Business Loans. Without the Fuss.
Compare business loans by cost, eligibility, repayment, and speed — plain-English guides to help you choose the right lender and apply with confidence.
Business loans explained
Use these guides to compare business loan options by cost, eligibility, repayment structure, speed, and lender fit before you apply — so you walk into a funding decision already knowing the answers.
What to compare before you borrow
Total cost of borrowing
Look past the headline rate at the APR, arrangement fees, and the total amount repayable over the full term.
Repayment structure
Fixed monthly payments, a share of card takings, or a flexible facility — match it to how your revenue actually arrives.
Eligibility & trading history
Most lenders weigh time trading, turnover, and credit profile. Knowing yours up front avoids wasted applications.
Speed to funding
Some lenders pay out in 24–48 hours, others take weeks. If timing matters, prioritise lenders built for speed.
Security & guarantees
Check whether the loan is secured against assets or needs a personal guarantee before you commit.
Early repayment terms
If you might clear the balance early, confirm whether there are exit fees or interest savings.
Latest guides
Business Loan Pre-Approval in Australia: What It Means and How to Use It
Business loan pre-approval in Australia is a conditional assessment from a lender confirming you're likely eligible for a specific loan amount — before you submit a full application.
Business Loan Refinancing in Australia: When It Makes Sense to Switch Lenders (and When It Doesn't)
Business loan refinancing in Australia means replacing your existing facility with a new loan — usually to get a lower rate, better terms, or improved cash flow. It makes sense when the savings outweigh the exit costs.
Business Loan Terms Explained: APR vs Flat Rate vs Comparison Rate for Australian Borrowers
APR (Annual Percentage Rate), flat rate, and comparison rate are three different ways lenders express the cost of a business loan — and they don't mean the same thing. The advertised rate is almost never the full picture.
Business Loans for Australian Sole Traders and Micro‑Businesses: Funding Under $50k
Business loans for Australian sole traders and micro‑businesses under $50k are more accessible than most owners realise — but the approval path looks very different from a standard bank application. Specialist lenders assess your ABN age, monthly revenue, and bank statements rather than years of tax returns.
Business Loans for Bad Credit in Australia: Practical Approval Strategies When Banks Say No
Getting business loans for bad credit in Australia is harder than it used to be, but it's far from impossible. Specialist non-bank lenders, cash-flow lenders, and platforms like Funding Fred assess your actual business performance — revenue, trading history, bank behaviour — not just your credit score.
Business Loans for Regional and Rural Australian SMEs: Unique Funding Challenges and Solutions
Business loans for regional and rural Australian SMEs work differently from city lending — fewer local bank branches, income that swings with seasons, and industries banks consider higher risk all make approval harder. But specialist online lenders and government programs have closed much of that gap.
Business Loans for Startups vs Established Businesses in Australia: Key Differences in Approval, Rates and Security
Business loans for startups vs established businesses in Australia differ significantly across three areas: approval rates (roughly 31% for startups under 12 months versus 68% for established businesses), interest rates (starting around 12% p.a. for new businesses versus as low as 5.5% p.a.
Business Loans for Tradies and Contractors in Australia: Utes
Australian tradies and contractors can access specialized business loans for ute purchases ranging from $20,000 to $150,000 with terms from 3-24 months. These loans often include work accessories and offer same-day approval for established businesses with an ABN and minimum $5,000 monthly revenue.
Cafe and Restaurant Business Loans Australia: Funding Fit-Outs
Australian cafes and restaurants can access business loans from $5,000 to $1 million for fit-outs, with specialist lenders offering 24-hour approvals and unsecured options up to $150,000. Interest rates start from 6.49% per annum, with most lenders requiring just 6 months trading history and $6,000 monthly revenue [1][2][3].
Business Loans questions
The important details before you check eligibility.
What should a business compare before choosing a loan?
Compare total repayment cost, repayment frequency, eligibility criteria, security requirements, application speed, and whether the loan fits the way the business earns revenue.
How much can a business typically borrow?
Loan sizes vary widely by lender and depend on turnover, trading history, and affordability. Facilities commonly range from a few thousand to several hundred thousand pounds, with larger amounts available to established businesses.
Do I need to be a homeowner to get a business loan?
Not always. Some lenders ask for a personal guarantee that can take homeownership into account, but many business loans don't require you to own property.
Will checking my options affect my credit score?
An initial eligibility check is often a soft search that doesn't affect your score. A full application may involve a hard credit check, so confirm with the lender before you proceed.
How quickly can the money arrive?
It depends on the lender and how ready your paperwork is. Some online lenders approve and fund within a day or two, while traditional lenders can take longer.
Are business loan requirements the same in every market?
No. Eligibility, terminology, credit checks, and lender expectations vary by market, so each Funding Fred guide is written for the relevant country.
Ready when you are
Explore Australian business loan options
Start a short eligibility check for Australian business funding options. It only takes about 2 minutes, with no hard credit check to start.