Frequently Asked Questions

It couldn't be easier. Just start our online application — it only takes a few minutes and an approval could be just hours away!

Whilst banks can sometimes take weeks to make a decision, CFI can typically give you an answer within 24–48 hours.

CFI Finance can provide business loans and asset finance for just about anything. Whether it's the purchase of an existing business, new business equipment, or the fitout of your new business, CFI can help! We can also provide working capital to trading businesses with our Business Boost product. If you're unsure, just give us a call and talk to one of our finance specialists.

CFI has helped business owners across New Zealand to realise their dreams of business ownership. Whether you're looking to start a new business or buy an existing business, CFI can help.

Yes. CFI has helped business owners across New Zealand get their start in business. We assess the whole picture — your experience, your plan, and the opportunity — not just your business history. Relevant industry experience and a genuine financial contribution go a long way.

Yes — even a simple one helps. It shows us you've thought through how the business will operate and how you'll cover repayments. We have templates available if you need a starting point.

Absolutely. An early conversation helps you understand your borrowing capacity and what you'll need to prepare. We're happy to chat before you've signed anything — it can save you time and help you focus on opportunities that are within reach.

It depends on the product and your circumstances. Business loans range from $5,000 to $500,000, asset and vehicle finance from $5,000 to $500,000, and working capital from $5,000 to $100,000.

Yes. Simply choose the equipment you need from any New Zealand supplier, and we'll work with them directly to arrange payment once your finance is approved.

We finance all types of business vehicles — cars, vans, utes, 4WDs, trucks, trailers, and specialist vehicles. We finance both new and used vehicles. If it's used for business purposes, we can usually help.

Absolutely. CFI regularly finances complete fitout packages — equipment, fixtures, signage, and installation costs — as a single finance facility. We understand how fitouts work, including progress payments.

Yes. Whether you're adding to your fleet or replacing several vehicles, we can structure a single facility to cover them all.

Yes you can. CFI are experts when it comes to funding business acquisitions. Whether you're buying an established business, a franchise territory, or expanding by acquiring another operation, we have finance designed for it.

Yes — our acquisition finance is designed for exactly this. Most business purchases include a mix of goodwill and tangible assets, and we take both into account when assessing your application.

A range of short-term business needs — stock purchases, seasonal cash flow gaps, unexpected expenses, minor refurbishments, or growth costs. We just need a clear business purpose for the funds.

No. The rate is fixed for the term of the loan, giving you complete certainty around future repayments. (Excluding circumstances where a borrower has defaulted on a loan.)

Simple Interest is the amount that you pay back over the life of a loan, on top of the amount you've borrowed. It's one of the easiest ways to understand the cost of a loan. For example, a $50,000 loan over 6 months with a simple interest rate of 11% p.a. would cost $2,750 in interest.

A deposit may be required for some loans, but not always — it depends on a number of factors including the loan size and the financial product selected. For new businesses it may depend on what money you've already invested or plan to invest in setting up your business. A CFI Finance Specialist can give you a better indication based on your specific circumstances.

It depends on the product. Business loans may require your business assets as security. Working capital (Business Boost) is unsecured — we don't take security over your assets or property, though director guarantees are required. We can talk you through what's needed based on your circumstances.

Yes you can! If you want us to apply a lump sum payment to your contract — for example to save on future interest — you can do so, but we will need to re-calculate and re-document your loan each time and a Partial Early-Termination Fee will apply. Unless we agree otherwise, lump sum payments will have the effect of shortening your contract term.

Yes you can! Your payout is calculated in accordance with the terms of your agreement. Repaying your loan early can save you a significant amount of interest, particularly for longer term loans. Contact us for a payout figure.

Your finance contract repayments are inclusive of any interest, however there may be fees and charges applicable to services we provide or for things that happen during the term of the finance contract (such as missed payments). You can find more details on our fees and charges page.

At CFI we started out just financing franchises, so we're very good at it. CFI has relationships with lots of major franchise brands, and our franchise accreditation model can make it easier for existing and prospective franchisees to access funding.

Absolutely. CFI has helped business owners across New Zealand get their start in franchise business. Whether you're buying into a brand for the first time or setting up a brand-new territory, we have funding options designed for new franchisees.

That's OK — we can still help. While accredited brands enjoy a faster, more streamlined process, we assess all franchise finance applications on their merits. Talk to us about your situation and we'll let you know what's possible.

A franchise gives you a proven system, brand recognition, training, and ongoing support — but comes with franchise fees and operational requirements. An independent business gives you complete freedom but requires you to build everything from scratch. Both are viable paths, and CFI finances both.

CFI offers business acquisition loans from $5,000 to $500,000, with terms up to 5 years. How much you can borrow depends on the business you're buying, your financial position, and how much of your own funds you're contributing.

We expect you to invest some of your own capital into the deal — it shows commitment and strengthens your application. The amount depends on the business and the deal structure. Talk to us about your situation and we can give you a clearer picture.

We'll need the financials for the business you're buying — profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and BAS lodgements. Any sale documents you have (contract of sale, business profile) are helpful too.

We look for strong, stable revenue and profitability. A consistent trading history gives us confidence — and it protects you as the buyer too.

When you buy a business's assets (equipment, stock, goodwill), you get what you pay for and leave the old liabilities behind. When you buy the company (its shares), you take on everything — including any debts or obligations the business has. Most small business purchases are structured as asset purchases for this reason. Get professional advice on which structure suits your situation.

Your finance contract will simply terminate at the end of your agreed contract term. There's nothing you need to do — we'll be in touch if there are any final steps.

You're responsible for maintaining any of your business equipment throughout the term of your finance contract.

You should contact your supplier or authorised repair agent. Make sure you check whether your equipment is under warranty.

Just email hello@cfifinance.co.nz or call us on 0800 456 687 and we'll provide you with another copy.

Having existing finance doesn't automatically rule you out, but we need to make sure the overall debt load is manageable. If you have multiple short-term facilities, talk to us — we may be able to consolidate them into a single facility.

CFI takes privacy very seriously. We can only use your personal information for very specific purposes — generally this means assessing your eligibility for our finance products or managing your products with us. You can view our privacy policy on our website.

Yes we do. You can view our privacy policy on our website.