How to get a car loan | Financing a new car - NAB
Get there sooner with a personal loan
Saving for a large purchase, like a car, can be difficult. We offer a range of car finance options, including a secured NAB Car Loan and an unsecured NAB Personal Loan, as well as secured NAB Car Loan for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Both options provide fast access to funds and offer different levels of flexibility to suit your needs.
NAB Car Loan
NAB Car Loan for electric vehicles
NAB Personal Loan
How to apply for a car loan
Here’s a guide to getting your car loan application ready.
Step 1: Know what you can afford
Think about the car you want and how much you can afford.
- If you’re considering an unsecured loan, use our budget planner and borrowing power calculator to check what fits your lifestyle.
- If you’re considering a secured loan, get a personalised quote to see how much you could borrow and what your repayments might be. This helps you borrow confidently and avoid surprises later.
Step 2: Pick the right loan type
Choose between a secured car loan or an unsecured personal loan.
- Secured loans usually have lower rates because the car is the security.
- Unsecured loans with variable rates can give you redraw flexibility if you don’t want to use the car as security.
Learn more about secured versus unsecured personal loans.
Step 3: Check if you’re eligible
Before you apply, review our eligibility checklist.
- This ensures you meet the basics and can help speed up the approval process.
Check out both our car loans to find out more about specific eligibility criteria.
Step 4: Understand your credit history
We look at your credit report to assess your ability to repay.
You can get a free copy of your credit report from a credit bureau. Reviewing it helps you know where you stand before you apply. You should check for mistakes before you apply, as errors can happen, and fixing them early avoids misunderstandings that could affect approval.
Step 5: Gather your documents
Have these ready:
- Driver’s licence
- Proof of income
- Details of assets and debts
This helps us verify your details quickly.
Step 6: Get a quote and apply
Get a personalised quote in minutes - without affecting your credit score.
- If you’re happy with the quote, submit your application online.
- We’ll let you know if we need anything else.
Step 7: Receive your funds
Once approved, sign your contract and your funds will be in your account - usually within one business day.
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The information contained in this article is intended to be of a general nature only. It has been prepared without taking into account any person’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, NAB recommends that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances. NAB recommends that you seek independent legal, financial, and taxation advice before acting on any information in this article.