Simplifying bank guarantees for Australian businesses
For many business tenants, securing a commercial lease can feel unnecessarily complex. Lengthy processes, branch visits, and paperwork often push tenants toward cash bonds or delayed lease approvals. And when terms change, guarantees often need to be reissued or amended – adding more friction where there shouldn't be.
In short: securing a bank guarantee with an incumbent bank can often act more like an obstacle than enabler.
At Avenue Bank, we believe lease security should work for tenants, not against them. Our bank guarantee solution takes a fundamentally different approach. As a fully licensed, APRA- regulated bank, we operate a secure, digital –first platform that lets tenants complete the entire guarantee process online – in under 24 hours.
Here’s how we stack up - and why many tenants are making the switch.
Case study: How Docmosis protected their lease security the smart way
When software company Docmosis needed to secure their commercial lease, they turned to Avenue Bank for their bank guarantee. Graham Hughes, Docmosis CEO, said:
I had needed a bank guarantee only once before, in a previous business... and I avoided it. In my initial research with our bank at the time, it looked like a long and complicated process. As we were leasing from the owner... we ended up agreeing on giving them 2 months' rent-in-advance and we promised to always stay 2 months ahead. They thought that was reasonable. It was less than what they wanted in a BG, but if we were going to have cash tied up it seemed like a better option. Well... the owner went into administration and my rent-in-advance was lost. I had to end up paying for 2 of those months all over again. Cost me about $10K.
That experience exposed the hidden risk of cash deposits: When funds are handed to a landlord, so does control and protection.
Learning from that earlier experience, Graham decided to use Avenue Bank to ensure that Docmosis's lease security worked for them - not against them.
With an Avenue Bank digital bank guarantee, they could:
Protect their lease security through an enforceable, bank-backed instrument.
Obtain their bank guarantee online in under 24 hours.
Reduce risk by choosing a simple and government backed bank guarantee solution.
For Docmosis, it meant peace of mind and protection against the kind of loss they’d experienced.
What sets Avenue Bank Guarantees apart
We’ve redesigned the bank guarantee experience to ensure simplicity and a seamless process for tenants – without compromising protection, compliance or legitimacy.
1. A real bank, a real bank guarantee – just delivered digitally.
Avenue Bank issues a true bank guarantee – not an alternative financial product. As a fully licensed bank, our bank guarantees meet all standard legal requirements.
The only difference? Our entire process - from start to finish - is digital first, making it faster, simpler and more transparent. You can apply, sign and submit your guarantee online in under 24 hours.
2. Flexibility for real-world commercial leases
Leases aren’t static. Rent reviews, extensions, tenant improvements are a part of doing business. Avenue Bank Guarantees are built to adapt, without restarting the entire process – saving time and reducing disruptions.
3. Trusted & fully regulated
As a fully licensed, APRA-regulated bank covered by the Financial Claims Scheme, Avenue operates a secure, digital-first platform that lets customers complete the entire process online – with the added security of a government backed bank.
4. Transparency & predictability
We offer straightforward eligibility throughout the guarantee process - a valid ABN or ACN for corporate trustees is all that’s required. And no hidden charges. No lengthy credit assessments. And yes – your funds continue to earn interest while secured.
Who benefits most?
Businesses with fluctuating leases - Retail tenants, franchises, pop-ups, or any tenant with uncertainty benefit from flexibility.
Tenants seeking convenience and accessibility - Everything can be managed online, so there’s no need to visit a branch. Apply, manage and access your bank guarantees anytime, anywhere.
Businesses managing multiple leases - If you’re managing multiple properties, having an agile bank guarantee instrument reduces administrative burden – and gives you a centralised control over lease security.
If you’re approaching a lease renewal, entering a new lease, and simply tired of dealing with outdated banking systems, now is the time to consider a smarter and safer alternative.
A true bank guarantee – minus the friction.
Contact Avenue Bank today to explore how bank guarantee solution can put you back in control.
Find out more here.
Avenue Bank Ltd ABN 24 628 073 085, AFSL 520239, is authorised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) to operate an Authorised Deposit-taking Institution. This information is of a general nature only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek independent financial advice and read the relevant terms and conditions and relevant product documents prior to making a decision.
Avenue Bank acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.