan early?

Yes โ€” ask if thereโ€™s an early payout fee.

Is there a deposit required?

Not always.

What loan terms are available?

1 to 7 years is standard.

How long does approval take?

24โ€“48 hours in most cases

Can I apply online?

Yes โ€” most lenders and brokers accept online applications.

Is a broker better than going direct?

Often, yes. They can compare lenders for you.

Can I get pre-approved?

Yes โ€” and it gives you better negotiating power at the dealership.

What happens after I apply?

Your documents are reviewed, and if approved, the lender issues funds to the seller.

Can I get a loan with a visa?

Do I need a driverโ€™s licence to apply?

Yes, but learners may qualify with a co-applicant.

Can I apply with someone else?

Yes, joint applications are allowed.

Can I refinance my current car loan?

Yes โ€” it can lower your repayments or get you a better rate.

Can I trade in my old car as a deposit?

Yes, many lenders accept trade-ins toward the deposit.

Can nurses get car finance?

Can teachers apply while on contract?

Do defence personnel get special car loan rates?

Yes, in some cases. Your job security is a major advantage.

Can FIFO government workers apply?

Yes โ€” consistency in income matters more than job location.

Can I apply if Iโ€™m on maternity leave?

Yes, especially if youโ€™re returning to work. Hereโ€™s how.

Can I use car finance to buy interstate?

Yes โ€” just make sure the seller provides all required documents.

Can I finance a car from an auction?

Yes, but only through select lenders. Ask your broker first.

Will applying hurt my credit score?

Only if you apply to multiple lenders directly. Brokers help protect your score.

Can I get a car loan if Iโ€™ve been bankrupt before?

What if I want to upgrade my car before the loan ends?

You can sell the car, pay off the loan early, or refinance.