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How to Get a Business Loan with Bad Credit in Australia

Poor credit doesn't have to stop your business growth. Learn how to secure business funding even with bad credit through performance-based lending.

Good News!

Bad credit doesn't disqualify you. We focus on your business performance, not credit scores. Over 300 businesses with poor credit have been approved through our performance-based assessment.

Why Traditional Banks Reject Bad Credit Applications

❌ Traditional Bank Focus

  • • Credit score is primary factor
  • • Strict lending criteria
  • • Past financial mistakes heavily weighted
  • • Limited flexibility in assessment
  • • One-size-fits-all approach

✅ Alternative Lender Focus

  • • Business performance primary factor
  • • Flexible assessment criteria
  • • Current financial health emphasized
  • • Holistic business evaluation
  • • Customized lending solutions

5 Steps to Get Business Loan with Bad Credit

1

Focus on Business Performance

Shift the focus from personal credit to business strength:

Revenue Stability

  • • Show consistent monthly income
  • • Demonstrate growth trends
  • • Highlight peak revenue periods

Cash Flow Health

  • • Positive cash flow patterns
  • • Healthy account balances
  • • Minimal bounced payments
2

Choose Performance-Based Lenders

Target lenders who prioritize business metrics over credit scores:

BEST

Alternative Business Lenders

Focus on business performance, fast decisions, flexible criteria

OPTION

Online Business Lenders

Technology-driven assessment, moderate requirements

AVOID

Traditional Banks

Credit score focused, lengthy process, strict criteria

3

Prepare Strong Financial Documentation

Compensate for poor credit with comprehensive business financials:

Essential Documents

  • 12 months bank statements (6 minimum)
  • Recent financial statements
  • Tax returns (if available)
  • Business registration documents
  • Clear funding purpose explanation
  • Business growth projections
4

Consider Your Options

Different loan types have varying credit requirements:

Unsecured Business Loans

Moderate Credit

No collateral required, but higher credit standards

Best for: Established businesses with consistent revenue

Asset-Based Lending

Lower Credit OK

Secured by business assets, more flexible credit requirements

Best for: Businesses with valuable inventory or equipment

Revenue-Based Financing

Credit Flexible

Based on revenue performance, credit less important

Best for: Businesses with strong consistent revenue

5

Apply Strategically

Smart application strategy to maximize approval chances:

1

Start with One Application

Avoid multiple credit checks that can hurt your score further

2

Choose Performance-Based Lenders First

Focus on business performance rather than credit scores

3

Be Honest About Credit Issues

Explain circumstances and focus on business improvements

4

Highlight Business Strengths

Emphasize revenue growth, industry experience, and market position

Bad Credit Success Stories

MK

Manufacturing Business

Credit Score: 580

"Previous bankruptcy made banks reject us immediately. Velociti looked at our business performance and approved $180,000 based on our consistent revenue and growth."

Approved: $180,000 • Time: Same day
TR

Retail Store

Credit Score: 620

"Credit card defaults from personal issues affected my score. Three banks said no, but Velociti focused on my store's strong cash flow and approved funding for expansion."

Approved: $95,000 • Time: 4 hours

Bad Credit Business Loan FAQs

What credit score do I need for a business loan?

Traditional banks typically require 650+, but alternative lenders may approve scores as low as 550-600. At Velociti, we focus more on business performance than credit scores.

Will applying hurt my credit score further?

Most lenders perform a soft credit check initially (no impact), then a hard check only if you proceed. We recommend applying to one lender at a time to minimize credit inquiries.

Are interest rates higher with bad credit?

Yes, interest rates are typically higher to reflect increased risk. However, alternative lenders often offer competitive rates based on business performance, and rates may improve with future refinancing.

Can I improve my credit while repaying a business loan?

Yes! Successful repayment of business loans can help rebuild your credit profile. Choose lenders who report to credit bureaus, and maintain consistent repayments to improve your score over time.

Don't Let Bad Credit Stop Your Business Growth

Apply now with Australia's leading performance-based business lender. We've approved over 300 businesses with poor credit based on their business strength.