Business loans · 7 min read
Small Business Loans in Australia: Options, Eligibility and Costs
Everything Australian small business owners need to know about getting a loan — loan types, who qualifies, typical rates and how to apply.
Key takeaways
- Small business loans in Australia range from about $5,000 to $5 million.
- You usually need an ABN, 4–6 months trading and $5K+ monthly revenue.
- Non-bank lenders decide in hours; banks often take weeks.
Types of small business loans
The main options are fast short-term loans, unsecured business loans, secured loans, equipment finance and a business line of credit. Each suits a different need, from covering a quiet month to buying a new vehicle.
Who qualifies
You don't need years of financials. Most lenders want an active ABN, a few months of trading history and steady revenue shown in 6 months of bank statements. Past credit issues don't automatically rule you out.
Typical rates
Secured lending and equipment finance start from roughly 7.9–8% p.a. Unsecured loans start from about 14% p.a. Your actual rate depends on your revenue, time trading, credit profile and any security offered.
How to apply
Compare options first without a credit check, then choose an offer. With CreditAU the form takes about 4 minutes and a specialist usually comes back within hours on business days.
General information only — not financial advice. Consider your circumstances and speak to a qualified adviser.