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Pepper vs Resimac: Comparing Non-Bank Lenders for Australian Businesses

February 14, 2026 The Loan Phone Team 10 min read
Professional photograph of the Pepper Money logo and the Resimac logo side-by-side on a modern digital screen, subtle Australian business district backdrop, modern commercial setting, high quality, well-lit, clean composition, no text overlays.

Quick Answer

Comparing Pepper vs Resimac reveals two prominent Australian non-bank lenders, each with distinct strengths for business finance in 2026. Pepper Money specialises in flexible asset finance, commercial real estate, and specialist business loans, often catering to self-employed individuals, low-doc applications, or those with non-traditional financial profiles. Resimac, while primarily known for residential mortgages, also offers competitive commercial property finance solutions. Rates typically range from 8-18%+ p.a. (indicative only) depending on business profile and loan type. Loan amounts from $10,000 to over $1 million cover diverse assets over 1-7 year terms. Modern comparison platforms can provide efficient assessment, with settlements possible within 24-48 hours for straightforward applications (subject to lender and circumstances).

Business/Borrower Profile Indicative Rate Range Typical Term Common Finance Type
Established (2+ years, good financials) 8-12% p.a. 3-7 years Asset Finance, Property
Standard (1-2 years trading) 10-15% p.a. 1-5 years Equipment, Vehicle Loans
Developing/Low Doc/Complex 12-18%+ p.a. 1-3 years Specialist Asset/Property

Rates are indicative examples only. Actual rates depend on individual circumstances and lender assessment.

By the Loan Phone team · Reviewed by Anthony Moncada, M.App.Fin, Cert IV Finance & Mortgage Broking, Director

1. Introduction to Non-Bank Lenders for Australian Businesses

For many Australian business owners, securing finance from major banks like CBA, NAB, Westpac, or ANZ can be a challenging process. Traditional lenders often have rigid eligibility criteria, extensive documentation requirements, and lengthy approval processes. This is where non-bank lenders step in, offering more flexible and often faster financing solutions. These specialist lenders, while regulated by bodies like ASIC, operate outside the traditional banking system, allowing them to cater to a broader range of business profiles and financing needs.

Non-bank lenders are particularly valuable for businesses that:

  • Have a shorter trading history (e.g., less than 2 years).
  • Operate with non-traditional income streams or seasonal fluctuations.
  • Require low-documentation (low-doc) loans.
  • Have faced rejections from major banks.
  • Need finance for specialised assets or complex commercial property deals.

In 2026, the non-bank lending landscape in Australia continues to grow, providing vital capital to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Understanding the offerings of key players like Pepper Money and Resimac is crucial for making informed financing decisions. These lenders often provide tailored solutions, including asset finance, commercial real estate loans, and working capital, that might be harder to obtain through conventional channels.

2. Pepper Money Business Finance Overview

Pepper Money has established itself as a leading specialist lender in Australia, known for its “real-life lending” approach. This means they often assess applications based on individual circumstances rather than strictly adhering to rigid credit scores or historical financial statements. For businesses, Pepper Money offers a diverse suite of commercial finance products designed to support growth and operational needs.

Key Offerings Include:

  • Asset Finance: This is a core strength, covering a wide range of equipment and vehicles. Businesses can finance anything from commercial trucks and excavators to manufacturing machinery and office fit-outs. Popular structures include chattel mortgages and hire purchase agreements. Indicative loan amounts can range from $10,000 to over $1 million, with terms typically between 1 and 7 years.
  • Commercial Real Estate: Pepper provides financing for various commercial properties, including offices, warehouses, retail spaces, and industrial sites. This can be for purchase, refinance, or development.
  • Business Loans: While not their primary focus, they do offer unsecured and secured business loans for working capital, expansion, or general business purposes.

Target Market & Flexibility:

Pepper Money excels at serving self-employed individuals, sole traders, and SMEs who may not fit the traditional bank lending mould. Their flexible eligibility criteria often consider alternative income verification, recent financial performance, and the strength of the business’s future cash flow. This makes them a strong contender for businesses seeking low-doc options or those with a unique credit history. As a non-bank lender, Pepper Money often provides quicker approval times compared to major banks, with some straightforward asset finance applications receiving decisions within 24-48 hours.

3. Resimac Business Finance Overview

Resimac is another significant player in the Australian financial services sector, though its primary focus has traditionally been on residential mortgages. However, Resimac also extends its expertise to specific areas of commercial finance, particularly in the commercial property lending space. While they may not offer the same breadth of general business asset finance products as Pepper Money, their commercial property offerings are competitive and cater to a specific market segment.

Key Offerings Include:

  • Commercial Property Loans: Resimac provides finance for the acquisition or refinancing of various commercial properties. This includes retail, industrial, and office properties. They typically target established businesses or investors with a clear track record in property investment.
  • Specialist Property Solutions: They may offer solutions for specific property types or scenarios that fall outside traditional bank lending.

Target Market & Flexibility:

Resimac’s commercial finance solutions are generally geared towards property investors and businesses looking to acquire or refinance commercial real estate. Their eligibility criteria tend to be more focused on the strength of the property, the borrower’s equity contribution, and their experience in property management or investment. While they offer flexibility compared to major banks, their appetite for general business asset finance or low-doc scenarios for equipment might be more limited than Pepper Money’s. Resimac leverages a strong broker network, ensuring businesses have expert guidance through their application process.

4. Pepper vs Resimac: A Direct Comparison

Understanding the nuances between Pepper Money and Resimac is key for Australian businesses seeking finance. While both are non-bank lenders, their core strengths and target markets differ significantly.

Feature Pepper Money Resimac
**Primary Focus** Asset Finance, Commercial Real Estate, Specialist Business Loans Residential Mortgages, Commercial Property Loans
**Target Market** Self-employed, SMEs, low-doc, complex credit, diverse industries Property investors, businesses acquiring commercial real estate
**Product Range** Broad: Chattel Mortgages, Hire Purchase, Commercial Real Estate, Business Loans Focused: Commercial Property Loans
**Eligibility** Flexible, "real-life lending," considers alternative income More traditional for commercial property, strong emphasis on property asset and equity
**Rates (Indicative)** Typically 8-18%+ p.a. (asset finance) Often competitive for specific commercial property niches
**Application Speed** Generally fast for asset finance, efficient processing Efficient for commercial property, broker-driven
**Broker Network** Extensive Extensive

This comparison is for illustrative purposes only. Actual product availability, features, rates, and eligibility criteria are subject to change and individual lender assessment. Loan Phone recommends comparing options based on your specific needs.

5. When to Choose Pepper Money for Your Business

Pepper Money often stands out as the preferred choice for Australian businesses in several scenarios:

  • Diverse Asset Finance Needs: If your business requires finance for a range of equipment, vehicles, or machinery, from a single prime mover to a fleet of commercial vehicles, Pepper’s comprehensive asset finance products are highly competitive. This includes financing for both new and used equipment. You can explore a range of options through our Equipment Finance Australia guide.
  • Low-Doc or Non-Traditional Income: For self-employed individuals, sole traders, or businesses with complex financial structures that struggle with traditional bank documentation, Pepper’s flexible approach to income verification is a significant advantage. They are a strong option for Low-Doc Business Loans.
  • Challenging Credit History: Businesses with minor credit blemishes or a shorter trading history may find Pepper more accommodating than major banks, as they look beyond just credit scores to assess overall business viability.
  • Fast Approvals for Equipment: When you need equipment quickly to seize an opportunity or maintain operations, Pepper’s efficient processing for asset finance can be highly beneficial.

For businesses that require flexibility and a lender willing to understand their unique circumstances, Pepper Money represents a robust alternative to traditional bank lending.

6. When to Choose Resimac for Your Business

While Pepper Money covers a broad spectrum of business finance, Resimac shines in specific areas, making it an excellent choice for:

  • Commercial Property Acquisition: If your primary need is to purchase, refinance, or develop commercial real estate, Resimac offers focused and competitive solutions. This could include warehouses, office spaces, or retail premises.
  • Experienced Property Investors: Businesses or individuals with a proven track record in commercial property investment may find Resimac’s offerings well-suited to their portfolio expansion or refinancing needs.
  • Specific Niche Property Deals: For certain types of commercial properties or investment strategies, Resimac may have specialist products that offer favourable terms.

Resimac provides a strong solution for businesses whose core financing requirement revolves around commercial property. Their expertise in this area, combined with a strong broker network, ensures tailored support.

Choosing between non-bank lenders like Pepper Money and Resimac, or exploring other specialist options, can be complex. Each lender has unique eligibility criteria, rate structures, and product specialisations. This is where a modern comparison platform like Loan Phone becomes invaluable for Australian businesses.

Loan Phone combines streamlined online comparison with specialist broker expertise, offering several advantages:

  • Access to 100+ Lenders: We provide access to a vast panel of lenders, including major banks, non-bank specialists like Pepper Money and Resimac, and niche financiers. This allows you to compare a wide range of Business Loans Australia simultaneously.
  • Personalised Options: Our platform helps you see personalised finance options tailored to your specific business profile, industry, and asset requirements, without impacting your credit score.
  • Specialist Broker Support: For complex scenarios, low-doc applications, or when you need expert guidance, our team of specialist brokers is available. We excel at securing “left-of-centre” solutions that traditional banks might decline. Discover more about Non-Bank Lenders Australia and how we can help.
  • Efficient Processing: We streamline the application process with digital document handling, ensuring efficiency and potentially faster approval and settlement times compared to going direct to individual lenders.

Whether you’re looking for Asset Finance Australia for new machinery or a Chattel Mortgage Australia for a commercial vehicle, Loan Phone simplifies the comparison process, helping you make an informed decision for your business.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Pepper Money and Resimac for business finance? +

Pepper Money primarily focuses on a broad range of asset finance and specialist business loans, often catering to low-doc or complex scenarios. Resimac, while also a non-bank lender, has a stronger focus on commercial property finance solutions for businesses and investors.

Do non-bank lenders like Pepper Money and Resimac offer lower interest rates than major banks? +

Non-bank lenders typically offer more flexible eligibility criteria and faster processing, but their indicative interest rates may be slightly higher than those offered by major banks to prime borrowers. Rates usually range from 8-18%+ p.a. in 2026, depending on your business's risk profile and the specific loan product.

Can I get a low-doc business loan from Pepper Money? +

Yes, Pepper Money is well-known for its flexible lending criteria and is a strong option for businesses seeking low-doc business loans, particularly for asset finance. They consider alternative income verification and look beyond traditional financial statements. See our guide on Low-Doc Business Loans for more information.

Is Resimac a good option for financing business equipment? +

Resimac's primary commercial focus is on property finance. While they may have some general commercial loan products, Pepper Money typically offers a broader and more specialised range of asset finance solutions for business equipment and vehicles.

How quickly can I get finance through a comparison platform like Loan Phone? +

Initial credit decisions for straightforward applications through Loan Phone's streamlined platform may be provided within 24-48 hours. Complete settlement timeframes vary based on documentation execution speed, lender assessment, and vendor coordination, but our process is designed for maximum efficiency.

What types of assets can Pepper Money finance? +

Pepper Money can finance a wide variety of business assets, including commercial vehicles (trucks, vans, utes), construction equipment (excavators, loaders), agricultural machinery, manufacturing equipment, and even office fit-outs.

9. Get Specialist Business Finance for Your Business

Ready to explore Pepper vs Resimac and other specialist finance options?

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1. Fast Online Comparison See personalised options from 100+ lenders

2. Specialist Support Available Expert guidance when you need it

3. Efficient Processing Streamlined process with digital document handling

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Need expert guidance on your business finance application? Email: loans@loanphone.com.au Website: www.loanphone.com.au



Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and should not be relied upon as financial or tax advice. Rates, terms, and eligibility vary by lender and individual circumstances. Tax benefits are subject to your specific business structure and circumstances. Always seek independent professional advice from a qualified accountant and financial adviser before making financing decisions.

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Last updated: 2026-02-14

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Pepper Money Resimac non-bank lenders business finance asset finance commercial property Australia