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We Have Self-Employed Vehicle Finance Options
Acquired Financial Services may be able to help you if you are looking to borrow $15K or more, are currently employed or self-employed, have no current defaults, and are an Australian permanent resident.
Rather than applying directly with multiple lenders and risking unnecessary credit enquiries, speak with our team first. We'll introduce you to Acquired Financial Services, who can assess your situation and identify the most suitable options from their panel of 63+ Australian lenders.
Apply Here →Why Speak With Progressive Vans First?
✔ Commercial vehicle specialists
✔ Local Carrum Downs business
✔ Trusted finance partner
✔ Low doc & alt doc options
✔ New & used commercial vehicles
✔ Workshop support after purchase
From Our Sales Desk
One of the most common things we hear from self-employed customers is, "I tried the bank and they said no because I couldn't show payslips."
That's a mainstream lender problem, not a self-employed problem.
Every week we work with tradies, couriers, electricians, plumbers and small business owners who run profitable businesses but don't fit the standard PAYG mould. Their income is real — it just looks different on paper.
That's why we work with Acquired Financial Services, who understand self-employed income and have access to lenders with products specifically designed for sole traders and ABN holders.
The Challenge for Self-Employed Buyers
Mainstream lenders typically assess loan applications based on payslips and tax returns. For self-employed individuals — particularly those who are newly self-employed, have variable income, or legitimately minimise their taxable income through business deductions — this can make standard vehicle finance applications difficult.
Specialist lenders take a different approach. Rather than relying solely on declared taxable income, they assess your ability to repay based on your actual cash flow, business performance, and overall financial position.
This means that many self-employed Australians who have been declined by a bank are able to access self-employed vehicle finance Melbourne through specialist lenders.
Low Doc & Alt Doc Finance Options
Low Doc Finance
Low doc vehicle finance requires minimal income documentation — typically a self-declaration of income, BAS statements, or bank statements rather than full tax returns.
Suitable for: Self-employed buyers who have been in business for at least 12 months.
Alt Doc Finance
Alternative documentation finance uses non-standard income verification methods such as accountant letters, business bank statements, or BAS statements to assess your income.
Suitable for: Buyers with complex income structures or multiple income streams.
ABN Finance
If you hold an ABN, you may be eligible for business vehicle finance with potential tax advantages. Chattel mortgage and finance lease products are commonly used by ABN holders.
Suitable for: Registered business operators purchasing vehicles for business use.
Self-Employed Bad Credit Finance
If you're self-employed and have had credit issues in the past, specialist options exist that combine low doc income verification with impaired credit lending.
Suitable for: Self-employed buyers with defaults, missed payments or previous declines.
Who May Be Eligible?
Sole Traders
Operating under your own name or a business name with an ABN
Company Directors
Directors of Pty Ltd companies drawing a salary or dividends
Contractors & Freelancers
Workers on contract arrangements without standard payslips
Tradies
Plumbers, electricians, builders and other trade operators
New Business Owners
Businesses with limited trading history seeking their first vehicle
Seasonal Workers
Self-employed individuals with variable or seasonal income patterns
Gig Economy Workers
Delivery drivers, rideshare operators and platform-based workers
Self-Employed with Credit Issues
Combining low doc income verification with specialist credit assessment
💡 Business Tip
If you've been declined by a mainstream lender, avoid submitting multiple applications with different lenders yourself.
Each application creates a credit enquiry on your file. Multiple enquiries in a short period can affect how future applications are assessed by specialist lenders.
Instead, speak with a finance broker who can identify suitable lenders for self-employed borrowers before a formal application is lodged.
How the Process Works
1
Choose Your Vehicle
Browse our range of commercial vehicles — vans, utes, trucks and more — or speak with our team about what suits your business needs.
2
Tell Us About Your Business
We'll have an honest conversation about your self-employment situation, income structure and what documentation you have available.
3
Introduction to Acquired Financial Services
We'll connect you with our trusted local finance partner, Acquired Financial Services, who specialise in self-employed vehicle finance Melbourne.
4
Lender Assessment
They'll identify suitable lenders from their panel of 63+ Australian lenders and explain your options, including low doc and alt doc products.
5
Collect Your Vehicle
Once approved and settled, we'll prepare your commercial vehicle for delivery or collection from our Carrum Downs workshop.
Common Self-Employed Finance Myths
Misinformation stops many self-employed Australians from exploring their vehicle finance options. Here are the most common myths we hear.
What Documentation May Be Required?
Documentation requirements vary by lender and product type. Common documents used for self-employed vehicle finance Melbourne include:
- BAS statements — typically the last 2–4 quarters, showing business activity and GST turnover
- Business bank statements — usually the last 3–6 months, demonstrating cash flow
- Tax returns — personal and/or business, for the last 1–2 financial years (full doc applications)
- Accountant's letter — confirming your income and self-employment status (alt doc applications)
- Income declaration — a self-certified statement of income (low doc applications)
- ABN registration — confirming your business is registered and active
Acquired Financial Services will advise you on exactly what documentation is required based on your specific circumstances and the lender they recommend.
Meet Our Finance Partner
Progressive Vans has partnered with Acquired Financial Services, an experienced finance brokerage based right here in Carrum Downs. Their team works with more than 63 Australian lenders to help self-employed customers explore finance solutions for:
Vans
Utes
Trucks
Business Vehicles
Equipment
Personal Vehicles
Finance arranged through
Acquired Financial Services
Award Winning Finance Broker • Carrum Downs
✔ 63+ Australian Lenders
✔ Commercial Vehicle Finance
✔ Low Doc & Alt Doc Products
✔ Equipment Finance
☎ 1300 235 255
Apply Online →Progressive Vans refers customers to Acquired Financial Services as a trusted third-party finance partner. Progressive Vans does not provide credit advice or hold an Australian Credit Licence.
Explore Our Finance Hub
We work with Acquired Financial Services across a range of commercial vehicle finance Melbourne options for businesses of all sizes.
Still Not Sure?
If you're unsure whether self-employed vehicle finance is possible for your situation, the best first step is simply having a conversation.
There is absolutely no obligation to proceed.
We'll help you understand your options, answer your questions, and if appropriate, introduce you to Acquired Financial Services so they can assess your circumstances and explain what low doc or alt doc finance solutions may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get vehicle finance if I'm self-employed? +
Yes. Self-employed vehicle finance Melbourne is available through specialist lenders who understand how self-employed income works. Rather than relying on payslips, they assess your BAS statements, bank statements, or other documentation to verify your income and ability to repay.
What is low doc vehicle finance? +
Low doc finance is a type of loan that requires minimal income documentation. Instead of full tax returns and payslips, lenders may accept BAS statements, bank statements, or a self-declaration of income. It's designed specifically for self-employed borrowers who can't provide standard documentation.
How long do I need to have been self-employed? +
Requirements vary by lender. Many low doc lenders require at least 12 months of self-employment history. However, some lenders will consider new business owners based on their overall financial position, deposit, and the nature of their business. Acquired Financial Services can advise on which lenders may be suitable for your situation.
Can I use BAS statements instead of tax returns? +
Yes, in many cases. BAS statements are commonly accepted by specialist lenders as evidence of business income and activity. The number of BAS statements required varies by lender, but typically 2–4 quarters is sufficient for a low doc application.
Can I get self-employed vehicle finance with bad credit? +
Yes. Specialist lenders exist who combine low doc income assessment with impaired credit lending. If you're self-employed and have had credit issues, see our bad credit vehicle finance Melbourne page for more information.
What vehicles can I finance as a self-employed borrower? +
Self-employed vehicle finance can be used for vans, utes, trucks, and other commercial vehicles. Progressive Vans stocks a range of new and used commercial vehicles suitable for tradies, couriers, and business operators across Melbourne.
Are there tax benefits for self-employed vehicle finance? +
Potentially, yes. ABN holders may be eligible for tax benefits depending on the finance product used and the business use of the vehicle. Products such as chattel mortgage may allow GST claims and tax deductions. We recommend speaking with your accountant about your specific situation. See our ABN vehicle finance Melbourne page for more information.
How long does approval take? +
Timeframes vary depending on the lender and the complexity of your application. Some approvals can be received within 24–48 hours; others may take longer if additional documentation is required. Acquired Financial Services will keep you informed throughout the process.
The Progressive Vans Finance Promise
Buying a commercial vehicle is a significant investment, and finance should never feel confusing or overwhelming — especially when you're running your own business.
Our role is to help you choose the right vehicle for your business. If self-employed vehicle finance is required, we'll introduce you to our trusted local partner, Acquired Financial Services, who can discuss suitable low doc and alt doc lending options based on your individual circumstances.
No pressure. No unrealistic promises. Just straightforward advice from local people who understand commercial vehicles and the self-employed market.
Progressive Vans | 5 Lathams Road, Carrum Downs VIC | (03) 9775 1133
Finance arranged through Acquired Financial Services. Progressive Vans does not provide credit advice.