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Approval readiness check

Ten honest yes-or-no questions. You'll see how an unsecured lender is likely to read your file, and a short list of what to fix first. Nothing leaves your browser.

  1. 1All business income goes into a business bank account in the business's name.

  2. 2The business has traded for at least 12 months.

  3. 3Monthly deposits are steady, or any seasonal pattern repeats and can be explained.

  4. 4No dishonoured payments in the last three months.

  5. 5BAS and tax returns are lodged and up to date.

  6. 6There's no ATO debt, or it's on a payment plan that's being met.

  7. 7The business is repaying no more than one other lender or funder.

  8. 8No unpaid defaults or court judgments on the owners' or directors' credit files.

  9. 9You know the amount you need and have a quote, invoice or plan behind it.

  10. 10Directors or owners understand, and are prepared for, a personal guarantee.

Why these ten questions?

Without property, an unsecured lender has to be confident the business can carry a new repayment from its own cash flow. That confidence comes from a small number of signals, and every question above maps to one of them. Some show whether turnover is real and easy to verify (a separate business account, steady or explained deposits). Some show whether the business meets its commitments (no dishonours, tax lodged, ATO under control). Others show whether there's room for another repayment (few existing funders) and whether the people behind the business are ready (credit files, guarantees).

The final question, a clear purpose and amount, is the one owners most often skip. It's also one of the easiest to fix, and it makes a real difference to how a request is read. "$38,000 for a refrigerated trailer, quote attached" is simply easier to say yes to than "about $50,000 for general expenses".

How to read your score

ScoreWhat it usually means
9 to 10A well-prepared file. Gather statements and quotes and enquire.
7 to 8Good footing, with one or two items worth tidying. Often still fundable now.
4 to 6Mixed. Some options may be available, but fixing the priorities first could lift the amount and improve terms.
0 to 3Early days. Focus on the fixes; equipment finance or smaller facilities may still be possible.

"Not sure" answers are treated as gaps, because an assessor will want the answer. Finding out is usually quick: download your statements, check your ATO account, or request your credit report.

What to do next

Start with the fixes at the top of your list; they're ordered by how much they tend to matter for unsecured lending. Then try the unsecured borrowing estimator to see an indicative range for your turnover. For a deeper explanation of every lever, read improving your approval odds.

When you're ready, send a 60-second enquiry. There's no credit check when you first enquire, your details aren't sprayed across a pile of lenders, and a real person will tell you which gaps actually matter for your situation. Please answer the form as accurately as you answered these questions, so we can match you properly first time.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a credit assessment?

No. It's a self-check that runs in your browser. Nothing is stored or sent, and it doesn't touch your credit file.

What score do I need to apply?

There's no pass mark. A higher score usually means a smoother application and a better chance of a fair limit. A lower score tells you what to work on, and some items take only days to fix.

Which item matters most?

It depends on the file, but account conduct (dishonours), existing debts and time trading tend to carry the most weight for unsecured lending, because they show directly whether the business can carry another repayment.

I answered no to several. Should I still enquire?

Yes, if the need is real. A specialist can tell you which gaps matter for your situation and whether a different structure, such as equipment or invoice finance, fits better right now.

Scored well? Let's put it to work.

A specialist reads every enquiry and calls you back. No credit check to enquire, and no spraying your details around the market.

No credit check to enquire

Not sprayed to a pile of lenders

A real person on your file