how long does it take to get a car loan

In Australia, straightforward car loans can be quick: many lenders issue conditional pre‑approval the same day, often within 1–2 business days. Once your payslips, ID, and vehicle details are in, settlement typically takes 1–3 business days; dealer finance can be even faster. Banks and credit unions may take longer—2–7 business days—especially if you’re self‑employed or buying privately. Allow a sensible buffer of 3–10 days total from application to funds, because public holidays and missing paperwork love drama. If speed’s the brief, have documents ready and ask about same‑day settlement—then try not to celebrate by redlining the test drive.