Car Finance NZ: Documents You Need for Fast Approval
Want a same day car finance decision in New Zealand? The fastest approvals happen when your documents are complete and easy to verify. Use this checklist to get organised, apply online, and avoid delays.
Why Lenders Ask for Documents
Lenders need to confirm your identity, income, regular expenses, and where you live. With a clear paper trail, approvals are quicker, and you can secure the vehicle you want at a suitable repayment level.
The Core Checklist (Most Applicants)
- Photo ID: NZ driver licence or passport.
- Bank statements: usually the most recent 90 days, showing income and expenses.
- Proof of income: recent payslips, or a work contract from your employer if requested.
- Proof of address: a recent utility bill, bank letter, rates notice, tenancy agreement, or similar.
- Residence/visa details (if applicable): basic evidence of eligibility to live and work in NZ.
Self-Employed or Contracting
If you are self-employed, a contractor, lenders may ask for a little more detail so they can see stable income.
- Bank statements: most recent 90 days from your main trading account.
- Income evidence: recent IRD summaries or financial statements, recent invoices, or accountant letters if available.
- GST status: if registered, basic confirmation can help.
Beneficiaries and Mixed Income
If part of your income is from government support, include the latest payment statement. Mixed income is fine, so long as statements show regular deposits and expenses.
Extras That Can Speed Things Up
- Trade-in details: rego, kilometres, and any finance owing on your current vehicle.
- Deposit confirmation: if you are putting money in, a simple screenshot of available funds.
- Insurance: proof of cover can be requested just before delivery.
How to Submit Documents Cleanly
- Match your application details to your ID and bank statements.
- Upload clear, full page images or PDFs, not cropped or blurry.
- Provide complete date ranges for bank statements, avoid gaps.
- Use our secure online application to attach documents in one go.
Next: Understand NZ Car Finance Step by Step
For a full overview of loan types, fees, and approval tips, read our Car Finance in NZ: The Complete 2025 Guide. If you plan to start with $0 upfront, see our No Deposit Finance guide.
Ready to Apply?
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many months of bank statements do I need?
Most lenders ask for the most recent 90 days. Complete statements help assess income and expenses quickly.
Can I get approved without payslips?
Sometimes, yes. If your income is clearly visible on bank statements, some lenders may accept that. Self-employed applicants can also provide invoices or IRD summaries where needed.
What counts as proof of address?
A recent utility bill, bank letter, tenancy agreement, or council rates notice. The address should match your application details.
Does no deposit make approval harder?
Not necessarily. Strong income and clean statements can still qualify you. In some cases, a co-applicant may also help, depending on lender criteria.
Do I own the car at the end?
In most finance agreements, you own the vehicle once the loan or contract is paid in full. The exact structure can vary by lender and product, so we will confirm the terms clearly before you sign.