Questions, answered straight

No. Comparing and getting a quote is free. Some loans carry a lender or broker fee, and if yours does, you'll see it in writing before you agree to anything. Lenders pay the broker a commission, and our Credit Guide sets out how that works.

No. Getting a quote has no impact on your credit score. A credit check only happens if you decide to go ahead with an application. Even then, it's one enquiry with the lender we recommend, not a pile of applications that each leave a mark on your file.

Over 80, including the big banks, smaller banks, non-bank lenders and specialists. That's a big share of the market, but not every lender in Australia, and we'll never pretend it is.

A real broker, not a call centre or a chatbot. Compare City is the comparison and enquiry service. Your application is handled by an accredited partner brokerage that holds the credit licence authorisation, and your broker's details are in the Credit Guide.

Some approvals come back in as little as 10 minutes, and most within a day. Home loans and bigger business deals need more paperwork and take longer. We'll tell you up front roughly how long yours will take.

Usually your driver licence, recent payslips and bank statements, and details of any debts you already have. If you're self-employed, expect tax returns or BAS instead of payslips. For a vehicle or equipment, we'll also need the seller's details or an invoice.

Often, yes. Defaults, a past bankruptcy or a thin credit file don't automatically mean no. Some lenders look at the story behind it, and we know which ones. More on how it works on our bad credit finance page.

Yes. Plenty of lenders work with ABN holders, including low doc options if your tax returns are behind. What matters is showing the income is steady.

Yes. The lender checks the seller actually owns the vehicle and that there's no money owing on it, and may want a valuation. We handle those checks with you so the sale doesn't stall. Our guide to private sale car finance walks through it.

The interest rate is what you pay on the money you borrow. The comparison rate adds in most of the fees, so it's the better number for comparing two loans side by side. We explain it properly in comparison rate vs interest rate.

Usually, but check first. Some loans, especially fixed rate ones, charge a fee for paying out early. We point out any early payout fees before you sign.

A broker calls you to go over the details, compares the panel and comes back with your options. Nothing goes to a lender until you say so.