The Fast-Track Guide to Finance for ABN Holders
If you’ve got an ABN, you’re closer to approval than you think.
When you’re self-employed or running a small business, timing is everything. Opportunities don’t wait for your second tax return, and cashflow doesn’t always run smoothly. Knowing your finance options as an ABN holder can make the difference between standing still and moving forward.
At Thrift Capital, we speak with ABN holders every day, from delivery drivers and tradespeople to café owners and contractors, who are unsure if they qualify for finance. The good news? You often can, and much faster than you’d expect.
This guide explains how ABN finance works, what lenders really want to see, and how to fast-track your approval without the delays and red tape of a bank.
What Does Having an ABN Mean for Finance?
An active ABN signals to lenders that you’re operating as a business, and that opens doors.
Whether you’re financing a truck, van, equipment, or just need working capital, your ABN gives lenders a foundation to work with. If the loan supports a business-related asset, your chances of approval improve even further.
Today, lenders no longer demand years of financial statements, especially for asset-backed lending like truck finance, equipment finance, or machinery loans. Many offer low doc equipment loans designed specifically for ABN holders, making it easier to get approved.
What Can You Finance With an ABN?
If you have an ABN and can show some recent business activity, even just the last few months, you may qualify for:
Truck & Trailer Finance for freight operators, delivery drivers, or fleet upgrades
Machinery & Equipment Loans for construction, trades, landscaping, or light industry
Van & Ute Finance for mobile service providers and tradies
Restaurant and Fit-Out Loans covering kitchens, furniture, and POS systems
Working Capital Loans to smooth out cashflow or fund growth
These aren’t hypotheticals. They are real approvals happening daily for ABN holders across transport, construction, and small business.
What If My ABN Is New?
Many think a new ABN means no chance of approval. That’s not true.
Some lenders prefer 12 or more months of trading, but plenty will consider as little as 6 months, especially if you’re financing an asset tied to your income.
For example, we helped a courier with a 7-month ABN secure finance on a Pantech Isuzu truck for $300 per week using only bank statements, ID, and the invoice. No tax return required.
What Lenders Really Look For
Even without full financials, lenders can still gauge your eligibility through:
Business Bank Statements – proof of consistent income and cashflow
GST Registration – optional, but a signal your turnover exceeds $75K
Clear Loan Purpose – approvals are stronger when the asset funds business income
Asset Security – loans backed by trucks, utes, or machinery carry less risk and may offer better rates
Why Work With a Broker Instead of a Bank?
Applying directly with banks or multiple lenders can backfire. Each declined application leaves a mark on your credit file and reduces future approval chances.
That’s why working with a broker is smarter. At Thrift Capital, we don’t scatter applications and hope for the best. We match you with the lender most likely to approve you based on your industry, ABN history, and business needs.
We know which lenders accept new ABNs, who requires GST, and who offers the best structures. From balloon payments to low weekly repayments, we package your deal so it works for your business.
Real-World ABN Approvals
A contractor with 8 months of activity had an excavator loan approved in 2 days
A tradie upgraded his ute with only an ABN and 6 months of bank statements
A restaurant owner secured $40K for a fit-out based on invoices and turnover projections
These outcomes are possible because we know how to position ABN holders with the right lenders.
You’re Closer to Finance Than You Think
If you’re running your business with an ABN, there’s likely a pathway to finance right now. Whether it’s truck finance, equipment loans, machinery finance, or working capital, you don’t need to wait two years for tax returns.
At Thrift Capital, we’ll show you what’s possible today, based on the business activity you already have.