In 2026, Australian businesses are moving faster than ever. Opportunities don’t always wait for perfectly prepared financials — which is why choosing between full-doc and low-doc finance matters.
Both options can help fund vehicles, equipment, and machinery, but the right choice depends on your business structure, trading history, cash flow, and timing — not just how much paperwork you can produce.
Understanding documentation: Full-Doc vs Low-Doc
One of the biggest differences between full-doc and low-doc finance is how lenders assess your business, not simply how many documents you provide. Importantly, documentation requirements are not fixed. What’s requested will vary depending on the lender, the asset, the loan size, your business structure, and the overall strength of the application.
What is full-doc finance?
Full-doc finance is the traditional lending option used by banks and lenders. Assessment typically relies on a broader financial picture and may include:
- Business financial statements
- Tax returns
- Profit & loss reports
- BAS statements
- Director credit checks
Not all lenders require every document in every scenario. Strong, consistent trading performance or simpler business structures may reduce what’s needed.
Suited for: Established businesses with a solid trading history that want access to broader lender options and potentially higher borrowing capacity.
What is low-doc finance?
Low-doc finance allows businesses to access funding with reduced reliance on full historical financials. Instead, lenders focus more heavily on current trading strength and cash flow.
Depending on the application, lenders may consider:
- Business bank statements
- BAS (if available)
- Trading activity and consistency
- Time in business
- Director credit profile
Again, requirements vary — low-doc does not mean “no-doc,” and stronger applications often enjoy more flexibility.
Best suited for: More established, asset-backed applicants purchasing new or near new primary assets.
Borrowing limits, rates & lending flexibility
Borrowing capacity — particularly under low-doc facilities — can vary significantly and is highly dependent on the lender, asset type, trading timeframe, and overall application strength.
General considerations include:
- Newer businesses may start with lower borrowing limits
- Consistent, healthy cash flow can materially improve outcomes
- Longer trading history often unlocks higher borrowing capacity
It’s also important to note that interest rates are not guaranteed to be higher or lower simply because a loan is low-doc or full-doc. Pricing is influenced by multiple factors, including:
- Business performance
- Borrowing amount
- Asset type / Age
- Credit profile
- Overall risk assessment
At PMG Finance, we work with multiple lenders — not just one — allowing us to compare options and structure a solution that best fits your circumstances, business structure, and growth stage.
Key differences at a glance
| Feature | Full-Doc | Low-Doc |
| Documentation | More detailed | Reduced |
| Approval speed | Generally slower | Generally faster |
| Pricing | Case-by-case | Case-by-case |
| Flexibility | Moderate | Restricted to fixed criteria being met |
Why low-doc finance is growing in 2026
More businesses are choosing low-doc finance because:
- Timing is critical for vehicles and equipment
- Financials often lag behind real performance
- Certain business who may have irregular income
What can you finance?
Both full-doc and low-doc options may be available for:
- Work vehicles (utes, vans, trucks)
- Machinery and equipment
- Earthmoving and agricultural assets
- Tools of trade
- Technology and IT equipment
Availability, terms, and borrowing limits depend on the lender, asset type, and individual application profile.
Pros & considerations
Full-Doc
- ✅ Broader lender access
- ✅ Potentially higher borrowing capacity
- ⚠️ More detailed assessment
- ⚠️ Longer approval timelines
- ✅ Wider asset range and age
Low-Doc
- ✅ Faster access to assets
- ✅ Reduced paperwork
- ✅ Fixed assessment criteria
- ⚠️ Borrowing limits can vary by lender
- ⚠️ Limited asset age and range
How PMG Finance helps
PMG Finance works with both full-doc and low-doc lenders to help you choose the most appropriate structure — balancing approval speed, flexibility, and long-term strategy. Before committing to a supplier or purchase, it’s worth speaking with a broker to understand what’s achievable for your business now and what options may open up next.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get low-doc finance with less than 12 months trading?
This depends on cash flow strength, the asset being financed, and the lender’s criteria and purpose of use.
Is low-doc always more expensive than full-doc?
Not necessarily. Rates are assessed case-by-case and depend on application strength, borrowing amount, asset being purchased and overall risk.
📌 Need finance for a vehicle or equipment in 2026?
PMG Finance can help you move forward — whether your financials are ready or not.
Reach out to us today on 07 4639 1011 – we’re here to help.
DISCLAIMER: The above content is to provide general information and does not constitute financial, legal or other advice. This means that duties and requirements imposed on people who give financial advice do not apply to this content. For advice contact your accountant or legal advisor.