When a business needs cash urgently - a large order to fulfill, wages to cover or an unexpected expense - waiting weeks for bank approval is not an option. Non-bank lenders have transformed the business finance market, making same-day approval and funding a genuine reality for Australian SMEs.
Here is exactly how to get funded as fast as possible.
| Lender type | Decision time | Funding time |
|---|---|---|
| Major banks | 2–8 weeks | Days after approval |
| Non-bank lenders | 1–24 hours | Same day possible |
| Via specialist broker | 1–4 hours | Same day common |
The fastest approvals we have seen at OverdraftMe have come within 1 hour of receiving complete documentation. Funds hit the account the same business day.
The single biggest factor is how quickly you can provide documentation. Have these ready before you start:
Not all lenders move at the same speed. Some have fully automated assessment systems that can return a decision in under an hour. Others have manual review processes that take 24–48 hours. A broker knows which lender will move fastest for your specific profile.
If your bank statements show consistent revenue with no dishonoured payments, automated systems can approve you without manual review - dramatically speeding up the process.
Smaller facilities - under $150,000 - move significantly faster than larger ones. For amounts over $250,000, lenders typically require additional documentation which adds time.
Total time from starting your application to funds in your account: as little as 4–6 hours for a complete, clean application.
See also: Same-day unsecured business loan - no property needed
Related: See the full Fast Business Loan Factsheet for eligibility, worked examples and what documents you need.
OverdraftMe has settled deals in under 24 hours for electricians, construction businesses, recruitment agencies and more. Start now and we will move as fast as your situation allows.
Start your application →Yes - many non-bank lenders can approve and fund a business overdraft within 24 hours of receiving a complete application. Same-day funding is possible in many cases.
6 months of business bank statements, your ABN and driver's licence. Having these ready before you apply is the biggest factor in how fast you get funded.
Most major non-bank lenders including Shift, Prospa, Moula, Lumi and Bizcap can move very quickly. A broker can identify which lender will move fastest for your specific situation.
Speed does not necessarily mean higher rates. The rate depends on your business profile, revenue and credit history - not how quickly the lender moves.
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