Understanding the bank’s questions

What Banks Look for in Your Loan Application

Applying for a loan, whether for a home, investment, business, or personal use, requires careful preparation. Banks assess various factors to determine whether you meet their lending criteria. As finance brokers in Australia, we help clients navigate this process by ensuring they provide the necessary information for a successful application. Below, we outline what banks specifically look for when reviewing your loan application.

1. Personal Information

Banks verify your identity and financial profile to ensure compliance and assess risk. You need to provide:

• Full name and date of birth
• Residential address history (typically for the past three years)
• Contact details (phone number and email)
• Identification documents (passport, driver’s licence, or Medicare card)

This information ensures compliance with Australia’s anti-money laundering laws and confirms your identity.

2. Employment and Income Stability

Banks prioritise borrowers with stable and sufficient income. They assess:

• Employment type (full-time, part-time, casual, self-employed, or contractor)
• Employer details (name, address, and length of employment)
• Consistency of income (regular pay slips, tax returns, or financial statements for self-employed applicants)
• Additional income sources (rental income, Centrelink, dividends, etc.)

Long-term, stable employment increases your chances of approval.

3. Debt-to-Income Ratio

Banks calculate your debt-to-income ratio to determine whether you can manage additional debt. They evaluate:

• Credit card limits and outstanding balances
• Personal, car, or student loans
• HECS-HELP debt
• Buy now, pay later (BNPL) arrangements
• Other ongoing financial commitments (e.g., child support or private school fees)

A high level of existing debt may reduce your borrowing capacity.

4. Credit History and Score

Banks check your creditworthiness to gauge the risk of lending to you. They assess:

• Your credit score (from agencies like Equifax or Experian)
• Your repayment history on previous loans and credit cards
• Any defaults, bankruptcies, or court judgments

A strong credit history with timely repayments increases approval chances and may secure better loan terms.

5. Genuine Savings and Financial Discipline

Banks look for signs of financial responsibility through savings and asset accumulation. They require:

• Bank statements showing genuine savings (typically three to six months)
• Superannuation balance
• Investment properties or shareholdings
• Other significant assets (e.g., vehicles, businesses)

Demonstrating financial discipline and a history of savings can improve your borrowing power.

6. Loan and Property Details

For home and investment loans, banks review the loan structure and property details, including:

• Type of loan (home, investment, personal, business)
• Loan amount and preferred repayment structure (principal & interest or interest-only)
• Loan term and fixed vs. variable rate preference
• Deposit amount and property purchase price

A larger deposit (at least 20%) can help avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) and secure better loan terms.

7. Living Expenses and Spending Habits

Banks assess your living expenses to determine if you can afford loan repayments. They review:

• Essential household expenses (rent, groceries, utilities)
• Discretionary spending (entertainment, dining out, subscriptions)
• Insurance premiums (health, car, home)

Maintaining a budget-friendly lifestyle and managing expenses effectively can boost your approval chances.

Final Thoughts

Banks assess loan applications based on financial stability, creditworthiness, and ability to repay. Being well-prepared with the necessary documents and maintaining a strong financial profile can significantly enhance your chances of approval. As finance brokers, we assist clients in compiling the required information and selecting the best loan options. If you need expert guidance, reach out to a finance broker to improve your loan application outcome.

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