Eligibility at a glance
Restaurant equipment finance is available to Australian businesses with an ABN that are purchasing eligible hospitality assets and can demonstrate capacity to repay. While each lender has its own policy, most look for the same core signals of stability and affordability.
- Active ABN (and GST registered for larger facilities is often preferred)
- Time trading and revenue that support proposed repayments
- Acceptable credit history (or a workable explanation and pathway if not)
- Eligible equipment (age, condition and resale profile considered)
- Documents that back up the story (bank statements, BAS, supplier quotes)
How lenders assess restaurant equipment finance
Lenders weigh the borrower, the asset, and the structure together. Even when a factor is weaker, deals can still work if the overall file is supported by compensating strengths.
- Borrower profile: entity type (sole trader, company, trust), directors/owners, experience, trading history, cash flow, and any ATO arrangements.
- Asset profile: new vs used, dealer vs private sale, brand and support, expected life, and resale/liquidation value.
- Structure: product type (e.g. chattel mortgage, hire purchase, finance lease, operating lease), term, residual/balloon, and deposit.
- Affordability: bank statement trends, BAS/financials, seasonality, and headroom after repayments.
- Purpose and fit: how the equipment will drive revenue/efficiency and align with your venue plan.
Who is likely to qualify vs who may find it harder
Commonly qualifies
- Trading venues with stable revenue and clean bank statements
- Franchises or multi-site groups with proven systems and controls
- Upgrades or replacements that reduce downtime or costs
- New assets from reputable suppliers with warranties
May find it harder (but still possible)
- Startups without experience or a plan (see startup equipment finance)
- Weaker credit or prior defaults (see bad credit asset finance)
- ATO arrears without a payment plan
- Older, niche or heavily worn equipment with limited resale appeal
Quick qualifier checklist
- ABN active and business details up to date
- 12 weeks of business bank statements ready to share
- Recent BAS or financials (where applicable)
- Supplier quote or invoice for each item being financed
- Clear plan for installation, training, and go-live date
- Preferred structure and term in mind (see loan terms)
What equipment is eligible?
Most core hospitality items are eligible, including:
- Cooking lines and combi ovens, grills, fryers, ranges
- Refrigeration, freezers, cool rooms, ice machines
- Dishwashers, glasswashers, exhausts and ventilation
- Coffee machines, grinders, blenders, display cabinets
- POS systems, printers, kitchen display systems
- Fitout components tied to operation (case-by-case)
Used and private-sale equipment can be funded with additional checks on age, condition, and value. See requirements and pros and cons for more.
Startups, low doc and no deposit options
New venues and busy operators often prefer streamlined pathways:
- Startups: relevant experience, a realistic budget, and a sensible deposit help. Explore startup equipment finance.
- Low doc: reduced paperwork for established businesses with strong bank statements. See low doc asset finance.
- No deposit: possible on strong files and new assets. Understand when a deposit is still useful at deposit requirements and no deposit options.
Credit profile and how to strengthen your file
- Check your credit and address any obvious errors early. See credit guidance.
- Stabilise cash flow: minimise overdrafts, reduce late fees, and avoid returned payments in the lead-up to applying.
- Sort any ATO arrears or set up a formal plan and stick to it.
- Consider a realistic balloon/residual to reduce repayments (see balloon payments).
- Choose a term that matches the equipment’s useful life (see loan terms).
Approval and documentation
Well-prepared applications move faster and tend to achieve better outcomes. Expect some or all of the following:
- Business details (ABN/ACN, structure, ownership)
- 12 weeks business bank statements (sometimes more)
- Recent BAS or financial statements (size/complexity dependent)
- Supplier quotes/invoices, serials, and specification sheets
- Lease agreement for premises (if new venue or refit)
- Proof of insurance before settlement
For tax treatment and deductions, see tax benefits and the broader asset finance tax guide.
Get help with this topic
Want a quick view on who qualifies for restaurant equipment finance and which structure fits? Send an enquiry and our Australian team will respond within 1 business day.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for restaurant equipment finance in Australia?
Businesses with an ABN purchasing eligible hospitality equipment who can show capacity to repay typically qualify. Lenders assess time trading, cash flow, credit history, and the equipment being funded.
What credit score do I need?
Better credit widens your options and improves pricing. Approvals are possible with fair credit if the rest of the file is strong. If your credit is weaker, specialist options may still work at higher cost. See credit requirements.
Can startups qualify?
Yes, with compensating strengths like industry experience, a reasonable deposit, and a practical business plan. Explore startup equipment finance for pathways.
Do I always need a deposit?
No. Strong files and new assets can be approved with little or no deposit. Startups, used items, or weaker credit files often benefit from or require one. Learn more at deposit requirements and no deposit options.
Can used or private sale equipment be financed?
Often yes, subject to age, condition, and resale profile. Expect tighter terms or a deposit more frequently than for new dealer-supplied gear.
How quickly can I get approved?
Simple, well-documented files can see indicative outcomes within 24–72 hours. More complex or low doc applications may take longer. See the approval process.
Which structure suits a restaurant purchase?
Common options include chattel mortgage, hire purchase, finance lease and operating lease. Choice depends on ownership, tax treatment and cash flow. Compare equipment loan vs lease.
Will a balloon or residual help me qualify?
It can help affordability if it’s set at a realistic level for the asset’s end-of-term value. Read about balloon payments.
What documents should I prepare?
Typically: 12 weeks of business bank statements, recent BAS or financials, supplier quotes/invoices, and business details. See requirements.
Final takeaway
If you’re wondering who qualifies for restaurant equipment finance, start with the basics: stable trading, eligible assets, and a structure that matches your cash flow and goals. From there, tailor the term, deposit and residual to fit your venue.
If you want a fast, practical view of your options, send a short enquiry and we’ll map the best pathway for your situation.