Key highlights
- Nil-deposit deals may price higher because the lender funds the full amount
- Strong credit and asset-backed security often shrink the difference
- New, standard machinery from a dealer tends to price best
- Comparing 80+ lenders shows the real cost of going deposit-free
No-deposit machinery finance can cost slightly more than a deal with money down, because the lender is financing the full purchase and carrying more risk. That said, the gap is often smaller than people expect, and for strong, asset-backed applicants it can be minimal. At Overdrive, our broker Simon Kendrick compares 80+ banks and non-bank lenders on one application, so you can see whether a nil-deposit structure actually costs you more or barely moves the rate.
Why a deposit can lower your rate
When you put money down, the lender advances less than the machine is worth, so its exposure is lower from day one. That reduced risk can be reflected in a sharper rate, and it also gives you more equity if the asset depreciates faster than the loan is repaid. With no deposit, the lender funds the entire purchase price, and sometimes on-road or delivery costs too, so the loan may sit above the asset's resale value early in the term. To compensate, some lenders apply a small loading. How much depends on your credit profile, the type of machinery, and the term, which is why the same request can be priced quite differently across lenders.
When no-deposit barely costs more
For many established businesses, going deposit-free adds little or nothing. If you have a solid trading history, clean credit, property behind you, and you are buying new or near-new standard machinery, several lenders will fund the full amount at a rate close to their best. Asset-backed applicants, meaning those who own property, are viewed as lower risk regardless of deposit. Newer, common machinery also holds value well, so the lender is comfortable financing 100%. In these cases the decision often comes down to cash flow preference rather than cost, and keeping your capital in the business can be worth far more than a marginal rate difference.
What pushes a no-deposit rate higher
The loading tends to grow when other risk factors stack up. Older or specialised machinery that depreciates quickly, private-sale purchases, lower-doc applications, a shorter time in business, or past credit issues can all nudge a nil-deposit rate upward. Rates start from around 6.55% p.a. for strong, asset-backed deals; lower-doc, older or cheaper assets and weaker credit are priced higher, and these figures are indicative and subject to lender assessment. The key point is that no single factor decides the price. A lender comfortable with your industry and equipment may fund 100% cheaply, while another treats the same deal as high risk.
Structuring a no-deposit deal well
You have levers beyond the headline rate. Terms typically run 1-7 years, and a longer term lowers repayments but increases total interest, while a balloon or residual at the end can ease monthly cash flow. Some applicants combine nil deposit with a modest balloon to keep payments manageable, though that leaves a lump sum due later. It helps to have your last couple of years of financials, an ABN and GST registration ready, along with details of the machinery. For eligible applicants, same-day pre-approval and settlement within 24-48 hours may be available, subject to lender criteria and documentation.
The honest answer is that no-deposit machinery finance sometimes costs a little more and sometimes costs nothing extra, and the only way to know for your situation is to compare. Simon can run your profile across 80+ banks and non-bank lenders on a single application and show you the deposit-free options side by side with the traditional ones. Reach out for a free, no-obligation quote and keep your cash working in the business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I finance machinery with no deposit at all?
Often yes. Many lenders fund 100% of the purchase price for eligible applicants, particularly those with a strong trading history, clean credit and property behind them. Availability depends on the machinery, the loan size and the lender's assessment, so it is worth comparing several before assuming a deposit is required.
How much more does a no-deposit deal usually cost?
There is no fixed figure. For strong, asset-backed applicants the difference can be negligible, while higher-risk profiles may see a more noticeable loading. Because lenders price nil-deposit deals so differently, comparing across many at once is the clearest way to see the actual cost in your case.
Is it better to put down a deposit if I can?
Not always. A deposit can lower your rate and total interest, but keeping cash in the business supports working capital and unexpected costs. The right choice depends on your cash flow, the rate difference and how you use capital, so weigh both before deciding rather than assuming a deposit is best.
Does the machinery type affect no-deposit pricing?
Yes. Newer, standard machinery that holds value well is easier for lenders to fund at 100%, while older, specialised or fast-depreciating equipment can attract a higher rate or a deposit request. The asset's resale value is a big part of how a nil-deposit deal is assessed and priced.
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