Fleet Finance Structures Compared
The right structure depends on whether you want to own the vehicles, how you plan to use them and how you want cash flow to work. Alpha390 compares the main options for you:
| | Chattel mortgage | Hire purchase | Finance lease |
| Ownership | Your business owns the vehicle from the start, with the lender holding security | The finance company owns the vehicle until the final payment, then ownership transfers to you | The lender owns the vehicle and your business pays to use it |
| End of term | Pay off the balance or a balloon, then keep the vehicle | Make the final payment and own the vehicle | Options typically include returning, refinancing or buying the vehicle at its residual value |
| Balloon or residual | Optional balloon to lower repayments | Balloon may be available | Residual value set at the start |
| Often suits | Businesses that want to own and keep their vehicles | Businesses that want to own at the end of the term | Businesses that regularly replace vehicles |
Structure, GST and tax treatment depend on your business, so confirm the detail with your accountant. Planning a balloon? Try our balloon payment calculator.
Who Fleet Finance Suits
Fleet finance suits growing trades, sales teams, delivery and service fleets and businesses replacing vehicles on a cycle. It works from the first additional vehicle through to larger multi-vehicle fleets, and whether you buy from a dealer or a private seller, subject to lender criteria. Not sure what counts as a fleet? Read fleet cars for small business. Financing a single vehicle? See business car finance. Heavy vehicles? See truck fleet loans.
What You Commonly Need to Apply
- Business details: ABN and entity information, plus ID for directors or owners
- The vehicles you want to finance: dealer quotes, invoices or private sale details
- Recent business bank statements or BAS, or financials if you have them
- Details of any existing finance
Low-doc options may be available for eligible businesses without full financials. Requirements vary by lender and the vehicles involved. See also business car loan requirements.
How the Alpha390 Fleet Finance Process Works
- Tell us what you are financing and how the vehicles will be used.
- We compare lenders and structures and recommend the best fit.
- You apply online or by phone, and we manage the paperwork.
- Once approved, we work with you through to settlement.
Apply for fleet finance or call 1300 390 390.
What is fleet finance? Fleet finance is a facility that funds multiple business vehicles under one arrangement, simplifying management and reporting across the fleet.
How is it different from business car finance? Business car finance funds a single vehicle; fleet finance is structured for two or more vehicles, often with consolidated terms.
How many vehicles make a fleet? It varies by lender, but fleet arrangements typically start at two or more vehicles; some lenders set higher thresholds.
Can I mix cars, utes and trucks in one fleet? Often yes – many fleet facilities can combine vehicle types, subject to lender criteria.
Is fleet finance tax-deductible? Business-use portions may be deductible. This is general information only, not tax advice – confirm with your accountant.
Which fleet finance structure is best: chattel mortgage, hire purchase or lease? It depends on whether you want to own the vehicles, how you want to handle the end of the term and your cash flow. We compare the structures for your situation and recommend the best fit. Confirm tax and GST treatment with your accountant.
How quickly can I get fleet finance approved? Fast approval is available for eligible applicants, and having your documents ready helps. Timing depends on the lender, the vehicles and your business details, so we will tell you what to expect once we have reviewed your situation.
Do I need full financials to apply? Not always. Low-doc options may be available for eligible businesses, and we will explain what documents suit your situation. Requirements vary by lender.
Can I finance new and used vehicles in the same fleet? Often yes. Many lenders will finance a mix of new and used vehicles, subject to vehicle age, type and lender criteria.
Can I add vehicles to my fleet later? Yes, many businesses add vehicles as they grow. We can arrange finance for each additional vehicle or compare restructuring options as your fleet changes, subject to lender approval.