Business Loans Australia - Rates from 7.59%

A business loan can be used for almost any legitimate business purpose. The right product depends on what you need the capital for, how quickly you need it, and whether you have assets to offer as security.

Short-term needs like bridging a cash flow gap or covering seasonal stock orders are often best served by an unsecured term loan or overdraft. Longer-term investments like fitting out a premises, expanding operations, or consolidating existing debts typically suit a secured term loan with lower rates spread over a longer period.

Not sure whether a term loan or revolving facility is the right fit? Our guide to business loans vs lines of credit breaks down the differences.

Borrowing amounts range from $2,000 to $2,000,000 depending on the loan type, your business turnover, and whether you provide security. Unsecured loans typically cap at $250,000-$500,000, while secured facilities can go higher.

Lenders assess your borrowing capacity based on monthly revenue, profitability, existing debts, and time in business. A business turning over $20,000 per month with clean credit will typically qualify for more than a newer business with limited trading history.

Some lenders require a deposit, particularly for larger loans or businesses with shorter trading histories. Others offer 100% finance for established businesses with strong cash flow. For a detailed breakdown, see our guide to business loan deposits and how much you need.

Rates for business loans through Emu Money's panel start from 7.59% for qualified borrowers. Your actual rate depends on whether the loan is secured or unsecured, your credit profile, loan amount, term, and time in business.

Secured business loans typically attract rates 1-3% lower than unsecured equivalents because the lender's risk is reduced by the pledged asset. Unsecured loans trade higher rates for speed and simplicity, with no assets at risk if the business hits difficulty.

Beyond the interest rate, several fees affect the total cost of a business loan. Understanding them upfront helps you compare offers accurately and avoid surprises at settlement.

Rates vary significantly between lenders for the same borrower. A business applying directly to one bank sees one offer. Comparing across 50+ lenders in a single application increases the chance of finding a sharper rate, particularly for businesses with strong cash flow or assets to pledge.

Most Australian businesses with an active ABN can apply for a business loan. Eligibility is assessed on your ability to make repayments and your overall financial position.

Your credit score is one factor, but not the only one. Lenders also look at business turnover, time trading, existing debts, and the purpose of the loan. For specific credit score thresholds by lender type, see our guide to what credit score you need for a business loan.

If your credit history has blemishes, specialist lenders on our panel may still consider your application, though rates will be higher and a larger deposit may be required. See our guide to business loans for bad credit in Australia for more detail on your options.

The application starts online and takes a few minutes. You provide your business details, the purpose of the loan, and your preferred amount and term. From there, your application is matched against 50+ lenders.

Two documentation pathways are available. Full-doc applications suit businesses with complete financial records and typically attract the sharpest rates. Low-doc options work for established businesses (2+ years trading) where providing full financials isn't practical.

Straightforward applications can receive same-day decisions. For a deeper look at what improves your approval chances, see our guide to getting approved for a business loan in Australia. For a realistic picture of approval rates and what lenders look for, see how hard it is to get a business loan in Australia.

Starting a new business? Eligibility and documentation requirements differ for businesses under 12 months old. See our guide to getting a business loan for a new business.

The cheapest business loan isn't always the one with the lowest headline rate. Total cost depends on the term, fees, and whether the loan is secured or unsecured.

A shorter loan term means higher repayments but significantly less interest over the life of the loan. On a $50,000 loan at 7.99%, choosing 12 months over 60 months saves $8,624 in total interest.

If you have assets to pledge, a secured loan typically offers a lower rate that more than offsets the slightly longer settlement process. And reducing upfront costs matters too. See our guide to getting a business loan with no deposit for options that don't require cash upfront.

Borrowing to acquire an existing business is one of the most common uses of secured business loans. Lenders assess acquisition finance differently from working capital loans because they're evaluating the business you're buying as well as your ability to repay.

Most lenders will finance 50-70% of the purchase price for established businesses with a clean trading history, strong cash flow, and verified financials. The remaining 30-50% typically comes from the buyer as a deposit or equity contribution.

Acquisition finance is typically structured as a secured term loan, with the acquired business's assets (and sometimes personal property) used as security. For more on how secured structures work, see our secured business loans page.

A term loan isn't always the best fit. Depending on your situation, one of these alternatives may work better.

A line of credit or overdraft gives you ongoing access to funds up to a set limit. You only pay interest on what you draw, making it ideal for managing cash flow fluctuations rather than a specific one-off purchase. See our comparison of business loans vs lines of credit.

Government grants can provide non-repayable capital for eligible businesses, particularly in regional areas, R&D, and export development. Our guide to small business grants in Australia covers the major programs available in 2026.

Equity financing means selling a share of your business to raise capital. There are no repayments, but you give up ownership and control. For a detailed comparison, see debt vs equity financing.

Invoice finance lets you borrow against unpaid invoices, releasing cash tied up in accounts receivable. It suits businesses with long payment cycles and reliable commercial customers.