Balloon & PCP finance

Balloon and PCP finance

Balloon and PCP finance lower your regular repayments by deferring part of the price to a lump sum at the end of the term. A balloon is that final lump sum. PCP adds a guaranteed future value so you can keep, hand back or trade up. LDM Finance places both across its lender panel.

What is a balloon payment?

A balloon payment is a lump sum deferred to the end of a finance term. Setting part of the price aside for later keeps your regular repayments lower while the vehicle is earning. At term end you settle the balloon by paying it out, refinancing it, or selling the asset to cover it.

What is PCP finance?

PCP, or personal contract purchase, is built around a guaranteed future value set at the start of the term. You finance the difference between the price and that future value, so regular repayments stay low. At term end you keep, hand back or trade up to a new vehicle.

How a balloon changes your repayment

A larger balloon lowers your regular repayment but leaves more to settle at term end, and interest runs on the deferred sum for the whole term. Adjust the balloon below to see the trade-off before you commit.

Estimate a balloon repayment

Indicative, at 12.95% p.a.

Amount to finance$55,000
Indicative weekly repayment
$295/week
Balloon at term end $0
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Balloon, PCP and standard finance compared

The right structure depends on how you use the vehicle and how you want to manage cashflow.

FeatureStandard financeBalloon financePCP finance
Regular repaymentHigher, fully pays off the assetLower, part deferred to a balloonLower, based on a projected future value
End of termYou own the asset outrightPay, refinance or sell to settle the balloonKeep, hand back or trade up to a new vehicle
Total interestLowest of the threeHigher, interest runs on the deferred sumHigher, similar to a balloon structure
DepositOptional, zero deposit availableOptional, zero deposit availableOptional
Best forLong-term ownership and simplicityCashflow-sensitive businessesRegular vehicle upgrade cycles
The numbers

A $55,000 vehicle, standard against a 40% balloon

Amount financed
$55,000
Standard weekly
$288
With 40% balloon
$227
Balloon at term end
$22,000

Indicative only, five-year term, zero deposit, at a representative rate of 12.95% p.a. The balloon of $22,000 is settled at term end. Not an offer of finance.

Who this suits
Businesses that need lower weekly repayments while the asset is earning
Owner-drivers protecting cashflow across a busy trading period
Buyers who upgrade vehicles on a regular cycle and value flexibility at term end
Who it does not suit
Buyers who want the lowest possible total interest cost
Applicants who prefer to own the asset outright with no lump sum to settle
Situations where a shorter term with a higher regular repayment suits better

Balloon and PCP finance questions

A balloon payment is a lump sum deferred to the end of a finance term. Because part of the price is set aside for later, your regular repayments during the term are lower. At term end you settle the balloon by paying it out, refinancing it, or selling the vehicle to cover it.
PCP, or personal contract purchase, is a structure built around a guaranteed future value set at the start. You finance the difference between the price and that future value, which keeps regular repayments low. At term end you can keep the vehicle by settling the final value, hand it back, or trade up to a new one.
Usually, yes. Interest keeps running on the deferred sum until it is settled, so total interest is higher than an equivalent standard loan. The trade-off is lower repayments during the term, which keeps cash free for wages, fuel and materials. We show both figures so you can weigh the structure against the cost.
Often, yes. Several lenders on the LDM panel offer zero deposit finance alongside a balloon or PCP structure, subject to approval and the asset. You can also add a deposit to lower the amount financed. We structure the deal around your cashflow and place it with a suitable lender.

Request a tailored finance structure

Tell us the vehicle and how you trade. We will model a balloon or PCP structure around your cashflow and place it with a suitable lender.

LDM Finance works with a panel of lenders and is not a lender. Approvals are subject to responsible lending inquiries. Each lender's eligibility criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. All figures are indicative only, at a representative rate of 12.95% per annum, and do not constitute an offer of finance. Finance wording follows UDC Finance's standard guidance and remains subject to UDC marketing review.