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19 Sep, 2025

Car Finance in Nepal: Most Affordable Auto Loan Options

Buying a brand new car on this Dashain 2082 no longer feels like it's out of reach anymore. Why? Thanks to car finance in Nepal, families with a regular background can now upgrade their two-wheeler lifestyles to four without emptying their savings. 

Whether you need a car with the best mileage for daily commutes or a sturdy one for long Himalayan road trips, banks today offer competitive auto loans in Nepal to ensure you are able to ride your dream car. But with so many options available, one big but very important question remains, and that is: Which bank offers the best car loan in Nepal? 

So, in this guide from Saral Banking Sewa, we will break down the latest car loan interest rates, top banks, eligibility criteria, and tips to help you pick the smartest deal.

What is Car Finance in Nepal?

Car finance, also known as an auto loan, is money borrowed from a bank to purchase a vehicle and repay it in easy monthly installments (EMIs). In Nepal, it applies to new or used cars, private or commercial vehicles, and even electric vehicles (EVs).

Now, here are a few major terms that you need to know before applying for car finance in Nepal:

1. Interest Rates: Banks in Nepal offer two types of interest rates on car finance or auto loans, and they are,

  • Fixed Rate: It stays constant throughout the loan tenure, making budgeting predictable.
  • Floating Rate: Oftentimes, it starts lower than a fixed rate but may rise or fall with market shifts, affecting your EMIs. So, you might have to pay less EMI one month but a higher amount next month.

2. Loan Tenure: Usually, auto loan or car finance loan tenure often ranges from 3 to 10 years, though some banks stretch up to 12 years under special schemes. Here, shorter tenure means you will have to pay higher EMIs but less total interest. Whereas choosing a longer tenure eases your repayment with lower EMIs but more total interest.

3. Other Costs: Down payment (at least 40%), VAT, insurance, documentation fees, and sometimes prepayment penalties.

4. Loan-to-Value Ratio: As per Nepal Rastra Bank, most banks finance up to 60% of the vehicle price, meaning you’ll need to cover at least 40% upfront.

Understanding these elements helps you see the true cost of a loan and find a transparent deal that fits your budget.

What are the Best Car Loan Options in Nepal, 2025?

Here’s a brief overview of what the top banks are offering this September 2025.

NIC Asia Bank Car Loan

  • Interest Rate & Structure: Offers a fixed interest rate of around 9.50% p.a. for auto loans.
  • Benefits: Known for high loan amounts (up to NPR 2 crore for some private vehicles) and a relatively long loan tenure.
  • EMI & Tenure: Maximum tenure can go up to 10 years, depending on the vehicle, which allows for lower monthly payments.

Nabil Bank Car Loan

  • Interest Rate & Structure: Has a very competitive fixed rate offer around 9.99% p.a. for up to 7 years on new and used cars.
  • Benefits: The lower fixed rate is highly attractive for those seeking predictable payments. Offers flexible options for both new and used vehicles.
  • EMI & Tenure: A tenure of up to 7 years is common for private car loans.

Siddhartha Bank Car Loan

  • Interest Rate & Structure: The auto loan fixed rate is around 9.25% p.a. for up to 5 years. Floating rates may vary.
  • Benefits: Established service with a transparent rate structure. Sometimes, offers preferential rates for EVs or women applicants (fixed 8.50% p.a. on EV for women). 
  • EMI & Tenure: Commonly offers tenures up to 7 years. Opting for the shorter fixed-rate tenure can reduce your total interest cost.

Global IME Bank Car Loan

  • Interest Rate & Structure: Offers a floating rate between 7.10% and 9.10% and a fixed rate between 8.99% and 10.99%.
  • Benefits: One of the better options if you prefer a lower initial floating rate and believe rates will remain stable. Good for those who want flexibility.
  • EMI & Tenure: Tenure is often around 7 years for fixed-rate schemes, with more flexible tenure options for floating rates.

Auto Loan Eligibility in Nepal

Getting a car loan in Nepal isn’t complicated, but banks do have clear requirements to ensure you can comfortably repay the loan. While details may vary slightly across institutions, here are the standard eligibility criteria you should be ready for:

  • Age Requirement: Applicants must usually be between 18 and 60 years old at the time of loan maturity. Some banks may extend this age limit for salaried individuals nearing retirement.
  • Stable Income Proof: You’ll need to demonstrate consistent earnings. This can be done with salary slips, bank statements, tax clearance documents, or business registration certificates (for self-employed applicants).
  • Down Payment: Most banks finance up to 60% of the car’s value, meaning you must arrange a minimum 40% down payment.
  • Documentation: A Nepali citizenship certificate, valid KYC documents, and proof of residence are mandatory.
  • Employment Type: Both salaried professionals, self-employed individuals, and business owners are eligible, provided they meet income and documentation standards.
  • Guarantor (Sometimes Required): Some banks may also ask for a co-applicant or guarantor, especially for higher loan amounts.

How to Choose the Best Car Loan in Nepal

To land the best car loan in Nepal, you need to look beyond the headline interest rate. Consider these criteria:

  • Interest Rate Type, Fixed vs. Floating: A fixed rate offers predictable monthly payments, which is great for budgeting, though the rate is often slightly higher. A floating rate might be lower initially, but can rise. If you think market rates might increase, locking in a fixed rate is often a safer option.
  • Effective Cost (Total Payment): Don’t just compare interest rates. Always factor in processing fees, insurance costs, and potential prepayment penalties. A loan with a slightly higher rate but zero fees can sometimes be cheaper overall.
  • Loan Tenure: A long tenure means lower monthly payments, but you'll pay more in total interest. A short tenure is cheaper overall but requires a higher monthly payment. Choose what your budget can comfortably sustain.
  • Down Payment & Percentage Financed: The more you pay upfront (down payment), the less you need to finance, which means less interest paid. Check how much of the vehicle's value the bank is willing to finance.
  • Eligibility & Flexibility: Ensure you meet the bank’s income and documentation requirements. Also, check if the bank allows you to prepay the loan without a high penalty. This is a great feature if you expect your income to increase.
  • Promotional Offers: Keep an eye out for seasonal or festival offers, such as Dashain and Tihar deals, which may include lower fixed rates or waived processing fees.

Final Thoughts: Drive Smart, Borrow Smarter

Car ownership in Nepal is becoming easier than ever, thanks to affordable auto loan options designed for different income groups. Whether you’re exploring offers from NIC Asia, Nabil Bank, Siddhartha Bank, or Global IME, each lender has unique perks and trade-offs.

The real challenge? Finding the one that fits your financial lifestyle. That’s where Saral Banking Sewa comes in. Instead of visiting multiple bank websites or branches, you can use our platform to:

If you’re serious about getting the best deal on car finance in Nepal, don’t just settle for the first option. Use Saral Banking Sewa to make an informed choice, balance affordability with convenience, and drive away with confidence.

After all, your car should take you forward, not set your finances in reverse.

FAQs

1. Which bank is best for car finance in Nepal?

In terms of interest rates, as of Ashwin 2082, Nepal Bank Limited is the best bank for car finance in Nepal.

2. What is the maximum tenure I can get?

Except for special offers or schemes, banks in Nepal generally offer a maximum auto loan tenure of 10 years for new private cars but shorter terms for used cars. Some special categories (commercial, EVs, etc.) may allow more flexible terms.

3. What is the interest rate for Nabil auto loan?

Nabil Bank currently offers auto loans with a competitive fixed interest rate of 9.99% for up to 5 years and 10.49% for above 5 years.

4. What documents do I need to apply for an auto loan?

While the documents required for an auto loan may vary with banks, some of the standard documents are a citizenship certificate, proof of age, income proof (salary slips/business income/tax return), bank statements, vehicle quotation invoice, insurance estimate, possibly a guarantor or collateral, depending on the bank and amount.

5. How much down payment do I need for a car loan?

For most private non-EV and EV cars, you’ll need about 40% of the vehicle’s valuation as a down payment (due to NRB’s LTV rule).