If your credit history isn’t perfect, you’re not alone, and you’re not out of options. Many Australians ask, “Can I still get a novated lease with bad credit?” The short answer is yes, but there’s more to the story.
This blog breaks down what you need to know about credit checks, how novated leasing works, and how Easi helps simplify the process while maximising your tax savings.
What Is a Novated Lease?
A novated lease is a three-way agreement between you, your employer, and a finance provider. You choose a car, and your employer makes the lease payments from your pre-tax salary. It’s a smart way to:
Save on tax
Bundle your car costs into one payment
Potentially avoid paying GST on the car and running costs
Access extra savings on eligible electric vehicles (EVs) through FBT exemptions
It’s not just about convenience - it’s about making your money work harder.
Does Bad Credit Affect Novated Leasing?
Let’s Keep It Simple:
Yes, credit history plays a role. Like most finance products, novated leases involve a credit assessment by the lease provider. A lower credit score may affect:
Whether you’re approved
The types of vehicles you can lease
The terms and interest rate of your agreement
But here’s the good news: your employment stability and income can work in your favour. Since payments are deducted directly from your salary, lenders often view novated leases as lower-risk compared to traditional car loans.
Factors That May Improve Your Approval Chances
Even with a less-than-ideal credit score, you might still qualify if:
You have stable full-time employment
You’ve been with your current employer for a reasonable time
Your income supports the lease payments
You have a clean recent repayment history
It’s assessed case by case - and Easi’s team can help guide you through the process with clarity and care.
How Easi Helps You Drive Forward, Tax-Smart
At Easi, we specialise in making novated leasing easier and more transparent - even if your financial situation is complex.
Here’s how we support you:
We handle the paperwork: You don’t need to be a tax or finance expert - we take care of it for you.
We work with flexible lenders: Giving you the best chance of approval based on your unique circumstances.
We break down the tax savings: So you can see exactly how using pre-tax income reduces your taxable earnings.
We support EV leasing: Including potential FBT-free options for eligible electric vehicles.
We keep things simple: Our online calculator and expert team make it easy to get started and understand your options.
What If You're Not Eligible Right Now?
If you don’t qualify immediately, don’t worry. We’ll help you:
Understand the reasons for declined approval
Explore future options as your financial situation improves
Stay in the loop on vehicles, leasing trends, and tax-saving strategies
Sometimes the best next step is planning forward - and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Final Thoughts: Credit Isn’t the End of the Road
While bad credit can make things more complicated, it doesn’t always mean “no.” With a stable job and the right support, a novated lease could still be within reach - unlocking real tax savings and a smarter way to own a car.
With Easi, you’re not navigating the journey alone.
