How long will it take for your car loan to be approved?

Find out the approval times for popular lenders and compare car loans.

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Elizabeth Barry

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Applying for a car loan can be a complicated and time-consuming process, so it's helpful to understand what is required before you start. Learn about the application process and see which lenders have the quickest approval times below.

How long will your car loan take to be approved?

BrandPre-approval?How long does it take to be approved?
ANZNoThree business hours
AussieNoTwo business days
Bankwesttransparent--green-tick(conditional approval)Instant conditional approval
Full approval in 24-48 hours after submitting all documents
BankSANo24-48 hours
Bendigo Banktransparent--green-tickThree to seven business days
Beyond Banktransparent--green-tick24-48 hours
CommBanktransparent--green-tickOne to three business days
CUAtransparent--green-tickInitial response in 30 seconds
24-48 hours
Gateway Banktransparent--green-tick48-72 hours
IMBtransparent--green-tickFour to six hours
loans.com.autransparent--green-tick24-48 hours
NABtransparent--green-tickTwo business days
NRMAtransparent--green-tick24 hours
RACQtransparent--green-tickFive business hours
RACVNoFive business hours
St.GeorgeNoResponse in 60 seconds unless further details are needed
Westpactransparent--green-tick(conditional approval)Two business days

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The car loan application process

Once you've found a car loan to suit your needs, your application will follow the steps below:

  • Submitting your application. As most lenders offer online applications, this usually only takes 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Lender response. Some lenders may send you an instant response, but this will generally be a conditional approval. Other lenders may take a couple of hours or even a couple of days to respond.
  • Unconditional approval. The turnaround time for unconditional approval differs, as you can see from the table above.
  • Loan funding. After receiving unconditional approval from your lender, you can generally expect to receive your funds within one to three business days. However, it's best to confirm this with your specific lender.

Compare car loans

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1 - 15 of 90
Updated regularly
Name Interest Rate (p.a.) Comp. Rate (p.a.) Application Fee Monthly Fee Monthly Repayment
IMB New Car Loan
IMB logo
Fixed1 - 7 Years $2,000 - $125,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
6.24%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
6.59%
Application Fee
$274.78
Monthly Fee
$0
Monthly Repayment
$619.01
Go to siteMore Info
You'll receive a fixed rate of 6.24% 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.
loans.com.au - New/Demo - Variable Rate
loans.com.au logo
Variable3 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
6.24%
to 7.39%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
7.37%
to 8.5%
Application Fee
$400
Monthly Fee
$8
Monthly Repayment
$630.83
Go to siteMore Info
Stratton Finance New Car Loan
Stratton Finance logo
Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
6.52%
to 18%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
6.95%
to 23%
Application Fee
$395
Monthly Fee
$0
Monthly Repayment
$625.27
Go to siteMore Info
You'll receive a fixed rate from 6.52% p.a. depending on the lender you are approved with.
Apply for up to $300,000 and use cash or trade in a vehicle to use as a deposit. Optional balloon payment available.
OurMoneyMarket New Car Loan ($5,000-$100,000)
OurMoneyMarket logo
Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $100,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
6.57%
to 18.99%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
7.19%
to 21.78%
Application Fee
$250
min.
Monthly Fee
$0
Monthly Repayment
$622.82
Go to siteMore Info
Simplify New Car Loan
Simplify Finance logo
Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
6.19%
to 18%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
6.6%
to 23%
Application Fee
$395
Monthly Fee
$0
Monthly Repayment
$622.21
Go to siteMore Info
OurMoneyMarket Used Car Loan ($5,000-$100,000)
OurMoneyMarket logo
Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $100,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
6.57%
to 18.99%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
7.19%
to 21.78%
Application Fee
$250
min.
Monthly Fee
$0
Monthly Repayment
$622.82
Go to siteMore Info
RACV New Car Loans
RACV logo
Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
7.29%
to 16.99%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
8%
to 17.77%
Application Fee
$499
Monthly Fee
$0
Monthly Repayment
$635.67
Go to siteMore Info
You'll receive a fixed rate from 7.29% 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.
loans.com.au - Variable Rate Used Car < 5 years
loans.com.au logo
Variable3 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
7.39%
to 7.39%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
8.52%
to 8.64%
Application Fee
$400
Monthly Fee
$8
Monthly Repayment
$641.54
Go to siteMore Info
Stratton Finance Used Car Loan
Stratton Finance logo
Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
6.52%
to 18%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
6.95%
to 23%
Application Fee
$395
Monthly Fee
$0
Monthly Repayment
$625.27
Go to siteMore Info
You'll receive a fixed rate loan from 6.52% p.a. with a comparison rate of 6.95% p.a.
A used car loan of up to $300,000 with quick approval times and balloon payment options.
Simplify Used Car Loan
Simplify Finance logo
Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
6.19%
to 18%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
6.6%
to 23%
Application Fee
$395
Monthly Fee
$0
Monthly Repayment
$622.21
Go to siteMore Info
RACV Used Car Loans
RACV logo
Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
8.49%
to 16.99%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
9.21%
to 17.77%
Application Fee
$499
Monthly Fee
$0
Monthly Repayment
$647.01
Go to siteMore Info
You'll receive a fixed rate from 8.49% p.a.
Benefit from no ongoing fees, 5-hour approval and a 21-day satisfaction guarantee. Interest rate discounts for members.
loans.com.au - Fixed Rate Used Car < 3 years
loans.com.au logo
Fixed3 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
7.59%
to 8.79%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
8.72%
to 10.04%
Application Fee
$400
Monthly Fee
$8
Monthly Repayment
$643.41
Go to siteMore Info
loans.com.au - New/Demo - Fixed Rate
loans.com.au logo
Fixed3 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
6.89%
to 8.09%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
8.02%
to 9.2%
Application Fee
$400
Monthly Fee
$8
Monthly Repayment
$636.87
Go to siteMore Info
You'll receive a fixed rate of 6.89% 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.

loans.com.au - Variable Rate Used Car < 3 years
loans.com.au logo
Variable3 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
7.39%
to 7.39%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
8.52%
to 8.64%
Application Fee
$400
Monthly Fee
$8
Monthly Repayment
$641.54
Go to siteMore Info
loans.com.au - Fixed Rate Used Car < 5 years
loans.com.au logo
Fixed3 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
7.69%
to 8.89%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
8.82%
to 10.14%
Application Fee
$400
Monthly Fee
$8
Monthly Repayment
$644.35
Go to siteMore Info
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What can slow down your application?

There are a number of issues that can delay the approval of your car loan application. These include the following:

  • Not submitting all required documents. Lenders can only fully approve your loan once they receive all of the required documents. If you don't send all the necessary documents, the lender may need to contact you to have you send them over, or they may only be able to conditionally approve your loan. Make sure you check what documents are required before you apply.
  • Applying after the cut-off time. Some lenders can offer same-day approval if you apply by a certain time, for example by 2pm. You can confirm this on the lender's website before you apply. If you aren't sure, contact the lender or apply early in the morning to ensure you get same-day approval.
  • Failing to provide enough information about your vehicle. This is especially true if you're purchasing a used or older car, so make sure you provide all requested information on your vehicle. An older or classic car may mean it needs to be manually valued, which can slow down the application process further.

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What is pre-approval?

If you haven't decided on the car you want, you can still get pre-approved for a car loan up to an agreed amount. Once you've found the car you want to buy, you can use the pre-approved loan amount to cover the purchase.

Conditional approval means you are approved for a car loan provided you meet certain requirements. You may need to submit additional documents or speak to a loan specialist for full approval. Both pre-approval and conditional approval can last from between 30 to 120 days depending on the lender.

How to get conditional approval for a car loan

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Journalist

Elizabeth Barry is an experienced journalist with over 10 years of expertise in personal finance, contributing to outlets like the ABC, Sydney Morning Herald, and 7News. She holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Technology Sydney, and has earned multiple award nominations, including a Highly Commended recognition at the 2017 Lizzies. Elizabeth began her career at Finder in 2013, progressing through roles to become Lead Editor, where she oversaw a wide range of personal finance coverage until 2024. See full bio

Elizabeth's expertise
Elizabeth has written 210 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Banking
  • Personal finance
  • Investing
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