Busting Three Big Private Lender Myths

Combined Shape

Private money lenders have consistently received bad reputations. Here, our MoneyShop private lender experts discuss the common issues associated with money lenders, and how to avoid a ‘bad loan’.

Myth 1. You need a perfect credit score to be accepted

Many people use private lenders because they cannot get their loan applications approved by banks and credit unions.

Why? Private lenders offer unconventional financing options that banks don’t include in their lending policies. So, private lenders are the only legitimate providers in NZ of flexible financing options for loan applicants with poor credit scores or inconsistent income.

Community-oriented lenders will sit down and listen to applicants with poor credit scores or unique financial circumstances. If you choose the right lender, you can actually improve your finances and credit score in the long term.

Myth 2. Private lenders are dishonest


Private lenders are dependent on having a good reputation and often rely on word of mouth referrals. Unlike high-paid bank executives, the owners of private lending companies are often personally invested in their business. So, their personal livelihoods depend on the success of their company, which in turn depends on the success of their loan applicants!

‘Loan sharks’ are easy to avoid. Make sure you stick to lenders who have good reviews and a team of transparent, friendly experts who help you through the loan process.

Myth 3. Private lenders are risky

Private lenders are actually less likely to agree to risky loans because they are invested in their business and have more to lose than banks. So, well-established private lenders can be more attractive to borrowers. Their longevity shows that they create sustainable loans that their applicants can successfully repay!

Need a private lender you can trust?

So, if you want to apply for a loan, we make the process as easy and stress-free as possible! We have competitive rates, streamlined online service, and helpful loan information. So, we have a long-standing reputation as one of New Zealand’s most trustworthy loan providers. Contact our friendly MoneyShop team if you want to talk about small or large fast loan options.

*MoneyShop loans are subject to responsible lending checks and standard approval criteria. Interest rates and fees vary based on your loan type and amount. For full details, please see our Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions, and Costs of Borrowing page.

This information is general in nature and isn’t financial or professional advice. MoneyShop does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this content, and we recommend seeking personalised advice before making financial decisions

Our costs and terms

Loan amount

Borrow between $200 and $20,000, depending on your situation. Example: $3,000 over 78 weeks = $58.87/week.

Loan terms

Choose a term from 3 months to 3 years. Repay weekly. We’ll show your full schedule upfront.

Interest rate

The interest rates are 29.95% for loans with security or refinanced from existing loans, new unsecured loans are also 29.95%. The rate is fixed for the whole of the contract. Interest charges are calculated by multiplying the unpaid balance at the end of the day by a daily interest rate. The daily interest rate is calculated by dividing the annual interest rate by 365. Interest is charged when instalments fall due.

Default interest rate

MoneyShop doesn’t charge default interest. If your account falls behind, a $1 daily arrears fee may apply until things are back on track. Reversed payments incur a $5 fee, and missed‑payment contact may involve a letter fee (up to $50), a $5 phone fee, or an $80 + GST home‑visit fee. Any third‑party recovery costs are passed on at cost.

Establishment fees

One-time setup fee based on loan size:

Fee Cost
$200 to $499 $65.00
$500 to $800 $160.00
$800 to $5,000 for three years or less $300.00
$800 to $5,000 for three years or less $300.00
$5,000 to $15,000 for three years or less $310.00
Over $15,000 for more than three years $455.00

Some loan setup costs come from third parties — such as credit checks, PPSR searches, and security‑registration fees — and these are passed on at cost. Your account also has a daily administration charge of 55c while it’s open. We send statements every six months, and extra statements are free by email or $5 if printed. If you repay your loan early, an administration fee of $50 (averaged) may apply, along with any third‑party deregistration costs.

Rate type

Your rate stays the same for the whole loan. No surprises. No hidden fees.

Repayment frequency

Pay weekly. Example: $1,500 over 52 weeks = $44.83/week.

Example: Borrowing $3,000 over 78 weeks

  • Weekly repayment: $58.87
  • Total repayments: $4,592.86
  • Includes: Interest, $300 establishment fee, $0.55/day admin fee
  • Does not include: Any optional or default-related fees

 

This example assumes a fixed interest rate of 29.95% p.a., no missed payments, and no early repayment. Actual costs may vary depending on your loan amount, term, and repayment history.

Want to check your rate with our personal loan calculator?

Learn more about loan costs, interest rates, and fees on our Cost of Borrowing page.