Finance the Ride / Horse float finance
Can You Get Horse Float Finance With Bad Credit?
How lenders assess horse float finance when you have credit issues, what's on your file and for how long, and practical ways to improve your chances.
- No credit check to enquire
- Free to enquire, with no obligation to go ahead
- A licensed broker calls you, usually within one business day
Check my eligibility
About 60 seconds. No credit check to enquire.
Short answer: It may be possible, depending on what's on your credit file, how recent it is, and whether you can show stable income and on-time payments since. Specialist lenders may consider float finance with bad credit, usually at a higher rate. A deposit, a realistic float choice and a clear explanation of past issues all help.
What "bad credit" means to a lender
| Credit issue | How long it stays | General impact |
|---|---|---|
| Late payments (14+ days) | 2 years | Recent ones matter more than old ones |
| Defaults | 5 years, shown as paid once cleared | Unpaid defaults are much harder to get past |
| Lots of credit enquiries | 5 years | Many recent enquiries can suggest financial stress |
| Debt agreement or bankruptcy | Varies, generally at least 5 years on your credit file | Usually needs a specialist lender and time |
Financial hardship arrangements are recorded separately for 12 months and don't affect your credit score.
What lenders look at for a float loan
- Your recent conduct. Bank statements showing bills, rent and repayments paid on time.
- Your income. Stable employment, or tax returns and BAS if you run an equestrian business.
- The float. Newer floats from recognised builders are easier to secure. Very old or home-built floats can be harder.
- Your tow vehicle. If it's also under finance, that repayment counts towards your budget.
- Affordability overall, including agistment, feed, vet and farrier costs that come with horse ownership.
Ways to improve your chances
- Check your credit reports from each credit reporting body and correct errors.
- Clear or arrange unpaid defaults before applying.
- Save a deposit. It lowers the loan and shows you can put money aside.
- Choose a float that fits the budget. A good used two-horse float may be easier to finance than a new gooseneck.
- Keep applications to a minimum. Each one can add an enquiry for 5 years.
- Consider a guarantor, only if they understand they'd be liable for the full loan.
Example repayments
Example only: $15,000 over 4 years at 18% p.a. works out at about $441 a month, or roughly $6,150 in interest. These aren't current rates, and fees aren't included. Your rate will depend on the lender and your circumstances.
Before you sign
Check the comparison rate, fees, early payout terms and any balloon. Make sure you can insure the float and register it with your state transport authority. If a loan would stretch your budget, it may be better to wait and rebuild your credit first.
Need a float but have credit issues? Tell us about your situation in about 60 seconds and a licensed broker will call you. No credit check to enquire.
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General information only. This isn't financial advice. Finance the Ride is a referral service and doesn't hold an Australian Credit Licence. Last reviewed September 2026.
About this guide. Written by the Finance the Ride team and last updated . It's general information for Australian borrowers, not financial advice, and doesn't take your circumstances into account. Finance the Ride is a referral service: we don't lend money or hold an Australian Credit Licence. About us