Car Finance Companies for Visa Holders in Australia

Securing car finance as a visa holder in Australia can be tricky, as many lenders prefer applicants with permanent residency or citizenship. However, several car finance companies in Australia specialize in offering loans to temporary residents, including those on work, student, or other types of visas. These lenders understand the unique challenges faced by visa holders and provide flexible options to help you secure car finance.

Here are some car finance companies in Australia that lend to visa holders.

1. CarLoans4U

CarLoans4U is one of the most popular car finance providers for visa holders in Australia. This lender works with a range of temporary residents, including those on work, student, and 457 visas. CarLoans4U offers both secured and unsecured car loans, which means you can finance a vehicle whether or not you have assets to use as collateral.

The company is known for its flexible approval process, considering factors like your employment status, income, and the length of your visa. CarLoans4U aims to make the car loan application process quick and straightforward, providing personalized support for each applicant.

2. Auto Finance Online

Auto Finance Online specializes in offering car loans to people on temporary visas. Whether youโ€™re on a student, working holiday, or skilled worker visa, Auto Finance Online may be able to help you get approved for a loan. They focus on providing financing for both new and used cars, offering competitive interest rates.

One of the benefits of using Auto Finance Online is their ability to cater to a wide range of visa holders. The company considers factors such as your income stability, your employment situation, and the length of your visa when assessing loan applications. They also offer quick online application processes, making it easy for you to apply from anywhere.

3. Savvy

Savvy is another finance company that provides car loans for visa holders in Australia. Savvy works with international students, temporary workers, and other visa holders to help them secure car loans with competitive interest rates. They offer flexible loan terms and repayment schedules tailored to suit your financial situation.

Savvy understands the challenges that visa holders face when trying to secure car finance, and they work with a variety of lenders who are willing to approve loans for temporary residents. Savvy offers a simple online application process, and their team of experts will assist you throughout the loan approval process to ensure a smooth experience.

4. Latitude Financial Services

Latitude Financial Services is a major Australian finance company that offers car loans to temporary residents, including those on working holiday, student, and other visas. Latitude is known for its competitive rates and flexible lending criteria. The company has various loan options, including both secured and unsecured car loans, allowing you to choose the financing option that best fits your needs.

Latitude Financial Services assesses visa holders based on their financial capacity and employment stability rather than just their residency status. This makes them a great option for visa holders looking to finance a car, as they are more focused on your ability to repay the loan.

5. Good Car Finance

Good Car Finance is an online car finance marketplace that works with multiple lenders in Australia, including those that offer car loans to visa holders. They specialize in providing affordable car finance options to people with varied circumstances, including temporary residents. Good Car Finance has a large network of lenders that are open to approving loans for visa holders with stable income and employment.

By using Good Car Finance, you can compare car loan options from multiple lenders and find the one that best suits your needs. The platform provides transparency, allowing you to see the terms and conditions of each loan offer before making a decision.

6. Now Finance

Now Finance is a fast-growing car finance provider in Australia that offers loans to people on temporary visas, including students, working holiday makers, and skilled workers. They provide a wide range of financing options, including personal loans for car purchases and secured car loans with competitive interest rates.

Now Finance is known for its flexible approval criteria, which means they take into account more than just your visa status when considering loan applications. They assess factors such as your income level, employment stability, and overall financial health. The easy online application process makes it simple for visa holders to apply for a car loan.

7. Auto & General

Auto & General offers car loans for visa holders with a focus on flexibility and competitive interest rates. The company works with temporary residents, such as those on student visas or work visas, to help them finance their car purchase. Auto & General offers both new and used car loan options, providing flexible repayment terms and loan amounts.

This lender considers your overall financial situation, including your credit history, income stability, and the length of your visa, when assessing your loan application. Auto & General provides clear and straightforward loan terms, making it easy for visa holders to understand their financing options.

8. RACV Finance

RACV Finance is another option for visa holders looking for car loans in Australia. They offer loans for both new and used vehicles, with competitive interest rates and flexible terms. While RACV traditionally serves permanent residents and citizens, they also provide car finance options for temporary residents, such as those on work or student visas.

RACV Finance offers personalized service and takes into account your employment situation, income stability, and creditworthiness. With a straightforward application process, RACV Finance aims to provide accessible car loan options to a range of applicants.

Conclusion

While securing car finance as a visa holder in Australia can be more challenging, there are many car finance companies willing to work with temporary residents. Lenders like CarLoans4U, Auto Finance Online, Savvy, Latitude Financial Services, and others offer flexible loan options and are more likely to assess your financial situation rather than solely focusing on your visa status.

By comparing different lenders and understanding the criteria for approval, you can find the best car finance solution for your needs, whether youโ€™re a student, worker, or on another type of temporary visa. With careful planning and preparation, visa holders can successfully secure a car loan and drive away in their new vehicle.

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.