Key Terms at a Glance
| Parameter | Business Loan | Line of Credit | Invoice Financing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum amount | R20,000 | R20,000 | R20,000 |
| Maximum amount | R5,000,000 | R10,000,000 | R5,000,000 |
| Minimum term | 1 month | 1 month | N/A (per invoice) |
| Maximum term | 24 months | 24 months | Until invoice is paid |
| Rate | From 1.7%/month | From 1.7%/month | From 1.7%/month |
| Application fee | None | None | None |
| Monthly facility fee | None | None | None |
| Collateral | None required | None required | Invoice as security |
| Early settlement penalty | None (discount given) | None (discount given) | None |
How the Fee is Structured
Bridgement charges a single flat fee per drawdown — not compound interest. This means:
- You know the total cost of the loan upfront, before you draw
- The fee does not grow over time (unlike revolving interest)
- If you repay early, you receive a pro-rata discount on the unearned portion of the fee
Illustrative Example (not a guarantee or offer): A business draws R100,000 for 3 months at a 2% monthly rate. The total fee would be approximately R6,000 (2% × 3 × R100,000). The business repays the R100,000 plus R6,000 over the term. If it repays in full at month 2, it may receive a discount on the remaining one month's fee.
Note: Actual rates are determined by Bridgement's credit assessment and will vary based on your business profile, credit data, trading history, and the quality of your invoices and debtors.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Bridgement business finance, your company must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Company registration | Registered company or close corporation in South Africa (CIPC) |
| Minimum trading period | 6 months or more |
| Minimum annual turnover | R500,000 per year |
| Business plan required | No |
| VAT registration required | No |
| Collateral required | No |
| Personal guarantee | Not required for standard facilities |
| Credit check | Yes — bureau data, bank statements, and accounting data used |
What Data Does Bridgement Use for Credit Assessment?
Bridgement uses an AI-driven model that incorporates:
- Credit bureau data
- Government records and legal data
- Bank account transaction history
- Accounting software data (Xero, Sage, QuickBooks if connected)
- Invoice quality and debtor history (for invoice financing)
- Business registration and CIPC data
Risk Warning
Business credit products carry financial risk. If your business cannot meet repayment obligations, you may incur additional fees and your credit record will be negatively affected. Assess your projected cash flow carefully before drawing on any facility. Creditdeals.io recommends consulting a qualified financial adviser if you are uncertain about your repayment capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions — Terms
Q: What is the maximum loan amount at Bridgement? The maximum revolving credit facility is R10,000,000. The maximum for a standard business loan or invoice financing is R5,000,000. The exact amount you qualify for depends on your business's financial profile.
Q: Does Bridgement charge compound interest? No. Bridgement charges a single flat fee per drawdown, not compound interest. The total cost is disclosed before you draw.
Q: Is there a minimum trading period to qualify? Yes. Your business must have been trading for at least 6 months and have a minimum annual turnover of R500,000.
Q: Can I get a lower rate if I repay early? Yes. Early settlement results in a discount on the unearned portion of the fee, effectively reducing your total cost of finance.
<!-- SECTION 4: HOW TO APPLY -->