What is trade finance?

Trade finance is short-term working capital finance to support both domestic and cross-border trade transactions. It’s used by businesses to finance their trade activities and bridge the funding gap between buying stock and receipt of payment from their customers.

Benefits of NAB Trade Finance

We provide finance solutions which are tailored to fit the short-term working capital needs of import, export and domestic trading businesses. You can use NAB Trade Finance solutions to help manage risks, improve liquidity, and support your customer relationships.

Short term finance solution

Bridge the gap between incoming and outgoing payments to keep your business running smoothly.

Flexible credit options for your buyers and sellers

Ability to offer extended credit terms to buyers or pay suppliers early if needed.

Improved cash flow

Extra liquidity to grow your business and catch business opportunities.

Payment terms tailored to your business

Payment terms that align with your trading cycle, from 7 days to 180 days.

Access to experts

Our Trade and Working Capital Team are here to help you understand your cash flow cycles and challenges; helping you find the right solution for your business.

Finance in Australian dollars or another major foreign currency

We have options to suit your business operations whether you're trading internationally or domestically.

Our interest rates and fees explained

  • Interest rates are based on the currency of each drawing.

  • Interest is calculated daily and charged in arrears on the maturity date of each drawing.

  • The amount of each drawing, including fees and interest, is debited from your nominated working account on the maturity date.

  • Prepayment options are available but fees and economic cost may apply.

How trade finance works

Whether you're buying or selling goods, trade finance helps bridge the gap and provides valuable working capital for your business.

Importers

  1. You order goods from a supplier in Australia or overseas.

  2. You receive the supplier's invoice and send it to us.

  3. We provide finance for you to pay the supplier's invoice.

  4. You receive the goods and use or on-sell them.

  5. You pay us the invoice amount.

Exporters

  1. You receive an order from a customer in Australia or overseas.

  2. We provide you with the finance needed to manufacture the order.

  3. Goods are shipped to the customer.

  4. The customer pays you for the order.

  5. You repay us for finance.

Trade finance

Applying for NAB Trade Finance

Here's a quick look at how to apply and receive your finance.

Step 1. Choose the right option

Choose the right finance to suit your business needs. If you're unsure, talk to us over the phone or in person with your local NAB business banker.

Step 2. Apply

You can apply over the phone or in person with your local NAB business banker. Check what documents you need to apply.

Step 3. Sign the documents

Once approval is sorted, we'll send you the completed documents to sign and return.

Step 4. Receive your finance

Receive your finance once all documents are received and approved.

Ready to apply?

Discover how a Trade and Working Capital specialist can help your business.

Request a call back

Other options to consider

Haven't found what you're looking for? Here are a few other business loan options that might suit your business.

NAB Invoice and Debtor Finance

NAB Invoice Finance gives you quick and easy access to money owed by customers and helps with fluctuations in your cash flow.

Business car and equipment finance

Find the right finance solution for your vehicle and equipment needs.

International and foreign exchange

If you’re in the business of importing or exporting, our foreign currency accounts, international payment options and trade finance can all help.

Help and support

We have a range of useful guides and tools to help you manage your business banking.

Other ways we can help

Use our help guides, FAQs and other support services to help you manage your banking more easily.

View our help and support hub

Get in touch

Sales enquiries

Let us help with your business banking needs. Request a call back to chat with one of our business bankers.

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Contact us

Visit our Trade and Working Capital contact page.

View contact details

Visit a NAB business banking centre

Let our business banking specialists help you in person.

Find a NAB business banking centre

Terms and Conditions

Lending criteria and terms and conditions apply (available on application).

Target Market Determinations for these products are available at nab.com.au/TMD.

NAB recommends you consider the Product Disclosure Statement or other disclosure document, available from NAB, before making any decisions regarding these products. These products are issued by National Australia Bank Limited ABN 12 004 044 937.