FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
About The Karaka Small Business Loans
Tell me what you think of the Karaka Small Business Loans
Karaka unsecured loans provides the range of $5,000 to $100,000, with terms ranging from 3 and 24 month and cash flow friendly repayments that are either daily or weekly.
How is this Unsecured Loan different from an ordinary business loan?
It is imaginable to apply for this Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes via the internet or over the phone, receive a same day response and funds may be available in just 24 hours. Traditional business loans have an annual interest rate as well as other fees and charges. We offer a business loan is an upfront priced loan therefore you’ll be aware of the total amount due, which includes any interest, fees or charges. Then, it is broken down into either a daily or weekly amount to be paid back.
What could the Small Business Loan be used for?
It is a Small Business Loan can be used for virtually every business use, including cash flow management, company remodeling, marketing for purchasing inventory or new equipment, for general working capital, and much more. The loan cannot be used for personal reasons.
About larger Karaka Business Loans
What is the Larger Karaka Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger loan size to support company growth opportunities. Loans are between $100,000 and $500,000 with a term fixed that can last up to 36 months. Repayments are scheduled weekly or fortnightly depending on the flow of cash.
How’s the Origination Fee determined?
The Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee, determined at 2.5 percent of the loan amount.
Am I eligible for the Larger Business Loan?
To qualify for a loan in this amount, your company needs to be in operation for at least 3 years and generate an annual revenue of at least $700K. You must be a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident) who is over the age of 18 as well as own a New Zealand company (with a valid NZBN/IRD) and be able to prove at minimum 12 months of continuous trading.
What can I use the funding for?
A larger company loan can be used for nearly all company purpose including company improvements, purchasing inventory or new equipment as well as for general working capital, and much more. The loan is not available for personal use.
Is the Larger Business Loan a secured loan?
Asset security is necessary for funding of more than $150,000. It’s by taking a charge on assets, and could include the registration of this with the PPSR or making a caveat.
A director’s or personal guarantee is a guarantee to repay a loan which is general in nature, rather than stating the security for a particular asset. The person who is signing the guarantee is personally liable if the company the borrower fails to make the repayment.
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is an online, central register operated by the New Zealand Government. It reflects security interests which are registered with respect to personal property (including the assets or goods). The PPSR allows priority over personal property to be assigned according to the date a security interest was registered.
An affidavit is an official document lodged to provide the public notice of a legal claim to a property.
What is a pre-approval minus Credit Check?
If you’re seeking the Larger Business Loan of $250K or more we can offer a preliminary pre-approval to help make the process. We may be able to make this decision without a credit check and within six hours of your initial application. The pre-approval process is based on an initial assessment, which involves the answer to a series of financial health questions. It is not an offer of credit or guarantee of finance. Unconditional approval is subject to an assessment of your creditworthiness and any offer that you might receive could be subject to different terms.
The application process
Do I have the right to receive funds?
You may be eligible for an company loan if you;
- are a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident)
- are over the age of 18 and have a New Zealand company (with a valid NZBN/IRD)
- must show at least six months of business (for you to qualify for unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or 3 years of trading (for the Larger Business Loan $100K to $500K)
How do I apply?
The application process is fast and simple. Just fill out the online application within a few minutes and a dedicated company expert in lending will call you to guide you.
To be eligible for up to $100,000, you’ll need ID details (valid Driver’s License), a valid NZBN/IRD as well as at least six months worth of bank statements.
In addition, for larger loan sizes, you’ll need:
$100K – $250K: Information about the application including credit consent, 6-12 months of IRD statements, bank statements (if credit is over $150K).
$250K – $500K: Application details including credit consent and 12 month bank accounts, the IRD statement as well as the two most recent years’ financial statements, in addition to interim financial statements for the current year such as age-related payables and aged Receivables Summary.
How quickly will I receive a decision?
For an unsecured loan ($5K or more) we can often provide an answer within an hour, provided you submit your request within quality company times and you allow us to utilise the advanced bank verification system link to instantly verify your bank information online. If you choose to upload copies of your bank statements we can offer the decision within 1 business day.
For the Larger Business Loan ($100K to $500K) we could be in a position to provide you with pre-approval conditional to your application in around six hours. After you’ve signed your pre-approval document, you will require to wait between 2 and 3 days for the final approval, however this could be shorter based on the circumstances of each application. Certain transactions have received approval in just 24 hours.
The quickest way to apply for you to apply is ensure you apply during standard company hours, and permit us to use the modern bank verification to verify your bank information online. If you decide to upload documents from your account statements it takes a bit longer.
How soon will I receive the funds?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K or more) we typically provide an answer within an hour, provided you apply at normal business hours and permit us to use the advanced bank verification system to immediately verify your bank account information online. If you choose to upload copies of your bank statements, we are able to offer the decision in just 1 business day.
If you are applying for Larger Business Loans ($100K or more) we might be able to provide you with pre-approval conditional to your application within six hours. After you’ve signed the pre-approval, the turnaround time is between 2 and 3 days for the final approval. However, this may be quicker depending on the specifics of each application. Some deals have been approved in just 24 hours.
The fastest method would be to ensure you apply during standard business hours. Also, let us use the modern bank verification to instantly verify your bank account information online. If you opt to upload duplicates of your banking accounts, it can take a bit longer.
How much can I borrow?
We provide loans ranging from $5,000 and $500,000. If you apply for a particular amount, we take into consideration a range of variables in order to assess what is the health that is your company as well as the amount of payments your company is able to afford. The total amount of the loan will be determined by the specifics for your business.
When you apply for a specific amount we look at a range of aspects to assess how much we can lend you such as health for your business and the extent of repayments that your business can afford. The amount you receive from your loan will depend on the particular circumstances that are unique to your company.
Fees & repayments
How do you charge for an company loan?
If you decide to make an application for business loans with us business credit, we will assess the risk profile for your company and provide you with a customised offer that includes loan amount, term and the interest rates. The business loan is an upfront cost loan therefore you will be aware in advance of the total amount you will have to pay, including costs, fees, or interest rates.
What is the basis for the rate I’m charged?
Interest rates for business loans rates depend on several variables like the amount to be borrowed, what company assets the funds are used to purchase as well as the field the company operates in, the long the business has been operating as well as in the event that the company has sufficient cash flow to pay for the loan, and general well-being or creditworthiness of the company.
What are the costs?
There are no hidden costs for our business loans. You’ll know precisely what you need to pay and when, from the very first day. There’s no compounding interest and no extra fees (as long as you are able to make your payments punctually).
We don’t charge an Application Fee. You are able to apply for a loan absolutely no upfront cost and no commitment to apply.
The Origination Fee is the cost associated with setting up and managing the loan. You are only charged this fee if you decide to take the loan. The Origination Fee for us is 2.5 percent of the amount of loan.
Can I repay the loan in advance?
You can decide to repay the entire amount of the loan in full at any time.
If you choose to take this route, please speak to our friendly business loans professionals. They’ll provide you with repayment details as well as an early payout amount. It will be calculated using the sum of the principal balance and the accrued interest up to the time of early payout plus 1.5 percent of the principal amount remaining and any outstanding fees.
What are the repayment methods?
In order to help you avoid missing payment dates and to align your cash flow cycle we provide payments that are either weekly or daily. They will be automatically deducted from your nominated company account.
Security & privacy
Will my data be secure?
Security of your data, and being clear about how we collect the information we collect, use, share and ensure the security of your information is of paramount importance and is a crucial aspect of our relationship with you.
Is it safe to link my bank account to the platform?
Yes. We utilise industry-recognised encryption protocols to safeguard your personal, sensitive and financial data and our funders are ISO 27001 qualified for our dedication to protecting the security of clients and privacy. We utilise a sophisticated bank verification system to instantly confirm your bank account information online so we can provide a fast response.
About business loans
How do you define asset-based lending (a secured loan)?
An asset-based loan is when the company owner utilises the assets they have to get the loan. The asset could be an individual asset, such as the family home or it could be a business asset like a truck or other piece of machinery.
The vast majority of banks, not just the big banks, tend to guarantee loans against assets. If you’re struggling to pay back the loan, then your asset may be offered for sale by the lender. In essence it is an opportunity to secure new financing by making use of the value of what you already own.
What do I need security to secure a business loan?
For loans up to $150K it is not necessary to secure assets in advance to gain access to the funds however, we do require an individual guarantee. So long as you comply with the loan terms (as detailed in the loan contract) and you are able to meet your obligations, asset security will never be required. For loans of over $150K generally there is personal ensure and security in the form of an asset charge.