Working capital loans in Australia
Last updated:
Refer Labs is an independent Australian comparison publisher. We compare services on public pricing, eligibility, inclusions, trade-offs, availability in Australia and suitability. Commercial relationships may exist and are disclosed, but rankings are not paid placements.
Working capital finance covers the ordinary running costs of a business, wages, stock, rent, supplier bills, when the timing of money coming in doesn't line up with money going out. It suits keeping the lights on through a slow month or a growth spurt that ties up cash. For buying a big asset, equipment finance usually fits better. The right product depends on whether the gap is a one-off or a recurring pattern.
Matching the product to the gap
A one-off shortfall and a recurring seasonal dip call for different tools.
- One-off gap: a short term loan repaid as cash recovers
- Recurring or seasonal gap: a line of credit you draw and repay
- Slow-paying customers: invoice finance against your receivables
- A specific purchase inside the gap: keep it separate from working capital
Keeping the cost sensible
Working capital is often short-term, and short-term finance can carry high annualised costs, especially factor-rate products. Because you're borrowing to smooth cash flow rather than fund growth directly, the cost eats straight into margin. Borrow the smallest amount that solves the problem, and compare offers on total dollars repaid.
The lenders we compare
| Lender | Advertised rate from | Loan size | Typical speed | Products | Industry code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Lumi | Quote-based | $5,000 – $1,000,000 | Same business day | Term loan, Line of credit or overdraft | AFIA Code signatory |
 Moula | From 15.99% p.a. | $10,000 – $500,000 | Next business day | Term loan | AFIA Code signatory |
 Prospa | Quote-based | $5,000 – $500,000 | Funds within an hour of signing | Term loan, Line of credit or overdraft | AFIA Code signatory |
| Moneytech | From 13.95% p.a. | $25,000 – $1,000,000 | Not published | Term loan, Line of credit or overdraft, Invoice finance, Trade finance, Equipment finance | Not listed |
 Shift | From 14.95% p.a. | $10,000 – $2,000,000 | Approval within hours for limits under $500,000 | Line of credit or overdraft, Term loan, Equipment finance, Trade finance | AFIA Code signatory |
Terms as at July 2026, from each lender's own site. “Quote-based” means the lender prices each loan individually (Lumi quotes a total repayment; Prospa uses simple interest) rather than publishing a headline rate. Figures are indicative, not a quote; your rate depends on the lender's assessment. Verify current terms with the lender.
If your loan settles, Refer Labs may be paid a share of the broker's commission, or a commission from the lender. This never changes what you pay, and we are not paid to rank one lender above another. How we make money.
Check your options in about a minute
Tell us what you need. A person reviews every enquiry and introduces you to the lenders that fit. No documents to upload.
Common questions
- How is working capital finance different from a normal loan?
- It's the same underlying products, term loans, lines of credit, invoice finance, just used for day-to-day operating costs rather than a capital purchase. The framing is about purpose, not a separate product.
- How much working capital should I borrow?
- Enough to bridge the specific gap, and no more. Over-borrowing means paying interest on money you don't need. A cash-flow forecast for the next few months usually shows the right figure.
- Is invoice finance a good fit?
- If your cash is tied up in unpaid invoices from creditworthy customers, invoice finance can release it without adding conventional debt. It works best when slow payment, not low sales, is the problem.