Applying For A Car Loan With Average Credit

Owning a car can make everyday life more convenient, whether it’s commuting to work, supporting a growing family, or simply getting from A to B. If you’re considering buying a vehicle but don’t have the funds to pay the full purchase price upfront, a car loan may be an option to help spread the cost over time.

If your credit history is average or below average, you may be wondering whether you’ll be eligible to apply for finance. In this guide, we’ll explain how lenders assess applications, share practical tips that may help strengthen your application, and outline what you can expect when applying for a car loan with Rapid Loans.

Can I get a car loan with below average credit?

Having less than perfect credit is very common, with things like loan history and late payments causing fluctuations in your credit score. If you’re concerned about how your credit history may affect your application, here’s what you should know. There’s a misconception that once your credit history has defaulted, getting a personal loan, car loan or used car loan approved is impossible. Having a below-average credit history doesn’t automatically prevent you from applying for finance. Every application is assessed individually against our lending criteria, taking into account a range of factors including your income, expenses, credit history and overall financial circumstances.

We’ve helped thousands of Australians access finance for a range of purposes, such as debt consolidation, subject to our credit eligibility  criteria and approval.

We assess applications using a range of factors, including your credit history, income, expenses and overall financial circumstances. We offer secured car loans from $2,001 to $45,000 for eligible borrowers. Interest, fees and charges apply. For many applicants, completing an online application takes just a few minutes. Please note that a quick application does not mean instant approval. You can complete your application online, and if you’re unsure about how anything works (or what you need before getting started) our team is on hand to help.

Having a below-average credit score does not automatically disqualify you from applying, but approval will depend on assessment of your financial circumstances, and some applications may be declined.

Here, we’ve compiled some tips to help get you on the road, even if your credit score is currently considered average or below average.

How do I improve my credit score? 

If you have a low or less than average credit score, lenders will look at a range of factors when assessing your application. Your credit history is one of a number of factors considered when assessing your application. Depending on your individual circumstances, available loan amounts and interest rates may vary. With that in mind, here are some ways you can look to improve your credit score: 

Limit your loan applications

It can be tempting to cast a wide net and apply with a number of lenders to see what you can get. However, each credit application is generally recorded on your credit report and may be considered by other lenders when assessing future applications.  The reason behind this is that all loan application enquiries stay on your record for five years, whether you are approved or not, even if you don’t continue through to signing a contract. Take time to understand the lender’s assessment criteria instead. It may even be worth contacting the lender to make an initial enquiry as a full application will likely be recorded on your credit history. This could save you from applying for a loan where you’re unlikely to be approved. 

Pay your bills on time

We recommend developing good financial habits like putting money into savings regularly and building up a record of on-time payments by automating repayments and bills. Making repayments on time may help maintain a positive credit history. This includes everything from your phone plan to your household utilities – making sure things are well managed and on time reflects well on your financial habits and in some cases could help to improve your credit score if the institution uses comprehensive credit reporting (CCR). 

Get on top of payments

Poor payment habits can be a warning sign to potential lenders that you may be under financial stress. Financial institutions will look for red flags such as late payments, outstanding debts, tax liens and bankruptcy. Your loan repayment history stays on your record for two years, and if you have missed bills that are more than $150, and have been overdue for at least 60 days, a default can be listed on your credit report that will stay there for at least 5 years. 

Having too many loans to your name isn’t a good look because it puts in question your ability to manage and repay all of them at once. Things like AfterPay, credit card debt, and missed payments on things like a car loan can all contribute to this. If you’re managing multiple repayments, you may want to consider your options carefully.

Debt Consolidation

Whether debt consolidation is appropriate will depend on your financial circumstances and the features of the new loan. Before applying, it’s important to consider:

• The total cost of the loan, including interest and fees over the full loan term
• Whether extending your repayment period could mean paying more interest overall
• Whether the repayments fit comfortably within your budget

If you have existing debts with multiple lenders, a debt consolidation loan may be an option that combines eligible debts into a single loan with one regular repayment

At Rapid Loans, we assess every application individually against our lending criteria and responsible lending obligations. If approved, a debt consolidation loan may help you combine eligible debts into one loan with fixed repayments.

Consider lowering your lending amount

As applicants with a below average credit score may not be eligible for a large car loan, including car loans for private sale or used car financing, instead opt for a model of car or used car that fits your budget. This means you might have to skip the lavish features for now! Applying for an amount that fits within your budget may improve the affordability of your repayments.

Our friendly loan representatives can help you understand different loan amounts, loan terms and repayment options. We’ll ask for information like how much you want to borrow and how often you get paid. Keep in mind this is only a guide for what your loan repayments might look like.

How to support your car loan application

It’s worth keeping in mind that your credit score is not fixed. There are a number of steps that may strengthen your application for a car loan. Here’s where to start:

• Demonstrate regular payments for your current financial commitments and pay off any existing debts or outstanding dues. 
• Clean up your credit and avoid taking on any additional credit obligations. 
• Consider lowering the limit on any credit cards you have.
• Be prepared to submit 90 days of bank statements that detail your income and expenses. This will show the lender how much of a burden a loan will place on your current living expenses. 
• Many lenders consider employment stability as part of their assessment. It may be helpful to wait until you’ve passed your probationary period before applying for a new loan.
• Be aware of credit repair companies that claim they can “clean” your credit report by removing unwanted information. Any correct information cannot be removed or changed.
• Once you’ve done the hard work to fix a bad credit score, keep up the momentum by diligently paying all bills on time, maintaining low balances on your credit cards, and only seeking out new credit when necessary. Having a budget and figuring out where your money is going (and where you might be able to save a little extra) can make a world of difference in the long term. 

How to start applying for car loans with a below average credit rating

If you are trying to secure a car loan, including used car financing, new car loans, or car loans for private sale, you can get started by applying for a car loan or used car loan with Rapid Loans via our online application which, for many applicants, takes only 2 to 3 minutes to complete. Our credit assessment of your application is separate and may take longer.

Although our car loan assessment process is thorough and takes your circumstances into account, the loan application process is designed to be straightforward. Our team aims to contact eligible applicants within two hours during business hours to discuss the next steps in the assessment process.

You’ll only need a few things to get started, like proof of income, some form of ID, and an idea of how much you’d like to apply for.

Where to next?

Rapid Loans accepts applications from people with a range of credit histories. However, approval is not guaranteed, and applicants with below-average credit may not be approved or may be offered different terms.

No matter if you’re trying to get into your first car, upgrade to accommodate a growing family, or want to make the switch to a green car, we offer a range of loan amounts and repayment options to suit different borrowing needs, subject to our lending criteria.

We may ask you for pay slips, bank and credit card statements, evidence of benefit payment eligibility and any other relevant evidence of your financial situation when you apply for a car loan. Most of these things are now available through secure online portals, making the process straightforward. We’ve got plenty of information about how it works, giving you the transparency you need to get things all lined up before starting your application! 

As an intending borrower, we provide you with our Rapid Loans Credit Guide. If you’re interested in learning more, get in touch with our team. 

Apply online today or give one of our dedicated loan consultants a call at 1300 727 431. 

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not financial advice. It does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. You should consider whether the information is appropriate for your circumstances and seek independent professional advice if needed. All applications are subject to Rapid Loans’ credit eligibility criteria. Approval is not guaranteed. Fees, charges, terms and conditions apply. Rapid Loans Pty Ltd holds Australian Credit Licence Number 388847.