FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Plain answers to the 27 questions Australian business owners ask us most — about lines of credit, unsecured working capital, property-secured loans, ATO and BAS timing, and what happens after you enquire.
Getting started
What is Capital On Call?
Capital On Call helps Australian businesses arrange lines of credit, unsecured working capital and property-secured business loans through a panel of lenders. We focus on businesses whose income is seasonal, lumpy or slow to arrive.
Are you a bank?
No. We work with a lending panel to find the option that suits each business, which lets us match you with lenders who understand seasonal and uneven cash flow.
Who can apply?
Sole traders, companies, partnerships and trusts can all enquire, provided the funds are for business purposes. We don't arrange personal or consumer finance.
Do I need an ABN or ACN?
You'll need an active ABN, as all the finance we arrange is for business use. If you trade through a company, the lender will also ask for its ACN. Trusts and partnerships use the ABN of the trust or partnership.
Which states and territories do you cover?
All of Australia — New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory, including regional and remote businesses.
Is there a cost to enquire?
No. The enquiry is free, takes about 60 seconds and has no effect on your credit score.
Lines of credit and unsecured funding
How does a business line of credit work?
You're approved for a limit. You draw what you need, repay as revenue comes in, and whatever you repay becomes available again — no fresh application each time.
How long do I need to have been trading?
Lines of credit and unsecured loans are generally for businesses trading six months or more, because lenders assess them largely on bank statement history.
How is the limit worked out?
Mainly from your turnover and what your business bank statements show about regular income, outgoings and existing repayments.
Can I get unsecured funding with a less-than-perfect credit file?
Weaker credit is considered. Lenders look at how the business is trading now rather than declining on a score alone.
How quickly can I get a decision?
Some unsecured decisions are made the same day, once the lender has your bank statements and the other details it needs.
Is a line of credit a good fit for a seasonal business?
It's one of the best uses. Draw through the quiet months and repay in the busy ones. We explain your seasonal pattern to the lender so a slow quarter isn't mistaken for a business in trouble.
Property-secured funding
How much can I borrow against property?
Property-secured business loans range from $20,000 to $1m, secured on Australian property that you or a supporting party already own.
What kinds of property can be used?
A home, an investment property, commercial property or land anywhere in Australia. The loan can sit as a first or second mortgage, even if the property already has a mortgage on it.
Do I need financial statements or tax returns?
Not for the initial assessment of a property-secured loan. The lender starts with the property, what the funds are for and how the loan will be repaid.
Will bad credit, defaults or arrears rule me out?
Not automatically. Bad credit, defaults and arrears are considered case by case for property-secured loans.
Is a property-secured loan revolving?
No. It's a lump sum over a short to medium term. If you want to draw and redraw, a line of credit is the right tool — and plenty of businesses use both.
How fast can property-secured funds come through?
In some cases, funds can be available within 24 hours of approval.
Tax, BAS and the ATO
Can a loan pay out my ATO debt?
Yes. ATO debt can be refinanced or paid out as part of a property-secured business loan. A line of credit can also help you meet future BAS, PAYG and super dates as they fall due.
Will owing the ATO stop me getting finance?
Not necessarily. Tax debt is common, especially after a tough season. Lenders look at it case by case, and a clear plan to deal with it works in your favour.
Why do BAS dates catch seasonal businesses out?
GST, PAYG withholding and PAYG instalments are reported on a fixed calendar — monthly or quarterly — regardless of when your customers pay. A quarter's BAS can land in your quietest month.
How does Payday Super change my cash flow?
From 1 July 2026, employers must pay super within seven business days of each payday instead of quarterly. Super now leaves the account every pay cycle, which removes the quarterly float some businesses relied on.
Cost and next steps
What interest rate will I pay?
We don't publish rates. Each loan is priced on the business's individual circumstances, and we look for the sharpest option available for your situation. You'll see the full cost before you commit to anything.
Will enquiring affect my credit score?
No. The 60-second enquiry doesn't affect your credit score.
What happens after I enquire?
A lending specialist follows up to understand your business and what you need, explains the options that fit, and tells you what information the lender will want.
Do I have to go ahead?
No. The enquiry starts a conversation. Nothing proceeds unless you decide to after seeing the options and full terms.
How do I get in touch?
Use the 60-second online enquiry on our apply page. It goes straight to a lending specialist, who will get back to you to talk it through.
Question not covered here?
Start the 60-second enquiry and add your question — a lending specialist will get back to you and talk it through.