Car Loans for Tradies. Finance Your Work Vehicle
Sparky, chippy, plumber or builder, with an ABN or on PAYG. We compare eligible options from our panel of 50+ lenders for your work vehicle and explain how they differ.
Australian Credit Licence 509582. Lender fees may apply. Lender criteria apply.
Can tradies get a car or ute loan with an ABN?
Yes. Tradies can apply for a car or ute loan in Australia as either a PAYG employee or an ABN holder. Some sole traders may be able to use a low doc loan or a business finance option such as a chattel mortgage. Approval, rate and loan amount depend on the lender's assessment.
- ABN holders and PAYG tradies can both apply, including sole traders, subcontractors and company directors
- Lenders differ on how long an ABN must have been held
- Toolboxes, canopies and other fit outs may be financed with the vehicle, depending on the lender
- A chattel mortgage may suit a vehicle used mainly for business, which is a question for your accountant
- 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.
Utes and Vans
Work utes and vans, new or used, can be considered.
Business Finance Options
ABN holders may be able to consider a chattel mortgage. Ask your accountant about the tax treatment.
ABN & PAYG
Whether you are self employed or employed, you can apply.
All Trades
Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, builders, landscapers and more.
Fit Outs
Toolboxes, canopies and accessories may be financed with the vehicle.
Around Your Work Day
Everything is handled by phone, email and electronic signature.
A Guide to Tradie Vehicle Finance
For tradies, your vehicle is your mobile office, your tool shed and your professional image in one. Whether you are a self employed sparky with an ABN or a PAYG carpenter working for a builder, the finance has to suit how you earn and how you use the vehicle. If you work for yourself, self employed car loans explains the ABN options in more detail.
Questions to answer before you apply:
- Will you use the vehicle mainly for business, or a mix of business and personal?
- Are you self employed with an ABN, or employed on PAYG?
- Do you need to finance accessories such as toolboxes, canopies or roof racks?
- What balance of price and capability suits your trade?
Chattel Mortgage vs Car Loan for Tradies
Here is how the two usually differ:
Chattel mortgage (for ABN holders):
- A business finance product where you own the vehicle and the lender takes security over it
- An optional balloon payment can lower regular repayments, with a lump sum owing at the end
- The tax treatment depends on your business and how you use the vehicle, so ask your accountant
Standard car loan (for PAYG tradies):
- A simpler structure with regular repayments
- No ABN needed
- Rates are set by the lender and depend on your circumstances
The right choice depends on your employment, your tax position and how much you use the vehicle for work. We compare both options and show you the total cost of each, fees included.
Work Vehicles by Trade
Different trades need different vehicles:
- Electricians and plumbers: dual cab utes with a canopy for tool storage
- Builders and carpenters: utes with tray space and towing capacity
- Landscapers: single or extra cab utes for more tray space
- Painters: smaller utes or vans
- HVAC and refrigeration: vans with custom fit outs
New and used vehicles can be considered, and trade accessories may be included in the finance, depending on the lender.
Financing Ute Accessories and Fit Outs
Many tradies need more than a bare ute. Many lenders allow some accessories to be included in the vehicle finance, such as:
- Toolboxes and under tray drawers
- Canopies
- Bull bars and side steps
- Tow bars and trailer wiring
- Ladder racks and roof carriers
- Work lights and UHF radios
- Custom tray and body work
Including accessories means they are paid off over the loan term, with interest. Each lender sets its own limits on what can be included.
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.
What finance structure suits a tradie work vehicle?
It depends on your situation. ABN holders may consider a chattel mortgage or hire purchase, which are business finance products. PAYG tradies may look at a standard car loan, or a novated lease if their employer offers one. The tax treatment of each is a question for your accountant. We compare the options on our panel and explain how they differ.
Can I finance a toolbox and canopy with my ute?
Often, yes. Many lenders allow accessories such as toolboxes, canopies, bull bars and other fit outs to be included in the vehicle finance, which keeps it in one repayment. Each lender sets its own limits.
Do I need 2 years of ABN for a tradie loan?
Not always. Some lenders ask for two years of ABN history, while some lenders on our panel may consider a newer ABN, often with other evidence of income. Approval depends on the lender's assessment.
Can I claim my work ute on tax?
That depends on how you use the vehicle and your tax position. The ATO has rules about claiming vehicle expenses, and the finance structure you choose can affect what applies. Speak with your accountant or a registered tax agent before you decide.
What utes can I finance?
Popular work utes such as the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara, Isuzu D-MAX and Mazda BT-50 can be considered, new or used. Lenders set their own rules on vehicle age, and modifications can affect a valuation.
Can a PAYG tradie get a chattel mortgage?
A chattel mortgage is a business finance product, so it generally needs an ABN. If you are a PAYG employee, a standard car loan or an employer novated lease may be the options to compare. We set them 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.