Unsecured cash-flow loan
Sized on your turnover and bank statements, typically $5,000 to $500,000, with no property needed. Handy for slow months, tools or a tax bill.
Sole trader finance
Sole Trader Loans for Australians Working on Their Own ABN
You are the business, the bookkeeper and the delivery driver. When you need funding fast, you need a lender who understands how a one-person operation actually runs.
Built for one
Can a sole trader get a business loan?
Yes. Being a sole trader does not shut you out of business finance, even though it can feel that way after a bank appointment. Lenders lend to sole traders every day, from electricians and mobile mechanics to bookkeepers, hairdressers, photographers and food-truck owners. What changes is how they look at your income, because your business and personal finances sit under one name.
Loanster helps sole traders across Australia find funding by phone and online. Our office is in Melbourne, but whether you work out of a van in Cairns or a home studio in Hobart, the process is the same. We look at what you need the money for, what you can offer as security, and how your bank statements read.
Apply today, cashed up tomorrow is our slogan. For a sole trader with ID, recent statements and a clear purpose ready to go, funding as soon as tomorrow is possible. Below we explain the options and the things that speed up, or slow down, an application. Most of it is simple preparation.
Sole traders can get business loans on their ABN. Trading sole traders can apply for unsecured or cash-flow loans typically from $5,000 to $500,000 based on turnover and bank statements, or property-secured loans from $20,000 to $5,000,000. Equipment finance uses the vehicle or tool as security. Funding as soon as tomorrow is possible with documents ready.
Pick a fit
Loan options that suit sole traders
The right one depends on what you are buying, how long you have traded and whether you own property.
Vehicle and equipment finance
The van, ute, trailer or machine secures the loan, so you can start earning with it straight away.
Property-secured loan
If you own a home, its equity can fund bigger business needs from $20,000 to $5,000,000.
How do lenders assess a sole trader?
A company has its own financial statements. A sole trader usually has a personal tax return with business income on it, plus bank statements that mix work and life. Lenders know this. They look for regular deposits from customers, sensible spending, and enough left over to carry a repayment comfortably.
It helps enormously if you run a separate bank account for the business. Clean statements make your turnover easy to see and can shave days off an assessment. If yours are mixed, that is fine; just be ready to explain the main deposits.
Can I get a sole trader loan without tax returns?
Often, yes. Many lenders offer low doc business loans that rely on business bank statements and BAS rather than full tax returns. That suits sole traders who are behind on lodging, or who have only been trading for a short while.
Lenders will still want evidence that the income is real and ongoing. Expect to provide several months of statements, your ABN details and photo ID. If you are registered for GST, recent BAS lodgements help show the shape of your trading.
What do sole traders usually borrow for?
The needs are practical and usually urgent. A few examples we see often, described generally:
- Replacing a van or ute that has died mid-week, see ute and van finance
- Buying tools or equipment to take on a bigger job
- Covering a quiet month or a client who has not paid
- Paying an ATO debt before penalties pile up
- Stock or materials for a big order that pays in 30 days
Apply today… cashed up tomorrow!
Need the funds this week?
Start the 60-second enquiry now. When your documents are ready and the deal is straightforward, being cashed up as soon as tomorrow is possible for eligible applicants.
Is a sole trader personally liable for a business loan?
Generally, yes. As a sole trader you and the business are the same legal person, so business debts are your debts. That is not a reason to avoid borrowing, but it is a reason to borrow for things that earn their keep and to choose a repayment you can manage in a slow month as well as a busy one.
If you are thinking about changing to a company structure as you grow, have that conversation with your accountant. Lenders can work with either, and it is better to set things up properly than to rush a change in the middle of an application.
How fast can a sole trader get funded?
Same-day funding is possible for smaller unsecured amounts, and $20k to $250k against property is possible the same day in straightforward cases. For vehicles and equipment, next-business-day settlement is possible when the tax invoice or quote, ID and bank statements are ready. Our fast business loans page covers what drives the timing.
The usual hold-ups for sole traders are missing statements, an unclear reason for the loan, or a private-sale vehicle with no paperwork. Sort those first and you are already ahead. Not sure what you need? Start the 60-second enquiry and we will tell you.
Can I get a sole trader loan with bad credit?
Bad credit and ATO debt are considered case by case. Sole traders are especially exposed to a single late-paying client or a stretch of illness, and private lenders understand that. What they want to see is that things are stable now and that the loan has a clear purpose.
Be honest in your enquiry about defaults, arrears or overdue lodgements. It lets us point you to lenders who will genuinely consider you. Read more on bad credit business loans.
Ready to sort out your sole trader funding?
The enquiry takes about 60 seconds and there is no credit check at that stage. Your details are not sent to a crowd of lenders, and a real person reads your situation before anyone calls. Please fill in the form accurately so we can match you first time.
Pricing depends on security, term, risk and lender, and every loan is subject to lender approval. Prefer a chat? Call 03 9999 7370 between jobs, and we will work around your day.
Trust and process
Clear, secure finance enquiries
Loanster keeps the enquiry process straightforward: no credit check to enquire, a real person looks at your situation, and your details are not sprayed out to a pile of lenders.
Secure online enquiry
Personal details are submitted through a secure form and are not sent through URL query strings.
Australian business context
Enquiries can include ABN, BAS, ATO, bank statement and asset details where relevant.
Lender criteria apply
Approval, pricing, loan amounts and funding times depend on lender assessment.
Clear next steps
Loanster helps identify what information may be needed before a lender can make a decision.
Common questions
Sole Trader Loans for Australians Working on Their Own ABN FAQs
Can I get a business loan as a sole trader?
Yes. Lenders regularly fund sole traders using their ABN, bank statements and, where available, BAS or tax returns. Property or the asset being bought can be used as security.
How much can a sole trader borrow?
Unsecured options for trading sole traders are typically $5,000 to $500,000, sized on turnover and bank statements. With property security, loans from $20,000 to $5,000,000 are possible.
Do sole traders need tax returns to get a loan?
Not always. Low doc options can use business bank statements and BAS instead. Lenders still need to see that income is regular and genuine.
Can a new sole trader get a loan?
It is harder with a short trading history, but property security or a clear contract can help. Tell us how long you have held your ABN and what work is lined up.
Will a sole trader loan affect my personal credit?
As a sole trader, business borrowing is in your name, so it shows on your personal credit file. There is no credit check when you first enquire with us.
Can I finance a work ute as a sole trader?
Yes. Vehicle and equipment finance uses the ute as security, and next-business-day settlement is possible for straightforward applications with the invoice, ID and statements ready.
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All business loan options
See every business loan page on Loanster in one place.
Start your enquiry
See what you may qualify for
Tell Loanster what kind of finance you are looking for and the team will guide you through the next step. Please fill in the form accurately so we can match you first time. Finance is subject to lender approval, eligibility criteria, terms and conditions.
Prefer to talk? Call 03 9999 7370.
Last reviewed: 24 October 2026
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