02/11/2026
Your bank doesn’t lend on what you earn. It lends on what’s left over. ⏱️
Here’s how they work it out, in 4 steps:
1️⃣ Income: base salary counts in full; bonuses, overtime and commission can be shaded
2️⃣ Expenses: what you declare, or the bank’s living-expense benchmark, whichever is higher
3️⃣ Debts: personal loans, car loans, HECS, and every credit card limit, even if it’s paid off
4️⃣ Buffer: repayments are tested at 3% above your actual rate
Quick win: close unused credit card limits before you apply.
And the cheapest rate isn’t always the best rate for your circumstances. Different lenders, different policies, different numbers.
Want to know your real number? Take the quiz, link in bio.
General information only, not credit advice.
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