FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
Information About The Westminster Small Business Loans
Let me know about the Westminster Small Business Loans
Westminster unsecured loans provides amounts between $5,000 and $100,000, with terms ranging from 3 and 24 months, cash flow-friendly repayments which can be made daily or weekly.
How is this Unsecured Loan different from an traditional company loan?
It is possible to apply for this Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes on the internet or over the phone, receive an immediate response, and the funds could be available in just 24 hours. Traditional company loans are based on an interest rate per annum along with other charges and fees. We offer a company loan is a loan that is priced upfront and you’ll know in advance the total amount payable including the interest, fees and charges. Then, it is divided into a daily or weekly payment amount.
What can you use the Small Business Loan be used for?
It is a Small Business Loan can be used for almost any business reason, such as managing cash flows, business renovations, marketing to purchase inventory or new equipment, for general working capital and so much more. The loan cannot be used to fund personal expenses.
About Larger Westminster Business Loans
What is the Larger Westminster Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger amount of loan to help company expansion opportunities. Loans range 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 is the Origination Fee determined?
This Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee, which is determined at 2.5% of the loan amount.
Am I eligible for the Larger Business Loan?
In order to be eligible for a loan of this size, your company needs to be in operation for at least 3 years and have an annual turnover of $700K. The applicant must also be a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident) at least 18 years old and have a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD) and be able of proving at minimum 12 months of continuous trading.
What can I use the funds for?
A larger company loan can be used for almost all company need, including company improvements, purchasing equipment or inventory, as general working capital and much more. The loan cannot be used for personal purposes.
Is the Larger Business Loan one that is secured?
Asset security is needed to access funding over $150,000. This is by taking a charge against assets and can include registration on the PPSR or making a caveat.
A director’s or personal ensure is a guarantee to repay credit that is generally in nature rather than specifying security over an asset. The person who is signing the guarantee is personally liable in the event that the company 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 contains security interests registered in respect of personal property (including goods or assets). The PPSR grants priority over personal property to be assigned according to the date the security interest was registered.
A caveat is a legal form of document to provide notice of a legal claim to a property.
What is a pre-approval that does not require Credit Check?
When you’re applying for a Larger Business Loan that is greater than $250,000 we can offer a preliminary pre-approval to help make the process. We could be able to apply for this without a credit verification and within 6 hours of the initial application. The pre-approval process is based on a preliminary assessment which includes you answering some financial health checks. This is not an offer of credit or guarantee of credit. Unconditional approval is subject to a full credit assessment and any offer you receive could be based on different terms.
Application process
Do I have the right to receive funds?
You are eligible to apply for a business 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 for the unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or 3 years of continuous trading (for the Larger Business Loan $100K or $500K)
How do I apply?
The application process is simple and easy. Just complete the online application within a couple minutes, and a dedicated company loan specialist will be in touch to guide you.
To apply for up to $100,000 you’ll need the right identification documents (valid Driver’s License), an NZBN/IRD that is valid and at least 6 months of bank statements.
For larger loan sizes, you’ll also require:
$100K-$250K: Application details including credit consent, 6-12 months of bank statements, IRD statement (if you have a loan of more than $150K).
$250K – $500K: Application details including credit consent and 12 months of bank statements, IRD statements as well as the two most recent years’ financial statements, plus interim financial statements for the current year as well as Aged Payables and Receivables summary.
How soon will I hear an answer?
For an unsecured loan ($5K and up) we typically provide a response in one hour – as long as you make your application in quality business timings and allow us to use the advanced bank verification system to instantly verify your bank’s information online. If you want to upload copies of your bank statements we can provide the decision in just an business day.
If you are applying for a Larger Business Loan ($100K or more) we may be able to offer you with a conditional pre-approval within about six hours. After you’ve signed your pre-approval, turnaround times are approximately 2-3 days to receive final approval. However, this may be quicker depending upon the circumstances for each application. Certain transactions have received approval in just 24 hours.
The fastest way is to ensure you apply during normal company hours. Also, permit us to use the advance bank verification to confirm your bank details online. If you choose to upload duplicates of your banking statements it will take a little longer.
How fast will I get the money?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K and up) we usually offer an answer in just one hour – provided you submit your request in normal business hours and permit us to utilise the advanced bank verification system to instantly verify your bank details online. If you choose to upload copies of your bank statements we can offer the decision within one business day.
For the Larger Business Loans ($100K up to $500,000) we might be able to provide you with pre-approval conditional to your application within six hours. Once you’ve signed your pre-approval, turnaround times are approximately 2-3 days to receive final approval. However, this could be shorter based on the particular circumstances of each application. Some offers have been approved in just 24 hours.
The fastest way is to make sure you apply during normal business hours and allow us to use our advance bank verification to check your bank’s information online. If you opt to send us documents from your account accounts, it may take a bit longer.
How much can I borrow?
We offer loans ranging from $5,000 to $500,000. When you submit an application for a certain amount we look at a variety of factors to determine your health that is your business and the level of repayments your business is able to afford. The amount you receive from the loan will be determined by the particular circumstances the company.
If you apply for a certain amount, we will consider a number of elements to determine the well-being that is your company as well as the amount of repayments that your company can support. The total amount of the loan will be determined by the specifics the company.
Fees & repayments
How do you charge for an business loan?
If you decide to request business loans with us business loan, we’ll assess the risk assessment that you have for your business and provide you with a customised proposal that includes the amount of the loan, the duration and interest rates. This business loan is an upfront cost loan so you will know in advance the total amount you will have to pay, including charges, interest rates or fees.
What determines the rate that I pay?
Business loan interest rates depend on several factors including the amount that is borrowed, what business assets the funds are used to purchase as well as the field the company is in, how long the company has been operating and how long the business has sufficient cash flow to fund the loan, and general health as well as creditworthiness company.
What are the costs?
There are no hidden fees for our business loans. You’ll know precisely how much it is that you need to pay, and when, starting from the day you sign up. There’s no compounding and no additional fees (as as long as you pay your payments punctually).
We do not charge an application fee. You are able to get a cash loan absolutely no upfront cost and no the obligation to take action.
The Origination Fee covers the expenses involved with setting up and managing the loan. This is only a fee if you choose to proceed with the loan. The Origination Fee for us is 2.5 percentage of the loan amount.
Can I pay out the loan earlier?
You can repay the total amount of your loan early at any time.
If you decide to do this please contact our helpful company credit professionals. We will provide you with details for repayment as well as an early payout amount. This is calculated as the total of the remaining principal amount and the accrued interest up to the date of early payout and 1.5% of the principal balance and any fees that remain unpaid.
What is the process for repayments?
To ensure that you don’t miss repayments and to fit in your cash flow cycle we provide repayments either weekly or daily. These are automatically withdrawn from the nominated company account.
Security & privacy
Will my information be protected?
Making sure that your information is secure, and making it clear how we collect the information we collect, use, share and secure your information, is of paramount importance and a vital element of our relationship with you.
Is it safe to link my bank account to the platform?
Yes. We employ industry-recognised encryption standards to protect your personal, sensitive as well as financial data. Our funders are ISO 27001 certified for our dedication to protecting the security of clients and privacy. We utilise a sophisticated bank verification system link to instantly confirm your bank account information online, allowing us to provide quick responses.
About business loans
How do you define asset-based lending (a secured loan)?
An asset-based loan is when an business owner borrows from an asset that they own to secure the loan. The asset can be either a personal asset like the family home or an business property like a truck or other piece of machinery.
The majority of lending institutions, including the banks with the biggest size, prefer to secure loans against assets. If you are having difficulty paying back the loan, then the asset might be transferred to the lender. In essence, it’s an opportunity to secure new financing making use of the value of what you already have.
Do I need security to get a business loan?
For loans of up to $150K, there is no requirement for asset security in advance to gain access to the funds However, we require a personal guarantee. require the personal guarantee. If you adhere to the terms of your loan (as stipulated in your loan contract) Asset security is not required. For loans over $150K generally there is a personal guarantee and security is provided in the form of charges on assets.