FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
Information About The Underwood Small Business Loans
Let me know more about Underwood Small Business Loans
Underwood unsecured loans provides amounts of between $5,000 and $100,000. Terms range from 3 and 24 month and cash flow-friendly repayments that are either per day or weekly.
How is what makes the Unsecured Loan different from an traditional business loan?
It is possible to apply to get this Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes over the phone. You’ll get an instant response and the money could be on your account within 24 hours. Traditional business loans are based on an annual interest rate together with additional fees and charges. We offer a business loan is an upfront priced loan so you will know ahead of time the total amount payable including any fees, interest or charges. This is then broken down into weekly or daily payment amount.
What could you use the Small Business Loan be used for?
It is a Small Business Loan can be used for almost any company use, including cash flow management, business improvements, advertising for purchasing inventory or new equipment, to fund general working capital and so much more. The loan is not available for personal use.
About the Larger Underwood Business Loans
What is the Larger Underwood Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger loan size to support business growth opportunities. The loan ranges from $100,000 to $500,000 for a fixed period of up to 36 months. Repayments are scheduled weekly or fortnightly in order to accommodate your cash flow.
How’s the Origination Fee determined?
It is crucial to note that the Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee which is determined at 2.5% of the loan amount.
Do I qualify for the Larger Business Loan?
In order to be eligible for a loan of this size, your business needs to have been operating for a minimum of 3 years and generate an annual revenue of $700,000. Your company must belong to a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident) who is over the age of 18 or 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 business loan can be used for nearly any business reason, such as business remodeling, buying new equipment or inventory as well as for general working capital, and much more. The loan is not available for personal use.
Is the Larger Business Loan one that requires security?
Asset security is needed to access funding over $150,000. It is usually as a result of an charge against assets, which could also be registered on the PPSR or the registration of a caveat.
A personal or director’s guarantee is a guarantee to pay off a credit line that is generally in nature rather than stipulating the security of a specific asset. The person signing the guarantee is personally liable in the event that the business borrower is unable to pay back the debt.
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is a central, national online register run by the New Zealand Government. It contains security interests granted to individuals who own personal property (including objects or assets). The PPSR grants prioritisation over property that is personal to be assigned in accordance with the date on which a security interest that is registered.
An affidavit is an official document lodged to provide an official notice of a claim on a property.
What exactly is a preapproval without Credit Check?
If you’re requesting a Larger Business Loan that is greater than $250,000 we can offer an initial pre-approval in order to simplify the process. We could be able to get this done without a credit check, and within six hours of your initial application. The pre-approval is based upon an initial evaluation that involves answering a couple of financial health checks. This is neither an offer nor a guarantee of funds. Acceptance without condition is subject to an exhaustive credit evaluation, and any offer that you are offered could be on different conditions.
Application process
Do I qualify for funds?
You can apply for an business loan if you
- are a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident)
- are 18 years or older, have a New Zealand company (with a valid NZBN/IRD)
- you must demonstrate at minimum 6 months of business (for for the unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or three years of 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 a dedicated company loan specialist will call you to guide you through the process.
To apply for up to $100,000 you’ll need the right identification documents (valid Driver’s License) as well as an active NZBN/IRD, and at least 6 months of bank statements.
If you’re looking for loans with larger sizes, you’ll need:
$100K-$250K: Application details including credit approval, 6-12 months of IRD statements, bank statements (if the loan is greater than $150K).
$250K to $500K: Details of the application, including credit consent twelve month bank accounts, the IRD statements as well as the two most recent years’ financial statements, in addition to interim financials for the current financial year as well as Aged Payables and Receivables Summary.
How fast will I get a decision?
For an unsecured loan ($5K to $100K) We can usually offer an answer in just one hour if you apply within quality company times and permit us to utilise the advanced bank verification system link to immediately verify your bank account information online. If you want to upload copies of your bank statements we can provide a decision within just the span of one business day.
For the Larger Business Loan ($100K up to $500,000) we could be likely to provide you with a conditional pre-approval within 6 hours. After you’ve signed the pre-approval, turnaround times are between 2 and 3 days for the final approval, however this can be quicker based on the specifics of each application. Some transactions have received approval within just 24 hours.
The most efficient method can be ensure you apply during normal company hours. You can also let us use the advance bank verification link to instantly check your bank’s information online. If you opt to send us copies of your bank statement, it may take a bit longer.
How quickly will I receive the funds?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K to $100K) we can often provide an answer within one hour – provided you make your application during standard business hours and allow us to make use of the advanced bank verification system to instantly verify your bank’s information online. If you opt to send us copies of your bank statement, we’ll offer a decision within one business day.
For Larger Business Loans ($100K or more) we might be able to provide you with a conditional pre-approval within about six hours. Once you’ve signed your pre-approval, turnaround times are approximately 2-3 days to receive final approval. However, this can be faster depending on the circumstances of each application. Some agreements have been approved in the space of 24 hours.
The fastest method would be to make sure you apply during normal business hours and permit us to use the advanced bank verification system to instantly verify your bank account information online. If you opt to upload copies of your bank statements, it can take a bit longer.
What is the maximum amount I can borrow?
We provide the loan amount between $5,000 to $500,000. If you apply for a certain amount we take into consideration a range of variables in order to assess what is the well-being that is your company as well as the amount of repayments your company will be able to support. The amount you receive from your loan will be contingent on the specific circumstances of your company.
When you submit an application for a certain amount, we will consider a number of factors to determine how much we can lend you such as well-being for your business as well as the amount of payments your company is able to afford. The total amount of your loan will be contingent on the specific circumstances the business.
Fees & repayments
How much do you charge for the cost of a company loan?
If you decide to request one of our company loans, we’ll assess the risk assessment that you have for your business and provide an individualised offer including loan amount, term and interest rates. It is a business loan is an upfront-priced loan therefore you will know the exact amount due, which includes any costs, fees, or interest rates.
What is the basis for the rate I will be charged?
Interest rates for company loans rates differ based on various variables like the amount to be borrowed, the business assets the funds will be used for and the sector the company is in, how long the company has been running, how long the company has enough cash flow to pay for the loan, and the overall well-being and creditworthiness of the business.
What are the fees?
There aren’t any hidden costs for our company loans. You’ll know precisely how much you need to pay, and when, starting from the first day. There’s not any compounding interest and there are no additional charges (as as long as you pay your payments punctually).
We do not charge an Application Fee. You are able to make an application for loans with without any upfront costs or the obligation to take action.
The Origination Fee covers the expenses involved with the setting up and management of the loan. It is only charged for this fee if you proceed with the loan. The Origination Fee for us is 2.5 percent of the amount of loan.
Do I have the option of paying off the loan early?
You can choose to repay the entire amount of your loan at any point in time.
If you decide to take this route, please speak to our friendly business credit experts. We will provide you with details for repayment and an early payout figure. It will be calculated using the sum of the principal amount remaining plus any accrued interest as of the time of early payout, plus 1.5% of the principal amount remaining and any outstanding fees.
What is the process for repayments?
In order to help you avoid missing due dates and also to be in line your cash flow schedule, we offer repayments that are either daily or weekly. They will be automatically deducted from the nominated company account.
Security & privacy
Will my information be protected?
Making sure that your information is secure, and knowing how we collect the information we collect, use, share and secure your information, is of huge importance and is a crucial part of our relationship you.
Is it safe to link my bank account to the platform?
Yes. We use industry recognised encryption techniques to protect your sensitive, personal as well as financial data. Our funders are ISO 27001 certified for our commitment to security for our clients and privacy. We utilise a sophisticated bank verification system to instantly verify your bank account information online to offer rapid response.
About business loans
What exactly is an asset-based loan (a secured loan)?
An asset-based loan is when a company owner utilises assets they own to secure the funding. The asset can be either an asset belonging to the personal, like the family home or a business property like a truck or piece of equipment.
The vast majority of lenders, including the major banks, prefer to guarantee loans against assets. If you’re having trouble paying back the loan then your asset may be transferred to the lender. In essence, it’s means of securing new financing by using the worth of the asset you already own.
Should I require security for a company loan?
For loans of up to $150,000, it is not necessary to secure assets before you are able to access the money, however we do require a personal guarantee. So long as you comply with the terms of your loan (as stated in the loan contract) the security of assets is not required. For loans over $150,000 typically, you will need an individual ensure and security in the form an asset charge.