It’s pretty clear to say that car loans aren’t just a full-time or part-time worker’s game. After all, around one in five employees in Australia are casual, while 10.4% of all car loans approved through Savvy in the 2025 calendar year were for people who were casually employed.
The reality is that lenders are more willing to offer car loans to casual workers than you might think. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s as easy or straightforward to get approved as someone with consistent full-time work. Whether you’re a student or have a lengthy background in casual work, it’s crucial to have an idea of where you stand before you apply.
How can I get a car loan as a casual worker?
There’s plenty you’ll need to do to secure approval for a car loan as a casual worker. However, when it comes to your employment, there are two main factors lenders will focus on above all else: your income and your time in employment.
Income and income stability
First and foremost, you’ll need to hit your lender’s minimum income requirements. This can start from as little as $480 per week (just under $25,000 annually) with some lenders, but it’ll be higher with others. However, lenders want to see consistency in your payslips.
Working the same hours each week and receiving a stable income will go a long way towards helping you get approved. Inconsistent shifts and payslip amounts will be a significant red flag. Here are some situations where inconsistency could count against you:
- Applying for a car loan directly after you’ve spent time away from work, whether that be due to illness or a holiday.
- Applying for a car loan during or directly after a period of public holidays, such as Christmas and New Year or Easter, when your work was closed.
- Applying for a car loan directly after your hours have changed, so your payslips show inconsistent pay.
Time in employment
You’ll also need to show that your employment is stable and has been ongoing for an extended period. A brand-new casual gig won’t cut it, as lenders will deem you too great a risk of losing your job during your car finance term. We work with lenders who approve applications for those under six months, but it’s generally much harder to get the green light before you hit that mark.
The importance of solid employment for casual workers
"Many people focus on getting the lowest interest rate, but that's only half the story. A loan with fewer fees, flexible repayment options or no early exit penalties can often save you more in the long run. Don't just ask 'what's the rate?'; find out what the total cost of the car loan will be over its life."
Other standard criteria
Of course, you’ll need to meet all the other standard eligibility criteria that everyone needs to meet to qualify for a car loan, including:
- You must be at least 18 years of age
- You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible visa holder
- You must meet your lender’s minimum credit score requirement (bad credit car finance options are available)
- The car you’re financing must meet your lender’s age and condition requirements
Casual employment car finance rates
As of March 2026, the lowest car loan rates available for different casual workers through Savvy are as follows:
How much will I be able to borrow on a casual income?
Each lender assesses borrowing power differently, but they’ll look at the following factors when determining how much they’re willing to lend you:
- Your income and expenses: the more left over after expenses are deducted, the more you’ll be able to pay towards a car loan.
- Your credit score: a strong credit score points to reliability when it comes to staying on top of your debts, which lenders like to see.
- Your history repaying similar loans: if you’ve paid off a similar loan in the past few years without issue, lenders are more likely to trust you with a larger sum.
- The value of your car: the amount you can borrow will be tied to your car’s cost. Although you may be able to include certain on-road costs, like stamp duty, registration and insurance, you typically won’t be able to borrow much more than its value.
- Your assets and liabilities: you’re likely to be seen as more reliable with assets like property behind you, but liabilities like other loans will eat into your borrowing power.
How to apply for your car loan with Savvy
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Fill out our online form
Tell us about yourself, your work and the car and loan you’re after.
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Supply any required documents
Send through your documentation to verify your employment and income.
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Discuss your options with us
Your broker will give you a call and talk through your available finance options.
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Find your ideal car
Our in-house car broker team can help you secure your car if you haven’t already.
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Have your application prepared
We’ll put together your application and submit it for formal assessment.
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Sign on the dotted line
Once approved, we’ll handle settlement so you can sign your contracts and drive away.
Why apply for a car loan with Savvy?
Top tips for maximising your chances of car loan approval on a casual income
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Work for a while before you apply
Make sure you’ve built up a record of consistent work and pay at the same place before you hit send on that application.
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Pay a deposit if possible
If you have savings to spare, paying a deposit towards the purchase of your car can help you get approved and save money overall (though we work with lenders who can finance 100% of your car's purchase price).
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Apply with a partner or guarantor
Having an extra income on your application can increase your approval chances, as can applying with a parent or grandparent as a guarantor.
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Cut out unnecessary expenses
Assess your monthly incomings and outgoings to see where you might be able to save money. Every little bit counts in your application.
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Improve your credit score
Even if your score isn’t that bad, continuing to pay your bills on time and reducing credit limits where possible can boost it.
