Self-employed loans

Finance for sole traders, contractors and small business owners.

No payslips? Fluctuating income? We help self-employed Kiwis compare suitable options from our lending partners. Clear steps, plain English, and repayments shaped to your cash-flow.

better finance™️

Built for the way you work

Flexible documentation, practical structure

We’ll help you present your income story clearly and choose a loan setup that fits how your business earns.

better finance™️

Flexible documentation

Some lenders accept alternatives to payslips, such as bank statements, GST/IRD summaries or an accountant’s letter.

better finance™️

Cash-flow friendly repayments

Choose an amount and term that keeps payments workable through busy and quiet periods.

better finance™️

Secured or unsecured

Use an eligible asset if you want a sharper price, or keep it unsecured if that suits better.

better finance™️

Transparent costs

We outline interest, fees and term so you can compare total cost - not just the rate.

better finance™️

What lenders look for (and how to prepare)

A tidy file speeds things up and helps you get a fair assessment.

  • Time trading & stability - Many lenders prefer a track record of trading; we’ll explain what’s typical and what you can show if you’re newer.
  • Income verification - Be ready with recent bank statements, GST/IRD info and (where available) accountant-prepared figures.
  • Tax & obligations - Up-to-date filings help. If you have arrears, we’ll discuss options and what evidence lenders may require.
  • Right loan type - Personal vs business, secured vs unsecured — we’ll model the differences so you can choose confidently.

Not sure where to start? Share your goal and budget — we’ll map the steps in plain English.

Borrowing with confidence

Clear advice for self-employed loans

Running your own business? We’ll map the path — income evidence, affordability and next steps — so the process fits how you work.

better finance™️

Show your income story

We organise the documents that best reflect your business - not just last month’s bank feed.

better finance™️

Shape it to your cash-flow

Amount, term and features balanced so the loan does its job without costing more than it should.

better finance™️

Straight talk, no surprises

  • Clear timelines, realistic expectations and quick answers from a NZ-owned team.

Check your self-employed loan options

Answer a few questions, see indicative repayments and decide if you want to proceed. There’s no obligation — and a human is here if you’d like a second opinion.

Your questions, answered

Self-employed loan FAQs
Self-employed and wondering how lending works? These FAQs cover eligibility, income evidence and timing - so you know what to expect.

What if I don’t have payslips?

That’s common. Some lenders accept bank statements, GST/IRD summaries and accountant letters to verify income.

Can I get a “low-doc” loan?

Some lenders offer alternative documentation pathways. We’ll explain what’s acceptable and the trade-offs in pricing and limits.

How long do I need to have been trading?

Preferences vary. A longer track record helps, but we can discuss options if you’re earlier-stage and have strong supporting evidence.

Will applying affect my credit score?

We can often provide an initial view without impact. A full application usually involves a credit enquiry recorded on your file.

What documents will I need?

Typically NZ photo ID, recent bank statements, proof of income (e.g., GST/IRD or accountant figures) and proof of address. We’ll give you a checklist.

Can I repay early?

Many lenders allow extra or early repayments; terms and any fees vary. We’ll flag this up-front.

*Fixed interest rates for vehicle loans range from 7.95% p.a. to a maximum of 29.95% p.a. on a minimum 12 month to a maximum 60-month loan term. Fixed interest rates for personal loans range from 9.95% p.a. to a maximum of 29.95% p.a. on a minimum 12 month to a maximum 60-month loan term. The actual interest rate charged to you will depend on your circumstances, the type of lending required, the security provided, and is determined by the lender. 

Fees apply, including an establishment fee of up to $350 and an introducer fee of up to $995. Also, lenders may charge a PPSR fee of between $0 and $14. For example: On a loan of $10,000 over 24 months at 9.95% p.a. with Establishment and Introducer fees totalling $495 and a PPSR Fee of $7.39, the total amount to repay is $11,627 which is 24 monthly payments of $485. Those amounts don’t include ongoing fees, such as Service Fees, charged by the lender. You can find full fee information in the loan contract. We recommend that you check the fees before accepting the loan offer. See more about lender fees here.

Approval is subject to meeting lending criteria, and affordability test applies. Our lender will independently assess whether you are eligible for a loan.
Same day payout subject to the applicant meeting the above conditions and completing loan documentation by 12pm.