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Car Loans on Centrelink

Are you receiving Centrelink payments and looking for a car loan? Savvy can help.

Written by 
Bill Tsouvalas
Bill Tsouvalas is the managing director and a key company spokesperson at Savvy. As a personal finance expert, he often shares his insights on a range of topics, being featured on leading news outlets including News Corp publications such as the Daily Telegraph and Herald Sun, Fairfax Media publications such as the Australian Financial Review, the Seven Network and more. Bill has over 15 years of experience working in the finance industry and founded Savvy in 2010 with a vision to provide affordable and accessible finance options to all Australians. He has built Savvy from a small asset finance brokerage into a financial comparison website which now attracts close to 2 million Aussies per year and was included in the BRW’s Fast 100 in 2015 as one of the fastest-growing companies in the country. He’s passionate about helping Australians make financially savvy decisions and reviews content across the brand to ensure its accuracy. You can follow Bill on LinkedIn.
Our authors
, updated on May 9th, 2024       

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Woman driving car

Receiving Centrelink payments shouldn't hold you back from owning a car. Contrary to popular belief, many lenders offer car loans for people on Centrelink benefits – even with a lower income or bad credit.

You can explore your options right here with Savvy. Our lender partners have experience with people in a variety of circumstances and understand your unique needs. Get started today with a quick online quote today!

Can I get a car loan on Centrelink payments?

If you receive Centrelink benefits or payments you may be able to get a car loan, even if Centrelink payments are your sole source of income. However, whether you will be approved and how much you can borrow depends on several factors:

  • Income and affordability: one of the major eligibility criteria for any loan product is having a regular income that meets the lender’s minimum threshold. While your current income might comfortably cover repayments for a smaller loan, larger amounts for big-ticket items like cars could become a burden. Whether you receive Centrelink payments or not, responsible lenders must look at your complete financial situation before deciding on whether to approve you for a car loan. Whatever your situation, you should always figure out how much you can afford to pay back each month on top of running costs.
  • Type of Centrelink payments: not all Centrelink payments are treated the same for car loans. Fixed payments like Family Tax Benefits, Parenting Payments, Disability Support Pension, Aged Pension and Carer Payments are seen as regular income due to their consistent nature. However, temporary payments that stop once you find employment, such as the Youth Allowance and JobSeeker Payments are not typically viewed as income.
  • Lender: some lenders may view Centrelink payments as income, while others do not – even if you meet their minimum income requirement with your Centrelink benefits. In such a situation, talking to a car loan broker can help you find a lender willing to work with people on Centrelink payments, searching different products to find one that’s suitable for you.

Can I get a car loan on Centrelink with bad credit?

Getting a car loan on Centrelink payments with bad credit is possible, but it will require some extra effort. Your credit score is a factor that many lenders consider when assessing your eligibility for a loan. This provides a snapshot of your past borrowing behaviour and ability to repay debts. A higher score indicates a lower credit risk, while a lower score suggests a higher risk. In Australia, credit score ranges for the three main credit reporting agencies are as follows:

Equifax
Below average
0 – 459
Average
460 – 660
Good
661 – 734
Very good
735 – 852
Excellent
853 – 1,200
Experian
Below average
0 – 549
Fair
550 – 624
Good
625 – 699
Very good
700 – 799
Excellent
800 – 1,000
illion
Zero
0
Low
1 – 299
Room for improvement
300 – 499
Good
500 – 699
Great
700 – 799
Excellent
800 – 1,000

Source: What is an Average Interest Rate on a Car Loan? – Savvy. Information correct as of April 2024.

You can apply for a free copy of your credit report every three months, which is usually accessible online or by email or post.  

Having a good credit history can improve your chances of approval or getting a more competitive car loan interest rate. However, even if you have a poor credit rating, you may be eligible for a bad credit car loan if you can fulfil other criteria. 

How can I improve my chances of getting a car loan while on Centrelink?

If you are considering a car loan on Centrelink payments, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of approval:

  • Meet the income threshold: if your current Centrelink payment falls short, consider alternative income sources or look for lenders specialising in lower-income borrowers.
  • Improve your credit score: make consistent payments on existing debts, avoid taking on new ones and consider credit-building tools.
  • Save for a deposit: a down payment demonstrates financial responsibility and reduces the loan amount needed, potentially leading to better loan terms.
  • Shop around and compare lenders: not all lenders view Centrelink payments the same. Some may be more open to them, especially with a larger deposit or a co-signer with good credit.
  • Consider a car loan broker: brokers have access to a wider range of lenders and can help find options suited to your situation, saving you time on research and potentially finding you better terms.

Are there alternatives to getting a car loan on Centrelink payments?

If you are finding it difficult to get approved for a car loan on Centrelink payments, it may be helpful to use a guarantor.

A guarantor is someone with a good financial standing and credit history that “guarantees” the loan by shouldering the responsibility for the loan in the event you are unable to pay it back. A guarantor becomes legally bound to pay off the loan or suffer any effects of defaults such as it being recorded on their credit history.

You can ask anyone over the age of 18 and an Australian citizen to become your guarantor. However, it is vital to inform your guarantor of what they are liable or responsible for when it comes to guaranteeing a car loan.

The added effects of having a guarantor may be a more competitive interest rate than if you applied without a guarantor. It may also entitle you to borrow more money.

If you do not need a car immediately, you may also consider saving up and then buying it outright. This might take time, but it eliminates the need for a loan and interest payments. Create a budget and set aside a regular amount from your Centrelink payments to reach your goal. Remember, smaller used cars are generally cheaper to buy, insure and maintain, making them a budget-friendly option that reduces your financial burden in the long run.

Steps to get a car loan on Centrelink payments​

Why so many Australians choose Savvy for their car loan

Frequently asked questions about car loans and Centrelink payments

Can the type of car I choose affect my chances of getting a car loan on Centrelink?

Lenders may have preferences or restrictions on the age, condition and type of vehicle they are willing to finance. Generally, lenders prefer financing newer cars with lower mileage as they are seen as less risky investments. Older or high-mileage vehicles may pose greater reliability issues, increasing the lender's risk. Additionally, luxury cars may be harder to finance, especially for individuals with limited income sources like Centrelink payments.

What happens if I miss payments on a car loan while receiving Centrelink payments?

Defaulting on loan payments can result in late fees, penalties, and ultimately repossession of the vehicle by the lender. This can further impact your financial situation and credit score, making it even more challenging to secure loans in the future. It's essential to communicate with your lender if you're facing financial difficulties to explore potential options for repayment plans or assistance programs.

Can I get a car loan with existing debts?

It's possible to get a car loan while on Centrelink with existing debts, but it may affect your eligibility and loan terms. Lenders assess your debt-to-income ratio to determine your ability to manage additional debt responsibly. If your existing debts consume a significant portion of your income, lenders may view you as a higher risk borrower and offer less favourable loan terms, such as higher interest rates or lower loan amounts.

Can I get a car loan with no credit check?

No. All reputable lenders in Australia will perform a credit check when you apply for a car loan. These checks help lenders assess your financial responsibility and the risk of you defaulting on the loan. Be wary of lenders that advertise no credit check loans.

How do I check my credit score?

You can access a free copy of your credit report every three months from one of the major credit reporting agencies in Australia (Equifax, Experian or illion). These reports include your credit score and details of your credit history.

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