What 40+ Lenders Taught Us About Getting Approved Fast

When you’ve worked with over 40 lenders across Australia, from major banks to boutique equipment finance specialists, you start to see patterns. Some applications fly through with same-day approvals. Others drag for weeks, even with strong financials. 

At Thrift Capital, we’ve made it our mission to understand how each lender works, what they prioritise, and how to position our clients for the fastest possible approvals. If you're in the market for business equipment financing, vehicle loans, or working capital, here’s what we’ve learned about getting to “yes” faster, smarter, and with fewer headaches. 

Lenders Love Clarity 

The single biggest differentiator between a fast approval and a long wait is clarity. 

Lenders don’t have time to chase missing documents or guess at the purpose of your loan. They respond best to well-organised submissions that clearly explain: 

• Who you are 

• What your business does 

• How much you need 

• Why you need it 

• How you’ll repay it 

Clarity builds trust. It shows you understand your business and are serious about your loan request. 

Tip: Before submitting, have an equipment finance broker review your application. At Thrift Capital, we do this with every client, often cutting days off the turnaround time. 

Fast Approval Starts With the Right Lender 

Each lender has its own appetite. 

Some specialise in low-doc equipment finance for business owners with ABNs. Others want full tax returns, BAS statements, and multiple years of trading. Some welcome startups and sole traders, while others prefer businesses with property backing. 

If your application goes to the wrong lender, you’re not just wasting time—you could also be damaging your future lending prospects. 

At Thrift Capital, we match your profile and asset type with lenders who: 

• Specialise in your industry (transport, construction, trade, hospitality) 

• Are actively approving applications in the current market 

• Offer the most flexibility on documentation requirements 

It’s not about the cheapest rate on paper. It’s about choosing the lender most likely to approve you fast. 

Documentation: Less Can Be More 

While full-doc lending is still the gold standard, many lenders now offer low-doc and alternative equipment financing solutions, especially for vehicles, machinery, and business equipment. 

If you have: 

• A valid ABN 

• Clean business bank statements (3–6 months) 

• Good personal ID 

…you can often be approved without full financials. 

This is ideal for: 

• Owner-operators without updated tax filings 

• Fast-moving purchases like trucks or excavators 

• New businesses with short trading histories but strong turnover 

Bank Statements Reveal More Than You Think 

Lenders don’t just look at income—they look at how you manage it. Your statements tell a story: 

• Is your revenue consistent? 

• Do you maintain healthy balances after expenses? 

• Are there frequent dishonours or overdrafts? 

• Do you transfer funds responsibly? 

Clean statements can sometimes outweigh weak financials, and they often support higher borrowing limits without extra collateral. 

Speed Comes From Decision Makers, Not Just Documents 

Many banks operate under rigid processes. Even with the right paperwork, your application may sit untouched for days. 

Working with a broker gives you access to underwriters and credit teams who prioritise broker-submitted files. At Thrift Capital, we don’t just submit and wait—we follow up, escalate when needed, and secure real-time feedback. 

That’s why many of our clients secure equipment finance for business in under 48 hours. 

Final Word: Fast Doesn’t Mean Rushed 

Speed matters, but not at the cost of smart financing. 

Getting approved fast means: 

• Choosing the right lender 

• Packaging the deal correctly 

• Submitting clean documents 

• Working with an equipment finance broker who understands the system 

That’s what 40+ lenders have taught us. 

When you’re ready for smarter, faster equipment financing, we’re here to help. Use our equipment finance calculator to explore repayment options, then talk to a Thrift Capital broker about the best strategy for your business. 

Top 5 Loan Structures and When to Use Them

Not all loans are created equal—and the right structure can make or break your financial strategy. 

This guide breaks down the five most common business loan structures in Australia, their real-world use cases, and how to decide what works best for your business. 

Why Loan Structure Matters 

Business owners often compare loans based on interest rates alone—but in reality, the loan structure can have an even greater impact on your cash flow, tax benefits, asset ownership, and long-term flexibility. 

A well-structured loan: 

• Aligns with your income cycle 

• Matches the useful life of the asset or need 

• Maximises tax efficiency 

• Minimises strain on working capital 

Let’s explore the top 5 structures in the Australian market—and how to choose the right one at the right time. 

1. Chattel Mortgage 

Best for: Purchasing vehicles, machinery, or equipment 

Also known as: Asset purchase loan 

A chattel mortgage is one of the most tax-effective and popular loan types for businesses. Under this structure, you take ownership of the asset upfront, while the lender registers a mortgage over it until the loan is repaid. 

Key Benefits: 

• Immediate asset ownership 

• Full GST claim (if registered) at the time of purchase 

• Interest and depreciation deductions available 

• Option for balloon/residual payment to reduce monthly outgoings 

When to Use It: 

• You’re purchasing a vehicle or equipment that generates income 

• You want asset control from day one 

• You need to preserve working capital but still want tax benefits 

Example: A landscaping business purchasing two new commercial mowers on a 5-year chattel mortgage with seasonal payments. 

2. Line of Credit (LOC) 

Best for: Short-term cash flow flexibility 

Also known as: Revolving credit facility 

An LOC works much like a credit card—except typically with better terms. You’re approved for a fixed limit and can draw down funds when needed. As you repay, the funds become available again. 

Key Benefits: 

• Only pay interest on what you use 

• Continuous access to funding without reapplying 

• Ideal for variable working capital needs 

When to Use It: 

• You have seasonal income or irregular client payments 

• You need a buffer for day-to-day operations 

• You want flexibility without locking in a term loan 

Example: A café uses a $50K LOC to manage supplier bills and wages during slower winter months, then replenishes it during summer. 

3. Unsecured Business Loan 

Best for: Fast funding or smaller loan amounts 

Also known as: Cash flow loan or short-term business loan 

This loan type doesn’t require asset security, making it easier to access—especially for newer businesses or service-based industries. 

Key Benefits: 

• Quick approvals, sometimes within 24–48 hours 

• No asset collateral required 

• Flexible terms ranging from 3–36 months 

• Based on turnover, not profits 

When to Use It: 

• You need a quick capital injection 

• You’re launching a campaign, hiring staff, or buying inventory 

• You have no assets to secure a loan 

Example: A marketing agency uses an unsecured loan to fund upfront costs for a large project, with repayment aligned to the project’s client payment schedule. 

4. Equipment Finance / Lease 

Best for: Using equipment without upfront ownership 

Also known as: Finance lease, operating lease 

Equipment finance allows you to use the asset without buying it outright. Depending on the lease type, you may own it at the end, return it, or upgrade. 

Key Benefits: 

• Lower monthly payments than purchase 

• Option to upgrade equipment regularly 

• Keeps assets off the balance sheet (for some leases) 

• Tax-deductible lease payments (in many cases) 

When to Use It: 

• You work in a tech-heavy or equipment-dependent industry 

• You want to upgrade every 2–3 years 

• You want to preserve capital and keep liabilities low 

Example: A dental clinic leases diagnostic equipment with a buyout option after 3 years, preserving cash for expansion. 

5. Refinance or Debt Consolidation 

Best for: Restructuring existing finance for better terms 

Also known as: Business loan refinance, debt reset 

If you’ve already taken out one or more business loans, refinancing could save you money—or help you grow faster with less friction. 

Key Benefits: 

• Lower interest rates if your credit or financials have improved 

• Reduce monthly repayments by extending the term 

• Combine multiple debts into a single repayment 

• Free up cash for reinvestment 

When to Use It: 

• Your existing loan is no longer competitive 

• You’re managing multiple high-interest debts 

• You need to improve cash flow before taking on new finance 

Example: A logistics company consolidates three separate finance contracts into one facility—cutting monthly repayments by 30%. 

Final Thoughts: The Smartest Loan Is the One That’s Structured for You 

There’s no one-size-fits-all loan. The best structure depends on: 

• What you’re funding 

• How your business earns income 

• Your short- and long-term goals 

• The strength of your financial profile 

That’s why working with a broker matters. At Thrift Capital, we don’t just find loans—we help tailor structures that reduce risk, improve approval odds, and support smarter business growth. 

Ready to Find the Right Fit? 

Swith a Thrift Capital broker for tailored advice 

Download our Pre-Approval Checklist to get started 

Structure your finance smarter—and grow with confidence 

Navigating Business Finance in a Volatile Economy

Stability is rare—but smart finance decisions can keep your business moving forward. 

What Do We Mean by a Volatile Economy? 

Interest rate hikes, inflation, supply chain shocks, shifting consumer demand—today’s business environment is anything but predictable. And whether you’re scaling up, holding steady, or simply trying to protect your cash flow, navigating finance in uncertain times requires more than reactive thinking.  

But volatility doesn’t mean you have to stop growing. It just means you need to get strategic. 

Here’s how Australian business owners can stay resilient, make confident finance decisions, and come out stronger—no matter what the market throws at them. 

1. Assess Where You’re Most Exposed 

Not all volatility is equal. Your first move is to understand how changing conditions affect your business: 

• Are rising rates increasing your monthly repayments? 

• Are suppliers increasing prices or shortening terms? 

• Are customers slowing down their payments? 

Cash flow forecasting is your best friend here. Look ahead 3–6 months and identify any weak spots. Once you’re clear on your risk areas, you can make finance decisions that fill the gaps—not add to the strain. 

2. Don’t Hoard Cash—Use It Strategically 

In times of uncertainty, many businesses default to hoarding cash. But while liquidity matters, idle capital is lost opportunity. 

Instead, consider: 

• Financing large purchases (vehicles, equipment) with a chattel mortgage 

• Using working capital loans to bridge seasonal slowdowns 

• Refinancing or consolidating old debts into lower, more manageable repayments 

This allows you to free up your cash reserves while still investing in essential tools for growth. 

3. Consider Refinancing Before Rates Shift Again 

If you’re carrying older loans secured during higher rate periods—or if your lender’s policies no longer suit your needs—now might be the time to refinance. 

Benefits of refinancing: 

• Lower monthly repayments 

• Better loan structure for your cash flow 

• Option to roll multiple debts into one facility 

• Potential access to equity or additional funding 

Many lenders are still offering competitive terms for businesses with clean repayment history or strong asset backing—even in a volatile market. 

4. Work With a Broker Who Knows the Terrain 

Not all finance partners are created equal. In a volatile economy, working with a broker can: 

• Save you time by identifying lenders who match your needs today 

• Prevent unnecessary hits to your credit score 

• Give you a clearer path forward when funding needs to move fast  

At Thrift Capital, we work with a broad panel of lenders—each with different appetites, industries, and policies. We help our clients stay agile, access capital quickly, and avoid finance pitfalls that others fall into. 

Final Thought: Volatility Doesn’t Stop Growth—But It Demands Strategy 

It’s easy to delay financial decisions when things feel unpredictable. But often, the right financial move during a volatile period can set you up for long-term strength. 

Whether you’re applying for finance for the first time, refinancing old debt, or planning equipment upgrades—smart, well-timed moves will help you ride out uncertainty and find opportunities others might miss. 

Let’s Talk Strategy  

📞 Speak with a Thrift Capital broker to find the right options for your business 

📥 Checkout our Pre-Approval Checklist to get started today