Advantedge Financial Services has long been the quiet force behind many popular home loan brands in Australia. As a wholesale lender owned by NAB, it provides funding through mortgage managers rather than directly to customers. With recent announcements about its closure to new lending in September 2025, it’s more important than ever to understand how Advantedge loans work, what’s changing, and whether this option still makes sense for your home loan journey.
Upcoming Changes To Advantedge Home Loans
Big changes are coming for Advantedge borrowers. The lender announced that it will stop accepting new loan applications after 30 September 2025.
If you already have an Advantedge loan, don’t panic. Your loan will continue under the current terms. However, in 2026, Advantedge loans will be transferred to NAB branded products.
This change means NAB will directly manage your home loan. For many borrowers, this could lead to better digital services and more flexible options.
Here’s what you need to know:
- No new loans after 30 Sept 2025. Brokers will no longer offer Advantedge products.
- Migration in 2026. Existing Advantedge loans will shift to NAB branding.
- Your repayments remain the same. Loan terms and repayments won’t suddenly change.
- Possible service improvements. NAB’s digital banking is more advanced than StarNet.
If you’re considering Advantedge now, weigh the short-term benefits against the upcoming transition. It may be smarter to compare other lenders to avoid uncertainty.
Table of Contents
What Are Advantedge Home Loans Like?
The top 5 things Advantedge are good at:
- It works closely with Mortgage brokers. Advantedge has built up its business model by acting as a wholesale funder for mortgage brokers. So if you’re considering working with a mortgage broker (chat with us!), then it is a great option to consider.
- Lower Interest Rates For Big Deposits. If you have a large deposit, consider yourself #winning because Advantedge offers lower interest rates for those with a hefty deposit lined up as they price based on the LVR, which can work out cheaper for some people.
- Very competitively priced LMI. They have one of the lowest LMI prices in the market (based on our test scenario below) and could save you a few thousand dollars if you have to pay LMI.
- First Home Buyers and Investors. Advantedge is a good option for first-home buyers and investors because it offers pretty competitive interest rates for P&I loans and some good options for interest-only repayments. But beware, they do not have very good transactional or offset facility options.
- Fully assessed pre-approvals. Unlike some banks and other lenders who do not give you a real pre-approval, Advantedge will do a fully assessed approval. In other words, a credit manager will go through your information and verify that you are truly pre-approved, giving you more confidence.
The Top 5 Things Advantedge Aren’t So Good At:
- Complex loans & Bad Credit. If you have a particular circumstance that doesn’t meet standard bank policy, you may struggle to work with Advantedge as they have fairly rigid credit strategies. Also, if you have a bad credit history, getting a home loan approval could be difficult.
- Internet banking. The feedback from reviews and reports shows that Advantedge’s (and Connective Essential Home Loans) internet banking facility is extremely basic. You only have access to their account via their system, StarNet, and you will struggle to make large transfers to and from this account.
- Branch access. Another downside of Advantedge is that you won’t have access to a branch because they work through other banks. So if you enjoy waltzing into your branch with a whole list of questions, this one isn’t for you.
- The mortgage manager sets interest rates. Even though you’re lending through Advantedge, unfortunately, your chosen mortgage manager will have the final say on the interest rates. You’ll have to pay attention to the changes and fluctuations by your mortgage manager, not Advantedge.
- No offset accounts. Being a mortgage manager, its home loan products are a little restricted compared to many other banks. All you have is a really basic internet banking facility, a redraw facility and no offset account. This might not work for everyone.
What Are The Different Home Loan Products They Offer?
As we mentioned before, Advantedge will cease accepting new loan applications on 30 September 2025. However, prior to this change, Advantedge provided a range of home loan products through various white-label brands. These products included:
- Variable Rate Loans: Offering flexibility with interest rates that can change over time.
- Fixed Rate Loans: Providing stability with interest rates locked in for a set period.
- Combo Loans: Combining both fixed and variable rates to balance flexibility and stability.
These loan products were marketed under different brand names, but the underlying product remained consistent across all platforms. The brands under which these products were offered included:
- AFG Home Loans – Edge
- Connective Home Loans – Essentials
- Choicelend
- Connective Home Loans – Advantedge Products
It’s important to note that Advantedge no longer offers these products, and any existing loans will be transitioned to NAB-branded home loans in 2026. If you’re considering home loan options, it’s advisable to explore current offerings from other lenders.
What Documents Does Advantedge Need For A Home Loan?
Advantedge’s application checklist is fairly standard compared to most banks. Assuming you are a salaried employee purchasing your first home, they would ask for the following documents.
If PAYG:
- Two of the three most recent computer-generated payslips, and at least ONE of the following:
- 3 months’ personal bank statements from a financial institution showing regular salary credit
- Australian PAYG Payment Summary for the most recent financial year
- ATO tax return for the most recent financial year
- Current employment contract OR letter from employer
- 100-point identification form and copies of supporting documents
- Verification of any rental income or other income
Plus, if self-employed:
- ATO Tax Returns and ATO Tax Assessment Notices for the last two financial years for both individuals, business entities, companies or trusts, including balance sheet and profit and loss statements
And for companies and trusts:
- ATO Tax Returns and ATO Tax Assessment Notices for the last two financial years, including balance sheet and profit and loss statements
- ATO Tax Returns and ATO Tax Assessment Notices for directors/guarantors for the last two financial years
(You can also check out Advantedge’s application form, which includes the document checklist on page 2.)
Read More: Home Loan Process [Step-by-step guide]
How Much Does LMI Cost With Advantedge?
Lenders Mortgage Insurance is much cheaper with Advantedge compared to other lenders in the market.
Read More: Calculate your LMI Costs using our LMI Calculator.
Digital Services And Online Banking (StarNet Explained)
Managing your Advantedge loan is different from a major bank. Instead of full internet banking, you’ll use StarNet, a simple online portal.
StarNet allows you to:
- View balances and transactions.
- Download or view loan statements.
- Make redraws from eligible accounts.
- Change repayment frequency in some cases.
While these features cover the basics, StarNet feels limited compared to NAB, CBA, or ANZ. Borrowers often describe it as clunky and outdated.
The biggest drawback is that StarNet is not a full banking system. You cannot link multiple accounts, make large transfers, or access everyday banking tools.
For tech-savvy borrowers who want slick apps and full mobile banking, StarNet may feel frustrating. However, if you only want simple loan management, it gets the job done.
Fees and Hidden Costs You Should Know About
When comparing home loans, interest rates tell only half the story. Fees can quietly add thousands to your total cost. Advantedge is no exception.
Here are the key fees you should check:
- Application fee. Charged when you set up the loan.
- Settlement fee. Covers admin and legal processing.
- Ongoing service fee. May apply for account maintenance.
- Redraw fee. Some redraws attract a small charge.
- Break costs. Significant if you exit a fixed loan early.
- Discharge fee. Applies when you close or refinance the loan.
Not all mortgage managers charge the same fees, even if Advantedge is the funder. This makes it harder to compare without expert help.
Always confirm the fee schedule with your broker. A slightly lower rate may not be worth it if fees wipe out your savings.
If you want to avoid surprises, ask your broker to provide a full breakdown of costs before you sign. Transparency matters, and it can save you money in the long run.
What Are Some Advantedge Customer Reviews?
Advantedge has faced significant criticism over the years, particularly regarding customer service and operational efficiency.
Customer Satisfaction Ratings
Advantedge currently holds a 1.5 out of 5 stars rating on ProductReview.com.au, based on over 120 genuine reviews. (ProductReview.com.au) Common themes in these reviews include:
- Poor Customer Service: Many customers report long wait times, unresponsive communication channels, and difficulty reaching knowledgeable staff.
- Operational Inefficiencies: Issues such as delayed settlements, errors in account management, and challenges with online banking platforms have been frequently mentioned.
- Lack of Transparency: Borrowers have expressed concerns about unclear documentation and inconsistent information provided by Advantedge.
Real Customer Experiences
Here are some excerpts from recent reviews:
- “They don’t even know how to set up an automatic withdrawal. Had to try it 3 times and spoke to 10 people. How stressful!” – Shari, WA
- “Worst customer service and internet banking product I’ve ever experienced. Inconsistent responses on product knowledge. Ambiguous documentation and advice.” – K Smith, NSW
- “Just don’t do it. Worst customer service and internet banking product I’ve ever experienced.” – Brett G., NSW
While Advantedge offered competitive interest rates and was a viable option for borrowers with substantial deposits, the consistent negative feedback regarding customer service and operational issues suggests that it may not be the best choice for all borrowers. As Advantedge transitions its existing loans to NAB-branded products in 2026, prospective borrowers should consider these factors when evaluating their home loan options.
Advantedge Home Loan FAQs
What happens to my Advantedge loan after 2025?
Advantedge will stop accepting new loan applications after 30 September 2025. Existing customers will continue under the same loan terms. In 2026, loans will be migrated to NAB branded products.
Can I manage my Advantedge loan online?
Yes, you can manage your loan through the StarNet portal. It allows you to view balances, access statements, and make redraws. However, it lacks the advanced features of standard internet banking.
Are Advantedge loans available directly to customers?
No, Advantedge does not lend directly to the public. Its loans are only available through mortgage brokers. These are usually offered under white-label brands like AFG Home Loans or Connective Essentials.
Which bank owns Advantedge?
Advantedge is owned by National Australia Bank (NAB). NAB purchased it more than 25 years ago. Today, Advantedge operates as NAB’s wholesale funding arm.
How secure is Advantedge?
Advantedge follows NAB’s strict compliance and security standards. Borrower information is protected under Australian banking regulations. Customers also access accounts through a secure online system, StarNet.
How Does Advantedge Compare To Other Banks?
When choosing a home loan, it’s natural to wonder how Advantedge stacks up against the big banks and credit unions. The reality is that each lender has unique strengths and weaknesses. The best choice depends on your goals, borrowing capacity, and the type of property you’re buying.
Key Differences at a Glance
Feature | Advantedge | Big Banks (e.g. CBA, Westpac, ANZ) | Credit Unions & Mutuals |
Interest Rates | Often sharper, wholesale-style rates | Competitive, but sometimes higher due to brand & branch network | Usually competitive, sometimes lower than banks |
Loan Products | Focused range of simple, flexible loans | Wide range including packages, offsets, specialty loans | More limited options compared to big banks |
Customer Service | Accessed via your mortgage broker | Direct branches, online & call centres | Community-focused, often more personalised |
Approval Speed | Can be quicker when lodged through broker channels | Can be slower due to internal processes | Moderate — depends on institution size |
Features | Standard features like redraw & extra repayments | Full features (offset accounts, multiple splits, package discounts) | Varies, often fewer advanced features |
Accessibility | Exclusively through mortgage brokers | Direct to customer via branches & brokers | Usually available directly, sometimes via brokers |
What This Means for You
- If you want lower rates and a straightforward loan: Advantedge can be an excellent option, especially if you’re working with a broker who can manage the process.
- If you need complex features like multiple offset accounts or package discounts: The big banks may be a better fit.
- If you prefer a community-driven lender with personal service: A credit union could offer the right balance.
At the end of the day, the “best” lender will come down to your circumstances — your deposit size, income, property type, and whether you prioritise lowest rate, flexibility, or service.
Next Steps And Getting Your Home Loan
Our team at Hunter Galloway is here to help you buy a home in Australia. Unlike other mortgage brokers who are just one person operations, we have an entire team of experts dedicated to help make your home loan journey as simple as possible.
If you want to get started, please give us a call on 1300 088 065 or book a free assessment online to see how we can help.
More Resources For Homebuyers:
Disclaimer: Information is current as of 18 September 2025 and subject to change without any further notification. Any home loan application is subject to credit approval and verification of all supporting documentation. Consider this article as general in its nature and not to be taken as financial advice.
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