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0% car finance

Are 0 interest car loans a good option? See how they actually work and if they're right for you.

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Matt Corke
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0 interest car loans or new car loans at a 1% p.a. is usually offered by dealers.

At first glance, this offer is as it appears. You purchase the car at the advertised price and then make monthly repayments on the principal of the car without any interest being applied to it.

However, while it may sound like a good deal, there are a number of things you should be aware of before committing to a 0% car loan.

Find out how a 0% car finance actually works and whether it might be right for you.

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How does a 0% car loan work?

Interest-free car loans are offered by dealership financiers and are generally used as a sales tactic. While you won't pay any interest on the loan, you may not actually be saving any money compared to a normal car loan. The dealer may be charging you a higher price for the car, or adding on extra fees and charges that end up costing you more than any interest repayments would. This will also generally be true of deals offering 1% finance, as the total cost of the loan may still be greater than a regular car finance option that charges a higher rate.

The 0-1% interest may also only be offered for a certain period of time, after which the loan reverts to a higher interest rate. You may also be required to make a large lump sum payment at the end of the loan, called a balloon payment, that will lower the size of your repayments but may be harder to budget for.

As with any financial product, it's important that you understand the terms and conditions of any 0% car loans you may be considering, and you should always compare a range of different loans to find the finance option that's right for you.

Here are the main points to keep in mind:

  • The purchase price of the car may be higher than normal and is usually non-negotiable.
  • You will likely be offered a lower price for any vehicle you want to trade in.
  • The loan structure (term, balloon payment) is likely to not be flexible.
  • You won't be charged interest for a set period of time.
  • The principal (the amount you borrow) may be lower due to a balloon payment, which will need to be paid at the end of the loan term.

Is 0% or 1% car finance cheaper than a regular car loan?

This depends. A 0-1% car loan won't necessarily cost less than a normal loan with a higher rate, as it may come with additional fees or costs, or charge you a high price for the car.

Interest-free car finance offers will also generally require you to make a larger balloon payment at the end of the loan term. This will reduce the size of your regular repayments but will need to be budgeted for throughout the loan term so that you have enough saved to cover the balloon payment when the time comes. By comparison, standard car loans will require you to pay more interest, but the repayments you make will be consistent and your debt should be paid off in full within the loan term, which may make it easier to budget for.

Where can I obtain a 0% car loan?

Car manufacturers may offer no-interest – or 0% car finance – deals through their dealerships in order to entice new business. It is very unlikely to find a traditional lender offering a car loan with a 0% or 1% interest rate.

Plenti Car Loan

Plenti Car Loan

From

4.89 % p.a.

fixed rate

From

5.44 % p.a.

comparison rate

  • 30-day pre-approval
  • Fast turnaround
  • Loan amounts from $10,001
Security Logo

100% confidential application

Plenti Car Loan

Get access to a car loan from $10,001 to $100,000 on terms of 3, 5 or 7 years. Rates are tailored to your loan term and securing the loan is optional.

  • Interest rate: From 4.89% p.a.
  • Comparison rate: From 5.44% p.a.
  • Interest rate type: Fixed
  • Application fee: $249
  • Minimum loan amount: $10,001
  • Maximum loan amount: $100,000
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Alternatives to 0% car finance

Data updated regularly
$
Name Product Interest Rate (p.a.) Comparison Rate (p.a.) Min Loan Amount Loan Term Application Fee Monthly Service Fee Monthly Repayment
Plenti Car Loan
Plenti Car Loan
From 4.89% (fixed)
5.44%
$10,001
3 to 7 years
from $249 to $799
$0
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.89% p.a.
Borrow up to $100,000 with a Plenti Car Loan and benefit from no early repayment or exit fees.
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IMB New Car Loan
IMB New Car Loan
4.88% (fixed)
5.23%
$2,000
1 to 7 years
$275.12 ($250 Application fee + $25.12 PPSR fee)
$0
You'll receive a fixed rate of 4.88% p.a.
A low minimum borrowing amount of $2,000 that you can use to purchase a new car or one that's up to two years old.
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More Info
Credit Concierge Car Loan
Credit Concierge Car Loan
From 2.99% (fixed)
4.07%
$10,000
1 to 7 years
$350
$8.50
You'll receive a fixed rate of 2.99% p.a. with a comparison rate of 4.07% p.a.
Get access to over 20 providers to fund a new or used car.
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More Info
Loans.com.au - New and Dealer Used Car Loan
Loans.com.au - New and Dealer Used Car Loan
From 4.67% (fixed)
5.22%
$5,000
3 to 5 years
$400
$0
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.67% p.a. based on your risk profile
Finance a new car and benefit from features such as fast approval, no ongoing fees and an optional balloon payment. Settle the loan before 30 November 2021 and enter the draw to win a $1,000 fuel gift voucher. T&Cs apply.
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More Info
Stratton Finance New Car Loan
Stratton Finance New Car Loan
From 3.85% (fixed)
4.05%
$10,000
3 to 7 years
$700
$8.25
You'll receive a fixed rate from 3.85% p.a. depending on the lender you are approved with
Apply for up to $250,000 and use cash or trade in a vehicle to use as a deposit. Optional balloon payment available.
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More Info
NRMA New Car Loan
NRMA New Car Loan
From 4.99% (fixed)
5.69%
$5,000
1 to 7 years
$499
$0
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.99% p.a.
Purchase a new or used car up to 3 years old and benefit from a fixed rate and no monthly fees. Pre-approval available within 5 business hours.
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More Info
MoneyForJam Car Loan
MoneyForJam Car Loan
From 2.85% (fixed)
4.85%
$4,500
1 to 7 years
From $1 to $990
$25
You'll receive a fixed rate from 2.85% p.a. based on your risk profile
Borrow between $4,500 and $120,000 with loan terms up to 7 years to finance a new or used car. Get access to more than 40 providers.
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More Info
Heritage Bank Car Loan
Heritage Bank Car Loan
4.89% (fixed)
5.53%
$5,000
1 to 7 years
$200
$5
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.89% p.a.
Finance a new or used car up to 5 years old. Large maximum borrowing amount up to $100,000 and terms up to 7 years.
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More Info
NAB Personal Loan Unsecured Fixed
NAB Personal Loan Unsecured Fixed
From 6.99% (fixed)
7.91%
$5,000
1 to 7 years
$150
$10
You'll receive a fixed rate between 6.99% p.a. and 18.99% p.a. ( 7.91% p.a. to 19.83% p.a. comparison rate) based on your risk profile
Borrow from $5,000 to $55,000, with 1 to 7 year loan terms available. This loan comes with no fees for extra repayments and no early exit fees.
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More Info
Symple Loans Personal Loan
Symple Loans Personal Loan
From 5.75% (variable)
6.47%
$5,000
1 to 7 years
from 0% to 5% of the loan amount
$10
You'll receive a personalised interest rate from 5.75% p.a. to 25.99% p.a. based on your risk profile
Borrow up to $50,000 to pay for what you need.
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More Info
Great Southern Bank Fixed Rate Car Loan
Great Southern Bank Fixed Rate Car Loan
6.79% (fixed)
7.16%
$5,000
1 to 7 years
$265 ($175 Establishment Fee + $90 Security Administration Fee)
$0
You'll receive a fixed rate of 6.79% p.a.
A secured loan with a high maximum borrowing amount up to $100,000. Redraw facility and no monthly fees.
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More Info
Driva Car Loan
Driva Car Loan
From 2.85% (fixed)
4.39%
$2,000
1 to 7 years
$295 (Varies by lender, starting from $295)
$10
You'll receive a fixed rate from 2.85% p.a.
Borrow up to $250,000 with loan terms from 1 to 7 years. Get access to a range of lenders.
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More Info
Wisr Secured Car Loan
Wisr Secured Car Loan
From 4.74% (fixed)
5.01%
$5,000
3 to 7 years
$195 for refinance and dealer sale ($245 for private sale)
$0
You'll receive a personalised interest rate from 4.74% p.a. to 16.01% p.a. based on your risk profile
A flexible car loan from $5,000 - $63,000 with personalised rates and rewards for strong credit customers.

⭐Special Offer: Wisr's standard establishment fee $605 will be reduced to $195 for applications submitted through Finder. T&Cs apply.
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More Info
OurMoneyMarket Car Loan
OurMoneyMarket Car Loan
From 5.35% (fixed)
5.65%
$2,001
1 to 7 years
$250
$0
You'll receive a fixed interest rate from 5.35% p.a. to 14.99% p.a. based on your risk profile.
Borrow between $2,001 and $75,000 to finance a new or used car up to 7 years.
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More Info
Latitude Personal Loan (Secured)
Latitude Personal Loan (Secured)
From 5.99% (fixed)
7.26%
$3,000
1 to 7 years
Loans under $5000 - $140
$13
You'll receive a fixed rate between 5.99% p.a. and 21.99% p.a. based on your risk profile
Lock in a competitive fixed rate when you offer security. Loan can be used for any purpose and repayments are flexible. You can check your interest rate before applying with no impact to your credit score.
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More Info
Beyond Bank Low Rate Car Loan "Special Offer"
Finder Award
Beyond Bank Low Rate Car Loan
4.69% (fixed)
5.01%
$25,000
1 to 7 years
$175
$0
You'll receive a fixed rate of 4.69% p.a.
Take advantage of a competitive rate, pre-approval and no early repayment fees when you finance a car under two years old.
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What are the pros and cons of 0% finance?

When it comes to car finance, there are a number of 0% loan options that may work in your favour. Consider the points below when comparing.

  • Added optional extras. While choosing your new car, you may be given the option of added extras such as alloy wheels, a leather interior or other luxury items. With a 0% car loan you may be able to roll the cost of these into the finance.
  • Capped price servicing. A 0% car loan from a dealership may also offer to add capped price dealer servicing into the cost of the loan. It's important to check this fact before signing a contract.
  • Higher loan amounts. Most banks and institutions limit the amount of money they will lend to you for a new car. With a 0% option and a deposit, you may be able to secure a higher loan amount.
  • Inflated cost. The price of the vehicle is almost certainly going to be higher than if you were to buy it with traditional financing. You can check this first by searching online for the average price of the car without the 0% p.a. interest before going to the dealership.
  • Large deposit. You are most likely going to be required to provide a significant amount of money down when you enter into this type of loan agreement.
  • Credit history. Typically, only borrowers with a pristine credit history will be considered for this type of financing.
  • Fees. Some manufacturers hide the cost of interest in monthly maintenance fees. Do the math. In some cases, this will still equal a very low rate loan, one that should still be considered.
  • High repayments. The manufacturer wants these types of loans paid off fast and will usually limit your loan term options. This will result in a higher monthly repayment for you.
  • No negotiating. There's not going to be any negotiating of the price of the car with this type of deal.
  • Trade-in value. Expect that the car you use as a trade-in will be drastically undervalued. In this scenario, you are better off taking the loan as is and selling your old car independently to get a fair price.

Before you lock yourself into this type of arrangement, you should always compare a range of loan products. While paying 0% or 1% interest on your car finance may seem the best option, this will not necessarily be the case and you may be able to save money by using a regular car loan.

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Car Loan Offers

Important Information*
Logo for IMB New Car Loan
IMB New Car Loan

You'll receive a fixed rate of 4.88% p.a.
A low minimum borrowing amount of $2,000 that you can use to purchase a new car or one up to two years old.

More info
Logo for Beyond Bank Low Rate Car Loan "Special Offer"
Beyond Bank Low Rate Car Loan "Special Offer"

You'll receive a fixed rate of 4.69% p.a.
Take advantage of a competitive rate, pre-approval and no early repayment fees when you finance a car under two years old.

More info
Logo for RACV New Car Loans
RACV New Car Loans

You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.99% p.a.
A larger loan of $5,000 or more to help you buy a new or used car. 5-hour pre approval available and no ongoing fees.

More info
Logo for NRMA New Car Loan
NRMA New Car Loan

You'll receive a fixed rate of 4.99% p.a.
Purchase a new or used car up to 2 years old and benefit from a fixed rate and no monthly fees. Pre-approval available within 5 business hours.

More info

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