If you're employed casually and looking into novated leasing, you've probably run into mixed messages. Some say yes, others say no - and most providers don’t give a straight answer.
So, let’s get down to the brass tacks: it’s possible for a casual employee to get a novated lease, but it’s not always easy. Your eligibility depends on your work history, income stability, and, most importantly, whether your employer is willing to support the arrangement.
Below, we break it down even further.
What’s the Barrier for Casual Employees?
The real challenge with novated leasing for casual employees isn’t the fact that you're casual - it’s whether your income is consistent. Both leasing providers and employers need steady earnings to make the arrangement work.
If your hours and earnings fluctuate from week to week, it becomes harder for your employer to make regular salary deductions. And from a lender's perspective, inconsistent income increases the risk of missed payments.
That’s why many novated lease providers prioritise permanent full-time or part-time employees. It’s not that casual workers are ineligible by definition - it’s that the risk profile changes.
So, Can You Be Approved as a Casual?
Yes, but usually only under certain conditions. Here's what you'll need:
1. A Stable Work Pattern
If you’ve been working regular hours with the same employer for 6 months or more, and your income doesn’t vary too much, you’re in a much stronger position. The more stable your work history, the better.
2. Employer Support
Your employer has to agree to facilitate the lease - that means deducting repayments from your salary and administering the agreement. Some businesses choose not to offer novated leasing to casual staff simply to avoid the admin hassle.
It’s worth asking, though. In many cases, if you’re a long-term casual with consistent hours, your employer may be open to it - especially if they already offer leasing to other employees.
3. A Solid Credit Profile
Because novated leasing is a finance product at its core, you’ll still go through a credit assessment. If your casual income is strong and consistent - and your credit score is in good shape - you’ll improve your chances of being approved.
Why Do Some Casual Workers Get Knocked Back?
It usually comes down to one of three things:
Short tenure: If you’ve only recently started your job, even consistent hours may not be enough to demonstrate stability.
Highly variable hours: If your income fluctuates too much, the risk to the provider and employer increases.
Employer policy: Some companies simply won’t offer salary packaging to casuals, regardless of your situation.
In other words, it's not always about you - sometimes the barrier is structural.
What Are Your Options?
If you're in casual work but keen on a novated lease, you’ve still got a few ways forward.
1. Start the Conversation with Your Employer
Don’t assume it’s off the table. If you’ve been with your employer for a while and have a strong track record, ask the question! Your employer may not have considered it before - or may be open to making an exception.
2. Demonstrate Stability
Gather payslips showing consistent hours and income over several months. This kind of documentation can go a long way when you speak to a lease provider.
3. Consider a Different Lease Structure Temporarily
If novated leasing isn’t possible right now, you could look at traditional car finance or salary sacrifice alternatives while you build your employment case. Once you’ve transitioned to permanent or long-term part-time work, revisit the leasing conversation.
4. Get Pre-Qualified
Speak to a novated lease specialist like Easi. We’ll assess your situation honestly and help you understand what you need to be eligible - and we can often flag options others might miss.
What's The Bottom Line?
Casual employment doesn’t automatically exclude you from novated leasing, but it does make the process more difficult. The key factors are consistency, tenure, and employer support. If you can demonstrate a reliable income and your employer is open to salary packaging, you may well be eligible.
If not, don’t write it off - it may just be a case of timing.
