Tell us what you need
Our online enquiry takes about 60 seconds. We ask what the money's for, roughly how much, a little about your business, and whether property is part of the picture. No documents yet, and it doesn't affect your credit score.
How we match you
Tell us. We look. We match. You decide.
The short answer
LendFriend is a matchmaker for New Zealand business lending. You tell us what you need, a lending specialist looks at your situation with you, we match you with the lender on our panel that suits it best, and you decide — after we've explained the offer in plain English.
We look at your situation
A lending specialist calls you back for a real conversation. Think of it as the chat you'd have with a friend in finance: what's going on, what's worked before, what worries you, and how you'd repay. Ask us anything — including the awkward questions.
We match you
Every lender has a sweet spot. Some love property security and can look past messy financials. Some read bank statements in minutes and decide the same day. Some are comfortable with defaults or IRD debt. We know which is which, so we match you with the one that fits — and tell you why.
You decide
If the lender approves, we walk you through the offer: what lands in your account, the total you'll repay, the repayment schedule, security, guarantees and the fine print. Then it's your call. No pressure, no fake deadlines.
What do we look at when we match you?
Six things, mostly. None of them is a trick question.
- What the money is for
- The purpose shapes everything — the right product, the right term and the right lender.
- How much, and how fast
- A same-week supplier deadline and a planned fit-out need different lenders.
- Property, or not
- NZ property you or a supporting party own opens up property-secured options from $20,000 up to $1m.
- Trading and bank statements
- For unsecured options, turnover and account conduct carry most of the weight.
- Credit and tax history
- Nothing here is an automatic no. We just need to know, so we match you with a lender comfortable with it.
- How you'll repay
- Cash flow, an asset sale, or refinancing later — the exit plan matters as much as the loan.
What kinds of funding can you be matched with?
| Option | Key facts |
|---|---|
| Property-secured business loan | $20,000 up to $1m, secured on NZ property (home, rental, commercial or land) owned by you or a supporting party. First or second mortgage, even with an existing mortgage. No financials or tax returns for the initial assessment. Bad credit considered case by case. IRD debt can be paid out. Funding within 24 hours of approval in some cases. |
| Unsecured business loan | Usually for businesses trading 6+ months. Amount based on turnover and bank statements. Weaker credit considered. Decisions sometimes the same day. |
| Business line of credit | Draw what you need, when you need it. Assessed on turnover and bank statements. |
All funding is for business purposes. Sole traders, companies, partnerships and trusts can apply. Every loan is priced on your individual circumstances; we find the sharpest option available for your situation and explain it clearly.
Why match first instead of applying everywhere?
Because applications aren't free, even when they cost nothing. Each one can leave an enquiry on your credit file, and a cluster of recent enquiries can make the next lender more cautious. Different lenders also want very different things, so a "no" from one tells you little about the next. Matching first means one well-prepared application to a lender that suits you.
How long does it take?
The enquiry takes about 60 seconds. The call-back conversation, usually a short one. After that, it depends on the option: unsecured decisions can sometimes happen the same day, and property-secured loans can in some cases be funded within 24 hours of approval once valuations, legal work and signing are done. Having your paperwork ready makes the biggest difference.
Questions about matching
Does it cost anything to enquire?
No. Enquiring with LendFriend is free and there's no obligation to go ahead with anything.
Why not just apply to lenders directly?
You can. But each application can leave an enquiry on your credit file, and every lender has different criteria. Matching first means you apply once, to a lender whose criteria genuinely suit your situation.
How do you choose which lender to match me with?
We look at what you need, how much, how fast, whether property is involved, your credit history, your trading history and how you plan to repay — then compare that with what each lender on our panel is set up to do well.
Can you tell me I don't need a loan?
Yes, and sometimes we will. If an IRD instalment arrangement, better supplier terms or a smaller plan would serve you better, we'll say so.