FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Think of us as your personal finance guide. Instead of spending hours approaching lenders individually, we do the heavy lifting by comparing options across our panel of 30+ bank and non-bank lenders.

Beyond finding a competitive rate that saves you money over the life of the loan, we take the time to structure your loan around your actual lifestyle, current life stage, and long-term financial goals. From your first call through to final settlement, we handle the paperwork and legwork to ensure your finance works seamlessly with your life today - and where you want to be tomorrow.

Going straight to a single bank often limits you to their specific rules and rates. Dealership finance, on the other hand, often comes with hidden fees or rigid terms designed to favour the seller. As an independent broker, we work for you, comparing over 30 lenders to secure competitive terms without the high-pressure sales tactics.

Negotiating rates on your behalf and finding deals not available to the general public has helped us win ‘Best in Car Loans’ on ProductReview.com.au for four consecutive years (2023-2026). But we’re more proud of helping Australians access finance options without being reduced to their credit score.

We keep things simple, transparent and clear. From start to finish, you get a dedicated specialist who takes the time to understand your goals, communicates clearly at every step, and focuses on finding a suitable loan structure without unnecessary stress.

We get it - a bad broker experience usually means pushy tactics, radio silence once you sign or getting pushed into a loan that suits their commission rather than your bank account.

At Fido, our core promise is simple: Finance you can trust and guidance you can count on. That means taking the time to understand your situation, comparing suitable options, and explaining every single step without the confusing fine print.

Our track record across Australia’s major independent review platforms - including Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and ProductReview.com.au - reflects thousands of 5-star ratings from everyday Australians who came to us after being let down elsewhere. We earn your trust by delivering straightforward answers and putting your outcome first, every single time.

We’ve built genuine working relationships with a diverse panel of over 30 lenders across Australia. This includes the major banks, commercial lenders, and specialised lenders who cater to unique borrowing scenarios (such as self-employed tradies or specific asset types). This broad panel allows us to match you with a product that fits your specific situation, rather than just the easiest option for the lender.

Our team will always identify themselves by name and confirm the specific detail or quote you enquired about. Just look for a call from our Brisbane office number (07) 3063 6076. And if you’d ever like to double-check it’s us, you’re welcome to call us back on 13 34 36.

We take data security seriously. Your personal and financial details are encrypted and stored securely in compliance with Australian privacy laws. We only collect what’s necessary to find a suitable loan option, only share your information with lenders when required to process your finance application (no one else), and never sell your data to third parties.

We assist with a wide range of personal, lifestyle and business asset finance solutions, including:

• Lifestyle and Personal Asset Finance: Cars, caravans, boats, jet skis, motorbikes, 4x4s and electric vehicles (EVs).
• Personal Loan Solutions: Personal loans, debt consolidation, refinancing, travel loans and wedding finance.
• Business and Commercial Equipment: Commercial trucks, machinery, business equipment and low-doc loans for self-employed individuals and companies.

Not necessarily. Lenders we partner with offer no-deposit options, so you may be able to get what you need without dipping into your savings. However, putting down a deposit may help lower your overall borrowing amount, reduce your interest rate, and leave you with more manageable repayments. If you don't have a deposit ready, give our team a call to look at what options fit your situation.

Your borrowing capacity depends on your complete financial picture, including your income, regular living expenses, existing debts and overall financial setup. From the outset, we do the maths to give you a clear idea of what you may be able to borrow, so you know where you stand.

Yes, absolutely. We specialise in competitive commercial finance for self-employed tradies, sole traders, partnerships and growing companies looking to add vehicles or machinery to their fleet.

Specific requirements depend on your business structure and whether you qualify for low-doc options (which utilise alternative proof of income), but generally you’ll need:

• Active ABN registration details
• Proof of business income (such as bank statements, BAS returns or tax records)
• Vehicle, machinery or equipment details on what you plan to purchase

Getting financed doesn't need to be overwhelming. We handle the heavy lifting across six clear steps:

• Enquire: Fill out our quick online form or give us a call on 13 34 36 (13 FIDO) to kick things off.
• Discuss Your Needs: A dedicated finance specialist reaches out to understand your goals, daily budget, and timeline.
• Compare Suitable Options: We assess options through our panel of 30+ lenders to match you with options that may suit your needs.
• Review Your Options: We break down rates, repayments, fees and loan structures in plain English so you can make an informed decision.
• Accept and Sign: Once you choose your option, we coordinate the application and arrange for the documents to be signed.
• Settle: We manage the paperwork and coordinate with the lender, seller or dealership through to settlement.

We believe real conversations beat an automated algorithm every single time. Finance isn't one-size-fits-all, and a quick phone chat allows us to get the real story behind your numbers, answer your questions, and tailor a loan structure that actually works for your life. Plus, there’s no commitment so a quick conversation can help you understand your options without risk.

No worries at all. Give us a call directly on 13 34 36 (13 FIDO), and a finance specialist will walk you through the entire process over the phone.

*Fast-tracked funding options are available, with select lenders capable of settling within 24 hours of receiving complete documentation. Turnaround times vary depending on applicant profiles and specific lender processing queues, but we keep you updated at every step so you never have to guess where things stand.

Getting you the right deal takes genuine care. We aren't just pushing a single button - we’re building your financial profile, comparing products across 30+ lenders, negotiating terms on your behalf, and structuring the loan to protect your cash flow. That groundwork is what saves you real money over the life of the loan.

Absolutely. This is actually the smartest way to approach it. Pre-approval confirms your budget before you shop, giving you real buying power and removing the anxiety of waiting for finance approval.

Pre-approval takes you from just looking to moving forward with confidence. You get a clearer picture of what you can spend, real peace of mind and a stronger understanding of your options, all without stretching past a budget you’re comfortable with.

A finance quote is an initial estimate based on information like your income, credit score, and loan amount. It’s a quick, baseline idea of what your interest rates and repayments might look like, but doesn’t guarantee funding.

A pre-approval is a formal conditional commitment from a lender after they’ve assessed your profile, income documents, and credit history. Pre-approval confirms your real borrowing power and gives you genuine leverage to negotiate drive-away prices with dealerships or private sellers.

If a lender says no, we’ll explain why and map out a practical path forward. A “no” from one lender doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out of options. With access to 30+ specialist lenders, we can look beyond what a single bank or dealership may be able to offer.

For pre-approval, the setup is pretty simple. Most people only need to provide:

• A valid Australian Driver’s Licence
• Your two most recent payslips

Depending on your situation or the specific asset you’re buying, a lender may also ask for a secondary photo ID (like a passport), recent bank statements, proof of address, or a vehicle tax invoice.

Dealerships have a habit of pushing you toward their one or two in-house lenders with rigid, pre-set packages. But one size doesn’t fit all. Because we compare across a panel of 30+ lenders to get you the best deal, we need a complete picture upfront. Taking the time to build a strong, clear application lets us negotiate harder on your behalf and match you with a lender offering more competitive terms.

Bank statements give lenders a real-time look at your income, living expenses, and overall cash flow habits. Having this visibility helps us build an accurate profile to match you with the right lender and loan structure that won't strain your budget.

Almost every legitimate lender checks your credit before handing over funds - some just hide that fact until the very end. We look at your credit profile early and strategically. By understanding your score from day one, we can submit your application directly to the right lender, first time, protecting your credit file from unnecessary hard enquiries and rejections.

Not a problem. We work with self-employed tradies, sole traders, and small business owners every day. We specialise in low-doc commercial loan structures designed specifically for self-employed setups, helping you get approved using alternative income proof like BAS statements or bank records without the usual tax time headaches.

Yes, it’s absolutely possible. We work with specialised lenders who recognise various forms of supplementary income and pensions. We think there’s a better way to support everyday Australians than reduce them to a credit score, so every situation is assessed individually and focusses on your overall financial picture and your ability to meet repayments comfortably.

Your credit score (typically ranging from 0 to 1,200) is essentially a financial snapshot of how reliably you manage debt. Lenders use this figure to assess risk and decide on your interest rate. Because every formal application can leave a footprint on your credit file, we take a strategic approach to protect your score while finding the most competitive loan.

In short: yes. A low score doesn't mean you are completely locked out of finance. We work with specialised lenders who look beyond a single number to assess your actual ability to repay a loan. Even with difficult credit history, we can often find a path forward that others miss.

Improving your score isn't an overnight trick, but there are a few consistent habits you can stick to (over 3 to 6 months) that can make a difference to lenders:

• Pay everything (we’re talking bills and loans) on time
• Keep your credit card balances low where possible
• Find and resolve any defaults or overdue accounts
• Avoid multiple credit applications in a short period

It can. Formal enquiries trigger a hard enquiry, which leaves a temporary footprint on your credit file. To prevent unnecessary marks, we conduct a thorough assessment upfront. By identifying the right lender before formally submitting paperwork, we protect your score from unnecessary applications.

We do the heavy lifting upfront before submitting anything formal. Instead of taking a scattergun approach across multiple lenders, we assess your profile first to identify the lender and loan option best suited to your circumstances.

Having no credit history is different from having bad credit. It simply means lenders don't have a track record to look at yet. If you’re starting from scratch, we work with lenders who place more weight on your current employment stability, regular income and overall savings habits to build a strong case on your behalf.

Many lenders view recent payday loans as a red flag indicating short-term financial stress. Even if you paid them off on time, having multiple payday loans on your bank statements can limit your access to more competitive interest rates and loan options.

Every broker who submits an application on your behalf triggers a separate hard enquiry on your credit file, which may lower your credit score. It’s better to stick with one trusted broker (maybe one with a panel of 30+ lenders and a dog mascot) who knows how to connect you with the right lender the first time.

Your interest rate is personalised to your financial profile - including your credit history, income stability, loan term and the asset you’re buying. Beyond comparing competitive rates across our panel of 30+ lenders, our priority is structuring your loan with the right repayments, fees and flexibility for your situation.

Advertised rates on billboards or comparison sites are usually "headline" rates. In other words, the absolute lowest possible figure reserved for ideal borrowers with flawless credit and specific deposit criteria. Similarly, a friend’s rate reflects their personal credit score, income and loan amount. Your rate is tailored specifically to your unique financial situation, ensuring you get the most competitive deal available for your profile.

Until a loan reaches formal approval and settlement, quoted interest rates can fluctuate due to broader financial market conditions or updates in lender pricing policies. Once we identify the right product for you, we move quickly to submit your paperwork and lock your rate in as soon as possible.

Loan fees vary depending on the specific lender, loan structure and asset type. These can include a one-off lender establishment fee, a broker fee or minor monthly account-keeping charges. We believe in total transparency, so your broker will break down every single fee in plain English before you sign a thing. No hidden surprises. Ever.

Your exact repayment amount comes down to four key factors: the total amount borrowed, your loan term, the interest rate and whether you choose weekly, fortnightly, or monthly payments. During your pre-approval assessment, we’ll run the numbers for you so you know exactly what would be coming out of your account before moving forward.

With a fixed-rate loan, your interest rate and repayment amounts are locked in for the entire loan term, giving you total certainty for your budget. With a variable-rate loan, your interest rate can fluctuate up or down based on market changes - meaning your repayments could drop if rates fall, or increase if rates rise.

We offer flexible loan terms ranging from 1 to 7 years. Choose a shorter term to pay off the balance quickly and potentially save on total interest, or stretch it over a longer period to keep your regular cash flow comfortable and your monthly repayments lower.

A balloon payment is a lump sum amount agreed upon upfront that’s set aside to be paid at the very end of your loan term. By pushing a portion of the principal to the end, your ongoing monthly repayments are lower. When the balloon payment is due, you may be able to pay it off in cash, trade your vehicle in or refinance the remaining balance into a new loan.

LVR is the total amount you’re borrowing compared to the vehicle's market value. For example, if you buy a $50,000 ute and put down a $10,000 cash deposit, you’re borrowing $40,000 - giving you an LVR of 80%. A lower LVR reduces the lender's risk, which often translates to lower interest rates and better loan terms.

With a secured loan, the underlying vehicle or asset acts as collateral for the debt. Because collateral reduces lender risk, secured loans generally feature lower interest rates and higher borrowing caps. With an unsecured loan, no physical asset is attached as security. Lenders absorb higher risk, resulting in higher interest rates, but the borrower retains asset flexibility. Note: Defaulting on an unsecured loan still carries severe legal and credit consequences.

A low-doc (low documentation) loan is a streamlined finance option designed for self-employed tradies, sole traders and business owners who don't have up-to-date tax returns or standard payslips. Instead, lenders assess your income using alternative proof like recent BAS statements, business bank statements or an accountant's declaration.

Note: Because low-doc loans carry slightly higher administrative risk for the lender, interest rates can sometimes be higher than standard full-doc products.

Traditional banks are large institutions that generally rely on strict, automated algorithms to make quick yes-or-no decisions. Non-bank lenders are specialised financial institutions that often offer more flexible lending criteria, faster turnarounds and a willingness to assess your actual real-world circumstances rather than a blanket credit box. At Fido Finance, we have access to both, allowing us to find the right lender for your setup.

Yes, in most cases. However, early payout rules depend on the specific lender and loan structure you choose. Some variable-rate products allow you to pay out the balance whenever you like with zero penalties, while certain fixed-rate or commercial loans may carry early termination or break fees. During your assessment, we’ll map out these details clearly so you know exactly how early repayments work for your loan.

Yes. If market conditions change or your credit profile improves, we can evaluate your existing agreement against panel options to determine whether refinancing could reduce your ongoing commitments or total loan costs. Note: Extending loan terms during refinancing can increase cumulative interest paid over time.

What you’re buying matters just as much as your credit profile. Newer cars often attract lower rates and more lender options because they tend to hold their value better. But if you’ve set your sights on an older model or something a bit unique, we work with specialist lenders who cater to a much broader range of vehicles.

Yes, absolutely. We finance everything from brand-new showroom models to reliable, second-hand workhorses. Age is just a number so if the vehicle is in good condition and fits your budget, we have lenders ready to look at it.

Yes. Many lenders on our panel provide finance for private sales. To protect you from hidden traps, we guide you through the whole process - including running official PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) checks to ensure the vehicle has no owing debt, stolen history or written-off status before money changes hands.

We focus exclusively on the finance side. However, getting pre-approved first gives you a genuine advantage when shopping. Armed with confirmed buying power, you can walk into negotiations like a cash buyer and act immediately when you find the right vehicle.

Absolutely! Classic and vintage cars are in a league of their own, which is why we partner with specialist lenders who understand their unique value. While rates, terms and eligibility can differ from standard car finance, we’ll help you find an option that fits both the vehicle and your budget.

Yes, we do. Many lenders now offer discounted interest rates and fee waivers specifically for zero-emission vehicles. On top of that, combining discounted green finance with any relevant rebates may also reduce your costs. And if you’re not up-to-date with the latest rules, no stress, because we are.

An EV loan is a specialised finance product designed strictly for 100% battery-electric vehicles (EVs) with zero tailpipe emissions, often unlocking the steepest interest rate discounts and zero establishment fees from eco-focused lenders.

A green loan covers a broader range of eco-friendly transportation. While it includes fully electric cars, it can also extend to plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), conventional hybrid models, fuel-cell vehicles and eligible low-emission or high-efficiency combustion engines.

Your broker handles the entire settlement process for you. If you’re buying a vehicle or equipment, we transfer funds directly to the dealer or private seller. For personal loans, debt consolidation, refinancing or other loan types, we deposit the funds straight into your account or pay off your existing creditors on your behalf.

Fast-tracked funding options are available, with select lenders capable of settling within 24 hours of receiving complete, executed loan documentation.*

For secured loans, lenders require comprehensive insurance on the vehicle or asset before releasing funds. To make things simpler, we can often roll your insurance premium directly into your finance repayments so you only have one simple payment to manage.

We get it, life happens. If you can’t make a payment, contact the lender immediately. Most lenders have formal hardship provisions - like temporary payment pauses or extended terms - to help you get back on track. The sooner you reach out, the more flexible options they can provide.