OverdraftMe is a business finance specialist brought to you by Lend & Loan ↗ · 50+ lenders on panel · Based in Drummoyne, Sydney · ACL 511092
Sole trader overdraft specialist

Business Overdraft for Sole Traders & Self-Employed

You run your business under your own ABN. You deserve the same access to working capital as any company. No tax returns needed under $150K. Decisions from 1 hour. Tradies, freelancers, contractors, consultants - all welcome.

Get my indicative quote Read the full guide
Settled$600M+
Lenders50+
Decision1hr
Up to$500K
Why sole traders need an overdraft
🏛️
MFAA Member
Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia
⚖️
AFCA Member
Australian Financial Complaints Authority
🔒
Australian Credit Licence
ACL 511092
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The sole trader problem

Why banks say no to sole traders

Traditional banks were built for PAYG employees and established companies. Sole traders fall through the cracks - even when the business is profitable.

What banks typically require

  • 2+ years of financial statements
  • Property as security
  • High revenue thresholds ($250K+)
  • Up-to-date tax returns and BAS
  • Consistent month-to-month income
  • 4-6 week processing time

What non-bank lenders need

  • 6 months of bank statements only
  • No property security under $150K
  • $6K/month minimum turnover
  • No tax returns, no BAS
  • Variable income accepted
  • Decision from 1 hour

Sole trader eligibility criteria

These are the core requirements for sole traders applying through our non-bank lender panel.

  • Minimum 6 months trading under your ABN
  • Valid ABN - sole trader, partnership, or trust structure
  • Minimum $6,000 monthly turnover (average over 6 months)
  • Equifax credit score of 550+
  • Active business bank account
  • No property security required under $150,000
  • No tax returns required under $150,000
  • Australian resident or permanent resident

Not sure if you meet the criteria? Check your eligibility →

Check if you qualify in 2 minutes

Our calculator gives you an instant indicative result based on your turnover. No credit check, no commitment, no cost.

Get my indicative quote →

🔒 Your data is secure. We never share your details.

Who we help

Types of sole traders we finance

If you operate under your own ABN and meet the eligibility criteria, we can help - regardless of your industry or how you structure your work.

🔧

Tradies

Plumbers, electricians, carpenters, painters, concreters - cover materials and tool costs between jobs.

💻

Freelancers

Designers, developers, writers, marketers - bridge the gap between project completion and payment.

💼

Contractors

IT contractors, building subcontractors, labour hire - manage cash flow between contract payments.

📈

Consultants

Business, HR, finance, engineering consultants - cover operating costs during billing cycles.

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Owner-Operators

Truck drivers, delivery operators, courier drivers - fund fuel, maintenance and rego costs.

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Gig Economy

Ride-share drivers, delivery partners, task-based workers with ABN registration.

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Market Vendors

Food stall operators, craft sellers, market traders - buy stock ahead of weekend markets.

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Mobile Services

Mobile mechanics, pet groomers, cleaners, personal trainers - fund equipment and supplies.

How it works

6 steps to your sole trader overdraft

From first enquiry to funds in your account - the entire process can happen within 24 hours.

01
📝

2-minute eligibility check

Use our online calculator for an instant indicative quote. No credit check, no obligation. Takes under 2 minutes.

02
📞

Speak with your broker

Senior broker John Pierre Saliba calls within 1 hour to discuss your sole trader business and overdraft needs.

03
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Provide bank statements

Submit 6 months of business bank statements as PDF. No tax returns, no BAS, no financial statements required under $150K.

04
🎯

We match you with the right lender

One application submitted to the single best lender for your profile from our panel of 50+. One credit enquiry only.

05

Get approved

Decision from 1 hour. Your credit limit is set based on your turnover and credit profile - up to $500K.

06
💰

Access your funds

Draw what you need directly from your business account. Repay and reuse over a 5-year revolving facility. Interest only on what you draw.

Sole trader? See what you qualify for.

No credit check. No obligation. Instant indicative result based on your turnover.

Get my indicative quote → Call 02 8046 3933
Comparison

Bank vs non-bank overdraft for sole traders

Here is how traditional bank overdrafts compare to non-bank alternatives for sole traders and self-employed ABN holders.

Feature Bank Overdraft Non-Bank (via OverdraftMe)
Sole traders accepted? Rarely - most require company structure Yes - ABN holders welcome
Tax returns required? Yes - 2 years minimum No - bank statements only under $150K
Property security Usually required Not required under $150K
Minimum trading 2+ years 6 months
Minimum turnover $250K+ per year $6K per month ($72K/year)
Decision time 4-6 weeks From 1 hour
Variable income OK? Usually not Yes - assessed on 6-month average
Interest rate 6-12% p.a. (secured) 14.55-25% p.a. (unsecured)
Maximum facility Varies Up to $500,000
Interest tax deductible? Yes Yes - fully deductible

Want to compare specific lenders? Compare overdraft options →

Sole trader overdraft quick facts

Minimum trading history
6 months
Minimum monthly turnover
$6,000
Maximum facility
$500,000
Decision time
As fast as 1 hour
Property security required
No - up to $150K
Tax returns required
No - under $150K

OverdraftMe is a specialist business overdraft broker for Australian sole traders and SMEs. We match you with the right lender from our panel of 50+. ACL 511092 | MFAA Member | AFCA Member. Read our full FAQ →

Sole trader overdraft FAQ

Can a sole trader get a business overdraft in Australia?

Yes. Many non-bank lenders specifically cater to sole traders and self-employed ABN holders. You do not need to be a company or partnership. As long as you have a valid ABN, 6+ months of trading history, and at least $6,000 monthly turnover through your business bank account, you can apply for a revolving overdraft facility up to $500,000. We compare 50+ lenders to find the right fit for your sole trader business.

Do I need tax returns to get a sole trader overdraft?

No. For facilities under $150,000, most non-bank lenders on our panel do not require tax returns, BAS statements, or financial statements. The application is assessed using 6 months of business bank statements only. This is particularly beneficial for sole traders who may not have up-to-date financials or whose tax returns don't reflect current business performance.

What if my income is variable or seasonal as a sole trader?

Non-bank lenders understand that sole traders often have irregular income. They assess your average monthly deposits over 6 months rather than requiring consistent month-to-month revenue. Seasonal businesses, project-based contractors, and freelancers with lumpy income are all considered. The key metric is your average monthly turnover being at least $6,000. One strong month can offset a quieter month.

How quickly can a sole trader get approved for an overdraft?

Decisions can be made in as fast as 1 hour from submission. Once approved, funds are typically available same day or next business day. The entire process from initial enquiry to funds in your account can happen within 24 hours. You need your ABN details and 6 months of business bank statements as PDF to apply. There is no cost to apply - our service is free to the borrower.

What is the difference between a sole trader overdraft and a personal overdraft?

A business overdraft for sole traders is linked to your business bank account and assessed on your business turnover. Interest and fees are fully tax deductible as a business expense. A personal overdraft is assessed on personal income (PAYG) and is not tax deductible. Business overdrafts also offer higher limits - up to $500K versus typical personal overdraft limits of $10-50K. For sole traders earning business income, a business overdraft is almost always the better option.

Ready to get your sole trader overdraft?

Free service. No credit check to get a quote. Decisions from 1 hour. Sole traders, contractors and freelancers welcome.

Get my indicative quote → Call 02 8046 3933
Related pages
Business Overdraft
Main product page
Small Business Overdraft
For businesses under $500K turnover
Sole Trader Guide (Blog)
Full in-depth guide for sole traders
No Tax Returns Finance
Business finance without financials
How Much Can I Borrow?
Borrowing capacity calculator
Can I Get Approved?
Eligibility guides for every situation
Quick links Business Overdraft Small Business Overdraft No Tax Returns Sole Trader Blog Guide Get a Quote →
Trustpilot
Related reading
Business Overdraft for Sole Traders in Australia Business Overdraft Eligibility Australia Business Overdraft for ABN Holders in Australia