Car Loan Pre-Approval in NZ

Know your budget before you shop — and walk into the dealership with buying confidence.

Car loan pre-approval means knowing your budget before you start looking. It helps you shop with confidence, negotiate from a stronger position, and choose a car that works for you.

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Plan first, shop smart

Why car loan pre-approval works in your favour

When you have a car loan pre-approval in hand, you’re in control. You can browse with a clear budget, compare options without pressure, and make an offer knowing your finance is ready to go. We’ll help you understand your borrowing power so you can shop for the right car with the confidence of a cash buyer.

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Know your budget upfront

Understand exactly what you can afford before visiting a dealership.

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Shop with confidence

Focus on finding the right car, knowing your finance is already lined up.

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Negotiate like a cash buyer

A pre-approval puts you in a stronger position to agree on a fair price

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Streamline the buying process

Shorten the time between choosing your car and driving it home.

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Before you apply for pre-approval

A car loan pre-approval can give you a head start, but it pays to be prepared. Here are some things to know:

  • Initial assessment - Lenders will review your income, expenses, and overall financial position to understand what you could be approved for.
  • Validity period - Most pre-approvals are valid for a set time, often around 30–60 days.
  • Vehicle type - Some pre-approvals may be tied to certain vehicle types or age limits.
  • Loan conditions - Your final approval will still depend on meeting all lending criteria when you choose your car.

We’ll explain what’s needed and guide you through the process, so you know exactly where you stand before you start shopping.

Guidance at every step

Pre-approval made clear

Some drivers want certainty before they shop, others want to save time at the dealership, and many simply like knowing they’re in the best position to negotiate. Whatever your reason, we’ll tailor the process so it works for you.

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Your situation, your plan

We’ll review your details to give you an idea of what you could be eligible for, based on your budget and lifestyle.

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Clear next steps

From application to approval, we’ll outline exactly what’s ahead so there are no surprises.

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Support when you choose

  • We’ll be here to finalise the details once you’ve picked your car.

Check your car loan pre-approval options

See how much you could be approved for before you shop. We’ll walk you through the options, and you decide whether to go ahead.

Your questions, answered

Car loan pre-approval FAQs
If you’re new to pre-approval, you might have a few questions about how it works and what to expect. Here’s what people often ask us — with answers designed to give you clarity and confidence.

What is car loan pre-approval?

Pre-approval is when a lender gives you an approval amount before you’ve chosen a car. It means you can shop knowing exactly what you can spend and avoid the uncertainty of negotiating without finance in place.

How long does pre-approval last?

Most pre-approvals last between 30 and 60 days. That gives you time to compare vehicles and find the right fit.

Does pre-approval guarantee I’ll get the loan?

No - final approval happens once you’ve chosen your vehicle and all the details have been confirmed. Pre-approval gives you a strong indication of what’s possible, but it’s still subject to meeting the lender’s full criteria.

Can I get pre-approval if I don’t know which car I want yet?

Yes - in fact, that’s one of its main advantages. You can secure pre-approval first, then shop with the certainty of knowing your budget before committing to a purchase.

What happens after I find a car?

Once you’ve chosen your car, we’ll update the details in your application, confirm the final approval, and handle the paperwork so you can get on the road as soon as possible.

How fast can I get approved?

Approval times vary, but once we have all the information we need, we can usually give you an answer within a business day.

*Fixed interest rates for vehicle loans range from 7.95% p.a. to a maximum of 29.95% p.a. on a minimum 12 month to a maximum 60-month loan term. Fixed interest rates for personal loans range from 9.95% p.a. to a maximum of 29.95% p.a. on a minimum 12 month to a maximum 60-month loan term. The actual interest rate charged to you will depend on your circumstances, the type of lending required, the security provided, and is determined by the lender. 

Fees apply, including an establishment fee of up to $350 and an introducer fee of up to $995. Also, lenders may charge a PPSR fee of between $0 and $14. For example: On a loan of $10,000 over 24 months at 9.95% p.a. with Establishment and Introducer fees totalling $495 and a PPSR Fee of $7.39, the total amount to repay is $11,627 which is 24 monthly payments of $485. Those amounts don’t include ongoing fees, such as Service Fees, charged by the lender. You can find full fee information in the loan contract. We recommend that you check the fees before accepting the loan offer. See more about lender fees here.

Approval is subject to meeting lending criteria, and affordability test applies. Our lender will independently assess whether you are eligible for a loan.
Same day payout subject to the applicant meeting the above conditions and completing loan documentation by 12pm.