Judo Bank Home Loans: The 2026 Review

Judo Bank, officially known as Judo Capital Holdings Limited, was founded in 2018 in Melbourne, Victoria. It emerged as a response to the growing need for more personalised banking services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Australia. Initially launched as Judo Capital, the bank secured over $140 million in capital, marking a significant milestone as the largest capital raise for an Australian startup at the time. Upon receiving its banking licence, it rebranded to Judo Bank and quickly achieved Unicorn status in 2020 with a valuation exceeding $1 billion.

Today, Judo Bank is recognised as a leading neobank in Australia, operating with a digital-first approach while maintaining physical branches. It is publicly listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) and is known for its strong net interest margin and relationship-focused service model. Unlike the traditional Big 4 banks, Judo Bank differentiates itself by offering personalised services and competitive interest rates, specifically targeting the SME sector.

Judo Bank's primary market focus is on small and medium-sized enterprises across Australia. By leveraging broker relationships, the bank effectively generates business volumes and maintains a strong presence in the SME lending sector. Its value proposition lies in its commitment to providing personalised engagement and tailored financial solutions, positioning itself as a challenger to the larger, more traditional banks.

• Legal Name: Judo Capital Holdings Limited
• ABN: 11615995581
• ACN: 615995581
• Established: 2018
• Headquarters: Melbourne, Victoria
• Type: Public Company
• Ownership: Independent

• Website: https://www.judo.bank

Judo Bank offers a range of flexible home loan features designed to meet the diverse needs of Australian borrowers, providing options for both variable and fixed interest rates with a focus on personalised service.

• Variable Rate Facilities: Available on all products, Judo Bank offers variable rate facilities that allow borrowers to benefit from potential interest rate decreases, providing flexibility and potential cost savings.
• Unlimited Additional Repayments: For variable rate facilities, borrowers can make unlimited additional repayments, helping to reduce the loan term and interest paid over time. Fixed rate facilities allow up to $20,000 in additional repayments annually, offering some flexibility while maintaining rate certainty.
• Choice of Interest Rate: Borrowers can choose between variable and fixed interest rates, tailoring their loan to suit financial goals and risk tolerance. This choice provides flexibility in managing potential interest rate fluctuations.
• Flexible Repayment Options: Available on all products, borrowers can select from principal and interest or interest-only repayments, with options for weekly, fortnightly, monthly, or quarterly payments. This flexibility helps align loan repayments with personal cash flow needs.
• Fixed Rate Period: A fixed rate period is available for added certainty, allowing borrowers to lock in their interest rate and protect against potential rate increases, ensuring predictable repayment amounts.
• Personalised Service: Judo Bank emphasises a relationship-focused approach, offering personalised service that differentiates it from larger banks. This can lead to more tailored financial solutions and a better customer experience.

Judo Bank maintains a straightforward fee structure, emphasising transparency and clarity for borrowers. While some fees are standard across products, others may vary, reflecting the bank's focus on personalised service.

• Application Fee: $900 - A one-time fee charged when applying for a loan, applicable to most products.
• Valuation Fee: Varies by product - Covers the cost of property valuation, with fees differing based on the property's location and value.
• Settlement Fee: $0-$500 - Charged for processing the settlement of the loan, with variations depending on the loan type.
• Annual Package Fee: $300 (Annual) - An annual fee for maintaining loan packages that include additional features or benefits.
• Monthly Account Keeping Fee: $0-$20 (Monthly) - A recurring fee for managing the loan account, which may vary depending on the specific product.
• Discharge Fee: $200-$300 - A fee charged when the loan is fully paid out and the mortgage is discharged, varying by product.
• Variation Fee: $250 - Applies when making changes to the loan terms, such as switching from a variable to a fixed rate.
• Rate Lock Fee: 0.15% of loan amount - Optional fee to lock in a fixed interest rate before settlement, calculated as a percentage of the loan amount.

Judo Bank caters primarily to Australian borrowers, focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a personalised approach. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify for their home loan products.

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents.
• Stable income and employment history are required to demonstrate repayment capability.
• A satisfactory credit history is necessary, with no recent defaults or bankruptcies.
• A minimum deposit of 5% may be required, potentially higher depending on the loan type and property value.
• Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) should generally not exceed 80% without Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

• LMI is required for loans with an LVR above 80%.
• First home buyers may have access to specific programs or incentives.
• Guarantor options might be available to assist with deposit requirements.