How it works
How asset finance works, from first tap to keys in hand.
Four steps with clock times, not step numbers. No credit check to enquire, and you'll know where you stand on the first call.
- 0:00
Tell me what you need
A few quick taps on your phone. No credit check, no documents, no call until you want one.
- <60 min
I call you
In the window you picked, during business hours. You'll know on that call whether it's a yes, a maybe or a no.
- 24–48h
Your deal, panel-shopped
I take it to the lenders on my panel of 49 that fit, and come back with a conditional approval.
- 3–7 days
Settled
Sign the docs, the supplier gets paid, the machine goes to work.
If I can't help, you'll know on the first call, not after three weeks of paperwork.
Times are typical, not guaranteed. They depend on your documents, the lender and the supplier.
The assessment
What lenders actually look at.
A bank scores you against one credit policy. Across a panel of 49, there's usually a lender whose policy already fits your deal.
- Your ABN and GST status
- Business asset finance needs an active ABN, and lenders generally look for GST registration. The enquiry verifies both against the Australian Business Register, so we start from the real registration date.
- Cash flow, not just returns
- Low-doc deals are commonly assessed on BAS statements and business bank statements instead of full tax returns. Larger loans and some asset types will still need financials.
- The asset itself
- What it is, its age and condition, and who's selling it. Vehicles and equipment bought from a private seller can be financed, subject to a PPSR check and a written sale agreement.
- Your background
- Residency matters. Most lenders want at least three years left on a visa, and student visas are generally out. A deposit or trade-in isn't always required, but it can widen your options.
FAQs
Every question I hear.
Anything else, call or text me.
Reviewed by Rabi Alam · 14 September 2026
Asset finance is a loan secured against the vehicle or equipment you're buying, repaid in monthly instalments over a term that suits the asset.
It covers utes and vans, trucks and trailers, excavators and other yellow goods, forklifts and workshop equipment. Because the lender takes security over the asset, approval can lean on the machine and the deal rather than your financials alone.
You need an active ABN to apply for business asset finance, but a newly registered ABN doesn't automatically rule you out.
How long your ABN has been registered changes which lenders will look at the deal and what they'll ask for. A newer ABN may mean a deposit, a clean credit file or evidence of experience in your trade. I check it against the ABR when you enquire, so we start from the real registration date.
Source: ABR business registration lookup
Not always. Low-doc asset finance is commonly assessed on BAS statements and business bank statements instead of full tax returns.
Larger loans, some asset types and some lenders will still ask for financials. I'll tell you on the first call exactly which documents your deal needs.
No, enquiring doesn't involve a credit check, so nothing is recorded on your credit file.
A credit enquiry only happens if you decide to apply with a specific lender, and I'll tell you before that happens.
Source: MoneySmart on credit scores
Enquiries start from any amount, but asset finance is usually best value from around $10,000 upwards.
Below that, a dedicated asset loan often isn't the cheapest way to buy, and I'll say so honestly if something else suits you better.
Conditional approval typically comes back in 24–48 hours once I have what the lender needs, and many deals settle within 3–7 days.
The biggest variables are how quickly documents come back, the supplier's paperwork and, for private sales, the PPSR check and inspection.
Every cost is disclosed in writing before you apply: any broker fee is set out in your Credit Quote, and any commission the lender pays is set out in your Credit Proposal.
Lender fees such as application or valuation fees are shown up front too. Ask me on the first call and I'll tell you exactly what applies to your deal and how it's worked out.
Source: Emu Money Credit Guide
For most business asset finance, yes. Lenders generally look for an ABN that is registered for GST.
The enquiry checks your GST status against the Australian Business Register. If you're not registered yet, send the enquiry anyway and I'll tell you plainly what options there are.
Source: GST on the ATO website
Yes, vehicles and equipment bought from a private seller can be financed, subject to a PPSR check and a written sale agreement.
Some lenders also want an inspection or proof the seller owns the asset outright. I'll handle the PPSR and walk you and the seller through the rest.
Source: PPSR register
No, the enquiry form tells me what you need, and I call in the time window you choose, not before.
If you'd rather skip the form, you can call or text me on 0482 540 449, or book a 30-minute call straight into my calendar.
Start with the four questions.
A few quick taps. No credit check. I'll call in the window you pick.
Mon–Fri 10:00am – 8:00pm. Closed weekends. · rabi.alam@emumoney.com.au
What you need