FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
More about the Merricks Small Business Loans
Tell me how you are able to avail the Merricks Small Business Loans
Merricks unsecured loans offers amounts between $5,000 and $100,000, with terms ranging from 3 and 24 months and cash flow-friendly repayments that are either daily or weekly.
How is how is the Unsecured Loan different from an ordinary business loan?
The application to your Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes via the internet or on the phone. You’ll receive an immediate response, and funds may be in your account in 24 hours. Traditional business loans have an annual interest rate along with other charges and fees. We offer a business loan is a cash-based loan therefore you’ll be aware in advance of the total amount payable including any interest, fees or charges. This is then broken down into either weekly or daily amount to be paid back.
What can the Small Business Loan be used for?
The Small Business Loan can be used for virtually every business use, including cash flow management, company remodeling, marketing for purchasing inventory or new equipment, or as general working capital and so much more. The loan cannot be used for personal use.
About larger Merricks Business Loans
What is the Larger Merricks Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger size loan to aid in business growth opportunities. Loans range between $100,000 and $500,000 with a fixed-term for up to 36 months. The repayments are made weekly or fortnightly in order to accommodate the flow of cash.
How’s the Origination Fee calculated?
It is crucial to note that the Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee that is determined at 2.5 percentage of the amount of the loan.
Do I qualify for the Larger Business Loan?
To be eligible for a loan that is this large the business needs to have been operating for at least three years and have an annual turnover of $700K. You must be a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident) at least 18 years old as well as own a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD) and be able to demonstrate at the least 12 months of operating.
What can I use the funding for?
A Larger Business Loan can be used for almost every business use, including company improvements, purchasing inventory or new equipment or as general working capital and much more. The loan cannot be used for personal reasons.
Is the Larger Business Loan one that is secured?
Asset security is necessary to obtain funding above $150,000. It is usually by way of charge over assets and can include registration through the PPSR or registering a caveat.
A director’s or personal guarantee is a guarantee to pay off a credit line that is generally in nature rather than specifying the security of a specific asset. The person who signs the ensure is personally liable in the event that the company creditor is unable to repay the debt.
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is an online central register operated by the New Zealand Government. It lists security interests that are granted to individuals who own personal property (including objects or assets). The PPSR gives prioritisation over property that is personal to be granted in accordance with the date on which a security interest was registered.
An affidavit is an official form of document to provide the legal claim to a property.
What is a pre-approval that does not require Credit Check?
If you’re seeking an enterprise loan that is greater than $250K it is possible to offer an initial pre-approval that will help simplify the process. We may be able to make this decision without credit checks and within 6 hours of your initial application. This pre-approval is based on an initial evaluation that involves you answering some financial well-being questions. It’s neither an offer nor a guarantee of funds. A conditional approval is subject a full credit assessment and any offer you may receive may be subject to different terms.
Application process
Do I have the right to receive funds?
You may be eligible for an business loan if you
- are a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident)
- are over 18 years, own a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD)
- must show at least six months of trading (for the unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or three years of trade (for the Larger Business Loan $100K or $500K)
How do I apply?
The application process is quick and easy. Just complete the online application within a few minutes and a dedicated business credit specialist will be in touch to guide you.
For a loan of up to $100,000, you’ll require the right identification documents (valid Driver’s License), a valid NZBN/IRD as well as at least six months of bank statements.
Otherwise, 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 you have a loan of more than $150K).
$250K to $500K: Application details including credit consent, 12 months of bank records, IRD statements and the last two years’ finalised financial statements, and interim financials from the current financial year as well as Aged Payables and Receivables summaries.
What speed will I be able to get an answer?
For an unsecured loan ($5K or more) we can often provide an answer within an hour – as long as you apply during quality business timings and let us utilise the bank verification system to immediately verify your bank account information online. If you want to upload copies of your bank statements , we are able to provide an answer within just the span of one company day.
For Larger Business Loans ($100K and up) we could be able to provide you with conditional pre-approval in about 6 hours. After you’ve signed the pre-approval form, it will take between 2 and 3 days for the final approval, however this can be quicker based on the specifics of each application. Some agreements have been approved within less than 24 hours.
The quickest method would be to ensure you apply during normal business hours, and allow us to use our modern bank verification link to instantly verify your bank information online. If you send us duplicates of your banking statement, it can take a bit longer.
How fast will I get the money?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K to $100K) We can usually offer an answer within an hour – as long as you apply in standard business timings and permit us to use the advanced bank verification system to instantly verify your bank information online. If you choose to upload copies of your banking statements, we are able to provide a decision within the span of one business day.
For the Larger Business Loans ($100K or more) we may be able to offer you with pre-approval conditional to your application in about six hours. After you’ve signed the pre-approval document, you will need to wait around 2-3 days for final approval, however this can be faster depending on the particular circumstances of each application. Certain agreements have been approved in 24 hours.
The fastest method for you to apply is make sure you apply during normal business hours, and allow us to use our modern bank verification link to verify your bank account information online. If you upload documents from your account statements it will take a little longer.
What is the maximum amount I can borrow?
We offer loan amounts between $5,000 to $500,000. When you make an application for a particular amount, we look at a variety of elements in order to assess the well-being for your company and the level of payments your company is able to afford. The amount you receive from your loan will be contingent on the specifics that are unique to your business.
When you apply for a certain amount, we consider a variety of aspects to assess how much we can lend you such as well-being that is your business as well as the amount of repayments your business can afford. The total amount of your loan will depend on the particular circumstances of your business.
Fees & repayments
How much should you charge for an company loan?
When you apply for business loans with us company loans, we will assess the risk assessment of your company and provide you with a customised offer including the amount of loan, the term and the interest rates. This company loan is an upfront-priced loan therefore you will be aware of the total amount due, which includes any charges, interest rates or fees.
What is the basis for the rate I will be charged?
Business loan interest rates depend on several factors including the amount that is borrowed, what business assets the money will be used for as well as the field the business is in, how long the company has been running, how long the business has sufficient cash flow to pay for the loan, as well as the general health or creditworthiness of the business.
What are the costs?
There are no hidden fees for our company loans. You’ll be aware of the amount it is that you need to pay, and when, right 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 with without any upfront costs or any obligation to sign up.
The Origination Fee includes the expenses associated with setting up and managing the loan. The only way to pay this fee if you decide to take the loan. The Origination Fee for us is 2.5 percent of the loan amount.
Can I repay the loan in advance?
You can repay the entire amount of your loan early at any time.
If you choose to pursue this option, please speak to our friendly company loan professionals. They’ll provide you with details for repayment and an early payment figure. This is calculated as the sum of the remaining principal amount and the accrued interest up to the time of early payout and 1.5% of the principal remaining and any fees that remain unpaid.
How do repayments work?
To ensure that you don’t miss repayments and to fit in with your cash flow routine, we offer repayments either weekly or daily. They will be automatically deducted from your designated business account.
Security & privacy
Will my information be protected?
The security of your personal information, as well as being transparent about the ways we gather data, process, exchange and secure your information, is vital and a vital part 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 financial and other data. Our funders are ISO 27001 certified for our dedication to security for our customers and privacy. We make use of an advanced bank verification system that allows you to instantly verify your bank account details online to provide quick responses.
About business loans
What is asset-based borrowing (a secured loan)?
The term "asset-based" refers to borrowing where the business owner borrows from the assets they have to make a loan. The asset could be an individual asset, such as the family home, or a company asset such as a truck or piece of equipment.
The vast majority of lenders, including the big banks, tend to guarantee loans against an asset. If you are having difficulty paying back the loan, the asset might be transferred to the lender. In essence, it’s an opportunity to secure additional financing using the worth of the asset you already have.
Do I require security to get a company loan?
For loans up to $150,000 there is no requirement for asset security upfront to access the money, however we require a personal guarantee. need the personal guarantee. If you adhere to the terms of your loan (as detailed in the loan contract) and you are able to meet your obligations, asset security is not required. For loans over $150,000 generally, there is personal ensure and security in the form charges on assets.