Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1 — Visit the Application Page Go to genfin.co.za/apply or call 0800 436 346 to apply with a consultant over the phone if you prefer human assistance.
Step 2 — Enter Your Loan Requirements Input the amount you need (R100,000 – R5,000,000) and your preferred repayment term (6–24 months). Genfin's online tool will display an indicative repayment structure.
Step 3 — Complete the Application Form Provide basic business information:
- Business name and registration number
- Contact details (email, phone)
- Industry and years in operation
- Estimated monthly turnover
Step 4 — Connect Your Business Bank Account Genfin uses a secure, bank-grade third-party connection to retrieve your business bank statements electronically. Your banking password is never shared with or stored by Genfin. The connection uses read-only access to pull up to 12 months of transaction history. Alternatively, upload PDF statements manually.
Step 5 — Receive a Decision A dedicated Business Funding Analyst reviews your application. Most decisions are returned within 24 hours on business days. The analyst may contact you for clarification or additional documents.
Step 6 — Review and Sign Your Agreement If approved, Genfin sends you a personalised loan offer with the exact amount, rate, monthly instalment, and total cost of credit. Review the agreement carefully — there is no obligation to proceed. Sign electronically to accept.
Step 7 — Receive Funds Once the signed agreement is received, funds are typically disbursed to your business bank account within 24 hours.
Documents Required
| Document | When Required |
|---|---|
| Business bank statements (6 months) | All applications |
| Business bank statements (12 months) | Recommended; required for larger amounts |
| Management accounts | Loans above R500,000 |
| Annual financial statements | Loans above R500,000 (where available) |
| SARS tax compliance / VAT registration | Larger loan amounts |
| Company registration documents | May be requested for verification |
No business plan, no financial projections, no collateral documentation required for standard applications.
Borrower Requirements Checklist
Before applying, confirm your business meets all of the following:
- Registered as a Pty Ltd or Close Corporation in South Africa
- Fully operational for at least 12 months (24 months for loans above R500,000)
- Annual turnover of at least R1,000,000 (R10,000,000 for larger loans)
- Active South African business bank account
- No major derogatory credit events in recent trading history
Common Reasons for Decline
- Business has been trading for less than 12 months
- Annual turnover below the minimum threshold
- Unsatisfactory bank statement patterns (excessive NSF returns, zero-balance periods)
- Entity type not eligible (sole prop, trust, partnership)
- Existing bad debt or judgment on business credit record
Tips for a Stronger Application
- Apply for an amount proportionate to your monthly revenue — a request for 2–3× your average monthly turnover is typically well-received.
- Ensure bank statements are clean — resolve any unpaid debit orders before applying.
- Have 12 months of statements ready — even if only 6 are required, 12 months paints a fuller picture.
- Apply at the start of the month when recent revenue is visible.
- Answer analyst calls promptly — response time from the applicant is often the biggest delay in the process.