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Business Loan Eligibility: A Guide

Oct 11, 2024
2 min read

Understand the requirements for business loan approval in Australia, including business age, revenue, and credit history factors.

Understanding business loan eligibility in Australia, covering ABN requirements, revenue thresholds, and credit history considerations
Essential steps for business loan eligibility

Securing a business loan in Australia requires meeting certain eligibility criteria. Lenders assess the financial health of your business and your ability to repay the loan. In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors lenders consider when determining your business loan eligibility.


Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN)


Before you can qualify for any type of business finance, you’ll need to have either an Australian Business Number (ABN) or an Australian Company Number (ACN). These identifiers are essential for conducting legal business transactions in Australia. Without them, lenders cannot process your business loan application.


Business Age Requirements


Lenders typically prefer businesses that have been operating for a minimum of six to twelve months. However, if your business is new, some lenders offer startup finance solutions. Having a longer track record of operations strengthens your application.


Revenue and Financial Stability


Business revenue plays a major role in loan eligibility. Lenders often set monthly or annual turnover thresholds, which can range from $50,000 to $200,000 per year or higher. Be prepared to share access to your accounting software, as this allows lenders to review your cash flow and assess the financial health of your business.


Credit History: Business and Personal


Your credit history—both personal and business—is a critical factor in loan approval. However, if you don’t have a perfect credit score, don’t worry. Many niche lenders are willing to offer finance to businesses with less-than-ideal credit, recognizing that credit challenges can arise during the ups and downs of running a business.


Key Takeaways for Business Loan Eligibility:


  • ABN or ACN is required.

  • Most lenders prefer a minimum business operation period of 6 to 12 months.

  • Revenue thresholds typically range from $50,000 to $200,000 annually.

  • Both personal and business credit history are considered but having bad credit doesn’t necessarily disqualify you from getting a loan.


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Next Steps: Secure Your Business Finance


Talk with one of our business finance experts who can guide you through the process and help find the best solution tailored to your needs.


Call us on (02) 8313-8400 or request a call back.


Christopher Jonson, Managing Director and Principal Broker at My Finance Agent

By Christopher Jonson

Managing Director & Principal Broker, My Finance Agent

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Chris founded My Finance Agent after a career in corporate finance, and more than a decade later he's still on a mission to help Australians live their best financial lives. He holds Bachelor and Masters Degrees in Commerce from UNSW and a Diploma of Mortgage Broking, with 20+ years in financial services and 10+ years in residential and commercial finance.

Christopher Jonson is a credit representative (485996) of My Finance Agent Pty Ltd ABN 44 169 069 292 | Australian Credit Licence 543835

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