Responsible lending
The lender considers whether credit appears suitable and whether repayments can be made without substantial hardship.
→ Learn moreBorrower rights under Australia’s National Credit Code are rules and protections that apply when regulated consumer credit is offered, assessed and managed. They matter because credit decisions can affect a person’s budget, assets and financial wellbeing. This hub is for Australians considering secured medium-amount vehicle finance, current borrowers seeking clearer information, and anyone who needs to understand hardship or complaint options. The bottom line is simple: after reading this guide, you should be better placed to ask informed questions and identify the right support pathway. Use the sections below to move from the fundamentals to specific rights and practical next steps.
Written by Justin C
With over 8 years of international experience in client service, operations, and leadership within the finance and technology sectors, Justin focuses on meaningful client relationships and streamlined operations.
View author profileWhat Is Borrower Rights & Protections Under the National Credit Code? (Quick Definition)
The National Credit Code forms part of Australia’s consumer credit framework. It supports transparent credit information, responsible lending assessments, fair treatment during repayment, and accessible complaint pathways. For a secured EquiMax Loan, these protections sit alongside clear warnings about the security interest and the risk of repossession if repayment obligations are not met.
- Borrowers should receive information about rates, fees, terms and other credit costs before entering a contract.
- Lenders must assess whether the proposed credit appears suitable and affordable.
- Secured borrowers should understand what asset supports the loan and the consequences of missed repayments.
- Borrowers can raise concerns with the lender and may have access to external dispute resolution.
Why Borrower Rights & Protections Under the National Credit Code Matter in 2026
- Responsible lending assessment: A lender must consider income, expenses, liabilities and repayment capacity before entering a credit contract.
- $416 in fixed upfront fees: The EquiMax Loan fee schedule identifies the establishment, PPSR and credit check fees deducted at the start.
- Three repayment frequencies: Eligible borrowers can choose weekly, fortnightly or monthly scheduled repayments aligned with their pay cycle.
- A hardship pathway matters early: Contacting AutoSwift Finance before missed payments become more serious may help clarify available options.
- AFCA membership 87780: Eligible unresolved complaints may be taken to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority.
Borrower Rights & Protections Under the National Credit Code at a Glance (Key Concepts)
Clear pricing
Borrowers should be able to identify the interest rate, upfront fees, potential charges and the assumptions behind examples.
→ Learn moreSecurity and possession
The borrower generally keeps use and possession of the approved vehicle, while a PPSR security interest supports the loan.
→ Learn moreHardship assistance
Borrowers experiencing financial difficulty should contact the lender early to discuss their circumstances and available options.
→ Learn moreComplaints and AFCA
A concern can be raised with AutoSwift Finance first, followed by an external dispute pathway where eligible.
→ Learn moreEligibility boundaries
Eligibility includes age, residency, verifiable income, repayment capacity and acceptable security, subject to credit assessment.
→ Learn moreHow Borrower Rights & Protections Under the National Credit Code Works (Process Overview)
1
Understand the offer
Review the loan amount, fixed term, rate, fees, repayment frequency, security and contract conditions.
Read product details2
Complete assessment
Provide information about income, expenses, liabilities, identity, credit conduct and the proposed security.
See the assessment approach3
Manage repayments
Use the selected repayment frequency, review statements and contact the lender early if circumstances change.
See how servicing works4
Use support pathways
Raise concerns directly, request hardship assistance or use external dispute resolution if a complaint remains unresolved.
Contact supportBorrower Rights & Protections Under the National Credit Code Use Cases
Before applying
Use your rights to check suitability, affordability, security and the complete fee structure.
→ See howUnderstanding a secured loan
Learn what a PPSR security interest means while you retain use of an approved vehicle.
→ See howChecking the total cost
Compare the stated rate, comparison-rate basis and fixed upfront fees before signing.
→ See howChoosing repayments
Consider whether weekly, fortnightly or monthly repayments fit your regular pay cycle.
→ See howFinancial difficulty
Contact the lender promptly about hardship support rather than waiting for the position to worsen.
→ See howMaking a complaint
Use direct contact and, where eligible, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority pathway.
→ See howBorrower Rights & Protections Under the National Credit Code by Category
Information rights
Credit Guide
Explains key credit information and borrower considerations.
EquiMax Loan details
Sets out the product structure, term, rates, fees and repayment choices.
Terms of Use
Provides access to the relevant legal agreement information.
Suitability and eligibility
Responsible lending
Describes assessment of affordability, suitability and repayment capacity.
Target Market Determination
Provides information about the intended customer market and product fit.
Eligibility FAQs
Answers common questions about applicants, documents and security.
Support and remedies
Financial hardship support
A direct contact route for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty.
Contact and complaints
The first step for questions about servicing, fees or conduct.
AFCA information
External dispute resolution information for eligible financial complaints.
Tools & Resources for Borrower Rights & Protections Under the National Credit Code
| Tool / Resource | What it does | Link |
|---|---|---|
| AutoSwift Finance | Provides EquiMax Loan information, applications and borrower support. | Visit website |
| Credit Guide | Sets out important credit information for consumers. | Open resource |
| Responsible lending information | Explains assessment of suitability and repayment capacity. | Open resource |
| Target Market Determination | Describes the intended market and relevant product boundaries. | Open resource |
| Financial hardship contact | Provides a direct route for borrowers who are experiencing difficulty. | Email support |
| AFCA | Provides external dispute resolution information for eligible complaints. | Visit AFCA |
Borrower Rights & Protections Under the National Credit Code Guides & Deep Dives
Beginner guides
Understanding the EquiMax Loan
Start with the product structure, eligibility and application questions.
How the application process works
Follow the steps from application through assessment and funding.
Reading a Credit Guide
Identify the information to review before entering a contract.
Advanced considerations
Affordability and responsible lending
Understand the information used to assess repayment capacity.
Rates, fees and comparison rates
Review the stated pricing information and representative example.
Target market boundaries
Consider whether the product is intended for your circumstances.
Support and complaints
Contacting AutoSwift Finance
Raise questions about applications, servicing, fees or security.
Financial hardship support
Use early contact to discuss financial difficulty.
External dispute resolution
Learn about the AFCA pathway for eligible unresolved complaints.
Common Borrower Rights & Protections Under the National Credit Code Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Focusing only on the amount received.
Fees deducted at the start and the total amount repayable are important parts of the credit decision.
→ See the correct approach - Mistake: Treating a secured loan as risk-free.
A PPSR security interest means missed repayment obligations can put the secured asset at risk.
→ See the correct approach - Mistake: Assuming approval is guaranteed.
Every application is subject to credit assessment, eligibility criteria and information verification.
→ See the correct approach - Mistake: Waiting too long to discuss hardship.
Early contact gives the lender an opportunity to understand the situation and explain available options.
→ See the correct approach - Mistake: Treating a representative example as a personal quote.
Examples use stated assumptions and may not reflect an individual borrower’s contract or circumstances.
→ See the correct approach - Mistake: Skipping the complaint process.
Raise the concern directly first, then consider AFCA if the complaint remains unresolved and is eligible.
→ See the correct approach
Borrower Rights & Protections Under the National Credit Code FAQs
What does the National Credit Code protect borrowers from?
It supports clear credit information, responsible lending assessments and avenues for borrowers to raise concerns. It does not remove the need to meet a credit contract’s repayment obligations. For a secured loan, borrowers should also understand the risk that the secured asset may be repossessed if obligations are not met. Read the Credit Guide
What is responsible lending assessment?
Responsible lending assessment considers whether a proposed credit product appears suitable and whether the borrower can make repayments without substantial hardship. Information may include income, expenses, existing liabilities, credit conduct and acceptable security. Approval is not guaranteed because each application is assessed against eligibility criteria. Understand responsible lending
What should I check before signing an EquiMax Loan contract?
Check the fixed 12 month repayment term, fixed interest rate of 47% p.a., repayment frequency, fees, security arrangement and any contract conditions. The total fixed upfront fees are $416, made up of the establishment, PPSR and credit check fees, and are deducted from the amount borrowed at the start. Review EquiMax Loan details
Fixed interest rate of 47% p.a. Rates and fees apply. Refer to our Terms and Conditions for full details.
What does secured borrowing mean?
A secured loan uses an approved asset to support the borrower’s obligations. For the EquiMax Loan, a PPSR security interest is registered over the borrower’s registered vehicle or another approved asset, while the borrower generally keeps use and possession during the loan term. See how secured lending works
This is a secured loan. If you fail to meet your repayment obligations, your secured asset may be repossessed.
What can I do if I am experiencing financial hardship?
Contact AutoSwift Finance as early as possible by emailing cs@autoswift.com.au or calling 1300 894 686 during business hours, 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday. Explain the change in circumstances and ask about the financial hardship process. If existing debt is the main issue, contact current creditors or a free financial counsellor rather than treating new credit as the automatic answer. Contact hardship support
Can I make additional repayments or pay out early?
Additional repayments are permitted at the borrower’s discretion. Early payout is available at any time with a $0 early exit fee, subject to the terms of the contract. Confirm the exact payout amount and process with AutoSwift Finance before making a final payment. Ask about payout options
Early payout is available subject to the terms of your contract.
How do I make a complaint?
Start by contacting AutoSwift Finance about the issue, whether it concerns suitability, affordability, fees, repayments, hardship, security or customer communications. If the complaint remains unresolved, eligible consumers can contact the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. AutoSwift Finance’s AFCA membership number is 87780. Start a complaint enquiry
Use this guide to make a more informed credit decision
This hub brings together the main borrower protections relevant to regulated consumer credit, including responsible lending, clear pricing, secured-asset risks, repayment information, hardship support and complaints. If you are checking product fit, start with the Credit Guide and responsible lending information. If you are already experiencing difficulty, contact AutoSwift Finance or your current creditors early. If you are assessing a secured loan, make sure you understand both the continued use of the vehicle and the repossession risk.