Business Loans Australia :: Articles

Co-Signing Loans - Risky Business

What are the risks of co-signing a loan?

Co-Signing Loans - Risky Business

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

There may come a time in your life when you are asked to co-sign for a loan or credit card. If this is the case, there are several things to consider before making a final decision. Technically, you are putting yourself at risk of damaging your own credit in the event that the loan goes unpaid.

The vast majority of individuals, seeking a co-signer fully intend to make timely payments. Unfortunately, good intentions are sometimes interrupted by unforeseen problems and situations.

Your Credit Rating

Typically, when you co-sign a loan it makes it more difficult to get credit yourself.

This is because lenders take into consideration the cosigned loan, when figuring out your debt ratio.

Depending on the size of the loan, it could very well put you over your limit.  If you are asked to co-sign a loan with an open line of credit, consider it very carefully before making any decision.

No Control

As the cosigner you will have no way of controlling the spending habits of the individual who will be making the purchases.

They could easily tell you they will only be spending $1000 when in reality they spend 10 times that much.

There are certain lenders who will agree to initially freezing a line of credit, if it is requested.

In this case scenario, there is less risk involved. In many cases cosigners are not notified until the loan actually defaults.

Business Loans Australia Weekly News Briefing

Podcast Cover Image This week: the RBA lifted the cash rate to about 4.85% on Tuesday, pushing up variable business borrowing costs. David Jones entered voluntary administration on Thursday, highlighting retail stress and supplier risk. A parliamentary inquiry is examining a proposed 30% minimum tax on discretionary trusts, with calls to grandfather firms under $10m turnover. And more SMEs plan Black Friday promotions, but many rely on credit for stock and lack margin discipline. Takeaways: refresh repayment estimates, tighten credit control, scenario‑plan trust structures, and model cash flow for sales events. Visit business‑loans.com.au for guides and calculators.

This obviously causes a problem, because it may be too late to rectify the situation.

It is wise to ask the lender if you will receive a duplicate statement or be given the ability to check payment status by phone.

If the answer is no, think twice before signing on the dotted line.

Before you Commit

Unfortunately, individuals who require a cosigner either have no credit or bad credit.

Although those with no credit history are probably more apt to make timely payments, there is still no way to be sure.

Individuals with bad credit may be prone to the same habits that resulted in a bad credit rating, in the first place.

When it comes right down to it, cosigning a loan is risky business, no matter how close you are to the borrower.

Before you commit yourself it is important to ask yourself if you can pay when your friend can't.

Published: Monday, 23rd Aug 2021
Author: 91

Rate this article

Sign in with Google to rate

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.


Business Loans Articles

Business Loan Borrowing Capacity and Repayment Capacity in Australia
Business Loan Borrowing Capacity and Repayment Capacity in Australia
Business loan borrowing capacity and repayment capacity in Australia are commonly assessed through cash flow, revenue, profitability, existing debts, loan purpose, security, credit history and supporting documents. Understanding these factors can help business owners prepare before applying for finance. - read more
Understanding Business Loan Terms and Conditions: A Guide for New Business Owners
Understanding Business Loan Terms and Conditions: A Guide for New Business Owners
Starting or growing a business often requires capital for equipment, stock, staffing, premises or day-to-day cash flow. Business loans can help fund those needs, but the details in the loan agreement determine how the finance works, what it may cost and what obligations the borrower accepts. - read more
What Happens If a Business Cannot Repay a Business Loan?
What Happens If a Business Cannot Repay a Business Loan?
Falling behind on a business loan can lead to arrears, fees, default action, enforcement against secured assets and potential claims under personal guarantees. This guide explains the main risks Australian business owners should understand and the practical steps to consider early. - read more
Business Loan Roadmap: From Application to Growth in Australia
Business Loan Roadmap: From Application to Growth in Australia
A business loan can support cash flow, equipment purchases, expansion, marketing or other planned investment. For Australian business owners, the process works best when borrowing needs, documentation, lender requirements and repayment capacity are considered before an application is submitted. - read more
How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Business Loan
How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Business Loan
Your credit score is a crucial factor that lenders examine when you apply for a loan. It acts as a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, helping lenders to determine the risk involved in offering you a loan. Essentially, it helps them predict your ability to repay the loan based on your past financial behaviour. - read more
How Business Loan Brokers Work in Australia
How Business Loan Brokers Work in Australia
A business loan broker can help Australian business owners understand finance options, prepare information and approach lenders, but they do not decide loan approval. This guide explains the broker process, what information may be requested, how brokers may be paid and what to check before using one. - read more
Business Loan Fees Explained: Understanding the Total Cost of Borrowing
Business Loan Fees Explained: Understanding the Total Cost of Borrowing
When comparing business loans, it's important to look beyond the interest rate and understand the range of fees and charges that may apply. Business loan costs can include establishment fees, ongoing account fees, early repayment fees and other charges that contribute to the total cost of borrowing. - read more

Finance News

SME Borrowing Rebound Puts Planning Ahead of Panic
SME Borrowing Rebound Puts Planning Ahead of Panic
04 Nov 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian SME borrowing activity appears to have regained momentum, with newly reported Banjo Loans Barometer data for the quarter to 30 September 2026 pointing to stronger loan applications, more loans drawn and a continued focus on cash buffers. The result is notable because it follows months of more cautious borrowing signals from parts of the small business market, and suggests many firms are not simply waiting for conditions to improve before reviewing their funding position. - read more
SMEs Turn to Non-Bank Funding as Investment Plans Hold Up
SMEs Turn to Non-Bank Funding as Investment Plans Hold Up
28 Oct 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian SMEs planning their next round of investment are increasingly looking beyond traditional bank funding, with new ScotPac SME Growth Index findings reported by Inside Small Business on 22 October 2026 showing non-bank finance has reached a record share of intended funding use. The result is a notable signal for business owners and finance managers: the question is no longer simply whether credit is available, but which structure best matches the timing, risk and cash flow profile of the business. - read more
Business Confidence Signals Put Loan Readiness Back in Focus
Business Confidence Signals Put Loan Readiness Back in Focus
16 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
Latest Australian business survey reporting is sending a practical message to owners and finance managers: trading conditions may be holding up in parts of the economy, but confidence remains fragile. For SMEs, that mix matters. When revenue is uneven, input costs are sticky and customers are cautious, the timing and structure of new borrowing can become just as important as the headline interest rate. - read more
Why ATO Interest Changes Matter for Business Borrowers
Why ATO Interest Changes Matter for Business Borrowers
09 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
A tax change now working through Australian business finances deserves close attention from owners, directors and finance managers. Since 1 July 2025, the ATO’s general interest charge and shortfall interest charge have no longer been tax-deductible. For businesses carrying overdue tax or correcting underpaid obligations, that can lift the effective after-tax cost of falling behind. - read more
Payday Super Puts Payroll Timing Under the Finance Microscope
Payday Super Puts Payroll Timing Under the Finance Microscope
02 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia’s move towards Payday Super is more than a compliance update for employers. For many small and medium-sized businesses, it changes the rhythm of payroll-related cash outflows and places a sharper focus on whether day-to-day liquidity is strong enough to meet obligations as they fall due. - read more
Specialist SME Lending Remains Open, But Discipline Matters
Specialist SME Lending Remains Open, But Discipline Matters
26 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Latest market reporting around specialist SME lender Judo Bank points to a business credit market that is not shutting down, but is becoming more deliberate. The lender’s continued focus on relationship-led lending, deposits and small to medium-sized business borrowers suggests demand for finance remains present among firms with clear plans and serviceable cash flow. - read more
Payment Timing Keeps Pressure on SME Working Capital
Payment Timing Keeps Pressure on SME Working Capital
19 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Fresh small business indicators are again pointing to a familiar challenge for Australian SMEs: trading activity may continue, but the timing of cash receipts is still creating pressure. Recent industry commentary has highlighted uneven payment behaviour, cautious customer spending and a more deliberate approach to investment among smaller firms. For owners and finance managers, that combination can make working capital planning just as important as sales growth. - read more
Click for more Finance News


Knowledgebase
Cost of Capital:
The required return necessary to make a capital budgeting project, such as building a new factory, worthwhile.