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. 

Why Using a Broker Can Save You Time (and Money) vs. Going Straight to the Bank

When you’re running a business in the transport, construction, or trades industry, getting finance quickly can be the difference between winning a contract or missing out. 

Many business owners naturally turn to their bank for loans. But banks are no longer the only, or even the best, option for asset finance, equipment purchases, or cashflow support. 

A trusted finance broker like Thrift Capital helps you cut through delays, navigate lender requirements, and secure better results—especially if you’re self-employed, ABN-only, or don’t have years of financials. 

Banks Are Slow. Brokers Are Strategic. 

Banks are heavily regulated, risk-averse, and designed for customers with long-standing financial records. If you’re a new ABN holder, a subcontractor, or had a tough tax year, your application could sit in limbo for weeks before being declined. 

Brokers work across a panel of lenders with different appetites, including those who: 

• Accept low-doc or alt-doc applications 

• Consider new ABNs with 6–12 months of trading 

• Offer flexible structures like chattel mortgages and balloon options 

• Understand industry-specific needs for trucks, trailers, machinery, and trade tools 

Instead of forcing you into a generic loan, we match you with a lender that suits your business. 

Real-World Example 

A construction client with an 8-month-old ABN needed to finance a second-hand excavator for a job he had just won. His bank required two years of financials. We secured approval in 48 hours using only his ABN, 6 months of bank statements, and the equipment invoice. 

That’s the advantage of broker-led finance. 

Save Time: One Application, Multiple Options 

Applying with multiple banks means multiple credit checks, which can harm your score. With a broker, we assess your situation once and only submit to lenders that are a good fit. 

At Thrift Capital, we: 

1. Assess your business needs and financials 

1. Match your profile with the right lender 

1. Package your application professionally to reduce back-and-forth 

1. Negotiate for better rates and terms 

1. Manage the process for a faster turnaround 

We don’t just tick boxes—we tell your story in a way lenders understand. 

Save Money: Better Deals, Better Structure 

Many believe brokers cost more. In reality, brokers can help you save by: 

• Knowing which lenders are offering rate specials 

• Structuring loans with balloon payments or GST-inclusive finance to reduce upfront costs 

• Avoiding unnecessary add-ons or unsuitable bank products 

• Looking at the total cost of ownership, not just weekly repayments 

The “lowest rate” is not always the best deal if it comes with strict conditions or long approval delays. 

Protect Your Credit Score 

Every loan application leaves an enquiry on your credit file. Multiple applications, especially rejections, can damage your score. 

Brokers protect your credit by checking eligibility first and only lodging when the chances of approval are strong. This is especially valuable when you need fast approvals for time-sensitive purchases like trucks or trailers for new contracts. 

More Than a Loan: A Finance Partner 

A bank offers you a product. A broker offers you a strategy. 

At Thrift Capital, we look beyond the loan in front of you. We work with clients long-term, helping with refinancing older debt, consolidating tax obligations, and leveraging asset finance for growth. Our goal is to make sure your finance supports your business strategy, not just today, but for years to come. 

Who We Help 

• New ABN holders financing their first truck or ute 

• Owner-operators expanding fleets or upgrading gear 

• Contractors and tradies with non-traditional income 

• Businesses managing ATO debt or cashflow pressures 

• Time-poor operators who can’t wait months for a bank decision 

Final Thoughts 

If speed, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness matter to your business, a broker is not just convenient—it’s a competitive advantage. 

At Thrift Capital, we help you move fast, protect your credit, and secure finance that works in the real world. Whether you need truck finance, equipment finance, machinery finance, or low doc equipment loans, our brokers know the lenders who can help. 

Let us guide you to smarter approvals, so you can focus on running your business. 

How to Get Approved Fast: What Lenders Look For and Why the Right Match Matters

When it comes to business finance, getting approved quickly isn’t just about completing an application—it’s about understanding how the system works. At Thrift Capital, we don’t just help you apply; we help you get approved—fast. 

The key? Matching the right lender to your industry, understanding approval timelines, and knowing exactly what lenders are looking for. 

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Here’s what every business owner should know to move from enquiry to “approved” with confidence. 

1. Matching Lenders to Your Industry Matters More Than You Think 

Not all lenders are the same—and neither are businesses. 

Each industry has unique financial needs, cash flow cycles, and risk profiles. That’s why one of the most valuable things a broker can do is match you with a lender who understands your space. 

Here’s how it works: 

• Transport & Logistics
  Lenders familiar with this sector offer fast approvals, flexible repayments, and often accept second-hand vehicles—because they understand that time is money. 

• Construction & Trades
  Seasonal cash flow and balloon repayments are common. Lenders experienced with asset-heavy businesses are best suited here. 

• Medical & Allied Health
  Lenders that finance high-value medical equipment with longer terms and industry-specific criteria are ideal for clinics, dental practices, and wellness providers. 

Why this matters: 

The wrong lender could slow your approval—or deny your application altogether. The right one could fund your asset within 24 hours. That’s the power of tailored finance.

2. Why Some Lenders Approve Faster Than Others 

Ever wonder why some lenders give you an answer in hours, while others take weeks? 

Here’s what makes the difference: 

• Lender Type
  Traditional banks often require full-doc applications and lengthy internal reviews. 
  Non-bank lenders are typically more agile, offering low-doc and ABN-only options with quicker turnaround times. 

• Broker Involvement
  A broker who understands lender preferences can submit your application in the right format—streamlining the process and saving valuable time. 

• Your Application
  Clean, complete documentation significantly speeds up decisions. Missing details are one of the most common causes of delay.

Tip: 
Want to move fast? Talk to a broker before submitting your application. It could save you days. 

3. What Lenders Actually Look For in Your Application 

It’s not just about your credit score. Lenders take a holistic view when assessing applications.

Key factors include: 

• ABN Age and Activity
  Even low-doc lenders want to see how long you’ve been trading. While longer histories are preferred, approvals are still possible for newer businesses—with the right lender. 

• Income and Cash Flow
  Whether you provide bank statements or verified financials, lenders need to see that your business can comfortably service the loan. 

• The Asset

  The condition, age, and value of the asset you’re financing matters. New or well-maintained second-hand equipment is typically easier to fund—and often secures better terms. 

• Supporting Documents
  “Low-doc” doesn’t mean “no-doc.” Having ID, ABN details, recent bank statements, or a tax invoice ready makes a smoother process for both broker and lender. 

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The Thrift Capital Advantage 

At Thrift Capital, we don’t just submit applications—we set you up for success. Our team: 

• Understands your industry and funding needs 

• Matches you with the right lender 

• Professionally packages your application 

• Fast-tracks submissions to key decision-makers 

With access to over 40 banks and non-bank lenders, we know how to find the best path—whether you’re a startup tradie, an experienced fleet operator, or a growing medical practice. 

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Need Fast Finance? Here’s What to Do Next 

If you’re planning to buy equipment, finance a vehicle, or need a working capital boost—don’t do it alone. 

The right match, lender, and process can mean the difference between two weeks and 24 hours. 

Speak to a Thrift Capital broker today.