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Multiple applications for a car loan

Are you applying for more than one car loan at once? Read this before you apply.

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Matt Corke
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Shopping around for a car loan is always a good idea. However, applying for every loan offer you see is not recommended.

This is because every time you apply for a car loan, that application is listed on your credit file. This will affect your ability to be approved for credit in the future.

Our guide will take you through when submitting your details does and does not mean you're applying for car finance and how to 'shop around' without it affecting your credit score.

Find out more about what your credit file looks like

When will shopping around for a car loan affect my credit rating?

Technically, only submitting your personal and financial details as part of a loan application will result in a mark on your credit file. The credit provider will need details such as your name and driver's licence number to be able to bring up your credit file and then be able to list the inquiry.

However, it may not be obvious that an inquiry will be listed. For instance, the credit provider may advertise it as a "quote" or an "initial consultation" but even if you don't follow through with the loan, you could see it listed in your file as an inquiry. If you have multiple inquiries listed on your file in a short space of time this will affect your credit score.

How many inquiries is too many?

There is no one number that is "too many", but generally, one credit inquiry every three to six months is not considered to be risky behaviour by lenders and shouldn't affect your credit score too much.

What happens if I don't get approved when I apply for a car loan?

If you do your due diligence and shop around for the best rates, fees and features without applying but don't get approved, you may be wondering what to do now. If you don't need to purchase the car straight away you might consider waiting three months to apply with another lender. Even waiting a couple of weeks may make you look like less of a risk to a lender.

If you are in a position where you do need to make the car purchase quickly, consider calling the lender to explain your situation and finding out whether or not your recent rejection will be an issue. You can also consider finding finance with a car loan broker.

How do I check my credit file and credit score?

You can check your credit score for free on finder. You can also order your credit file for free every 12 months or if you've been rejected for credit in the past 90 days. Your free credit file will be delivered to you within 10 days. However, if you want it delivered sooner or aren't eligible for a free credit file, you can pay a fee for it as well.

Comparing car loans before applying

Applying for a car loan can be one of life's big decisions. You'll be paying off a depreciating asset for a period of time, so it is always important to compare your options. Use the comparison table below to get an idea of the interest rates, fees and charges, and loan terms before applying.

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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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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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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loans.com.au - New and Dealer Used Car Loan
loans.com.au - New and Dealer Used Car Loan
3.99% (fixed)
4.53%
$5,000
3 to 5 years
$400
$0
You'll receive a fixed rate from 3.99% 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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Alex Bank Car Loan
Alex Bank Car Loan
From 4.99% (fixed)
4.99%
$2,100
6 months to 5 years
Waived $295 establishment fee
$0
You'll receive a fixed rate between 4.99% p.a. and 19.99% p.a.
Borrow up to $30,000 for terms between 6 months and 5 years to finance a car. The one-off $295 establishment fee will be waived for loan applications submitted by 3 November 2021. T&Cs apply.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Beyond Bank Low Rate Car Loan "Special Offer"
Finder Award
Beyond Bank Low Rate Car Loan
4.69% (fixed)
5.01%
$5,000
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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Compare up to 4 providers

Can I apply for a car loan if I have a bad credit history?

If you have bad credit you can compare lenders that specifically work with bad credit applicants. Depending on how bad your credit history is, it may also be worth getting in touch with your current bank to see if it would be willing to consider your application. Make sure to contact your bank before submitting an application.

Before you begin your search, build up a small deposit and examine your budget to decide how much of a car loan monthly repayment you can afford. Then begin to research and compare the different lenders who specialise in high-risk car loans before making your final decision.

Don’t make further negative marks on your credit report by applying to more than one. Most of these types of lenders will analyse your credit rating without it showing up on your report to ensure that you will qualify before they process your application.

What is next?

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More guides on Finder

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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