Free calculator
Loan readiness checklist
Ten things cash flow lenders look at. Tick the ones that are true for your business and get a readiness score, plus what to fix first.
Your readiness
Readiness score
0 / 100
Fix first:
A guide to paperwork and preparation only. It is not a credit assessment.
Start my enquiry →Numbers say you need a hand?
A 60-second enquiry shows what is possible for your business. No credit check to enquire, and a real person reviews it.
What cash flow lenders look at
Cash flow lending is built on one idea: the business bank account tells the truth about how a business trades. That is why most of the checklist is about your banking. Lenders want to see deposits that arrive regularly, outgoings that make sense for your industry, and an account that is not constantly bouncing payments. They also need to confirm who you are and that the business is real, which is where ID and an active ABN come in.
The items that carry the most weight
- Online access to statements. Sharing statements through a secure read-only link is the single biggest time saver. Read how bank statement sharing works.
- A dedicated business account. Mixing personal and business spending makes your trading hard to read. Separating them is one of the best things you can do before enquiring.
- Regular deposits. Consistency matters as much as size, because it shows the business can carry regular repayments.
- No recent dishonours. Bounced payments are one of the clearest warning signs on a statement. Our guide on how lenders read bank statements explains why.
If your score is low
A low score does not mean no. It means the process may need a little more preparation or explanation. Sort out online banking access, gather your ID and ABN, and write down what the money is for and how it will be repaid. If tax debt or credit issues are part of the picture, say so in your enquiry. Lenders in this space consider them case by case, and being upfront always beats being discovered.
The full list is in our business loan documents checklist. When you are ready, start a 60-second enquiry. No credit check to enquire, and a real person reviews it.
Questions about this calculator
What do lenders usually ask for?
For unsecured cash flow lending: photo ID, your ABN, and recent business bank statements, often shared through a secure read-only link. Larger amounts can need an ATO portal statement, recent financials or details of existing debts. Secured loans add property details.
Does a low score mean I will be declined?
No. The checklist shows how ready your paperwork and situation are, not whether a lender will approve you. A lower score usually means the process will take longer or needs more explanation, which a real person can help with.
Why does an ATO debt matter?
Lenders want to know about every commitment that competes with their repayments. Tax debt is considered case by case, and having a payment plan or a clear plan to clear it often helps.
Should I wait until I tick every box?
Not necessarily. Many owners enquire first and gather documents while the conversation starts. Telling us what is missing up front helps us suggest the right path.
Is my information stored?
No. The checklist runs in your browser and nothing is stored or sent.
Our promises
No credit check to enquire
Find out where you stand without a mark on your credit file. A check only happens later, once you choose to go ahead with an offer.
No spray and pray
Your details are not fired off to a list of lenders. One team reads your enquiry and works out the right fit for your business.
A real person, quickly
A human reviews every enquiry and gets back to you. Answer the form accurately and we can match you properly the first time.
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