Car Finance After a Debt Agreement โ€“ What Are Your Options?

๐Ÿ“‰ Can You Get a Car Loan After a Debt Agreement?

Yes! While a Part 9 debt agreement impacts your credit history, some lenders offer car loans to applicants who have completed their debt agreement.

Your approval chances depend on:

โœ… Whether the debt agreement is active or completed
โœ… Your credit score after the agreement
โœ… Your income stability
โœ… The lenderโ€™s policies on bad credit applicants

Mainstream banks usually reject applications from people with a recent debt agreement, but specialist lenders and brokers can still help.


๐Ÿ” How Does a Debt Agreement Affect Car Loan Approval?

A Part 9 debt agreement is recorded on your credit file for five years and appears in the National Personal Insolvency Index (NPII). This affects how lenders assess your application:

Factor How It Affects Your Car Loan Can You Still Get Approved?
๐Ÿ“… Debt Agreement Status Active agreements make approval difficult. โŒ Most lenders require the agreement to be completed first.
๐Ÿ’ณ Credit Score A debt agreement lowers your credit score significantly. โš ๏ธ Some lenders approve loans if youโ€™ve rebuilt your credit.
๐Ÿ’ฐ Time Since Completion More time after completion improves approval chances. โœ… Lenders prefer applicants 2+ years after discharge.
๐Ÿ” Existing Debts High remaining debts can make lenders reject your application. โš ๏ธ Paying off other debts improves your chances.
๐Ÿฆ Mainstream Bank Approval Banks have strict policies against debt agreement applicants. โŒ Banks usually reject applications, but brokers can help find alternatives.

If your debt agreement is still active, lenders will not approve a car loan unless you get permission from your debt administrator.


โœ… How to Get a Car Loan After Completing a Debt Agreement

To increase your approval chances, take these steps before applying:

1๏ธโƒฃ Check Your Credit Report โ€“ Ensure the debt agreement is correctly marked as completed.
2๏ธโƒฃ Rebuild Your Credit โ€“ Use a low-limit credit card or personal loan to show positive financial behavior.
3๏ธโƒฃ Show Proof of Income Stability โ€“ Lenders prefer applicants with consistent employment.
4๏ธโƒฃ Save for a Deposit โ€“ A deposit reduces risk for lenders and increases approval chances.
5๏ธโƒฃ Use a Finance Broker โ€“ A broker can find lenders who approve car loans for ex-debt agreement applicants.


๐Ÿšจ Can You Get a Car Loan While a Debt Agreement Is Still Active?

Itโ€™s very difficult to get a car loan while your debt agreement is still in effect, but it may be possible if:

โœ… You receive approval from your debt administrator.
โœ… The loan is essential for employment purposes.
โœ… You apply through a lender that specializes in hardship cases.

However, most lenders will require you to wait until the debt agreement is completed before considering your application.


๐Ÿš€ Why a Finance Broker Can Help If Youโ€™ve Had a Debt Agreement

If youโ€™ve been rejected for a car loan due to a past debt agreement, a finance broker can help by finding lenders willing to approve you.

โœ… Find lenders who approve post-debt agreement applicants.
โœ… Match you with a secured loan for better approval chances.
โœ… Help you avoid unnecessary credit checks that harm your score.

If your debt agreement is stopping you from getting a car loan, donโ€™t assume youโ€™re out of options! ๐Ÿš—๐Ÿ’จ A finance broker can help you secure finance and get you back on the road.


If youโ€™ve been in a debt agreement but need a car loan, you still have options! A finance broker can match you with lenders who specialize in post-debt agreement car finance.

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.