What each licence covers
An Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) authorises financial services relating to financial products — advice, dealing, making a market, operating schemes, and custodial services — under the Corporations Act 2001.
An Australian Credit Licence (ACL) authorises consumer credit activities — such as providing credit, or acting as an intermediary like a mortgage or finance broker — under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 (the National Credit Act).
Same regulator, different registers
Both licences are granted and overseen by ASIC, and both regimes have similar building blocks: responsible managers, fit-and-proper checks, dispute resolution (AFCA), and ongoing conduct obligations.
However, they are recorded separately. An AFSL holder has an AFSL number; a credit licensee has a credit licence number. A single company can appear on both registers.
When you need both
Businesses whose activities span both financial products and consumer credit may need both licences. For example, a firm that advises on financial products and also arranges consumer loans would typically need an AFSL for the financial-services side and an ACL for the credit side.
Like AFSLs, credit activities can also be conducted as a credit representative authorised under another licensee, rather than by holding your own licence.
Search both the AFSL and Australian Credit Licence registers in one place.
Search credit licencesFrequently asked questions
Is an AFSL the same as a credit licence?
No. An AFSL covers financial products and services under the Corporations Act, while an Australian Credit Licence covers consumer credit activities under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act. Both are issued by ASIC.
Can one company hold both an AFSL and a credit licence?
Yes. A business whose activities cover both financial products and consumer credit may hold both an AFSL and an ACL, and will have a separate number on each register.
Where can I check a credit licence?
You can search Australian Credit Licence records, along with AFSL, DCE and remittance records, on AFSL Search by name, number, ABN or ACN.