Why apply for a business loan?
Business loans can allow you to manage your cash flow, purchase stock or inventory and grow your business. Understanding the right option is an important first step, NAB has a few types of business loans and business finance options, discussed below.
What type of finance is best for your business?
There is no one-size-sits-all for business loans. The right loan will partially depend on your business goals and your businesses current situation and structure. The two main loan categories are secured and unsecured, outlined below.
Secured loans
A secured loan requires security. This may be property, inventory, accounts receivables or other assets.
- allow you to borrow against your assets, e.g. property, inventory, accounts receivables
- generally involve a longer approval process, as there’s security to consider
- may require value assessments and additional proof and documentation of assets
- commonly offer lower interest rates and higher borrowing amounts than a secured loan.
Unsecured loans
An unsecured loan doesn’t require physical assets (such as property, vehicles or inventory) as security. Instead, your lender will often look at the strength and cash flow of your business as security.
- often use the strength of your cash flow as security, instead of physical assets
- are generally for smaller amount ($250,000 or less)
- may be approved quickly, as less upfront information is required
- are a bigger risk for lenders, as there’s no collateral for security
- tend to have a higher interest rate than secured loans, as they’re deemed higher risk.
See our page on the differences between secured and unsecured loans to learn more.
Some additional things to consider before applying for a loan
Loan purpose and amount
Make sure you’ve considered your financial position and know how much you need to borrow, but more importantly, how much you’ll be able to repay.
Security
We’ll need to secure your loan using property or some other asset. Make sure you have the details of your security handy when completing the application.
Credit check
We’ll ask for your consent to perform a credit check as part of the online application.
Banking history
If you’re an existing customer, providing details of a NAB business account may enable us to streamline your application and provide a quicker decision.
Business loans fees, repayments and interest rates
All business loan will have different repayments, interest rates and fees.
Business loan fees and interest rates
NAB business loan fees vary depending on the loan and/or finance options you select. Visit our rates, fees and charges for more information.
Business loan repayments
Repayments are important to calculate before taking on a loan. Use our loan repayment calculator to estimate what your repayments might be with NAB.
Common business loans FAQ’s
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What constitutes a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ credit score is difficult to exactly quantify. Your credit score is based on main things, but namely, your current financial situation as well as your history of servicing debts. NAB will take into account all factors when assessing your suitability for different loan options. Read MoneySmart’s article, opens in new window for more information on credit scores.
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This depends on the loan type you are applying for. If you need a loan quickly, the best option would be to consider a QuickBiz loan type. These have a quick online application process (15-20 minutes) and if approved you can get access to funds within 1 business day.
Products you might be interested in
Commercial loans
See our range of commercial loans to help finance a commercial property purchase or other business activities.
Unsecured business loans and overdrafts
Discover what unsecured business finance is and how to apply for it online.
Business car and equipment finance
Find the right finance solution for your vehicle and equipment needs.
Get in touch
Sales enquiries
Let us help with your business banking needs. Request a call back to chat with one of our business bankers.
Contact us
Visit our business banking contact page for how-to-guides, FAQs and contact numbers.
Visit a NAB business banking centre
Let our business banking specialists help you in person.
Important information
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