A personal loan is where the finance company lend the money directly to you, the consumer. Personal loans are available over a range of terms. The interest rate payable might depend on a range of factors, including credit history and whether or not the loan is secured by a physical asset.

A car loan is similar to a personal loan but might be offered at a lower interest rate because the loan is secured by the vehicle being purchased.

A chattel mortgage is a business use loan product, available over a range of terms, and with a range of different ‘balloon’ payment options at the end of the term. The business owns the vehicle (the ‘chattel’) from day one, and the financier uses it as security (the ‘mortgage’) over the loan. The interest is generally deductible, depending on the proportion of business use, and if the business is registered for GST.  The full GST component of the purchase is claimable as an input tax credit in the first BAS following the acquisition.

Commercial hire purchase agreements have fallen dramatically in popularity because of changes made to the GST treatment relating to them. They are therefore less attractive to companies and employees with a vehicle allowance. Most people and businesses in this position prefer the greater financial benefits of a chattel mortgage (see above).

A novated lease is one of the most tax and cost-effective ways for  employees to finance a car. Basically, a novated lease is a three-way agreement between you, your employer and a finance company. The employee allows the employer to make deductions from their pre-tax salary to make the payments. Because the payments are made from the employee’s pre-tax salary, some of the money that would normally be paid in tax is used to pay for the vehicle. So a novated lease increases the employee’s buying power. It’s also a great way to purchase a new car GST-free, even if you’re not registered for GST.