Car financing in the Netherlands: how it works at AutoFinancier.nl

Thinking about a car without paying everything upfront? This guide shows how car financing works in the Netherlands with AutoFinancier.nl. Clear steps, what it costs, what lenders check, and how to apply.

What a car loan is

You borrow the purchase amount for your car and repay it in fixed monthly instalments over a set term with a fixed interest rate. You own the car from day one.

How it works at AutoFinancier.nl

• Find your car en check your monthly payment

Use the calculator to try different terms and options. See what fits your budget.

• Pick a car

Found one at a dealer already or still browsing through our 20 thousand cars? Both are fine. We finance new and used passenger cars.

• Apply online

Fill in your details and check your email with the PSD2 en IDIN links. No office visit needed.

• We assess 

You receive a clear offer with all costs explained. Ask questions before you sign.

• Sign and collect your car

After approval the payout follows. Many buyers drive within a few working days.

What is iDIN?

iDIN is a Dutch digital identification service offered by the major banks. You log in with your regular online-banking login to share verified identity details with a company.

Purpose: confirm who you are (and, if needed, your age and address).
What’s shared: only the data you approve (e.g., name, date of birth, address, “18+” check).
What it’s not: it does not give anyone access to your bank account and it’s not a credit score.
Why we use it: fast, secure ID check without scanning passports or sending selfies.

What is PSD2 (Open Banking)?

PSD2 is an EU regulation that lets you safely share bank data with licensed parties only with your explicit consent. It powers “open banking.”
Two common services:

AIS (Account Information Service): read-only access to balances and transactions to verify income and spending.
PIS (Payment Initiation Service): initiate a payment you approve (we typically use AIS, not PIS).

Key points:

Consent first: you choose what to share and can revoke at any time.
Time-limited: consent expires after a set period (banks/regulators set the window).
Secure by design: strong customer authentication; we never see your login details.

How this helps your car-finance application

iDIN: confirms your identity quickly and reduces document hassle.
PSD2/AIS: lets us verify income and fixed expenses directly, so we can assess affordability faster and more accurately.
 

What you can finance

• Passenger cars: new and used
• From Dutch dealers
• Purchase price including VAT and delivery costs
• Extra options can be included if they appear on the invoice

Your costs explained

Term: usually 12 to 84 months. A longer term lowers the monthly amount and increases total interest.
Down payment: optional. Lowers the amount you borrow.
Balloon payment: optional final amount at the end. Lowers monthly payments during the term. At the end you pay, refinance, or sell the car.
Fees: any one-off fees are shown in the offer.
Insurance and running costs: separate from the loan. Keep room in your budget.

Simple example

Car price 20,000. Down payment 2,000. You finance 18,000. If you choose a balloon of 5,000 your monthly payment drops, and you settle 5,000 at the end.

What lenders look at

• Age 18+ and registered address in the Netherlands
• Income and stability of employment or benefits
• Current loans and limits in the Dutch credit register (BKR)
• Car details and purchase invoice

Documents checklist

• Valid ID
• Recent payslips or income statement
• Bank statements if requested
• Purchase order or pro forma invoice
• For non-Dutch nationals: residence permit info if applicable

Timeline

• Application: 10–20 minutes
• Review and offer: usually within 1–2 working days
• Payout to dealer: shortly after signing and final checks

Balloon payment: pros and cons

Pros: lower monthly payment, more car for your budget
Cons: you still owe the final amount, interest applies during the term, you need a plan for the last payment

Early repayment

You can repay early in part or in full. Conditions depend on the lender and are shared before you sign. Ask us if you plan to repay early.

Missed payments

If a payment is missed, contact the lender immediately. Together you can find a solution before extra costs arise.

Business buyer?

If you buy as a sole trader or company, financial lease may be a better fit. Different checks and tax treatment apply. Ask for the business option.

FAQs

Can I finance a private purchase from an individual?
Financing is usually possible for cars bought from a dealer. Ask us about the options.

Do I need a down payment?
No. A down payment is optional but lowers your monthly amount.

Can I add warranty or accessories?
Yes, if they are on the dealer invoice and approved by the lender.

What if I haven’t chosen a car yet?
You can request a budget indication first and choose the car later.