Broker vs Bank vs
Dealer Finance.
Three lender pathways. One table. Side-by-side comparison of independent broker, bank and dealer finance across the dimensions that actually matter — panel size, structure flexibility, specialist appetite, hidden margin and approval speed.
Bank · Independent Broker · Dealer Finance.
Most Australian operators end up financing equipment through one of three pathways. Each one fits different situations. Here’s how they compare on the dimensions that affect speed, cost, structure and lender fit.
| Feature | Bank | Broker | Dealer Finance |
|---|---|---|---|
Lender panel size How many lenders the deal can be shopped to | 1 (own product) | 40+ lenders | 1–2 captive lenders |
Specialist desk Industry-specific equipment finance experience | ✗ | ✓ | ⚬ |
Independent recommendation Recommendation reflects fit, not allegiance | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
Fast approval (sub-$100K) 24-hour conditional approval target | ⚬ | ✓ | ✓ |
Used equipment finance Specialist appetite for non-new assets | ⚬ | ✓ | ✗ |
Private sale finance Operator-to-operator sales | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
Imported equipment Cross-border + import-lane assets | ✗ | ✓ | ⚬ |
Structure flexibility Balloon, seasonal, contract-aligned, multi-asset | ⚬ | ✓ | ✗ |
Negotiable rate Rate moves based on competitive tension | ✗ | ✓ | ⚬ |
Coordinated settlement Works with the equipment seller on timing | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
Hidden margin in rate Rate may subsidise commission or asset margin | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
Existing relationship leverages Strong if you already bank there | ✓ | ⚬ | ✗ |
When each pathway wins.
Bank
Best when you have a long-standing relationship and a textbook deal — new asset, standard category, strong balance sheet history, no structure complexity.
Broker
Best for specialist asset classes, used/imported equipment, contract-aligned structures, growth structuring, multi-asset facilities, or operators who want competitive tension across a lender panel.
Dealer Finance
Best for fast, straightforward sub-$100K deals on standard assets where convenience outweighs structure flexibility — and where the rate hasn’t been padded with hidden margin.
Other finance decisions worth understanding.
Chattel Mortgage vs Equipment Lease
Ownership, tax, balance sheet and GST differences. Which structure fits long-hold operators vs regular upgraders.
New vs Used Equipment Finance
Acquisition cost vs total cost of ownership. When new pays for itself and when used is the smarter capital allocation.
Private Sale vs Dealer Sale
Cheaper acquisition vs cleaner finance pathway. When operator-to-operator beats dealer, and when it doesn’t.
Walk the comparison on a planning call.
We’ll help you understand which pathway fits your hold-period, your structure requirements and the work the machine will do — and what operators in similar positions chose.