How a Car Finance Broker Works in Perth

A car finance broker compares loans from many lenders for you, helps you pick one that fits your budget and situation, and manages the application through to settlement. Brokers are usually paid a commission by the lender when the loan settles, and many, including us, also charge a brokerage fee. There is nothing to pay to enquire, and any fee is shown in your quote before you go ahead. At Greenside Finance we are Perth-based, work with 40+ lenders and lend Australia-wide.

By Tom Dihm, Director, Greenside Finance. Last updated: 5 October 2026.

What does a car finance broker do?

A broker sits between you and the lenders. Instead of applying at your bank and hoping, you tell the broker what you want to buy and your situation, and they find lenders who are likely to say yes.

• Understands your needs. What you are buying, your budget, your income type and your credit history.
• Compares lenders. Lenders have different rules on car age, income type, credit history and term.
• Prepares the application. A complete application with the right documents avoids delays.
• Manages the process. We deal with the lender, answer questions and chase the paperwork.
• Helps at settlement. Invoices, insurance and loan contracts are checked before funds are released.

How the process works, step by step

1. Quick enquiry. You send your details through our quote form or call 1800 147 336.
2. Chat about your situation. A broker asks about the car, your income, your budget and anything unusual, such as FIFO rosters or a past default.
3. Options. We explain the loans that suit you, with the costs and trade-offs.
4. You choose. You decide which option to go with. We need your consent and documents.
5. Application and approval. We lodge it with the lender and manage questions.
6. Settlement. Once the contract is signed and conditions are met, the lender pays the seller and you get the car.

Broker or bank?

A bank can only offer its own products. A broker can compare many. That matters when your situation is not standard, such as being self-employed, a FIFO worker, buying a private sale or having a past default. Different lenders accept different situations, and a broker knows which ones.

A broker is not always cheaper. Compare the comparison rate, fees and total cost. We will show you the costs, and you can compare them to any offer you already have.

What types of finance can a broker help with?

• Car loans, new or used.
• Private sale car loans.
• Ute finance and commercial vehicle finance.
• Equipment finance.
• FIFO car loans.

We do not arrange home loans. If you need one, we can refer you to a mortgage broker.

How brokers are paid

Brokers are typically paid commission by the lender when a loan settles. Many, including Greenside, also charge a brokerage fee. At Greenside it is added to the loan amount, so you don't pay it upfront. For consumer loans, Australian credit law requires a broker to give you a credit guide explaining how they are paid, and a quote showing any fee before you agree to it. Ask your broker to explain both. Greenside Finance Pty Ltd (ABN 76 678 053 122) is an Authorised Credit Representative (#561052) of Fintelligence Pty Ltd, Australian Credit Licence #511803.

What to ask any broker

1. How many lenders can you compare?
2. How are you paid, and is there a fee to me?
3. Can I see the comparison rate and total cost?
4. Will you tell me if a loan is not right for me?
5. Who will handle my application?

Local help, national reach

Our office is at Unit 5/531 Hay St, Subiaco, and most of what we do is by phone and online. That suits Perth buyers, regional WA and people on FIFO rosters. We lend Australia-wide.

Common questions

Do I pay to use a car finance broker?

There is no cost to enquire. Brokers are usually paid commission by the lender, and many also charge a brokerage fee. Ours is added to the loan amount, so there's nothing to pay upfront. Your quote shows any fee before you agree to go ahead.

Will using a broker hurt my credit score?

We compare options before applying, so you avoid a string of enquiries from applying to several lenders yourself.

Can a broker help if I have bad credit?

Often yes. Past defaults narrow your options but do not rule you out. We will tell you what is realistic.

Can a broker guarantee approval?

No. Approval is up to the lender, and no broker can promise it. We can show you your options and give you a realistic picture.

Do you only help people in Perth?

No. We are based in Perth and lend Australia-wide.

Want to see your options? Get a free quote.