Low Doc Business Loans
Finance Without the Paperwork Mountain.
1800 678 880Mon–Fri 8am–6pm AESTPerfect for self-employed borrowers and businesses with complex financials. Bank statements, ABN, and a declaration may be all you need.
- Compare 30+ lenders without touching your credit file
- Soft enquiry only — no credit checks until the right option is on the table
- Decisions in as little as 24 hours
$20K+
Loans from
Bank Stmts
Documentation
6+ Months
ABN requirement
24 Hours
Credit decisions
What is a Low Doc Loan and Who Can Apply?
A low doc loan is a business finance product designed for self-employed borrowers and businesses that cannot provide full financial statements. Instead of tax returns and financials, lenders accept alternative income verification such as BAS statements, bank statements, or an accountant's declaration. Whether you need business loans for working capital, asset purchases through equipment finance, or short-term working capital solutions, we have a low doc path to match.
What is a Low Doc Loan?
A low documentation business loan is designed for borrowers who cannot provide the full financial statements typically required by traditional lenders, with bank statements or a self-certification of income accepted instead.
Advantages
- Minimal documentation compared to full doc loans
- Self-employed and contractor friendly
- Bank statements often accepted in place of tax returns
- ABN and business registration required
Who Qualifies for a Low Doc Loan?
Ideal for sole traders, contractors, freelancers, and small business owners whose income is real and consistent but hard to verify through standard documentation.
Advantages
- Self-employed sole traders and contractors
- Business owners with complex or delayed financials
- Seasonal businesses with variable income
- Recently established businesses (6+ months ABN)
What Documents Do You Need?
Low doc loans are structured to minimise paperwork. Most lenders require recent business bank statements, your ABN registration, valid photo ID, and sometimes a signed income declaration.
Advantages
- 3–6 months of business bank statements
- ABN registration (minimum 6 months active)
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Accountant's declaration or income self-certification (some lenders)
How Shielded Finance Helps
Our specialist low doc team works with a broad panel of non-bank and specialist lenders built specifically for self-employed Australians, matching you to the most competitive rate and terms.
Advantages
- Wide lender panel including non-bank specialists
- Dedicated low doc finance specialists
- Broker matching based on your specific profile
- Guidance through the application from start to settlement
How It Works
A straightforward process designed to minimise your time and maximise your chances of approval.
Submit Your Enquiry
Tell us about your business, how much you need, and what you plan to use it for. Our 2-minute form is all it takes to get started, no docs needed yet.
We Assess Your Profile
Our specialists review your business profile and identify the lenders most likely to approve your application based on your ABN history, revenue, and requirements.
Gather Minimal Documents
We tell you exactly what documents are needed for your chosen lender, usually just bank statements and ID. No tax returns or full financials in most cases.
Receive a Decision
Once we submit your application, most lenders provide a credit decision within 24 hours. Approved funds are typically transferred within 1–2 business days of settlement.
Common Questions
What are the minimum requirements for a low doc business loan?
Most low doc lenders require your ABN to have been active for a minimum of 6 months, 3 to 6 months of business bank statements, valid photo identification, and a declaration of income or an accountant's letter. Some lenders may also require a BAS statement. Requirements vary between lenders, which is why working with a broker who knows each lender's criteria is important.
Are interest rates higher on low doc loans?
Generally yes, low doc loans carry a slightly higher interest rate than full documentation loans to reflect the reduced level of income verification. However, rates vary significantly across lenders and depend on factors such as your ABN history, business revenue, loan purpose, and whether security is offered. A broker can help you access competitive rates that may not be available directly.
How much can I borrow with a low doc loan?
Loan amounts for low doc business finance typically range from $20,000 up to $500,000 for unsecured facilities, and higher amounts may be available with security. The amount available depends on your demonstrated business revenue, time in business, and the lender's policies. Secured low doc loans, backed by property or other assets, can often access larger amounts at better rates.
Can a self-employed person get a business loan?
Absolutely. Low doc loans are specifically designed with self-employed Australians in mind. If you operate as a sole trader, partnership, or trust, and your income is real but not easily evidenced through traditional tax returns, a low doc product may be the right solution. We work with lenders that understand how self-employed income works and assess applications accordingly.
Can I get a low doc loan with bad credit?
It depends on the nature and severity of the credit issue. Some specialist lenders on our panel are willing to consider applications with minor credit blemishes, such as a single missed payment or a small default, particularly if the business is otherwise trading well and generating consistent revenue. Serious defaults or recent bankruptcies make approval harder but not always impossible. We assess your full situation before making a recommendation.