What is an operating lease?

An operating lease is a financial arrangement where a business rents equipment or assets for a set period without taking on ownership. The lessor retains ownership of the asset and bears the residual value risk. At the end of the term, the asset is typically returned - making it ideal for businesses that need flexibility and want to avoid the risks associated with owning depreciating assets.

What is the difference between an operating lease and a finance lease?

The key difference is who bears the risks and rewards of ownership. With an operating lease, the lessor retains the asset's residual value risk and often includes maintenance - it functions more like a rental. With a finance lease, most risks and rewards transfer to your business, and you typically have options to purchase the asset at the end. Operating leases often have higher monthly payments but leave you with no end-of-term obligations.

What types of assets can be acquired through an operating lease?

Operating leases can cover a broad range of business assets including vehicles (cars, vans, trucks), IT equipment and computers, office furniture and electronics, medical and healthcare devices, industrial machinery, and construction equipment. They are particularly popular for assets that depreciate quickly or require regular upgrades.

Are operating lease payments tax deductible in Australia?

Operating lease payments are generally fully tax deductible as a business expense in Australia, since the lessee does not take ownership of the asset. This can reduce your overall tax liability. The specific tax treatment depends on how the lease is structured and your business's circumstances - we recommend discussing the tax implications with your accountant before proceeding.

What happens at the end of an operating lease?

At the end of an operating lease, you typically return the asset to the lessor. Because the lessor retains the residual value risk, your business is not responsible for the asset's market value at term end. You may also have the option to extend the lease term or upgrade to a newer model - giving your business maximum flexibility.

5.0 · 70+ Google Reviews99.92% approval rate

Operating Lease.

You need the equipment in service, not the depreciation risk on your books. An operating lease gives your business access to vehicles, machinery, and technology with fixed payments and no ownership obligation - return it at term end, upgrade to the latest model, or extend. Co-Pilot Finance & Insurance sources the right structure across 60+ lenders.

No impact to your credit score

Approval in 24-48 hours

Get a free quote

Won't affect your credit score.

What can we help you with?

95%Approval Rate

0+Lenders on Panel

24–48hrTypical Approval

0+Businesses Helped

Our Solutions

Operating lease solutions - vehicles, equipment and technology for Australian businesses

Whether you need vehicles, equipment, technology, or industrial assets - we structure the right operating lease for your business with flexible terms and competitive rates.

Equipment Leasing

Access the machinery and tools your business needs without hefty upfront investment. Benefit from up-to-date equipment, maintain your competitive edge, and return or upgrade at term end.

Vehicle Leasing

Tailored vehicle leasing solutions for businesses needing a single car or an entire fleet. Enjoy lower costs and flexibility to adapt as your business needs change.

Technology Leasing

Stay ahead with the latest technology through flexible leasing for computers, servers, software, and devices - without the financial strain of ownership or the risk of obsolescence.

Office Equipment Leasing

From copiers to furniture, keep your workspace fully functional and modern. Upgrade your office efficiently and economically without committing capital to depreciating assets.

Medical Equipment Leasing

Healthcare providers gain access to essential medical devices and diagnostic equipment without the high costs of purchase - maintaining clinical standards without capital strain.

Industrial Equipment Leasing

Access heavy machinery and industrial tools necessary for large-scale operations. Enhance productivity and growth potential without the obligations and risks of ownership.

Run The Numbers

Calculate your operating lease repayments

Enter your loan details

I want to borrow…

I'd like to repay the loan in…

Interest rate

Estimated monthly repayment

$1,894.05

Example interest rate8.50% p.a.

Total interest$8,186

Total repayments$68,186

No impact to your credit score

Estimates only, based on the example rate and the figures you enter. Assumes a fixed-rate principal & interest loan over the full term. Your actual rate, structure and repayments will depend on your circumstances and the lender, so get in touch for a tailored quote.

Asset Types

What assets can you lease - and which benefit most from an operating lease

Operating leases are versatile and cover a wide range of business assets - particularly suited to assets that depreciate quickly, require regular upgrades, or where your business benefits from not carrying ownership risk.

Machinery & industrial equipment

Office furniture & electronics

Medical & healthcare devices

Vehicles for business use

Technological devices & software

Construction & agricultural equipment

Eligibility Requirements

Established Business: Must be an established business with a clear operational need for the leased assets.

Credit History: A favourable credit history is required to qualify for competitive operating lease terms.

Financial Statements: Provide recent financial statements to demonstrate business stability and repayment capacity.

Clear Lease Purpose: Clearly outline the intended business use of the leased asset in your application.

Legal Documentation: Complete necessary legal paperwork to formalise the lease agreement and asset terms.

How to Apply

How to get an operating lease - from first call to asset delivery

Applying for an operating lease with Co-Pilot Finance & Insurance is efficient and straightforward. Our team guides you from first enquiry through to asset delivery.

Tell us what you need

Let us know the assets, quantities, and term length your business requires.

We source your best options

We go to 60+ lenders and lessors to find the most competitive structure for your asset type.

We manage your application

We prepare your file, handle lender communication, and keep you updated throughout.

We finalise your terms

We negotiate the payment structure, residual, and end-of-term options on your behalf.

Take delivery and put it to work

Assets delivered and in service - with ongoing support for the full lease term.

Key Benefits

Operating lease benefits - why businesses choose to lease instead of buy

Cost-Effective Asset Acquisition

Leasing allows businesses to use high-value assets without large upfront costs - improving cash flow management and preserving capital for growth.

Flexibility to Upgrade

Operating leases provide the flexibility to upgrade or change equipment as business needs evolve - ensuring you always have the latest and most effective tools.

Tax Benefits

Operating lease payments are generally fully tax deductible as a business expense, reducing your overall tax burden and enhancing your financial position.

Preserve Capital

By leasing instead of purchasing, businesses can preserve capital for other critical investments - staffing, inventory, marketing, and expansion.

Maintenance and Support

Many operating lease agreements include maintenance and support, ensuring assets remain in optimal condition without additional costs or management burden.

Operational Efficiency

Leasing ensures your business has access to the necessary equipment to operate at full capacity - enhancing productivity and efficiency across your operations.

Why Co-Pilot

Why Co-Pilot for operating lease - not just any broker

We work for you, not the lender

Co-Pilot is an independent broker. We're not aligned with any single lessor - so we find the structure that suits your business, not the one that suits our margins.

Lender relationships that open doors

With access to 60+ lenders and lessors, we can place deals that direct applications miss - especially for specialist asset classes or businesses with complex structures.

Honest advice on operating vs. finance lease

The difference between these two structures has real tax and balance sheet consequences. We tell you which one actually fits before you sign - not after.

Clear communication, no surprises

We keep you informed at every step. You'll know what's been submitted, what's been approved, and what the terms mean - before you commit to anything.

Hear What Our Clients Are Saying

“I had an excellent experience with Sarah. She guided me through the finance process for my Honda Fit and made everything simple and transparent from start to finish. The approval was fast, and her customer service was genuinely the best I’ve experienced. She took the time to explain my options, answered all my questions, and made sure everything went through smoothly. I really appreciated her professionalism and friendly approach. Highly recommend her if you’re looking for finance support.”

Dinith G

FAQ

Operating lease FAQ - common questions answered

Free consultation - no obligation

Need the asset without the
ownership risk?

Tell us what your business needs to run. We'll find the right operating lease terms across 60+ lenders and get it delivered.

Get My Lease Options Call Us Now