Car Loans for FIFO Workers. Finance That Fits Your Roster
Yes. Roster pay, living away from home allowance (LAFHA) and site allowances count as income with lenders who understand a swing. Free assessment, no credit enquiry to start.
Can FIFO and mining workers get a car loan in Australia?
Yes. FIFO and mining workers can get a car loan in Australia. Roster pay, living away from home allowance (LAFHA) and site allowances count as income with lenders who understand a swing, and labour hire or contract mining roles are accepted. Free assessment, ACL 509582.
- Roster based pay, site allowances and LAFHA can be counted as income
- Labour hire and contract mining roles are accepted by several lenders
- Utes and 4WDs for site and touring use are commonly financed
- Documents and signing can be done remotely while you are on swing
- Rates are set by the lender and depend on your circumstances
- Free assessment, no credit file enquiry until you choose a lender
Reviewed by Simple Loans Editorial Team · Last reviewed
The Simple Loans Editorial Team researches and reviews every car finance guide published on simpleloans.au. Simple Loans holds Australian Credit Licence 509582 and is a member of AFCA.
Why choose Simple Loans.
FIFO Income Understood
Lenders who count overtime, allowances, and bonuses in your income.
High Borrowing Power
Mining income levels often qualify you for premium rates and amounts.
Ute & 4WD Specialists
Finance the vehicles FIFO workers actually need, utes, 4WDs, trucks.
Flexible Scheduling
Application process that works around your roster, all done digitally.
Novated Lease Options
Salary sacrifice through your mining employer for tax savings.
Free Assessment
Quick, digital assessment that works around your fly-in schedule.
How lenders read a FIFO roster
FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) workers in Australia's mining and resources sector often earn well, but a roster plus allowances is routinely misread by automated bank assessments. We present FIFO applications to lenders who understand:
- Roster-based pay: Income calculated across 2/1, 8/6, 4/3, and other common roster patterns
- Allowances: Living away from home allowance (LAFHA), site allowance, travel allowance, and more
- Overtime and bonuses: Regular overtime that forms a consistent part of FIFO income
Casual and labour-hire car loans that are not FIFO sit on car loans for contractors.
Understanding FIFO Income for Car Loan Purposes
Correctly calculating FIFO income for loan purposes is where many applications fall short. Here's how we present your income to maximise borrowing power:
Income components lenders can count:
- Base salary / hourly rate across your full roster cycle
- Regular overtime (averaged over 3-6 months)
- Living away from home allowance (LAFHA), some lenders count this, others don't
- Site allowance and hazard pay
- Travel allowance
- Annual bonuses (if regular and documented)
Example calculation: A FIFO electrician earning $120,000 base + $15,000 site allowance + $20,000 regular overtime = $155,000 total assessable income. This borrowing power is significantly higher than the $120,000 base salary that some mainstream banks would use.
We match you with lenders who assess your complete income picture, not just your base salary.
Popular Vehicles for FIFO Workers
FIFO workers typically have specific vehicle preferences driven by lifestyle, practicality, and the ability to afford premium options. Here are the most popular choices:
- Dual-cab utes: Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-MAX, versatile for towing, camping, and daily use
- 4WDs and wagons: Toyota LandCruiser, Prado, Nissan Patrol, perfect for off-road adventures during time off
- Premium SUVs: BMW X5, Mercedes GLE, Range Rover Sport, reflecting high earning capacity
- Family vehicles: Kia Carnival, Toyota Kluger, practical for family life between swings
- Recreation vehicles: Caravans, camper trailers, boats, maximising time off
We finance all these vehicle types with competitive rates. For FIFO workers with an ABN, chattel mortgage structures can offer additional tax deductions on business-use vehicles.
Managing Finances on a FIFO Roster
FIFO work comes with higher income but also unique financial management challenges. Here's how to make the most of your car finance as a FIFO worker:
- Set up automatic payments: Ensure car loan repayments come out automatically, regardless of whether you're on site or on break
- Budget on your lower months: While your annual income is high, individual pay periods can vary. Budget car repayments based on your base pay, treating overtime and bonuses as extra
- Consider extra repayments: FIFO workers often have less opportunity to spend while on site. Making extra car loan repayments during swing periods can significantly reduce total interest
- Insurance considerations: Ensure your car insurance covers the vehicle sitting unused during your swing. Some insurers offer low-kilometre discounts that benefit FIFO workers
Our finance comparison tools have extensive experience with FIFO clients and can help you structure your car loan to work perfectly with your roster lifestyle.
How it works.
Apply Online in 60 Seconds
Fill out our simple online form, no paperwork, no obligations, and zero upfront fees.
We Compare 50+ Lenders
Our finance comparison tools search our panel of banks and specialist lenders to find the best rate for your situation.
Drive Away Happy
Once approved, funds are settled fast, often same day. You drive away with finance sorted.
Frequently asked questions.
Do lenders accept FIFO income including allowances?
Yes! Many lenders count FIFO allowances (living away, travel, site), overtime, and bonuses as part of your income. This significantly increases your borrowing power compared to base salary alone.
Can I apply while I'm on site?
Absolutely. Our entire process is digital, apply from site, upload documents from your phone, and sign electronically. We work around your roster.
What vehicles do FIFO workers typically finance?
Popular choices include dual-cab utes (HiLux, Ranger, BT-50), 4WDs (Prado, Pajero Sport), and premium SUVs. We also finance caravans and boats for your time off!
How does FIFO roster pay affect my application?
FIFO workers on common rosters (2/1, 8/6, 4/3) receive consistent pay despite being away from home. Lenders calculate your average monthly income across the roster cycle, including allowances. We present your application to show your true earning capacity.
Can FIFO contractors get car loans?
Yes! Whether you're a direct employee of a mining company or working through a labour hire/contracting agency, we have lenders who accommodate FIFO income. Contractors may need to provide contract details and 3-6 months of payslips.
Should I get a novated lease as a FIFO worker?
It depends on your employer and tax bracket. Many mining companies offer novated leasing, which can provide significant tax savings through salary sacrifice. However, if you're a contractor without an employer offering novated leasing, a standard car loan or chattel mortgage may be better. We compare all options.
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Simple Loans is a finance comparison tool. Holder of Australian Credit Licence No. 509582. All applications are subject to lender approval. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply. This information is general in nature.