Car Loans for FIFO Workers. Finance That Fits Your Roster
Roster pay, overtime and allowances can be considered. We compare eligible options from our panel of 50+ lenders, including lenders that may look at your whole payslip, and explain how they differ.
Australian Credit Licence 509582. Lender fees may apply. Lender criteria apply.
Can FIFO and mining workers get a car loan in Australia?
Yes. FIFO and mining workers can apply for a car loan in Australia. Many lenders on our panel may count roster pay and regular overtime, and some may also count site allowances or living away from home allowance. Approval, rate and loan amount depend on the lender's assessment.
- Roster based pay and regular overtime may be counted by many panel lenders, usually averaged over time
- Lenders differ on site allowances and living away from home allowance: some count them, some do not
- Labour hire and contract mining roles can be considered by some lenders
- Documents and signing can be handled remotely while you are on swing
- Rates are set by the lender and depend on your circumstances
- No upfront assessment fee. Lender fees may apply, and we may receive commission if your loan settles
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 Considered
Many panel lenders may count regular overtime and allowances as well as base pay.
Whole Payslip Assessed
Lenders that count more of your regular pay may assess a different borrowing figure.
Utes and 4WDs
The vehicles FIFO workers use, from utes to 4WDs, can be considered.
Roster Friendly Process
Everything is handled by phone, email and electronic signature around your roster.
Novated Lease Comparison
If your employer offers salary packaging, we show the numbers next to a standard car loan.
No Upfront Fee
No upfront assessment fee. Lender fees may apply.
How lenders read a FIFO roster
FIFO pay usually combines base pay, a roster pattern, overtime and allowances, and automated assessments can read it as less than it is. Lender policies differ, but this is what they often look at:
- Roster based pay: income averaged across your roster cycle
- Allowances: living away from home allowance, site allowance and travel allowance may be counted by some lenders and set aside by others
- Overtime and bonuses: may be counted when they are a regular, documented part of your pay
Not on a FIFO roster? If you work casual shifts, see car loans for casual workers. If you contract through your own ABN, see car loans for contractors.
Understanding FIFO Income for Car Loan Purposes
How your income is documented can change how a lender reads it. Income components lenders may count include:
- Base salary or hourly rate across your full roster cycle
- Regular overtime, usually averaged over several months
- Living away from home allowance, which some lenders count and others do not
- Site allowance and other regular allowances
- Bonuses, where they are regular and documented
A lender that counts more of your regular pay may assess a different borrowing figure from one that uses base salary alone. Approval, rate and loan amount still depend on the lender's assessment of your income, expenses and existing commitments. We compare eligible options from our panel of 50+ lenders and explain how they differ.
Vehicles FIFO Workers Finance
FIFO workers often look at vehicles that suit both work and time off:
- Dual cab utes: for towing, camping and daily use
- 4WDs and wagons: for off road trips during time off
- SUVs and family vehicles: for family life between swings
- Recreation vehicles: such as caravans, camper trailers and boats
Each lender sets its own rules on vehicle type and age. If you have an ABN, a business finance option such as a chattel mortgage may be worth comparing; ask your accountant about the tax treatment.
Managing Finances on a FIFO Roster
FIFO income can be high, but it can also change when rosters, projects or contracts change. A few habits help:
- Set up automatic repayments so they come out whether you are on site or on break
- Budget on your base pay, treating overtime and bonuses as extra, so the loan stays affordable if your roster changes
- Consider extra repayments if your loan allows them, which can reduce the total interest you pay
- Check your insurance covers the vehicle while it sits at home during your swing
Simple Loans holds Australian Credit Licence 509582 and is a member of AFCA. This page is general information and does not take your personal circumstances into account.
How it works.
Apply Online in Minutes
Fill out our simple online form, no paperwork, no obligations, and zero upfront fees. Lender fees may apply.
We Compare 50+ Lenders
We search our panel of banks and specialist lenders to compare eligible options for your situation.
Drive Away Happy
Once approved, we arrange settlement with the lender and the seller. You drive away with finance sorted.
Frequently asked questions.
Do lenders accept FIFO income including allowances?
Many lenders on our panel may count regular overtime and some allowances as income, alongside base pay. Policies differ: some lenders count living away from home allowance and site allowances, some count only part, and some set them aside. Approval still depends on the lender's assessment.
Can I apply while I'm on site?
Yes. The process can be handled from site: you can upload documents from your phone and sign electronically, and we work around your roster.
What vehicles do FIFO workers typically finance?
Utes, 4WDs and SUVs are common, and some people also look at caravans or boats for time off. Each lender sets its own rules on vehicle type and age.
How does FIFO roster pay affect my application?
Lenders usually average your income across your roster cycle, using payslips or a year to date figure. A year to date summary is often the clearest way to show your normal earnings across swings.
Can FIFO contractors get car loans?
You can apply, whether you are employed directly or through a labour hire or contracting company. Contractors may be asked for contract details and several months of payslips. Approval depends on the lender's assessment.
Should I get a novated lease as a FIFO worker?
It depends on your employer and your tax position. Some employers offer novated leasing through salary packaging, and whether it suits you is a question for your employer's provider and, if you need it, a registered tax agent. If no novated lease is offered, a standard car loan may be the option to compare. We set the options side by side.
Does applying affect my credit score?
Submitting this enquiry does not itself create a hard credit enquiry. If you choose to proceed with a lender, a credit check may be required. We will explain that step before a formal application is submitted.
Ready to get started.
No upfront assessment fee. Lender fees may apply. We compare eligible options from a panel of 50+ lenders.
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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.