FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
More about the Underwood Small Business Loans
Tell me what you think of the Underwood Small Business Loans
Underwood unsecured loans provides the range of $5,000 to $100,000. Terms range from 3 and 24 months, cash flow-friendly repayments that are either per day or weekly.
How is how is the Unsecured Loan different from an ordinary company loan?
You can apply to this Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes via the internet or over the phone, receive a same day response and funds may be in your account in 24 hours. Traditional business loans have an annual interest rate as well as other fees and charges. The business loan is a cash-based loan therefore you’ll be aware in advance of the total amount to be paid, including the interest, fees and charges. Then, it is broken down into weekly or daily installment amount.
What could the Small Business Loan be used for?
It is a Small Business Loan can be used for almost every company purpose including managing cash flows, business remodeling, marketing for purchasing inventory or new equipment, for general working capital, and much more. The loan cannot be used for personal purposes.
About larger Underwood Business Loans
What is the Larger Underwood Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger amount of loan to help company expansion opportunities. The loan ranges from $100,000 to $500,000 with a term fixed that can last up to 36 months. Repayments are either weekly or fortnightly, depending on the flow of cash.
How’s the Origination Fee determined?
The Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee which is calculated at 2.5% of the loan amount.
Am I eligible for the Larger Business Loan?
To qualify for a loan in this amount the company needs to be in operation for at least 3 years and generate an annual revenue of $700,000. The applicant must also be a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident) with a minimum age of 18 years old, own a New Zealand company (with a valid NZBN/IRD) and be able of proving at minimum 12 months of continuous trading.
How can the funding be used for?
A Business Loan of a larger size can be used for almost all company purpose including company renovations, to purchase new equipment or inventory as well as for general working capital and so much more. The loan cannot be used for personal reasons.
Is the Larger Business Loan one that requires security?
Asset security is necessary to obtain funding above $150,000. It’s as a result of an charge against assets, and could include registering this with the PPSR or filing as a caveat.
A personal or director’s ensure is a promise to pay off a credit line that is generally based rather than stating security over a particular asset. The person who signs the ensure is personally liable if the business creditor is unable to make the repayment.
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is an online, central register that is operated by the New Zealand Government. It reflects security interests that are registered for personal property (including objects or assets). The PPSR gives the priority of personal property assigned according to the date a security interest has been registered.
A caveat is a legal document that is filed to provide an official notice of a claim against a property.
What is a pre-approval minus Credit Check?
If you’re applying for an enterprise loan of more than $250,000 it is possible to offer an initial pre-approval that will help simplify the process. We might be able to apply for this without credit checks and within six hours of your initial application. The pre-approval process is based on an initial evaluation that involves you answering a few financial well-being checks. This is neither an offer nor a guarantee of financing. A conditional approval is subject an assessment of your creditworthiness and any offer you receive could be on different terms.
Application process
Can I be eligible for funding?
You may apply for an business loan if you
- are a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident)
- are at least 18 years old, have a New Zealand company (with a valid NZBN/IRD)
- can demonstrate at least 6 months of trading (for for the unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or 3 years of continuous trading (for the Larger Business Loan $100K - $500K)
How do I apply?
The process for applying is fast and simple. Just fill out the online application within a few minutes and an experienced business credit specialist will contact you to guide you.
For a loan of up to $100,000, you’ll need ID details (valid Driver’s Licence) as well as a valid NZBN/IRD and at least six months of bank statements.
In addition, for larger loan sizes, you’ll also need:
$100K-$250K: Application requirements, including credit consent, 6 – 12 months of IRD statements, bank statements (if loan above $150K).
$250K to $500K: Information on the application including credit consent twelve months of bank records, IRD statement and the last two years’ finalised financial statements, and interim current financial year financials such as age-related payables and aged Receivables reports.
How fast will I get a decision?
For an unsecured loan ($5K to $100K) we can often provide an answer in just one hour, provided you submit your request at standard business timings and you allow us to utilise the bank verification system to instantly verify your bank’s information online. If you choose to send us copies of your bank statements , we are able to provide a decision within just the span of one company day.
If you are applying for a Larger Business Loan ($100K and up) we may be likely to offer the conditional pre-approval within about six hours. Once you’ve signed the pre-approval document, you will need to wait between 2 and 3 days for the final approval. However, it could be faster based on the circumstances of each application. Certain agreements have been approved in the space of 24 hours.
The fastest way is to ensure you apply during standard company hours. You can also allow us to use our modern bank verification link to verify your bank account information online. If you send us the copies of bank statements it can take a bit longer.
How fast will I get the funds?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K up to $100,000) We can usually offer an answer in just one hour – as long as you make your application in normal business hours and let us make use of the advanced bank verification system to instantly verify your bank details online. If you want to send us copies of your bank statements, we’ll be able to provide the decision in just one business day.
If you are applying for Larger Business Loans ($100K to $500K) we could be likely to provide you with conditional pre-approval within six hours. Once you have signed the pre-approval, the turnaround time is between 2 and 3 days for the final approval. However, it could be faster based on the particular circumstances of each application. Some transactions have received approval in the space of 24 hours.
The fastest way would be to make sure you apply during normal business hours and permit us to use the advanced bank verification system link to verify your bank information online. If you opt to upload copies of your bank accounts, it may take a bit longer.
How much can I borrow?
We offer loans that range from $5,000 to $500,000. If you apply for a particular amount, we look at a variety of elements for determining what is the health of the company and the level of repayments that your company will be able to support. The amount you receive from your loan will depend on the specifics for your business.
If you apply for a specific amount we take into consideration a variety of elements to assess your health for your business and the level of repayments your business can support. The total amount of your loan will be contingent on the specific circumstances the business.
Fees & repayments
How much should you charge for an business loan?
If you decide to apply for business loans with us business financing, we’ll assess the risk assessment for your company and provide an individualised offer including the amount of the loan, the duration and interest rates. A company loan is an upfront priced loan and you’ll know in advance the total amount you will have to pay, including charges, interest rates or fees.
What is the basis for the rate I’m charged?
The interest rates on company loans rates depend on several factors like the amount of money that is borrowed, what business assets the funds will be used for and the sector the business is in, how long the business has been running for, what percentage of the company has sufficient cash flow to pay for the loan, and the general well-being or financial standing of the business.
What are the costs?
There aren’t any hidden charges for our business loans, and you’ll know precisely what you need to pay, and when, from the first day. There’s not any compounding interest and the loan comes with no additional fees (as long as you are able to make your payments punctually).
We don’t charge an application fee. You can get a cash loan with no upfront cost or commitment to apply.
The Origination Fee includes the expenses associated with the setting up and management of the loan. This is only a fee if you decide to take the loan. The Origination Fee for us is 2.5% of the loan amount.
Do I have the option of paying off the loan in advance?
You may choose to pay back the total amount of your advance loan at any time.
If you are deciding to pursue this option, please contact our helpful company credit professionals. They’ll provide you with the details of your repayment and an early payment figure. The figure will be calculated as the total of the principal balance plus any accrued interest as of the date of early payout, plus 1.5% of the principal amount remaining and any fees that remain unpaid.
What is the process for repayments?
To ensure you do not miss repayments and to fit in with your cash flow cycle we provide repayments either weekly or daily. They are automatically deducted from your designated business account.
Security & privacy
Will my information be protected?
Protecting your information, and making it clear the ways we gather data, process, exchange and ensure the security of your information is vital and is a crucial part of our relationship with you.
Is it safe to link my bank account to the platform?
Yes. We make use of industry-standard encryption techniques to protect your personal, sensitive and financial data and our funders are ISO 27001 certified for our dedication to the security of our clients as well as their security. We make use of an advanced bank verification system link to instantly verify your bank account details online to provide a fast response.
About business loans
What exactly is an asset-based loan (a secured loan)?
Asset-based borrowing occurs when the company owner makes use of an asset they own to secure the funds for a loan. The asset could be an individual asset, such as the family home or an business asset such as a truck or other piece of machinery.
The vast majority of the lenders not just the largest banks, are inclined to guarantee loans against an asset. If you have trouble paying back the loan, your assets could be taken over by the lender. In essence it’s an opportunity to secure additional financing taking advantage of the value of what you already own.
What do I need security for an company loan?
Up to $150K in loans the requirement for asset security is not required prior to the loan’s access however, we require a personal guarantee. need a personal guarantee. In the event that you fulfill your loan obligations (as stated in your loan contract) Asset security will never be needed. For loans over $150K generally, you can get an individual guarantee and security in the form of a charge over assets.