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 Application Checklist for Australian SMEs: Documents and Information You'll Need
Australian SMEs applying for a business loan need to prepare two core document packs: a financial pack (bank statements, BAS, tax returns, P&L, cash flow forecasts) and a legal/identity pack (ABN registration, director IDs, business structure documents).
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 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.
What the Financial Services Act Means for Small Business Borrowers: An Australian Perspective
Australia's financial services legislation — spanning the Corporations Act 2001, the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009, and a suite of ASIC-enforced regulations — sets the rules for how lenders must disclose costs, advertise products, conduct themselves through brokers, and handle disputes.
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 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 Loan Brokers in Australia vs Financial Advisors: How Core Banking Solutions Affect Your Choice
Business loan brokers in Australia connect SMEs directly to lender panels through core banking system integrations, which means faster approvals and broader product access than a financial advisor typically offers. Financial advisors are better suited for long-term wealth strategy and tax planning, not urgent capital.
Certified Financial Planner or Business Loan Broker: Who Should Advise Your Australian SME on Funding Strategy?
For most Australian SMEs seeking growth capital, refinancing, or a fast cash injection, a business loan broker is the more practical choice. They specialise in commercial funding, compare multiple lenders, and handle the paperwork.
Chartered Financial Planner, CFPs and Your Business Loan: How Professional Advice Changes What You Can Borrow
A Chartered Financial Planner (CFP) can directly increase how much your business qualifies to borrow by improving your financial ratios, structuring your application correctly, and positioning your business against lender benchmarks before you apply.
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.