Frequently asked questions.

Noddle is an Australian credit assistance provider that helps you find and apply for car loans and personal loans. Rather than lending money itself, Noddle compares offers from a panel of lenders to match you with finance suited to your needs and circumstances, making sure you get the best outcome possible.

Noddle is a credit assistance provider (a broker), not a lender. Noddle does not lend its own money. Instead, it works with a panel of lenders to find and arrange a car loan or personal loan that suits your situation, then handles the application process on your behalf.

Noddle helps Australians arrange car loans and personal loans. Noddle reviews your needs, compares offers from its panel of lenders, recommends a suitable loan based on your needs and objectives, and manages the application through to settlement, saving you from approaching multiple lenders individually.

Noddle works by gathering your details and financial information, comparing loan options across its panel of lenders, and matching you with a suitable car or personal loan. Once you choose an option, Noddle submits the application and guides you through the approval and settlement process.

Yes, Noddle holds an Australian Credit Licence and is regulated by ASIC under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act. Noddle’s Australian Credit Licence number is 526746. This licence authorises Noddle to provide credit assistance and requires it to meet strict conduct and responsible-lending obligations.

Yes. Noddle is a licensed Australian credit assistance provider (Australian Credit Licence 526746), bound by responsible-lending laws and a member of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). Noddle must act efficiently, honestly and fairly, and disclose all fees upfront before you commit.

Noddle must comply with responsible-lending laws and act efficiently, honestly and fairly, assessing whether a loan is suitable for you. While the statutory ‘best interests duty’ applies specifically to mortgage brokers, Noddle is committed to recommending finance that genuinely fits your circumstances, needs and objectives.

To choose a good car or personal loan provider in Australia, check they hold an Australian Credit Licence, are an AFCA member, and disclose all fees upfront. Compare comparison rates (not just interest rates), read their Credit Guide, and confirm how the provider is paid.

Going direct means dealing with one lender’s products only; using Noddle gives you access to multiple lenders compared in a single application. Noddle can save time and may find rates you’d miss alone, though a brokerage fee may apply. Compare both before deciding. Noddle has relationships with its lenders, meaning you may get access to faster turnaround times or special promotions.

Yes, if you are time poor. Noddle can be worth it if you value comparing multiple lenders without applying to each separately, especially if your situation is complex or you’ve been declined before. Weigh the convenience and lender access against Noddle’s brokerage fee, which is disclosed in our Credit quote before you proceed.

Before using a finance broker like Noddle, ask: Are you licensed and an AFCA member? How are you paid, and what fees will I pay? How many lenders do you compare? Will you give me a Credit Guide? Can you show all costs before I commit? A good broker will answer all of these clearly and upfront.

Yes, Noddle can help people with bad credit. Noddle works with a panel of lenders, including some that consider applicants with lower credit scores or past defaults. While approval isn’t guaranteed, Noddle aims to match your circumstances with a lender most likely to approve you.

Yes. Being declined by one lender doesn’t mean every lender will say no. Noddle compares a panel of lenders with different criteria, so it may find an option suited to your situation. Noddle reviews why you were declined and matches you accordingly, though approval isn’t guaranteed.

Yes, Noddle can help self-employed applicants. Several lenders on Noddle’s panel accept self-employed borrowers, though you may need to provide extra documents such as tax returns, BAS, or business bank statements to verify income. Noddle matches you with lenders suited to self-employed applicants.

A mortgage broker arranges home loans secured by property; Noddle arranges car loans and personal loans. Both compare multiple lenders, but cover different products. Mortgage brokers are bound by a statutory best interests duty, while Noddle operates under responsible-lending and credit assistance obligations.

Noddle operates Australia-wide. As an online credit assistance provider, Noddle can help eligible applicants in any state or territory arrange a car loan or personal loan, without needing to visit a branch. Eligibility depends on your circumstances and lender criteria, not your location.

Yes, Noddle may charge a brokerage fee for arranging your loan. The fee is disclosed upfront in your Credit Quote and Credit Guide before you commit, so there are no surprises.

Noddle is paid in two possible ways: a brokerage fee charged to you for arranging the loan, and/or a commission paid by the lender when your loan settles. Both are disclosed in your Credit Guide and Credit Quote before you commit to anything.

Noddle’s brokerage fee is a charge for arranging and processing your loan. This is disclosed in your Credit Quote before you proceed. The exact fee depends on your loan and circumstances, and is always shown upfront.

Yes, in most cases Noddle’s brokerage fee can be added to your loan amount and financed, or paid separately depending on the lender and your preference. If financed, the fee forms part of the amount borrowed. Noddle shows exactly how the fee applies before you commit.

If Noddle’s brokerage fee is added to your loan and financed, you pay interest on it like the rest of the borrowed amount. If you pay the fee separately upfront, no interest applies. Noddle shows both options and the total cost before you commit.

Yes, Noddle may receive a commission from the lender when your loan settles. This commission is paid by the lender, not added to your repayments, and is disclosed in your Credit Guide. It does not change the interest rate you’re offered.

Possibly. Using Noddle may involve a brokerage fee you wouldn’t pay going direct. However, Noddle compares multiple lenders and may secure a rate or product you couldn’t access alone, potentially offsetting the fee. Noddle discloses all costs upfront so you can compare.

A clawback fee is an amount charged if your loan is repaid or refinanced early, because the lender reclaims (‘claws back’) commission it paid. Noddle may on-charge a clawback fee. Any such fee is disclosed in your credit documents before you commit.

A Credit Guide is a document explaining who Noddle is, its licence details, fees, how it’s paid, and how to make a complaint. Yes, Noddle provides a Credit Guide early in the process, as required by law, so you understand the arrangement before proceeding.

Yes. Noddle discloses all fees, including its brokerage fee and any lender charges, in your Credit Guide and Credit Quote before you commit to a loan. You’ll see the full cost upfront, with no hidden fees, so you can make an informed decision.

No. When you start with Noddle, we use an Access Seeker (soft) enquiry to understand your credit score and credit file. A soft enquiry like this does not leave a hard enquiry on your file and does not affect your credit score. We use it to review your situation and match you to a lender likely to approve you before any formal application goes in. A hard enquiry is only recorded once you choose to proceed with a specific lender, and we tell you before that happens.

When you apply to lenders directly, each one runs its own hard enquiry. Apply to several yourself while shopping around and you stack up multiple hard enquiries in a short window, which lenders can read as financial stress, even when you were only comparing. Noddle works differently. We start with an Access Seeker (soft) enquiry, which lets us see your credit file without leaving a mark on it, then do the comparison work and only submit a formal application to a lender we’ve assessed as a strong fit. That avoids the scattergun effect of applying lender by lender, so you’re not collecting hard enquiries or knock-backs on your file. That’s the practical credit-score benefit of using a broker.

Applying for a car or personal loan can slightly lower your credit score, because each formal application records a hard enquiry on your file. A single application has a minor effect, but several applications in a short period can have a larger impact on your score.

A soft credit check is an informal look at your credit file used for quotes or pre-checks and doesn’t affect your score or show to other lenders. A hard credit check is a formal enquiry recorded when you apply, which can slightly lower your score.

No. Getting an initial quote or estimate from Noddle uses an Access Seeker (soft) enquiry and does not affect your credit score or leave a hard enquiry on your file. A hard enquiry, which can affect your score, is only recorded when you proceed to a formal loan application with a specific lender, and we tell you before that happens.

Yes. Noddle starts with an Access Seeker (soft) enquiry when assessing your options, which lets us see your credit file without affecting your credit score or appearing to other lenders. A hard enquiry is only recorded when you choose to proceed with a formal application to a specific lender.

General advice states a single hard inquiry typically lowers your credit score by only a small amount, often around 5 to 10 points, and the effect is usually temporary. The exact impact varies by individual. Several hard enquiries in a short time cause a larger, more noticeable drop.

There’s no fixed minimum credit score for a car loan in Australia, but a score above 661 (Equifax ‘good’) improves your chances and rate. Some lenders finance scores below this, usually at higher rates. Noddle works with lenders who consider a range of credit scores.

There’s no universal minimum, but an Equifax score above 661 (‘good’) gives you access to better personal loan rates and more lenders. Scores below this can still be approved by some lenders, usually at higher rates. Your income and existing debts also affect eligibility.

You can check your credit score for free through bureaus like Equifax, illion or Experian, or via free services such as ClearScore, Finder, or your bank’s app. You’re also entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each bureau, generally once every three months.

No. Checking your own credit score is a soft enquiry and does not lower it, no matter how often you check. Only hard enquiries recorded when you apply for credit can affect your score. You can monitor your own score freely without any impact.

To improve your credit score, pay all bills and existing debts on time, reduce credit card balances and limits, avoid multiple credit applications, and correct any errors on your credit file. Consistent on-time repayments over several months have the strongest positive effect on your score.

On the Equifax scale of 0–1,200, a ‘good’ score is 661–734, ‘very good’ is 735–852, and ‘excellent’ is 853–1,200. Scores from 460–660 are ‘average’, and below 460 is ‘below average’. A higher score generally means better loan approval odds and rates.

Yes, you can sometimes get a loan with no credit history, though options may be limited. Some lenders assess your income, employment and bank statements rather than relying solely on a credit score. Noddle works with lenders who consider applicants with little or no credit history.

A hard enquiry stays on your credit file for five years in Australia. It’s visible to lenders during that time, though its effect on your score fades well before then. After five years, the enquiry automatically drops off your credit file.

Yes. Applying with multiple lenders in a short period records several hard enquiries, which can noticeably lower your score and signal risk to lenders. Using a broker like Noddle lets you compare lenders through one application, reducing the number of enquiries on your file.

Personal loans in Australia typically range from around $2,000 to $50,000, though some lenders offer more. How much you can borrow depends on your income, expenses, credit score and existing debts. Noddle matches you with a lender and loan amount suited to your circumstances.

You can use a personal loan for almost any worthwhile purpose, including a car, debt consolidation, home renovations, medical or dental costs, a wedding, travel, or major appliances. Lenders may ask the purpose, as some restrict uses such as business, gambling, or investment.

A good personal loan interest rate in Australia generally falls in the single digits to mid-teens, depending on your credit score and whether the loan is secured. Strong credit accesses the lowest rates. Always compare the comparison rate, which includes fees, not just the headline rate.

A secured personal loan is backed by an asset (like a car), which usually means lower interest rates but risks losing the asset if you default. An unsecured personal loan needs no collateral, offering more flexibility but typically higher interest rates and stricter approval criteria.

Yes, self-employed people can get a personal loan. You’ll usually need to provide extra documents such as tax returns, BAS statements, or business bank statements to verify your income. Noddle works with lenders experienced in assessing self-employed applicants for personal loans.

Yes, you can use a personal loan to buy a car. An unsecured personal loan offers flexibility, especially for private sales or older cars, but a secured car loan often has lower rates. Noddle can compare both options to find the cheaper choice for your situation.

Yes, you can hold two personal loans at once if a lender approves the second. However, lenders assess whether you can afford both, so existing repayments reduce how much you can borrow. Multiple loans can also affect your credit score and future approvals.

A fixed-rate personal loan keeps the same interest rate and repayments for the loan term, making budgeting predictable. A variable-rate loan can rise or fall with the market, so repayments change, but it often allows extra repayments and offers more flexibility. Each suits different priorities.

To be eligible for a personal loan in Australia you generally must be 18 or over, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, earning a regular income, and able to afford repayments. Each lender sets its own criteria. Noddle checks your eligibility across its panel of lenders.

To apply for a personal loan you’ll typically need photo ID, proof of income (payslips or bank statements), details of your expenses and existing debts, and your address history. Self-employed applicants may need tax returns or BAS. Noddle tells you exactly what’s required for your application based on your income structure.

Most applications receive a lender decision within 24 hours of us receiving your completed application and supporting documents. Timeframes vary by lender and by the complexity of your application.

Debt consolidation combines multiple debts like credit cards and personal loans into a single loan with one repayment, ideally at a lower rate. It can simplify your finances and reduce interest, but it isn’t right for everyone. Compare the total cost and term before consolidating.

Yes, you can usually pay off a personal loan early, which can save on interest. However, some loans, particularly fixed-rate ones, may charge early repayment or break fees. Check your loan contract for any such fees before paying out, so you know the full cost.

There can be. Variable-rate personal loans often allow early payout with little or no fee, while fixed-rate loans may charge early repayment or break costs. Your loan contract sets out any fees. Noddle helps you understand these costs before you choose a loan.

Car loan amounts in Australia typically range from around $5,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the vehicle and your finances. How much you can borrow depends on your income, expenses, credit score and the car’s value. Noddle matches you with a suitable amount and lender.

There’s no fixed minimum credit score to finance a car, but a score above 661 (Equifax ‘good’) improves approval odds and rates. Some lenders finance lower scores, usually at higher rates. Noddle works with lenders who consider a wide range of credit scores for car finance.

Yes, Noddle can help finance a used car, including private sales as well as dealership purchases. Some lenders set rules on a vehicle’s maximum age or minimum value for private sales. Noddle matches you with lenders that finance the type of car you’re buying.

A balloon payment is a large lump sum due at the end of a car loan, after smaller regular repayments. It lowers your monthly repayments, but means a sizeable amount remains owing at the end, which you must pay, refinance, or cover by selling the car.

A balloon payment suits you if you want lower monthly repayments and plan to upgrade or sell the car at the term’s end. However, you’ll pay more interest overall and face a large final sum. Consider the type of asset, your budget and plans carefully before choosing a balloon payment.

A secured car loan uses the car as collateral, giving lower interest rates, but the lender can repossess it if you default. An unsecured car loan needs no security, offering more flexibility for older or private-sale vehicles, but usually comes with higher interest rates.

Yes, Noddle can arrange car loan pre-approval before you choose a car. Pre-approval tells you how much you can likely borrow and your indicative rate and repayment, so you can shop with a clear budget. Final approval applies once you’ve selected a specific vehicle.

Car loan pre-approval works by a lender reviewing your income, expenses and credit to give a conditional borrowing limit before you pick a car. It’s usually valid for a set period and lets you shop confidently. Final approval follows once you choose a specific vehicle.

Yes, you can get a car loan with bad credit, though rates are usually higher and options more limited. Some lenders specialise in applicants with past defaults or low scores. Noddle compares lenders who consider bad-credit applicants to find finance suited to your situation.

Maximum car age limits vary by lender, but many cap the vehicle’s age at around 10–15 years at the end of the loan term. Some lenders are more flexible for older cars 20–25 years old, often at higher rates. Noddle matches you with lenders suited to the car’s age.

Car loan terms in Australia typically range from 1 to 7 years. A longer term lowers your repayments but increases the total interest paid; a shorter term costs less overall but means higher repayments. Noddle helps you choose a term that balances affordability and cost.

Yes, you can refinance a car loan by replacing it with a new loan, ideally at a lower rate or better terms. Refinancing can reduce repayments or interest, but check for exit fees on your current loan and any new costs. Noddle can compare refinancing options.

Often, yes. New cars usually attract lower interest rates than used cars, because they’re lower risk and worth more as security. Older or higher-mileage vehicles may carry higher rates. The exact difference depends on the lender, the car, and your credit profile.

A comparison rate combines the interest rate with most fees and charges into a single percentage, showing a loan’s true annual cost. It matters because it lets you compare loans fairly, a low advertised rate with high fees can cost more than a higher rate with fewer fees.

An interest rate is the cost of borrowing the principal, shown as a percentage. A comparison rate combines that interest rate with most fees and charges into one figure, reflecting the loan’s true cost. The comparison rate is usually higher and better for comparing loans.

APR (Annual Percentage Rate) is the yearly cost of borrowing expressed as a percentage. In Australia, the interest rate and comparison rate are the common figures used, with the comparison rate similar to APR because it includes most fees, giving a fuller picture of the loan’s cost.

Advertised rates are usually the lowest, offered to borrowers with excellent credit and strong finances. Your offered rate may be higher because lenders price risk using your credit score, income, loan amount, and security. Many lenders use risk-based pricing, so the rate varies per applicant.

Your interest rate is affected by your credit score, income and expenses, the loan amount and term, whether the loan is secured, the asset’s age and value, and the lender’s policies. Stronger credit and secured loans generally attract lower rates than unsecured or higher-risk applications.

Loan repayments are calculated from the amount borrowed, the interest rate, and the loan term. The lender spreads the principal and interest across regular repayments so the loan is repaid by the term’s end. A longer term lowers each repayment but increases total interest paid.

Your loan repayments depend on the amount borrowed, the interest rate, the loan term, and repayment frequency. A larger loan or higher rate means higher repayments, while a longer term lowers them. Use a repayment calculator or ask Noddle for an estimate before applying.

Common loan fees include an establishment or application fee, ongoing monthly or annual account fees, and sometimes early repayment or exit fees. A broker like Noddle may also charge a brokerage fee. The comparison rate captures most fees, and all charges are disclosed before you commit.

The cheapest loan usually has the lowest comparison rate, a term no longer than needed, and minimal fees. Secured loans and strong credit lower your rate. Comparing multiple lenders, which Noddle does across its panel, helps you find the lowest overall cost for your situation.

Often, yes. Depending on the lender, you can make extra repayments without penalty, helping you pay off the loan faster and save interest. Fixed-rate loans may limit extra repayments or charge fees. Check your loan contract, and ask Noddle which lenders allow free extra repayments.

Noddle’s application process starts with you sharing your details and financial information via a digital application form. Noddle compares its panel of lenders, recommends a suitable loan, then submits your application. After approval, Noddle helps with documents and settlement. Most of the process is completed online for convenience.

Most applications receive a lender decision within 24 hours of us receiving your completed application and supporting documents. Timeframes vary by lender and by the complexity of your application.

Providing complete bank statements and ID promptly is the best way to speed up approval.

Pre-approval is a conditional indication of how much you can borrow, based on initial checks before you choose a car or finalise plans. Final approval is the lender’s binding decision, made after verifying all documents and details. Pre-approval helps you shop; final approval releases funds.

To apply with Noddle you’ll generally need photo ID, recent payslips or proof of income, bank statements, and details of your expenses and existing debts. Self-employed applicants may need tax returns or BAS. Noddle tells you exactly which documents your chosen lender requires.

Noddle needs your bank statements to verify your income, review your expenses, and confirm you can afford repayments, a requirement under responsible-lending laws. Statements help match you with a suitable loan and lender, and speed up approval by showing your genuine financial position.

Yes. Noddle uses secure, encrypted technology to collect bank statements, typically through a read-only service that never sees or stores your banking password. Your information is protected under Australian privacy laws and used only to assess and arrange your loan.

Yes, you can usually add a co-applicant or co-borrower, such as a partner or family member. Combining incomes can improve borrowing power and approval odds, but both borrowers are equally responsible for repayments. Noddle can arrange joint applications with lenders that accept them.

Noddle may ask about your partner’s income to understand your household’s overall financial position and shared expenses, as required under responsible-lending obligations. This helps confirm the loan is affordable for you. Your partner isn’t liable for the loan unless named as a co-borrower.

After your loan is approved, you’ll review and sign the loan contract, and Noddle helps finalise any remaining requirements. The lender then arranges settlement, releasing funds to you or directly to the car seller. Noddle guides you through each step until the loan is settled.

Once your loan is approved and the loan documents are signed, funds are usually available the same day, some lenders can settle sooner, and others take longer. For car purchases, funds may go directly to the dealer or seller. Timing depends on the lender and your loan type.

If your loan application is declined, Noddle can explain the likely reasons and, where possible, suggest other lenders on its panel that may suit your situation. You can also work on improving your credit or finances before reapplying. A decline isn’t always permanent.

Yes. Finance brokers like Noddle are regulated by ASIC under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act and must hold an Australian Credit Licence. They must meet responsible-lending obligations, act efficiently, honestly and fairly, and belong to an external dispute resolution scheme such as AFCA.

The National Consumer Credit Protection Act (NCCP Act) is the main Australian law governing consumer credit. It requires lenders and brokers to hold a credit licence, lend responsibly, disclose fees, and treat consumers fairly. It is administered by ASIC and protects borrowers when taking out loans.

Responsible lending is a legal obligation requiring lenders and brokers to ensure a loan is ‘not unsuitable’ for you. They must reasonably inquire into your needs and finances, verify your situation, and confirm you can repay without substantial hardship. It protects borrowers from unaffordable or unsuitable credit.

Yes, Noddle is a member of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), as required for licensed credit providers. AFCA offers free, independent dispute resolution if you have a complaint Noddle can’t resolve directly. Noddle’s AFCA membership number is 81857.

If you have a problem with Noddle, first contact Noddle directly to lodge a complaint, its Credit Guide explains how to submit an internal dispute resolution (IDR) complaint. If it isn’t resolved within the required timeframe, you can refer the matter for free to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) at afca.org.au, where you can submit an external dispute.

When using Noddle you have the right to a Credit Guide, clear disclosure of all fees, a responsible-lending assessment, privacy protection of your information, and access to free dispute resolution through AFCA. You’re also entitled to honest, fair treatment under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act.

If you can’t repay your loan, contact your lender as soon as possible, you have the right to request a hardship arrangement, such as reduced or paused repayments. Acting early protects your credit file. Free financial counselling is also available via the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.

You can get free, confidential help with debt from the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 (9:30am–4:30pm weekdays) or at ndh.org.au, where independent financial counsellors offer support. Lifeline (13 11 14) can also help if debt is affecting your wellbeing.