On this page
1. Your estimate
BaseRate calculators use the standard amortising-loan formula to estimate principal-and-interest repayments. The calculation uses the vehicle price or loan amount, deposit, term, example interest rate, repayment frequency and any balloon you enter.
A calculator result is not a quote or approval. Generic estimates do not include lender-specific pricing or every fee unless the page expressly says they do. Changing the example rate shows sensitivity; it does not reveal the rate a lender will offer you.
2. The information used for matching
Matching begins only when BaseRate has enough information to describe the borrower, the asset and the requested finance structure. Some information is declared by you and some may be verified during the application with your consent.
- Identity, age, residency and applicant type.
- Employment, income, expenses, dependants, liabilities and existing commitments.
- Credit-report information when obtained with the required consent.
- Vehicle or asset type, age, condition, value, seller and intended use.
- Loan amount, deposit or equity, term, balloon and repayment preference.
3. Eligibility comes before price
BaseRate checks the application against available lender and product criteria before comparing prices. These checks can include minimum and maximum loan amounts, purpose, applicant type, residency, credit profile, income evidence, total exposure, vehicle age at the end of the term and whether the asset is acceptable security.
An option that does not fit the available policy is excluded rather than promoted because it has an attractive advertised rate. A BaseRate match means the scenario appears to fit the information and policy available at that time. It does not guarantee approval.
4. How eligible options are ordered
When enough completed lender decisions exist for comparable applications, BaseRate can use those outcomes to help identify which eligible lender is more likely to provide an automated approval for a similar profile. The comparison uses broad factors such as credit profile, amount, term, consumer or commercial use and whether the vehicle is new or used.
Where there is not enough reliable outcome history, options are ordered by policy fit and then indicative comparison rate. If eligible options have the same policy fit and their indicative comparison rates are materially similar, a fixed panel order is used as a consistent tie-break rather than allowing a salesperson to choose ad hoc.
Commission is not an input to the matching score. BaseRate separately discloses how it is paid. The option shown first is not personal financial advice and is not automatically the cheapest option in every circumstance.
5. Verification, exceptions and lender approval
Missing, inconsistent or out-of-policy information is not converted into a positive match. The application may need more evidence, clarification or review, or BaseRate may be unable to identify an available panel option.
The financier verifies the application, applies its own complete credit criteria and determines the actual rate, fees, conditions and approval. You choose whether to proceed after reviewing the lender documents and BaseRate remuneration disclosure.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Does using a BaseRate calculator affect my credit file?+
No. Adjusting a generic repayment estimate does not involve a credit enquiry. Credit-report information may be obtained later as part of a formal application with the required consent.
Does a lender match mean I am approved?+
No. A match indicates that the information provided appears to fit criteria available to BaseRate. The financier still verifies the application and makes the credit decision.
Is the option shown first always the cheapest?+
No. Eligibility and policy fit come first. Price is considered for eligible options, but lender decision history and a consistent tie-break can affect ordering. Compare the complete option before choosing.
Does BaseRate compare every lender in Australia?+
No. Matching is limited to lenders and products BaseRate can access. Accreditation, product availability, the asset, lender criteria and your circumstances can all limit the options shown.
Primary sources
Check the rules and regulator guidance
- ASIC — responsible lending
ASIC guidance on assessments for consumer credit and credit assistance.
- OAIC — privacy and commercially available AI products
Guidance on transparency, explanations, accuracy and oversight when AI uses personal information.
Reviewed by Scott Iriks, Founder of BaseRate · Last reviewed 11 August 2026.
General information only. A financier determines actual eligibility, rates, fees, terms and approval after assessment.