Question 1

Why should I use a finance broker?

Accepted Answer

A single lender can only offer you their own products, pricing and credit policy. As a finance brokerage, Finsterl Finance has access to a panel of more than 65 banks, non-bank lenders and specialist funders, so we can look at your situation and consider which of the options available to us may suit it. It also means less running around for you — we handle the lender conversations, the paperwork and the settlement coordination, and you have a dedicated professional supporting you every step of the way.

Question 2

How does Finsterl Finance work?

Accepted Answer

You tell us what you are buying or trying to achieve. We take the time to understand your circumstances, then use our lender panel and finance experience to identify options that may be suitable. If you are happy to proceed, we prepare and lodge the application, keep you updated through assessment, then coordinate settlement with the seller or supplier. All finance remains subject to lender assessment and eligibility criteria.

Question 3

How do I apply?

Accepted Answer

Call us, send an online enquiry or email — whichever you prefer. The first conversation is about understanding what you need. From there we will tell you what information a lender is likely to require and send through a secure way to provide it. You are not committing to anything by making an enquiry.

Question 4

How long does the finance application take?

Accepted Answer

The application itself is usually short — most of the time is spent gathering supporting information. Where documents are ready, an application can often be prepared and lodged the same day.

Question 5

How quickly can finance be approved?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the lender, the asset and how complete the information is. Straightforward consumer applications and simple commercial applications can move quickly, sometimes within a business day, while complex commercial deals and full financial assessments take longer. Providing documents promptly is the single biggest factor you control.

Question 6

How much can I borrow?

Accepted Answer

That depends on your income, existing commitments, credit history, the asset being purchased and the credit policy of the lender assessing the application. Rather than guessing, we look at your position and tell you honestly what range is realistic before anything is lodged.

Question 7

What information do I need to provide?

Accepted Answer

As a general guide: identification, evidence of income, details of your existing commitments and details of the asset you are purchasing. Business applications may also require ABN and GST details, financial statements or business bank statements. Requirements vary by lender and product, so we will give you a specific list rather than a generic one.

Question 8

Why do you need my identification?

Accepted Answer

Identity verification is a legal requirement for credit providers in Australia. It protects you against fraud and identity theft and satisfies the lender's own obligations.

Question 9

Why do you need payslips?

Accepted Answer

Payslips verify your income and employment so a lender can assess whether repayments are affordable based on verified figures rather than an estimate. Not every application requires payslips — some lenders and some commercial products rely on other verification methods.

Question 10

Why are bank statements required?

Accepted Answer

Bank statements help a lender confirm income, understand living expenses and identify existing commitments as part of responsible lending assessment. Statements are usually provided through a secure lender-approved process rather than emailed around.

Question 11

What happens after I submit an application?

Accepted Answer

We review everything for completeness, prepare a submission that reflects your situation properly, and lodge it with the lender whose policy fits. From there the lender assesses it and may come back with questions or conditions. We keep you informed as it progresses rather than leaving you wondering.

Question 12

What happens after I am approved?

Accepted Answer

We confirm the approval conditions, prepare the documentation for signing, verify the asset and supplier details, then coordinate settlement with the seller. For dealer and supplier purchases we deal with them directly so you are not chasing paperwork.

Question 13

Am I obligated to accept an approval?

Accepted Answer

No. An approval is an offer, not an obligation. You are free to decline it, take time to consider it or ask us to look at alternatives.

Question 14

What is pre-approval?

Accepted Answer

A pre-approval is an indication from a lender that they are prepared to proceed subject to conditions — typically the specific asset, satisfactory documentation and no material change in your circumstances. It helps you shop with confidence but is not a guarantee of final approval or settlement.

Question 15

Will getting a finance quote affect my credit score?

Accepted Answer

An initial conversation about your situation, an indicative repayment estimate or an eligibility discussion does not require an application to a lender. A formal credit enquiry is generally recorded on your credit file when an application is lodged with a lender for a credit decision. We will always tell you before that step happens, so an enquiry never appears on your file unexpectedly.

Question 16

When is a credit enquiry made?

Accepted Answer

Generally at the point an application is lodged with a lender for assessment. Some lenders and products may also perform an eligibility check earlier in the process — where that applies to your application, your Finsterl professional will explain exactly what is being checked and whether it is recorded on your file before anything proceeds.

Question 17

Can you look at my options without affecting my credit score?

Accepted Answer

We can discuss your situation, explain likely structures and give you indicative numbers without lodging an application. Once you want a formal decision from a lender, an application — and generally a credit enquiry — is required. We will confirm the position for your specific application rather than making a blanket promise.

Question 18

What information appears on my credit file?

Accepted Answer

Typically your identity details, credit applications and enquiries, current and past credit accounts, repayment history information, defaults, and any serious credit infringements or insolvency records. You are entitled to obtain a copy of your own credit file from the credit reporting bodies, and it is worth doing before applying if you are unsure what is on it.

Question 19

Can Finsterl assist if I have had credit issues?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. There are lenders who consider applications with past credit issues, usually with different rates, terms or deposit requirements. There are also situations where the better answer is to wait and improve your position first. We will give you a straight assessment rather than lodging applications that are likely to be declined.

Question 20

Can I get finance if I have a default?

Accepted Answer

Possibly, depending on the size and age of the default, whether it has been paid, who it was with and the rest of your circumstances. Paid, older and smaller defaults are generally viewed differently to recent unpaid defaults with financial institutions. Eligibility criteria and lender policy apply.

Question 21

Does making lots of finance applications affect my credit file?

Accepted Answer

Multiple enquiries in a short period can be viewed unfavourably by lenders, because it can suggest applications have been declined elsewhere. This is one of the reasons we prepare one application and lodge it with the lender whose policy fits, rather than sending the same deal to several lenders at once.

Question 22

Can I get finance if I have just started a new job?

Accepted Answer

Often yes. Some lenders require a probation period to be completed while others focus on continuity within the same industry or a stable overall employment history. It depends on the lender, the product and the rest of your application.

Question 23

Can casual employees get finance?

Accepted Answer

Casual income can be considered by many lenders, usually where there is a reasonable history of consistent hours with the same employer. Requirements vary between lenders, and how the income is assessed can differ too.

Question 24

Can self-employed applicants get finance?

Accepted Answer

Yes — self-employed applicants are a large part of what we do. Depending on the lender and product, assessment may be based on financial statements, tax returns, business bank statements or, for some commercial products, a simplified assessment. Eligibility criteria apply.

Question 25

How long do I need to have had my ABN?

Accepted Answer

There is no single rule. Some lenders have minimum ABN and GST registration periods, others are more flexible where there is relevant industry experience or supporting assets. A newer ABN reduces the number of options but does not automatically rule out finance.

Question 26

Can sole traders obtain finance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sole traders are financed regularly for vehicles, tools of trade, equipment and machinery. Assessment usually considers both the business activity and your personal position.

Question 27

Can partnerships obtain finance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Partnership applications generally require details for each partner along with the partnership's trading information.

Question 28

Can companies and trusts obtain finance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Company and trust applications are common in commercial finance. Lenders will usually want the entity details, the structure, and information about the directors, trustees or guarantors.

Question 29

What income documents will I need?

Accepted Answer

For PAYG applicants, usually recent payslips and often bank statements. For self-employed applicants, commonly tax returns, financial statements or business bank statements, depending on the lender and the product. Some commercial products require less documentation, subject to lender policy.

Question 30

Can Centrelink income be considered?

Accepted Answer

Some lenders consider certain government income types as part of an overall assessment, others do not. It depends on the type of payment, whether it is ongoing, and the lender's policy. We will tell you honestly what options exist for your situation.

Question 31

Can additional income be included?

Accepted Answer

Additional income such as overtime, allowances, rental income or a second job may be considered where it can be verified and is reasonably consistent. How much of it a lender counts varies by lender and income type.

Question 32

Can I finance a new car?

Accepted Answer

Yes. New vehicle purchases from a dealership are among the most straightforward applications, and we can settle directly with the dealer so you are not moving money around yourself.

Question 33

Can I finance a used car?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Age and condition influence lender appetite, the maximum term available and sometimes the rate, but used vehicles are financed every day.

Question 34

Can I buy a car privately?

Accepted Answer

Often yes. Private sales require extra verification — ownership, an encumbrance check and payment made directly to the seller — and not every lender offers them. We will confirm which lenders can assist before you commit to the purchase.

Question 35

Can I purchase from a dealer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it is usually the simplest path. We deal with the dealership on documentation and settlement, which means you can negotiate on the car and leave the finance to us.

Question 36

Can I refinance my current car loan?

Accepted Answer

It may be possible depending on the vehicle, your current contract, the remaining term and the payout figure. Whether it is worthwhile depends on the numbers — we will show them to you rather than assuming refinancing is automatically better.

Question 37

Can I include additional costs in my car finance?

Accepted Answer

Some costs, such as certain dealer charges or accessories, can often be included subject to lender policy and the value of the vehicle. Others need to be paid separately. We will confirm what can be included in your particular application.

Question 38

Do I need a deposit?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Many applications can be funded without a deposit, while others benefit from one — or require one — depending on the asset, the lender and your circumstances. A deposit or trade-in reduces the amount financed and the repayment.

Question 39

Can I trade in my current vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A trade-in can be used to reduce the amount financed. If there is existing finance on the vehicle, the payout is factored into the numbers so you can see the true position.

Question 40

Can I finance motorcycles?

Accepted Answer

Yes, including road bikes, adventure bikes and off-road bikes. Lender appetite varies with the type, age and value of the bike.

Question 41

Can I finance caravans or boats?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Caravans, camper trailers, motorhomes, boats and jet skis are all financeable. Age, condition and value influence the term and structure available.

Question 42

Can I finance an electric vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Electric and hybrid vehicles are financed through both consumer and commercial products, and some lenders offer specific terms for lower-emissions vehicles. Availability and pricing depend on the lender.

Question 43

What is a balloon payment?

Accepted Answer

A balloon (consumer) or residual (commercial) is a lump sum owing at the end of the contract. It reduces the regular repayment but increases the total interest paid, and the balance must be paid, refinanced or covered by selling the asset at the end of the term. Maximum balloon amounts are set by lender policy and the asset type.

Question 44

What is a secured car loan?

Accepted Answer

A secured loan uses the vehicle itself as security for the finance. Because the lender holds security, secured loans are generally priced more sharply than unsecured personal loans — but the lender has rights over the vehicle if the loan is not repaid.

Question 45

How long can a car loan run for?

Accepted Answer

Terms commonly range from one to seven years. The maximum term available depends on the lender, the age of the vehicle and the amount financed. A longer term lowers the repayment but increases the total interest paid.

Question 46

Can I consolidate personal debts?

Accepted Answer

Consolidation may be possible depending on the debts involved, your credit position and lender policy. It can simplify repayments, but consolidating may increase or decrease the total interest and fees paid depending on the rate, fees and term. Our consolidation calculator lets you compare before you decide.

Question 47

What types of equipment can Finsterl finance?

Accepted Answer

Everything from work utes and trucks through to excavators, tractors, CNC machines, workshop equipment, medical and dental equipment, hospitality fit-outs, robotics, drones and commercial solar. If it is a legitimate business asset with a supplier invoice, it is worth asking. Funding options are subject to the asset, supplier, applicant and individual lender policy.

Question 48

Can I finance used machinery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Used machinery is financed every day. Age, hours, condition, brand and serviceability all influence lender appetite, the maximum term and the amount that can be funded.

Question 49

Can I purchase equipment privately?

Accepted Answer

In many cases yes, subject to lender policy. Private-sale equipment usually requires a valuation or inspection and clear evidence of ownership, and some lenders restrict private sales for certain asset types.

Question 50

Can I finance more than one asset?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Multiple assets can often be funded together, either under one facility or as separate contracts under the same approval, depending on the lender and the suppliers involved.

Question 51

Can GST be included in the finance?

Accepted Answer

For commercial purchases the GST-inclusive amount can often be financed, and some businesses choose to fund the GST and later claim it through their BAS. How that works for your business is a question for your accountant — we do not provide tax advice.

Question 52

Can I finance an excavator?

Accepted Answer

Yes, from mini excavators through to 30-tonne machines, new or used, from a dealer or in many cases privately. Hours, age and attachments all factor into the assessment.

Question 53

Can I finance a truck and dog?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Truck and dog combinations, tippers, prime movers and trailers are core commercial assets for us. Applications generally consider the asset, the work it is being put to and the operator's experience.

Question 54

Can I finance attachments with machinery?

Accepted Answer

Attachments such as buckets, hammers, grabs, augers and tilt hitches can often be included where they are on the supplier invoice and form part of the machine package. Standalone attachment finance is more limited and depends on value and lender policy.

Question 55

Can I refinance existing equipment?

Accepted Answer

Refinancing existing equipment or vehicle finance may be possible depending on the asset, the current contract, the remaining term and the payout figure. Some lenders also consider equity release against owned equipment, subject to policy.

Question 56

Can a new business obtain equipment finance?

Accepted Answer

It can be possible. Newer ABNs have fewer options, and lenders often look for relevant industry experience, a deposit, supporting assets or a stronger personal position. We will tell you honestly where you sit before lodging anything.

Question 57

Can a sole trader finance business equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sole traders finance vehicles, trailers, tools of trade, workshop equipment and machinery regularly. Assessment usually considers both the business and your personal circumstances.

Question 58

Can Finsterl finance specialised machinery?

Accepted Answer

Often yes. Specialised and low-volume machinery can be more difficult because resale markets are narrower, so lender appetite varies. This is exactly the kind of application where having a broad panel helps.

Question 59

Can imported equipment be financed?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. Imported equipment introduces timing, deposit, currency and compliance considerations, and some lenders will not fund assets before they land in Australia. It is worth talking to us early if an import is involved.

Question 60

Can technology or software-related equipment be financed?

Accepted Answer

Hardware, IT infrastructure, point-of-sale systems and technology bundles can often be financed. Pure software and subscriptions are treated differently and have fewer options, as there is no tangible asset for a lender to secure against.

Question 61

Can renewable energy equipment be financed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Commercial solar, battery storage and energy systems are increasingly financeable, subject to the installer, the asset and lender policy.

Question 62

Can robotics and automation equipment be financed?

Accepted Answer

Often yes. Robotics, cobots, automation cells, drones and electric plant are being funded more frequently, though appetite varies considerably by lender, supplier and asset. We are happy to do the legwork to find out rather than dismissing it.

Question 63

What can a business loan be used for?

Accepted Answer

Common uses include working capital, stock, staff costs, marketing, fit-outs, expansion, tax obligations, equipment deposits and acquisitions. Lenders will ask what the funds are for, because the purpose affects which product and structure suits.

Question 64

Can I use a business loan for working capital?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Working capital funding is designed for exactly this — bridging the gap between paying for work and being paid for it. Options include term loans, lines of credit and invoice-based facilities.

Straight answers to common finance questions

How Finsterl works, what we need from you and what happens at each stage.

Credit files, enquiries, past credit issues and what a lender can see.

PAYG, casual, self-employed, ABN requirements and income documents.

New and used cars, private sales, refinancing, balloons and personal lending.

Trucks, yellow goods, machinery, attachments, imports and emerging assets.

Working capital, acquisitions, chattel mortgage, leases and documentation.

Ask us the question you actually have