The loan encyclopedia

Every type of business loan, explained

Unsecured, secured, lines of credit, equipment, invoices, caveats and more. Each page covers what it is, who it suits, how it works, pros and cons, documents and alternatives.

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Which loan is right for me?

Compare every type of Australian business loan in one table — what each is for, the security it needs and who it suits — so you can pick the right one fast.

Unsecured business loans

Unsecured business loans explained: no property needed, typically $5k to $500k sized on turnover. Who they suit, how they work, pros, cons and documents.

Secured business loans

Secured business loans use residential or commercial property to unlock $20k to $5m. How they work, who they suit, LVR, pros, cons and the documents you need.

First mortgage business loans

How a first mortgage business loan works: refinance an existing mortgage, release equity for the business and borrow up to $5m against property in Australia.

Second mortgage business loans

A second mortgage business loan lets you borrow against spare equity without refinancing your home loan. How it works, who it suits, pros, cons and documents.

Caveat loans (Victoria)

Caveat loans explained: short-term business funding secured by a caveat on Victorian property, how they differ from second mortgages and when they make sense.

Property-backed business loans

Run a café, clinic, trade or online store? Learn how home or investment property equity can back a business loan from $20k to $5m, and what it means for you.

Business line of credit

A business line of credit gives you a limit to draw on and repay as cash comes in. How limits are set, how repayments work, pros, cons and who it suits.

Overdraft alternatives

Bank overdraft cut, reduced or declined? Compare business overdraft alternatives — lines of credit, invoice finance, card-sales advances and short-term loans.

Working capital loans

Working capital loans cover wages, stock, rent and supplier bills while growth catches up with cash. How they work, sizing, pros, cons and documents.

Short-term business loans

Short-term business loans run for months, not years, and fund one job with a clear payback. How they work, exit plans, pros, cons and documents.

Bridging loans

Business bridging loans cover the gap until money from a sale, settlement or refinance lands. How they work, exit plans, pros, cons and documents.

Fast business loans

Need business finance quickly? What really makes a business loan fast — the right loan type, a ready document pack and honest answers — and what slows it.

Invoice finance

Invoice finance turns unpaid invoices from business customers into cash now. How discounting and factoring differ, who it suits, pros, cons and paperwork.

Trade finance

Trade finance pays your suppliers, often overseas, so stock lands before customers pay you. How it works for Australian importers, pros, cons and documents.

Equipment finance

Equipment finance funds machinery, tools and tech with the asset as security. Chattel mortgage, lease and hire purchase compared, with pros and cons.

Vehicle finance

Business vehicle finance for utes, vans, trucks and fleet cars. How chattel mortgages and balloons work, who it suits, pros, cons and the documents you need.

Stock and inventory finance

Stock finance lets you buy inventory ahead of busy periods without draining cash. How it works, how lenders view stock turnover, pros, cons and documents.

Fit-out finance

Fit-out finance funds building works, kitchens, joinery and fixtures for new or refreshed premises. How it's structured, what lenders need, pros and cons.

Seasonal business finance

Seasonal business finance carries you through quiet months and funds the busy ones. How it works for tourism, farms, retail and trades, with pros and cons.

Merchant cash advance

A merchant cash advance is repaid as a share of your card takings, so repayments flex with sales. How it works, the true cost, who it suits, pros and cons.

Low-doc business loans

Low-doc business loans use bank statements, BAS or an accountant's letter instead of full tax returns. Who they suit, how they work, pros, cons and documents.

No-doc business loans

No-doc business loans rely on property equity and a clear exit rather than financials. How they work, who they suit, the risks, pros, cons and documents.

Bad-credit business loans

Defaults, late payments or past insolvency don't automatically mean no. How bad-credit business loans work, what lenders weigh and how to lift your odds.

Start-up business loans

How new Australian businesses really get funded: property equity, equipment finance, franchise systems and a solid plan. Options, pros, cons and documents.

Franchise finance

Franchise finance funds the franchise fee, fit-out, equipment and opening working capital. How lenders view franchises, the Code, pros, cons and documents.

Business acquisition loans

How to finance buying a business in Australia: goodwill, stock, equipment and working capital, what lenders check, due diligence, pros, cons and documents.

Business debt consolidation

Business debt consolidation rolls several business debts into one loan with one repayment. When it helps, when it doesn't, how it works, pros and cons.

ATO debt funding

Clear a business tax debt with one loan and repay on your terms. How ATO debt funding works, payment plans versus loans, credit reporting, pros and cons.

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