Compare business loans in Australia

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How do business loans work in Australia?

You can get a business loan from most Australian banks or from online business lenders.

The amount you can borrow, your interest rate and whether you need security all depend on your lender's requirements and your business's size, needs and financial position.

• Security. Secured loans have lower interest rates but require an asset as security. Some lenders accept a business asset, but it's possible to use a commercial or even residential property as security.
• Eligibility. Many lenders require your business to have been operating for 1 to 2 years, with financial records for that time. Lenders examine cash flow projections, business activity statements and conduct credit checks on company directors.
• Loan type. Some business loans provide you with a single lump sum, which you pay off over time like any loan. But there are business overdrafts that let you spend beyond what's in your bank account to cover shortfalls, or lines of credit that let you spend money flexibly.
• Interest rate. You can get business loans with fixed or variable interest rates from most lenders. Secured business loans have the most competitive rates.

Which type of business loan is best for my business?

Choosing the right business loan depends on your business and what you're trying to achieve.

Business term loans

The most straightforward business loan, where you apply for a loan and receive the funds in a lump sum. You can get secured and unsecured business loans for flexible amounts, and can receive a variable or fixed interest . These loans are useful when you're trying to cover large expenses.

Example: Samantha needs a variable rate business loan

Samantha runs a catering business. She needs to borrow $60,000 to cover a kitchen expansion. Samantha needs a single lump sum. But she also wants the ability to repay the loan quickly. She expects her revenue to increase as a result of the expansion and wants to clear the debt sooner.

She opts for a business loan with a variable interest rate, as variable rates tend to come with no early repayment fees.

Business line of credit

A business line of credit gives you a pool of money that you can withdraw and pay off whenever you want. Once you're approved for a line of credit you can spend money flexibly, up to the credit limit amount. You only pay interest on the money you withdraw, not the overall limit you're approved for.

This is useful for businesses that have to cover multiple smaller expenses over time or have seasonal spikes and dips in revenue.

Example: Glen needs a line of credit

Glen runs a landscaping business with 5 employees. He's approaching a quiet few months for the business and wants to have money on hand to cover a few expenses he has been putting off.

On top of paying his employees, he wants to renovate his office and upgrade his equipment. He takes out a line of credit, and is able to get a quote for his upgrades and withdraw that exact amount each time.

When his cash runs low during this quiet season, he also withdraws money in order to meet payroll. When business picks up, he pays off his withdrawals and is able to reuse that credit the next year.

Business vehicle finance

Loans to cover the purchase of business vehicles including cars and trucks. These come with a range of options, such as leasing the vehicles or buying the vehicles outright. They can be used to buy individual vehicles or an entire fleet.

Equipment finance

Loans to cover the purchase of business equipment, such as computers, tools, coffee machines, or kitchen fit-outs. You can rent, lease or buy outright.

Invoice finance

Invoice financing lets you use outstanding invoices, which represent future payments, to get cash when you need it now. A cut of the outstanding invoice is paid to the lender in return for the upfront funds.

Business overdraft

If you have a business bank account you can get an approved overdraft limit to borrow beyond what's in the account. This is useful to cover brief cash flow shortfalls that are not predictable enough to require a line of credit.

Business credit cards

Business credit cards let you cover business expenses now and pay them off over time. Useful for sole traders, small businesses, or to fund the business needs of trusted staff.

How to find the right loan for your business

To help find the right business loan, ask yourself these questions:

• Why does your business need the loan? Are you looking to start a new business from scratch, upgrade your equipment or overcome a cash flow shortage?
• What's the state of your business finances? The current financial performance of your business affects the type of funding you need, but also your ability to qualify for different types of business loans. The stronger your performance, the easier it is to get a loan.
• What is your cashflow like? And can you afford to make the repayments?
• What timeframe do you need the funds for? If you have to cover multiple small expenses in a short time, you might look at an overdraft, line of credit or a business credit card. Covering major renovations would require a large loan with a longer loan term.

Loans for small businesses and startups

It's easier for larger, established businesses to get finance in Australia. But startups and very small businesses might find it harder because they likely have fewer assets, less consistent cash flow or, in a startup's case, no established track record of business activity.

Finance for startups

Startups often need extra cash in order to bring their idea to life. While many rely on investors, there are business loans that cater to start ups.

In general, lenders will only lend to startups who have been in business for at least 6-12 months and meet certain revenue figures.

Note that many business loans are risk-based. This means interest rates are set depending on the financial position of you and your business. New, unproven businesses are obviously riskier customers. This means higher interest rates.

There are also business groups like Tech Ready Women who offer funding for startups and expansion.

Small business loans

Small businesses will find it easier to get a business loan approved if:

• You have a good personal credit score.
• You have a clear plan for how to use the funds.
• Your business has been operating for several years and has detailed financial records.
• You can secure the loan against commercial or personal property.

Compare business loan interest rates

It is important to shop around and compare business loans based on a range of factors. Business loan interest rates will vary depending on your lender, your loan type, and your own (and your business's) financial position.

• Variable rate business loans. These rates can change at any time at the lender's discretion. Lenders move variable interest rates in response to changing market conditions and the cost of securing funds.
• Fixed rate business loans. With a fixed rate business loan your interest rate won't change during the fixed period. After that, your rate reverts to a variable one. Fixed interest rates make it easier for businesses to manage loan expenses. Most lenders won't let you make extra repayments on a fixed rate.

Common business loan fees

Before signing a business loan contract you should look at all the loan fees. Factor in the cost of loan fees along with the interest payments.

The most common business loan fees include:

• Establishment fee. Many lenders charge a one-off, upfront establishment or origination fee. This fee is often a percentage of the loan amount. A 3% establishment fee on a $300,000 business loan would cost you $9,000.
• Monthly or annual account keeping fees. Some lenders charge a smaller ongoing fee to maintain the loan account.
• Late fee. If you miss a loan repayment your lender may charge you a fee.
• Extra repayment fee. Some loans, typically fixed rate loans, don't let you make extra repayments to the loan or charge a fee for doing so.

How can I save money on a business loan?

1. Compare interest rates. Don't just apply for the first business loan that suits your needs. Compare business loan rates from multiple lenders.
2. Factor in fees. Fees can really affect the cost of your loan, so add these into your cost calculations.
3. Offer security. If you have a commercial or residential property to offer as security you can get a loan with a lower interest rate.
4. Choose the right loan term. Longer loan terms suit larger loan amounts. Longer terms also mean smaller monthly repayments but more interest charged over time. Shorter terms increase your monthly repayments but you pay less interest.
5. Look for a flexible loan. If you can repay a loan early you can save money. Flexible business loans let you redraw extra repayments in an emergency.
6. Contact a business loan broker. A broker can help you compare business loan options and find a suitable solution. They can help you understand the true cost of a loan.

How do I apply for a business loan?

1. Work out what type of business loan you need.
2. Compare loans and rates from multiple lenders.
3. Prepare all your personal and business financial records and documents.
4. Complete the application.
5. Wait for the funds to reach your account.

Online business lenders can approve applications quickly. A traditional bank may take longer and you have to speak to a lending specialist from the bank first.

Documents you need for a business loan application

• A valid ABN or ACN for your business.
• Annual financial statements that include a balance sheet and income statement
• Recent individual tax returns, an ATO notice of assessment and other details.
• Credit reports for you and your business (the lender will check this).
• Information about the property or asset you're offering as security.

Compare business credit cards

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Updated regularly

Name	Product AUFBL	Bonus points	Complimentary travel insurance	Annual fee	Interest-free period
American Express Platinum Business Card		250,000	Yes	$1,750	Up to 55 days on purchases	Special offer: Get 250,000 Amex Membership Rewards Points when you get a new American Express Platinum Business Card and spend $12,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months. Plus 50% off card annual fee in the first year. Must apply by March 2025. New customers only. Available to ABN holders w/ $75,000 revenue. Features no pre-set spending limit with up to 55 days to pay for your purchases and a Flexible Payment Option. Plus, rewards, insurance covers and up to 99 additional cards for no annual fee.	More Info Compare	loading Fetching your data...
American Express Velocity Business Card		120,000	Yes	$249	Up to 51 days on purchases	Available to ABN holders w/ $75,000 revenue. Features no pre-set spending limit with up to 51 days to pay for your purchases and a Flexible Payment Option. Plus, Velocity Points, travel insurance covers and Virgin Australia lounge passes.	More Info Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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Frequently asked questions about business loans

• What is a business loan?

  Business loans are lending products designed to help business owners fund business operations, purchase stock, pay staff, manage cash flow and expand. The right business loan can keep your business afloat when you're dealing with seasonal cash flow or just short on cash. It could also help you seize on an opportunity and grow your business to new heights.

  Unlike a personal loan, a business loan must be specifically for business or investment purposes. To get a loan approved the lender considers the performance and history of your business, plus your own credit history.

  You can get a business loan that's as small as $5,000. Some lenders will lend as much as $250,000 or even $500,000.

  For larger businesses loan amounts are much higher and can run into the millions of dollars.

• Will business loan lenders look at my personal credit score?

  Yes, in many cases a lender checks a business owner or company director's credit score. Your credit history is especially important if you don't have a long, established business history or assets to support your application.

• Should I get a business loan from my current bank?

  Many banks only offer business loans to borrowers who have a business account with the bank. If you're looking for a smaller loan for a new business, even having an existing personal account with a bank can make business loan approval easier.

  But it's always a good idea to compare your options before making a big financial decision.

• Can a business loan impact my personal credit score?

  If you apply for multiple loans, the lender will make an enquiry on your credit report each time. Even for a business loan. These enquiries are recorded on your credit report and can lower your score.

  Avoid applying for multiple credit products at once. Find one loan and apply. If you get rejected, work out why and fix any issues before applying again.

• What is the difference between debt finance and equity finance?

  Debt finance means making regular repayments on money you've borrowed, with fees and interest charges. These loans are useful for long-running businesses but harder to get for startups.

  Equity finance is much more flexible and you don't have to make regular repayments. But equity finance involves bringing in outside investors. You might have to give up part ownership of your company and share your future profits with the investors.

Justine Mclean is a business finance expert, author, speaker, financial educator and host of the Secrets of Successful Business podcast. With 30 years of experience in small business, Justine is on a mission to help business owners increase their financial literacy, build solid financial foundations and create profitable and sustainable businesses.

Justine released her book Become A Business Money Magnet - Simple habits to manage your money and supercharge your profits in 2024; she is a registered BAS Agent, Ladies Finance Club Ambassador, and named one of Coach Foundation's Top Female Business Coaches for 2022.

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Richard Whitten and reviewed by Justine Mclean, a member of Finder's Editorial Review Board.

Written by

Elizabeth Barry

Lead Editor

Elizabeth Barry was the lead editor for Finder. She has over 10 years' experience writing about a range of topics with a focus on personal finance. You’ll find her writing and commentary in a range of publications and media including Seven News, the ABC, MSN, the Irish Times and Singapore Business Review. See full bio

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