Most delays come down to a handful of causes, and most can be fixed quickly once you know what the lender is waiting for.
Common causes
- Missing or unclear documents: a payslip that's cut off, a statement missing pages, an expired licence.
- Income that needs extra checking: casual hours, overtime, commissions, self-employed or overseas income.
- Employment verification: the lender may need to confirm your job with your employer. See do lenders call your employer?
- Credit file questions: defaults, enquiries or unfamiliar accounts the lender wants explained.
- Bank statement queries: unusual transfers, undisclosed debts, gambling or BNPL.
- Vehicle issues: age, valuation, a private-sale seller who hasn't provided details, or existing finance on the car.
- Volume and timing: end of month, weekends and public holidays.
How to move it along
- Ask your broker or lender exactly what's outstanding, and respond the same day.
- Send clear, complete documents, not photos of screens.
- Explain anything unusual upfront.
- Have the seller's details and vehicle information ready for private sales.
When a delay is a warning sign
If a lender keeps asking for more, it may be struggling to make your application fit its policy. A broker can tell you whether another lender would be a better fit before you're declined.
Stuck waiting? Tell us about your application in about 60 seconds and a licensed broker will call you. No credit check to enquire.
Related guides
General information only. Timeframes vary by lender. Finance the Ride is a referral service and doesn't hold an Australian Credit Licence. Last reviewed September 2026.
