Quick answer: who typically qualifies
Australian businesses that often qualify for no deposit asset finance share these traits:
- ABN-registered entity (sole trader, trust, partnership or company); GST-registered if turnover is above the ATO threshold
- Time in business of 12–24+ months, or strong mitigants if newer (see Startups below)
- Clean and stable bank statements with surplus cash flow to cover repayments
- Credit profile with no recent unpaid defaults; stronger credit supports true zero deposit
- Asset is standard, income-producing and has good resale profile (easier with common vehicles/equipment)
- Clear documentation (invoice/quote, IDs, basic financials or low-doc alternatives)
Edge cases like brand-new businesses, older/unique assets or past credit issues can still qualify with the right structure, security or documents.
How no deposit eligibility works
“No deposit” means the lender funds up to 100% of the asset cost (plus, in some cases, on‑road or installation costs). Whether that’s available to you depends on how the asset, your business profile and the proposed structure fit lender policy.
Lenders assess serviceability (cash flow), stability (time in business, trading history), the asset (type, age, resale), and risk mitigants (director’s guarantee, property ownership, residual/balloon). Stronger files have more room to go true no deposit; weaker files might still proceed with a small contribution or alternative mitigants.
Eligibility checklist lenders commonly use
- Business profile: ABN active, GST if applicable, trading continuity (limited or no overdrawing)
- Time in business: typically 12–24+ months for streamlined or low‑doc approvals
- Cash flow: recent bank statements or BAS show capacity to meet the proposed repayment
- Credit: no recent unpaid defaults/judgments; stronger credit can unlock 100% funding
- Asset suitability: standard vehicles/equipment are easier; age and condition matter for used assets
- Purpose: the asset should be primarily for business use (usually >50% business use)
- Supporting signals: director’s guarantee, ownership stability, insurances in place, supplier invoice/quote
Who qualifies by business profile
Established businesses
- 12–24+ months trading, consistent revenue and manageable commitments
- Commonly approved with little or no deposit, especially for standard vehicles/equipment
- Streamlined or low‑doc paths may be available using BAS and/or bank statements
Startups and new ABNs
- Possible, but lenders look for mitigants: strong industry experience, signed contracts, stable personal income, or property backing
- Some scenarios proceed at 100% LVR; others may need a small contribution or shorter terms
Learn more: Startup Equipment Finance and New Business Asset Finance
Sole traders and self‑employed
- Often qualify if bank statements support the repayment and the asset is business‑use
- Low‑doc options may rely on BAS/bank statements instead of full financials
Explore: Self Employed Asset Finance and Low Doc Asset Finance
Adverse or thin credit history
- Still possible with the right structure: newer asset, shorter term, stronger docs, or additional security
- True zero deposit can be harder; some contribution or mitigants may be needed
More detail: Bad Credit Asset Finance
Assets that commonly qualify with no deposit
- Business vehicles and utes, vans and light trucks
- Standard equipment: forklifts, excavators, earthmoving and construction equipment
- Specialised gear with strong resale: medical, dental, fitness, IT and office equipment
Explore asset pages:
When a deposit may still be required
Lenders sometimes ask for a deposit when risk is elevated. Common triggers include very new businesses without mitigants, older/high‑km assets, private sales with limited documentation, recent unpaid defaults, or tight cash flow. A modest contribution can unlock approval or better pricing.
Documentation and approval
The stronger and clearer your documents, the easier it is to justify 100% funding. Lenders commonly request:
- Supplier quote or tax invoice (showing asset details and GST)
- IDs and ABN/GST details
- Recent bank statements and/or BAS; financials for larger limits
- Insurance details once approved (where required)
Low‑doc paths may use BAS and bank statements instead of full financials, especially for standard assets and stable trading.
More info: Approval time and process · Documents required · Rates and pricing
Ways to improve eligibility without a deposit
- Choose standard, income‑producing assets with strong resale
- Show serviceability with up‑to‑date bank statements/BAS
- Offer a director’s guarantee and keep other commitments current
- Consider a realistic balloon/residual to better match cash flow
- Provide evidence of contracts, work in hand or utilisation
- Tidy any ATO arrears or arrange a formal payment plan
- If credit events exist, explain context and show stability since
Compare structures: How asset finance works · Balloon payments explained · Typical loan terms
Get help with eligibility
Want a quick view on whether you qualify for no deposit asset finance, and which structure fits best? Send your details and we’ll respond with next steps.
Frequently asked questions
What does “no deposit asset finance” mean?
It’s funding up to 100% of the asset cost so you can preserve cash. You still make regular repayments over the term, and you can include a balloon/residual if appropriate.
Who usually qualifies for no deposit asset finance?
ABN‑holding businesses with stable cash flow, clean or explainable credit, and standard assets. Time in business of 12–24+ months helps, but new businesses can qualify with strong mitigants.
Do startups ever get 100% funding?
Yes, in the right circumstances—especially when the asset clearly generates income and the applicant shows industry experience, contracts in hand, stable personal income, or property backing.
Does credit score matter?
Yes. Stronger credit widens lender options and can support true zero deposit. If credit is weaker, a small contribution or alternative mitigants may be needed. See credit requirements.
Can I finance used assets with no deposit?
Often yes. Lenders weigh age, condition, hours/kilometres and resale profile. Standard, younger used assets are typically easier. Private sales may need extra documentation.
When would a deposit still be required?
Common triggers include very new businesses without mitigants, older/specialised assets with limited resale, recent unpaid defaults, or tight cash flow. Learn more: when a deposit is required.
Which product types allow 100% funding?
Chattel Mortgage, Hire Purchase and certain leases can accommodate no deposit, subject to credit and asset fit. Compare options via our asset finance hub.
Is this financial advice?
No. This is general information only. Consider your circumstances and obtain professional advice before acting.
Final takeaway
You’re more likely to qualify for no deposit asset finance when your business shows stable trading, clear serviceability and a standard, income‑producing asset. If something’s outside the box, structure and documentation become even more important.
If you’re unsure where you stand, a quick eligibility review can clarify your options before you commit.