Need equipment for your business but can't provide full financials? Low Doc Equipment Finance helps Australian small businesses and tradies get the gear they need with minimal paperwork.
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Running a small business or working as a tradie means having the right vehicles, machinery and equipment to get the job done. Whether you're looking for a work ute, van or truck, a director's vehicle, construction machinery, agricultural equipment, an ATV or UTV, a business-use motorcycle, medical equipment, manufacturing machinery or other essential business assets, accessing finance can sometimes be more difficult than choosing what you need.
Traditional business finance can require tax returns, financial statements and extensive supporting documentation that many self-employed business owners simply don't have readily available. That's where Low Doc Finance can help.
At TRU Asset Finance, we work with a wide panel of banks and specialist lenders offering low doc loan options for eligible ABN holders. Rather than relying solely on full financial statements and tax returns, some lenders can assess your application using alternative information such as your ABN and GST registration, business bank statements, BAS, an accountant's declaration or self-declared income, depending on the lender and strength of the application.
Low doc finance can be particularly useful for sole traders, contractors, tradies, company directors and self-employed ABN holders who have a strong operating business but may not have their latest financials completed.
Low doc asset finance can be used for a wide range of business vehicles and equipment, including:
Whether you're a tradie upgrading your ute, a farmer purchasing a side-by-side, a contractor needing new machinery or a company director financing a BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi or other business vehicle, we can help identify lenders whose low doc policies suit the transaction.
Low doc finance isn't just for utes, trucks and machinery.
Many company directors and business owners choose to finance their vehicle through their business, whether that's a practical SUV, a premium sedan or a prestige vehicle used in connection with their work.
For example, a director running a finance, accounting, consulting or professional services business may be looking to finance a BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus or similar vehicle through their company.
Depending on the lender and application, low doc car finance may allow eligible ABN holders to access business vehicle finance without needing to provide a full set of financial statements or tax returns.
Lender selection is important, particularly with prestige vehicles, newer businesses or larger loan amounts, as policies and documentation requirements can vary significantly.
Not every lender has the same appetite for ATVs, UTVs, side-by-sides or motorcycles, particularly when finance is being assessed under low doc lending criteria.
TRU Asset Finance works with specialist lenders that can consider these types of assets where they are being purchased predominantly for business use.
This may include vehicles used for farming, agriculture, property maintenance, construction, landscaping, tourism, deliveries or other commercial activities.
Because lender policies can vary considerably depending on the asset, your business history and how the vehicle will be used, selecting the right lender from the outset can make a significant difference.
Low doc finance reduces the reliance on traditional financial documentation, but it doesn't mean lenders ignore your ability to repay the loan.
Depending on your situation, lenders may consider factors such as:
Some established ABN holders may qualify for fast-tracked or self-declared income lending, while other applications may require bank statements, BAS or an accountant's declaration.
The key is knowing which lender's policy best fits your circumstances.
Keep Your Business Cashflow Working
Financing a vehicle or piece of equipment allows you to spread the cost over time rather than tying up a large amount of working capital upfront.
Depending on the transaction and lender, your finance may also be structured with options such as a balloon or residual payment, helping reduce regular repayments and keep more cash available within the business.
Low doc asset finance may also be available through structures such as a chattel mortgage, finance lease or hire purchase, depending on the asset and your circumstances.
There may also be GST, depreciation and tax implications associated with financing business assets, so it's worth discussing the appropriate structure with your accountant or tax adviser.
Low Doc Loans for Newer and Established ABN Holders
Low doc lending isn't necessarily limited to ABN holders who have been operating for many years.
While an established ABN and GST history generally provides access to more lenders, there are specialist options that may consider newer ABN holders where the overall application is strong.
Factors such as industry experience, credit history, asset type, deposit, property ownership and the strength of the application can all influence the options available.
At TRU Asset Finance, we assess the overall application and determine which lenders are most appropriate rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Low doc lending policies vary considerably between lenders.
One lender may be comfortable financing a ute for an established tradie but decline an ATV. Another may specialise in agricultural equipment, prestige vehicles, motorcycles or newer ABN holders. Loan limits, documentation requirements, deposits and pricing can also differ significantly.
With access to 40+ lenders, TRU Asset Finance can compare suitable options and help structure your application with the right lender from the outset.
Whether you need finance for a director's vehicle, car, ute, van, truck, ATV, UTV, side-by-side, motorcycle, machinery or specialised business equipment, we'll help you explore the available low doc finance options and keep the process straightforward from application through to settlement.
1. Initial Chat
Every great finance outcome starts with a genuine conversation. When you first reach out to TRU Asset Finance, we take the time to understand what you're looking to achieve, with no jargon, no pressure, and no commitment.
2. Understanding Your Financial Position
Before recommending the right solution, we need to understand where you stand financially. We approach this without judgement, because every situation is different and our job is to find solutions, not create barriers.
3. Compare and Prepare
With a clear picture of your situation, we explore your options across the market. Our access to a broad network of banks, non-bank lenders, and specialist financiers means we're never locked into one set of products or criteria.
4. Application and Lender Matching
We match your file to the most suitable lenders for your specific profile. Our approach is strategic and deliberate, targeting lenders most likely to approve your application quickly and on the right terms.
5. Approval and Finalising Your Loan
Receiving your approval is a significant milestone. We make sure you fully understand what you're agreeing to before anything is signed, walking you through everything in plain English with no surprises.
6. Settlement and Ongoing Support
We manage the entire settlement process from start to finish, and once your loan is in place we stay in your corner as an ongoing resource for whatever comes next.
TRU Asset Finance is an Australia-wide finance broker, based in Melbourne, helping tradies, business owners, and everyday Australians access the right funding to move forward. We understand the real-world pressures of managing cash flow, upgrading equipment, or simply getting into the right vehicle without overpaying.
While we specialise in supporting tradies and small businesses with vehicles, equipment, and commercial finance, we also assist individuals with car loans, motorbike finance, personal loans, and more. Whether it’s for work or personal use, our focus is the same — structuring finance that makes sense for your situation, not the lender’s.
What sets us apart is our straightforward approach. No confusing jargon, no runaround — just clear advice and tailored solutions. We take the time to understand your goals, then compare options across a wide panel of lenders to find the right fit, not just the quickest approval.
Because we’re not tied to any one bank, we work for you. That means negotiating competitive rates, structuring repayments around your cash flow, and handling the entire process from start to finish. You deal with one person, and we take care of the rest.
Over the years, Steve and the team behind TRU Asset Finance have helped thousands of Australians secure funding for everything from utes, vans and heavy equipment through to everyday vehicles and personal lending needs. Whether you’re growing a business or making your next move, TRU Asset Finance is here to make the process simple, fast, and done right.
Book Appointment
We can help you finance almost any type of vehicle or asset for your business or personal needs. This includes cars, SUVs, utes, trucks, vans, trailers, motorbikes, boats, caravans, machinery, tools, computers, technology, office equipment, and specialised trade equipment.
Whether you're a plumber needing a new work vehicle, a builder requiring excavation equipment, an electrician wanting to upgrade your tools, or a cafe owner looking for commercial kitchen equipment, we can help arrange suitable finance. We also help everyday Australians finance family cars, prestige vehicles, electric cars, caravans, and boats.
Whatever you're looking to purchase, if it's important to your business or your lifestyle, we'll work to find a lending solution that fits your situation and supports your goals.
Deposit requirements vary depending on several factors, including the type of equipment, the amount you're borrowing, and your financial position. Some lenders may require a deposit, while others might offer options with little to no deposit required. For business applicants, deposits are usually required for directors who are not asset backed (property owners). For personal applicants, deposit requirements will depend on factors such as your credit profile and the type of equipment being financed.
When we assess your situation, we'll discuss what deposit options are available to you. A larger deposit can sometimes improve your borrowing position, but we understand that preserving cash flow is often important for growing businesses, and that personal budgets can be equally important for individual applicants. We'll work to find a solution that balances the lending requirements with your financial needs and doesn't put unnecessary pressure on your working capital or personal finances.
A secured loan is backed by an asset, most commonly a car or other vehicle, which gives lenders more confidence and typically results in lower interest rates. An unsecured personal loan has no asset attached, which means less risk for you if things get tight, but rates are generally higher to reflect the increased risk to the lender. When we talk through your situation, we'll help you understand which option suits your needs, budget, and the purpose of the loan.
Typical documentation includes recent business financial statements or tax returns, bank statements showing your business cash flow, personal identification such as a driver's licence, and details about the equipment or vehicle you want to finance. If you're a newer business, we might need additional information about your business structure and trading history. Many business applicants might qualify for a low doc loan, with these we typically just need ID, a signed privacy form and a summary of directors asset and liabilities.
Don't worry if you're not sure what you need - we'll provide you with a specific checklist based on your situation. We understand that gathering paperwork can feel overwhelming when you're busy, so we'll guide you through what's required and why. Having the right documents ready helps us present your application in the most favourable light to lenders and speeds up the approval process.
Absolutely. Refinancing can be a smart move for many businesses, particularly if your circumstances have changed since you first took out finance. You might refinance to access better terms, reduce your regular repayments, consolidate multiple loans into one payment, or free up cash flow for other business needs.
We can review your existing finance arrangements and help you understand whether refinancing makes sense for your business. We'll look at any exit costs from your current arrangement, compare them against potential benefits, and give you an honest assessment. Sometimes refinancing is worthwhile, and sometimes you're already in a good position. Either way, we'll provide you with clear information so you can make an informed decision about your business finances.
While you can certainly approach lenders directly, a broker gives you access to multiple lenders and finance products from one point of contact. Your bank only offers their own products, which might not be the most suitable match for your needs. We work with dozens of lenders, including banks, specialist car financiers, and alternative lenders.
This means we can compare options and find solutions that match your specific situation. We also understand how different lenders assess applications and can position your application accordingly. For busy Australians, we save you the time of researching options, completing multiple applications, and dealing with different lenders.
We also take your credit score seriously. Before submitting any application, we carry out a careful assessment of your situation to make sure we only apply with lenders we're confident will approve you. Every credit application has the potential to leave a mark on your credit file, so we take the time upfront to match you with the right lender from the start, protecting your credit score and giving your application the best possible chance of success.
We work for you throughout the entire process, providing advice and support until your finance is settled and beyond.
The timeframe varies depending on your individual circumstances and the type of finance you're seeking. For straightforward applications with all documentation ready, we can often get conditional approval within 24 to 48 hours. More complex situations might take a few days longer.
Once approved, settlement can happen quite quickly, sometimes within 24-48 hrs. The key to a smooth process is having your paperwork organised from the start. We'll give you a clear list of what's needed, and we're always available to answer questions along the way. Our job is to keep things moving forward so you can get the equipment you need and get back to running your business.
Yes, private sale car loans are available and quite common. The process is slightly different to buying through a dealer - the lender will typically want to verify the vehicle's details, confirm it's free of existing finance, and may have requirements around the age or condition of the car. We handle all of that for you and can often have funds ready to go so you can move quickly when you find the right car.
Yes, having some credit challenges in your past doesn't automatically mean you can't access finance. While your credit history is one factor lenders consider, it's not the only one. Lenders also look at your current business performance, cash flow, time in business, and the strength of your overall application.
As brokers, we work with a wide range of lenders who have different lending criteria and risk appetites. Some lenders specialise in supporting businesses that might not fit the standard lending box. We'll have an honest conversation with you about your situation, explain what options might be available, and help you understand what lenders will be looking at when they assess your application.
A finance broker acts as a middleman between you and potential lenders. Rather than approaching banks or finance companies yourself, we do the legwork on your behalf. We assess your business needs, understand what you're trying to achieve, and then match you with suitable lending options from our panel of lenders.
This saves you time and helps you avoid the frustration of multiple applications. We handle the paperwork, communicate with lenders, and guide you through the approval process. For tradies and small business owners who are busy running their operations, having someone in your corner who understands finance can make a real difference to your business growth plans.
A chattel mortgage is a loan where you own the equipment from day one, and the lender holds a mortgage over it as security. You make regular repayments, and once the loan is paid off, you own the equipment outright with no further obligations. This option often works well for businesses wanting to claim depreciation and maximise tax benefits.
A lease, on the other hand, means you're essentially renting the equipment for an agreed period. At the end of the lease, you typically have options to purchase the equipment, upgrade to newer equipment, or return it. Each structure has different tax and accounting implications for your business. We'll explain how each option works in your specific situation and help you choose the structure that aligns with your business strategy and tax position.
When we submit a formal application to a lender, they will conduct a credit check, which is recorded on your credit file. However, before we get to that stage, we can have preliminary discussions with lenders and assess your situation without impacting your credit score.
This is one advantage of working with a broker - we can guide you towards lenders who are most likely to approve your application before any formal submission happens. We aim to avoid situations where multiple applications are declined, as this can affect your credit file. We'll be upfront about when credit checks will occur and work strategically to present your application in the most appropriate places, protecting your credit position while pursuing the finance you need.
TRU Asset Finance Group Pty Ltd (ABN 89 689 508 718, ACR No. 578043) is an authorised credit representative of AFAS Group Pty Ltd (ABN 12 134 136 686), holder of Australian Credit Licence No. 414426.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and your full financial situation will need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product. It does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances.
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