New businesses

Business Overdraft for New Businesses in Australia - From 6 Months Trading

By John Pierre Saliba · April 2026 · OverdraftMe

You don't need 2 years of trading to get a business overdraft in Australia. Non-bank lenders will consider businesses from just 6 months old, assessing your application on bank statements - not historical tax returns you haven't had time to file yet.

New business? Check your eligibility

From 6 months trading. No tax returns needed. 2-minute check.

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Why banks say no to new businesses

The big four banks (CBA, NAB, ANZ, Westpac) typically require 2+ years of trading history, lodged tax returns, and financial statements. If your business is under 2 years old, you simply don't have the paperwork they want - regardless of how well the business is performing.

This is the #1 frustration for new business owners. Your business might be turning over $50K/month with healthy cash flow, but the bank won't look at you because you haven't filed a second tax return yet.

What non-bank lenders require instead

RequirementBanksNon-bank (via OverdraftMe)
Trading history2+ yearsFrom 6 months
Tax returns2 years requiredNot required
Financial statementsRequiredNot required
What they assessHistorical financials6 months bank statements - actual cash flow
Decision speed4-6 weeks1-24 hours

What you need as a new business

That's it. No tax returns, no BAS, no accountant-prepared financials.

The lender's view: if your business bank account shows consistent deposits of $6K+/month over 6 months, that's enough evidence that the business is viable. Bank statements tell the real story - better than a tax return from 18 months ago.

How much can a new business borrow?

As a newer business, your initial facility will typically be 0.75-1x your average monthly revenue. So if you're depositing $20K/month, expect a facility of $15K-$20K to start. After 6-12 months of using and repaying the facility responsibly, many lenders will offer a limit increase.

Tips to maximise your approval chances

6+ months trading? Let's see what you qualify for.

No credit check to enquire. No obligation.

Check eligibility → Call 02 8046 3933

Related guides for new businesses

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John Pierre Saliba
Director, OverdraftMe | ACL 511092
Specialist business finance broker with $600M+ facilitated for Australian SMEs. MFAA Member, AFCA Member.
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