Frequently Asked Questions:
Applications and Approvals
What is a car loan?
What does a secured loan mean?
To secure the loan, the lender uses the asset as security, meaning if you don’t make your repayments, it may be possible for the lender to take possession of the vehicle to sell it to cover the cost of the loan. All vehicle loans via Alpha Finance are secured against the vehicle you purchase.
We do not offer unsecured loans for cars. As the lender, Alpha Finance will have a registered interest in the vehicle on the PPSR.
The money you borrow is paid directly to the dealership and the dealership delivers the vehicle to You.
Should I get a car loan?
This is a decision only you can make depending upon your personal circumstances and your objectives. Financing may be the only choice if you need a car now but do not have enough savings to pay cash.
A car loan may help bridge the gap between the money you have saved up and the payments you could comfortably make monthly towards having the car you want now, rather than needing to continue saving for a prolonged period to be able to pay cash.
If you know you will be scrimping and saving for months or years so you can purchase with cash, it is probably worth looking at your financing options.
You may also want to consider how much money you will spend on maintaining and repairing your current vehicle (if you have one) or while using Ubers or taxis to get around, as these are expenses you may not be able to avoid while you try to save.
Is it good to buy a car on finance? What is the best financing option for a car?
Buying a car on finance can be a quick and secure way to obtain a vehicle you want.
Successfully paying off a loan may also increase your credit score, improving your chances of obtaining another loan in the future, or at a better rate.
The best financing option depends upon your personal preferences and individual financial circumstances. Alpha offer a variety of financing options that can spread the purchase costs over a manageable period to suit our customer needs.
Can I get car finance if I have a poor credit history?
Yes, you can! At Alpha Finance, we’ll review your current situation and ability to manage your car loan repayments and other commitments when evaluating how much credit you can safely manage.
We operate under an Australian Credit License and could offer you the right car loan suited to your financial circumstances.
Bad circumstances can impact good people – we recognize that at Alpha Finance. To help you get a car loan approved with a poor credit history, you should:
- Be able to demonstrate a regular and consistent minimum income – Centrelink benefits may form part or all of your income.
- Be honest in your application
- Avoid heavy gambling or regular spending on things you may not really need.
Our focus will be upon your current financial situation and your ability to manage the loan repayments comfortably over the loan term.
You can apply for a car loan even if you are:
- a self-employed worker.
- a single parent needing a car loan
- a student with regular income
From small used car loans or larger car loans – what matters is what you can afford and how you manage your money.
You may be more likely to get approved for a car loan with a specialist lender like Alpha Finance, over a bank with traditional lending criteria.
How do I apply for a car loan?
Get your application for a car loan started online by completing the short form here.
Your application enquiry should take about 5 minutes. We’ll then review all your details and make sure any loan offer is affordable for you. Once you have your loan pre-approval offer, you can start shopping for a suitable vehicle.
How much can I borrow with a car loan?
How much you can borrow for a car loan may depend on your current financial situation and your ability to manage loan repayments over the loan term.
At Alpha Finance, you may be able to borrow up to $50,000 for your car loan.
Fees and Repayments
What are the fees or expenses?
There will be a loan application process, some upfront fees and interest. A maximum of $25,000 may be available depending upon your needs and what you can afford to repay.
We like making things simple and easy. We’ll always be transparent about any additional costs or fees. Please view our Fees Statement for more information.
Can I pay off my loan early?
What will my car loan cost me to repay each week?
What happens if I miss a payment or cannot meet any ongoing payments?
If you miss a payment don’t worry, it happens! Please ensure you have the funds in your account and either send us a direct transfer or call 1300 463 466 to discuss your payment options.
If you believe you won’t be able to meet the required payments, please contact our Customer Care Team or alphacustomercare@alphafinance.com.au.
Alpha Finance will work with you in a fair, ethical, and moral manner to resolve the issue. We’ll contact you to try and sort out an affordable arrangement. It’s best to always communicate with us if you are having trouble repaying so we can come up with a plan together. See our Fee Statement for further information.
What if I'm experiencing financial difficulty?
What are my responsibilities?
Your responsibilities include:
- Making your payments on/or before the agreed date;
- Arranging comprehensive vehicle insurance before you pick up the vehicle, noting Alpha Finance as an interested party;
- Keeping the vehicle in a clean, roadworthy condition;
- Ensuring the vehicle is serviced at scheduled intervals;
- Arranging your own E-Tag or method of paying tolls and keeping your account in order;
- Paying all other traffic infringements on or before their due date;
- Arranging your own roadside assistance (RACQ / RACV / NRMA or equivalent)
