Editor’s Note: This article was updated in June 2025 to reflect current payment options.
Car registration renewals can be a hefty, often unavoidable expense that comes around annually or even more frequently, depending on your state or territory. It can be challenging to manage, especially when other unexpected car-related costs pop up. Unfortunately, as of now, no Australian state or territory offers the option to pay for vehicle registration using Afterpay.
Why Consider Afterpay for Car Expenses?
While you can’t pay your car registration with Afterpay, there are plenty of ways to use it for other essential car services. Unexpected breakdowns, roadworthy inspections, or even routine maintenance can disrupt your budget. That’s where Afterpay mechanics can be a lifesaver—it allows you to cover essential expenses without immediately denting your wallet.
How Does Afterpay Work?
Afterpay is a simple, user-friendly app that splits your purchase into four interest-free payments over six weeks. You just need to download the app, sign up if you're over 18, and you’re set. When you shop online, you can select Afterpay at checkout. For in-store purchases, like at a Bosch European Car Service center, you can use the Afterpay card on your phone’s digital wallet.
One great feature is the built-in payment reminders, helping you stay on track with instalments. Plus, the app shows your spending limit, so you can plan your expenses without overextending.
Alternatives for Paying Car Registration
If you’re still hoping to spread out your registration cost, many states offer instalment options that let you pay monthly, quarterly, or biannually. This can make budgeting for registration fees easier, especially if you combine it with other cost-splitting strategies like Afterpay for regular maintenance. Additionally, some credit card providers may offer interest-free payment plans or payment deferral options, so it could be worth checking with your bank for alternatives.
What Car Services Can Be Paid for with Afterpay?
Using Afterpay at places like Bosch European Car Service can help you cover a wide range of services without an upfront payment. Here are some examples of car services you can pay for using Afterpay:
- Routine Maintenance: Things like oil changes, filter replacements, and basic tune-ups are all covered.
- Tyres and Battery Replacement: Essential but sometimes pricey, these replacements are easy to book and pay for with Afterpay.
- Roadworthy Inspections: Perfect if you’re preparing for a car sale or just ensuring your vehicle is in top condition.
- Emergency Repairs: Unexpected repairs, like a sudden brake issue or a faulty alternator, can be handled without immediate strain on your finances.
Is Afterpay Right for Your Car Expenses?
Afterpay is ideal for those who want flexibility in managing unexpected or planned car-related expenses. However, it’s important to remember that missing instalments could incur late fees, so make sure the instalment plan aligns with your cash flow.
Using Afterpay alongside other payment strategies can make managing car expenses more straightforward, even if car rego itself isn’t eligible. So, the next time you have an unexpected car repair or a scheduled service, consider making it a bit easier on your budget with Afterpay.
2025 Update: Are There Any New Ways to Pay Rego in Installments?
As of 2025, no Australian state or territory officially accepts Afterpay or any “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) services like Zip or Humm for car registration payments. However, there have been developments in how you can manage rego payments more flexibly:
- Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia still offer 3-month and 6-month rego options via their respective transport departments, allowing drivers to spread the cost more easily without needing a third-party payment provider.
- Victoria’s myVicRoads platform has improved usability in 2025, letting you receive SMS or email reminders and pay your rego in parts ahead of the due date — but again, not through BNPL platforms.
- Some credit unions and low-interest credit cards have begun marketing themselves as alternatives to Afterpay for rego, offering short-term payment plans with minimal interest for essentials like car registration.
If you're looking to ease the burden of car ownership costs, you can still use Afterpay with us here at Bosch Service Brisbane for repairs, servicing, inspections, and even tyres — helping you keep your vehicle roadworthy while managing your budget.
