Key Takeaways
- Business van finance rates from around 5.99% to 11% per annum.
- Vans classified as light commercial — no ATO car depreciation limit.
- Low doc available up to $300k–$500k.
- Shelving, refrigeration and other fit-outs can often be bundled into the finance.
- Electric commercial vans (eTransit, eSprinter) are financeable.
A commercial van is a fundamental asset for couriers, delivery businesses, tradespeople, caterers, mobile service providers and many other businesses. Financing your van through your ABN — rather than as a personal loan — gives you access to business rates and tax benefits that a personal loan can't match. This guide covers everything you need to know.
How Business Van Finance Works
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Business van finance works like any other commercial vehicle finance — a lender funds the purchase and you repay over an agreed term (12–84 months). Vans are classified as light commercial vehicles, which means they're generally not subject to the ATO's car depreciation limit that caps deductions on passenger vehicles. This makes van finance particularly tax-effective for businesses.
Financing a Van Through an ABN
To access business van finance, you need an active ABN and the van must be used for business purposes. Low doc applications up to $300k–$500k require just your ABN and driver's licence (low doc) or with 6 months bank statements (lite doc). All entity types are eligible — sole traders, companies, trusts and partnerships.
Current Business Van Finance Rates
Business van finance rates in Australia currently range from around 5.99% to 11% per annum. New vans for established businesses with clean credit attract the lowest rates. Used vans, older vehicles and new ABN applicants carry higher rates. Light commercial vans typically attract sharper rates than passenger vehicles because lenders view them as lower-risk.
Chattel Mortgage Versus Lease
Chattel mortgage is the most common structure for business vans — you own the van from day one, claim the full GST upfront and depreciate the full cost at tax time (no car limit applies to most commercial vans). Finance lease is the main alternative, offering fully deductible lease payments and flexibility at end of term.
Low Doc and No Deposit Options
Low doc van finance is available up to $300k–$500k with just your ABN and driver's licence (low doc) or ABN, licence and 6 months bank statements (lite doc). Zero-deposit options are available for eligible established businesses. New ABN applicants may access no-deposit options through specialist lenders.
Van Finance With a New ABN
Van finance is available from day one of ABN registration through specialist lenders on our panel. Rates are higher for new ABNs but finance is accessible, particularly for commonly sold commercial van models with strong resale values.
New Versus Used Vans
We finance new and used vans. Used vans are assessed individually based on age, kilometres and condition. Models with strong resale (HiAce, Transit, Sprinter) are well-supported by most lenders.
Dealer, Private Sale and Auction Purchases
Finance is available for vans purchased from dealers, private sellers and auctions. For private sales, the lender settles funds directly to the seller after verifying ownership.
Loan Terms and Balloon Payments
Van finance terms typically range from 12 to 84 months. A balloon payment reduces monthly repayments by deferring a lump sum to the end of the term.
Vans With Shelving, Refrigeration or Other Fit-Outs
Many commercial vans are purchased with shelving, refrigeration, lighting or other fit-outs already installed. In most cases, lenders finance the complete vehicle including the fit-out as a single loan. If the fit-out is being installed after purchase, contact us to discuss how to structure this — it's often possible to bundle the fit-out cost into the finance.
Courier, Delivery, Trade and Service-Business Applications
We finance vans for all commercial applications: courier and last-mile delivery businesses, food delivery and catering operations, trade and service businesses (plumbers, electricians, HVAC), mobile pet grooming, mobile beauty services, IT support and any other business that operates from or out of a van. Industry-specific experience is available across all these categories.
Single Vans and Fleet Finance
We arrange finance for a single van or a fleet of vans across multiple drivers, depots or routes. Fleet applications can be structured under a single facility, often with better overall terms than individual applications for each vehicle.
GST and Tax Considerations
Under a chattel mortgage for a GST-registered business: claim the full GST input tax credit in the BAS quarter of purchase. Vans are generally exempt from the ATO car depreciation limit (the limit applies to passenger cars — most vans with a payload over 1 tonne or classified as goods vehicles are exempt). Depreciate the full purchase price at the relevant ATO rate. Confirm details with your accountant.
Popular Commercial Vans We Finance
- Toyota HiAce (most popular commercial van in Australia, excellent reliability)
- Ford Transit (wide range: SWB, LWB, XLWB, cargo, passenger)
- Volkswagen Transporter (premium compact van, also available as Caravelle)
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (high-roof options, eSprinter EV available)
- Iveco Daily (high payload capacity, multiple configurations)
- LDV Deliver 9 (value commercial van, electric variant available)
- Renault Master (large cargo van)
- Hyundai iLoad / Staria Load
Electric Commercial Van Finance
Electric commercial vans are increasingly available and financeable: Ford eTransit, Mercedes-Benz eSprinter and LDV eDeliver 9 are among the most popular. EVs attract lower running costs and in some states, government incentives and registration concessions. For business ABN finance, the same chattel mortgage or lease structure applies as with conventional vans.
2026 Rate Environment
Van finance rates are fixed at settlement — they are not linked to the RBA cash rate (currently 4.35% as of August 2026). Your repayments are locked in for the term of the loan regardless of future rate movements. This predictability is particularly valuable for courier, delivery and trade businesses that need stable cash flow planning.
Low Doc vs Lite Doc vs Full Doc
Low Doc
Lite Doc
Full Doc
| Doc Type | What You Provide | Loan Limit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Doc | ABN + driver's licence only | Up to $300k–$500k | Established businesses, fast approvals |
| Lite Doc | ABN + licence + 6 months bank statements | Up to $300k–$500k | Income verification, newer ABNs |
| Full Doc | Tax returns, BAS, full financials | Above $500k | Largest loans, fleet packages |
Tips to Improve Your Approval Chances
- Finance a van with a strong resale history (HiAce, Transit, Sprinter) — lenders prefer liquid assets.
- Keep your ABN active and GST-registered for at least 2 years.
- Have a deposit available if your ABN is new or you're financing a high-mileage used van.
- A fit-out quote from the installer can help the lender value the complete asset.
- For fleet applications, having financial accounts ready will speed approval.
Ready to Compare Business Van Finance Rates?
- Call Simon Kendrick on 1300 001 420 or submit an online enquiry.
- We compare 80+ lenders — free, no credit score impact to enquire.
