Nope. Talking is still free.

Having an initial conversation with me doesn’t automatically put an enquiry on your credit file. I’ll first understand your situation, what you’re trying to finance and what options may suit.

A credit enquiry generally occurs when a formal application is submitted to a lender. I’d rather assess the situation first than start throwing applications around like confetti.

The initial enquiry takes around 5–10 minutes.

From there, timing depends on the lender, your circumstances and whether we have all the required documents.

Simple applications can move quickly. More complex applications can take longer.

Translation: send me the documents when I ask for them and everybody has a better day.

Some lenders can provide decisions very quickly, while others may take a few business days or request additional information.

I'll give you a realistic expectation once I understand your situation.

If anyone guarantees you approval before they've even looked at your finances... perhaps keep one hand on your wallet.

No — and be careful of anyone who says they can.

Every application is subject to lender criteria, responsible lending requirements and assessment.

What I can do is assess your situation, compare suitable lender options and try to avoid submitting applications where there's an obvious mismatch.

Potentially, yes.

One lender saying no doesn't necessarily mean every lender will.

The important question is why you were declined.

Income? Credit history? Employment? Loan amount? The asset? Too many enquiries?

Find the problem first. Then find the lender whose criteria may fit the situation.

Possibly.

Defaults, missed payments and other credit issues don't automatically mean finance is impossible. Different lenders have different credit policies and risk appetites.

I'll need to understand what happened, how long ago it occurred and what your finances look like now.

Your credit history has a past. So do I. We move forward.

Not necessarily.

I prefer understanding your situation before deciding whether a formal application makes sense.

The aim isn't to collect credit enquiries like Pokémon cards.

Your bank can generally offer you its own lending products.

As a broker, I can compare options from a broader lender panel and look for a lender and product that may suit your circumstances.

Sometimes your bank is the right option.

Sometimes it isn't.

I don't have an emotional attachment to the building with your bank's logo on it.

I have access to a broad panel of lenders through my aggregator, including options across different borrower and asset types.

The goal isn't to send your application to everyone.

More lenders should mean more options — not more credit enquiries.

Generally, that's not the strategy.

Once I've assessed your circumstances, the aim is to identify an appropriate lender before submitting an application.

Applying everywhere and hoping somebody says yes isn't broking.

That's finance Tinder.

Not always.

Whether you need a deposit can depend on the vehicle, purchase price, lender, your financial position and the amount being financed.

A deposit can sometimes strengthen an application or reduce the amount borrowed, but every scenario is different.

Yes, potentially.

Being casual/part time doesn't automatically stop you from borrowing.

Lenders may consider things such as how long you've been employed, consistency of income, hours worked and overall affordability.

Casual/part time employment doesn't necessarily mean casual finances.

Generally, a loan approval is valid for around 30 days, but this can vary depending on the lender and the type of approval.

If you haven't purchased or settled within that period, don't panic — the approval doesn't necessarily turn into a pumpkin at midnight. 🎃

The lender may simply require updated documents, such as recent payslips or bank statements, to confirm your financial situation hasn't changed before extending or reassessing the approval.

Found the right car after 31 days? Call me before you start stress-Googling.