Trade Finance
Trade finance helps businesses bridge the gap between paying suppliers and receiving payment from customers. Maintain working capital, pay suppliers upfront, and access the funding you need to support local and international trade without putting pressure on your cash flow.
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Trade Finance Made Easy
Trade Finance Solutions for Importers, Exporters & Growing Businesses
Keep your business moving with flexible trade finance solutions designed to help you pay suppliers, manage cash flow, and fulfil customer orders without tying up working capital.
Whether you're importing goods, exporting products, or managing large purchase orders, our trade finance facilities provide the funding you need to seize opportunities and grow confidently.
What is Trade Finance?
Trade finance is a funding solution that helps businesses bridge the gap between paying suppliers and receiving payment from customers. It provides access to working capital so you can purchase inventory, fulfil orders, and maintain healthy cash flow throughout the trading cycle.
Trade finance can support:
Benefits of Trade Finance
A selection of options available for this type of finance.
Our Simple Process
Follow these steps to get your application underway.
- 01
Tell Us Your Trade Requirements
Share details about your importing, exporting, or supply chain needs. We'll identify the most appropriate trade finance structure for your business.
- 02
We Source The Right Facility
We compare trade finance options from our specialist lender panel to find facilities that match your order cycle, supplier terms, and debtor repayment timelines.
- 03
Approval & Facility Setup
Once approved, we manage the facility setup and ensure the appropriate instruments — letters of credit, import finance, etc. — are arranged efficiently.
- 04
Ongoing Support
We stay involved throughout your trading cycle and are available to review limits, adjust facilities, or assist with future trade finance requirements.
Reviews
What Our Clients Say
★★★★★ 5.0 / 5 based on our Google reviews
FAQ
Trade Finance — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about trade finance — answered.
What is trade finance?
Trade finance is a set of facilities that fund the gap between paying your suppliers and getting paid by your customers, whether you import, export or both. It's usually structured around specific orders, purchase orders or contracts rather than as a fixed lump-sum loan. That makes it flexible and able to scale as your trade volume grows.
How does import finance work?
The finance provider pays your overseas or local supplier for the goods, and you repay once the stock arrives and is sold or your customers pay you. This keeps your supply chain moving without draining your working capital upfront. The facility typically revolves, so as one drawing is repaid the credit becomes available for your next order.
What is a letter of credit?
A letter of credit is a bank's guarantee to pay your overseas supplier once they present compliant shipping documents proving the goods were sent as agreed. It protects both sides — the exporter is assured of payment, and you only pay when the paperwork confirms shipment. It's long been the gold standard for securing international trade transactions.
Can trade finance help exporters too?
Yes — export finance can advance a large portion, often up to around 80–85%, of the value of your outstanding export invoices as soon as they're issued. That converts overseas receivables into immediate working capital while you wait to be paid. Some facilities also help manage the credit risk of your overseas buyer.
How does the facility match my trade cycle?
Trade finance is designed to bridge the whole cycle — from paying for goods, through shipping and warehousing, to your customer settling their invoice. Repayment terms are set to line up with when you actually receive your money, easing the cash flow squeeze. Simon structures the facility around how your particular trade cycle runs.
Do I need to provide security?
It varies by lender and deal — the goods themselves, invoices or a general business charge can often form part of the security, and some facilities need less property backing than a standard loan. The right structure depends on your trade volumes, margins and counterparties. We compare lenders to find terms that fit your business rather than forcing a rigid template.
What does it cost to use your service?
Our service is free to you — the lender pays us a commission on settlement, not you. You get access to a wide panel of lenders and Simon's help navigating what can be a complex area, at no direct cost. As always, we're upfront about how we're remunerated.
Is a deposit required?
No deposit is required for eligible ABN holders with a strong credit and trading profile. A deposit can help improve your rate or secure approval if your credit profile is less straightforward.
Can I finance a used asset?
Yes. Finance is available for new and used assets. Age limits vary by lender and asset type. We identify the right lender for your specific asset.
How quickly can I get approved?
Most applications receive a decision within 24–48 hours. Once approved, your pre-approval is valid for 90 days.
Can I get low doc finance?
Yes. Low doc (no financial statements) finance is available up to $500,000 for eligible ABN holders. We typically need your ABN, driver's licence and bank statements.
Can I finance from a private seller?
Yes. We arrange finance for assets purchased from private sellers anywhere in Australia. The lender pays the seller directly on settlement.
Can I finance with bad credit?
Yes. Specialist lenders on our panel consider applicants with a range of credit profiles, including those who have been declined by banks.
What is the typical loan term?
Loan terms typically range from 2 to 7 years depending on the asset type, value and your cash flow requirements.
Can I refinance existing finance?
Yes. Refinancing can reduce your rate, lower repayments or release equity. We compare refinance options across 80+ lenders.
Are repayments tax-deductible?
Interest repayments under a chattel mortgage are tax-deductible. You can also claim depreciation on the asset and GST upfront. Speak with your accountant about your specific situation.
Is insurance required?
Yes. Most lenders require comprehensive insurance before settlement. We can assist with arranging cover.
Can I use a balloon payment?
Yes. A balloon payment reduces monthly repayments by deferring a lump sum to the end of the term. We size it to match the asset's expected resale value.
Does applying affect my credit score?
No. Submitting an enquiry with us doesn't affect your credit score. We only proceed to a formal credit application with your explicit approval.
What is the minimum loan amount?
Most lenders have a minimum of $10,000–$20,000 for asset finance. We'll confirm the minimum for your specific asset type.
Lending Panel
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Overdrive Commercial Funding is directly accredited with all major banks, commercial non-bank, specialist and private lenders.
