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Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about borrowing with Ex Nihilo Finance. Can't find an answer? Get in touch and we'll respond within the hour.

Eligibility
Who can apply for finance with Ex Nihilo?

We lend to Australian businesses that have been trading for at least 6 months and generate a minimum of $10,000 per month in revenue. We lend to sole traders, partnerships, companies, and trusts.

We do not lend to individuals for personal, domestic, or household purposes — our products are for business use only.

Does applying affect my credit score?

Your initial enquiry and eligibility check do not affect your credit score. A formal credit inquiry is only conducted when you proceed with a full application and consent to a credit check. We'll tell you before this happens.

Do I need to be an Australian resident or citizen?

Directors or partners guaranteeing the loan must be Australian residents with a valid Australian address. The business must be registered and operating in Australia with a valid ABN.

What industries do you lend to?

We lend across most industries including retail, hospitality, professional services, trades, healthcare, construction, and manufacturing. Some industries are outside our appetite — if you're unsure whether we can help, get in touch and we'll let you know straight away.

Loan amounts & terms
How much can I borrow?

We provide business loans from $10,000 to $500,000. The amount we can offer depends on your revenue, cash flow, credit profile, and the type of finance you're applying for. Use our loan calculator on the homepage to get an estimate of repayments before you apply.

What loan terms are available?

Loan terms range from 3 months to 36 months depending on the product and your circumstances. Equipment finance can extend to 60 months where the asset's useful life supports it.

What interest rates do you charge?

Rates are tailored to your application and depend on factors including loan amount, term, business performance, and credit profile. We provide a full quote — including the interest rate, establishment fee, and total cost of credit — before you commit to anything.

We do not charge broker fees. The rate you see is the rate you pay.

Can I repay early?

Yes. You can make additional repayments or repay the loan in full at any time. Early repayment fees may apply depending on your loan contract — this will be clearly disclosed before you sign.

Application & approval
How long does the application take?

Our online application takes around 5 minutes to complete. Most applicants receive a decision within the same business day — often within the hour during business hours (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm AEST).

What do I need to apply?

To apply you'll need:

  • Your ABN
  • Basic business information (trading name, structure, industry)
  • An estimate of your monthly revenue
  • Your last 3 months of bank statements (provided securely via our bank statement portal)
  • Director or guarantor details

You don't need tax returns, BAS, or financial statements for most applications under $150,000.

How are bank statements collected?

We use Illion's secure bank statement portal to collect your bank data. You log in to your banking securely through their encrypted platform — we never see or store your banking credentials. The process takes about 2 minutes and provides read-only access to your transaction history.

How quickly is money in my account after approval?

Once your application is approved and your loan contract is signed, funds are typically transferred within 24 hours. In many cases, same-day settlement is possible for applications approved before 2pm AEST.

Security & guarantees
Do I need to provide security or collateral?

Many of our loans are unsecured — meaning no property or assets are required as collateral. For larger amounts or longer terms, a personal guarantee from company directors may be required. Equipment finance is secured against the equipment being purchased.

We will always be clear about what security is required before you proceed.

Is a personal guarantee required?

A personal guarantee from the director(s) or majority shareholder(s) of the business is typically required. This means that if the business cannot repay the loan, the guarantor is personally responsible. This will be clearly explained in your loan documents.

Repayments & support
What happens if I miss a payment?

If you miss a scheduled payment, we'll contact you promptly to understand your situation. A default fee may apply as specified in your loan contract. If you're experiencing difficulty, please contact us before a payment is missed — we have hardship provisions and would rather work with you than escalate.

Can I apply for more funding once my loan is underway?

Yes. Once you have a track record of repayments with us, you may be eligible for a top-up or a further loan. Contact us and we'll review your current position. Existing customers typically receive a faster assessment.

How do I contact you during the loan term?

Call us on 1300 396 445 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm AEST) or email hello@exnihilo.com.au. For complex queries, you can also book a call via our contact page.

Still have questions?

Our team is available Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm AEST. We'll get back to you within the hour.

Get in touch