About Us

We're Makers of Possible. That might mean a car loan when your credit score's taken a knock. It might mean $50,000 for the kitchen you've been dreaming about, without the forms and waiting your bank puts you through. Whatever "possible" looks like for you, we've been helping New Zealanders get there since 1971.

Instant Finance at a glance

• 100% New Zealand owned — no overseas parent company

• Helping Kiwis since 1971

• 25 branches nationwide, from Kaikohe to Dunedin, plus an online team

• Proud member of the Financial Services Federation, bound by its Code of Conduct

• A participant in the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman (IFSO) Scheme, a free, independent way to resolve any concerns

Our story

Our story starts back in 1970, when Nigel Nausbaum opened a small lending company called Manhattan Finance in Lower Hutt. A year later, in 1971, the first branch to carry the Instant Finance name opened in Panmure, Auckland — one of several branches around the country that, although separately owned at the time, all traded under the same name. By October 2001, those branches came together as one company, Instant Finance NZ Ltd, and since 2012 we've kept growing as Instant Finance Limited.

Today, that adds up to 25 branches from Kaikohe in the north to Dunedin in the south, along with an online team for customers who'd rather do things that way.

Looking for a branch near you today, rather than where we started over 50 years ago? Find your nearest branch has the full, up-to-date list.

100% Kiwi owned, always

We're proudly, 100% New Zealand owned. No overseas head office, no outside shareholders calling the shots — just a local business making local decisions about how we lend and how we treat people.

What we stand for

For some of our customers, that means being there when things get tricky — everyone needs a helping hand sometimes, and that's never something to be ashamed of. For others, it's simply not wanting to deal with a bank's paperwork and box-ticking. Either way, we take the time to understand your situation before we recommend anything — never the other way round.

• Trust — we do what we say we'll do

• Support — we're still here after the loan's approved, not just before

• Respect — no judgement, whatever your circumstances or your reasons

• Integrity — clear terms, no surprises

• Customer driven — we shape what we offer around real people's needs, not the other way round

Lending you can trust

We're a proud member of the Financial Services Federation and bound by its Code of Conduct. We promote responsible lending as a matter of course — we won't let you get in over your head, and we'll help with the bigger budgeting picture, not just the loan itself.

If something ever doesn't feel right, we want to hear about it. Our Complaints process explains how, and if we can't sort things out together, we're a participant in the free, independent Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman (IFSO) Scheme.

Careers at Instant Finance

We're always on the lookout for people who genuinely want to help others — friendly, down-to-earth, and good with people. If that sounds like you, see our current vacancies.

Frequently asked questions

How long has Instant Finance been operating?

Since 1971 — over 50 years helping New Zealanders with personal lending.

Is Instant Finance a New Zealand-owned company?

Yes. We're 100% New Zealand owned, with no overseas parent company.

Who started Instant Finance?

Our roots go back to 1970, when Nigel Nausbaum started a company called Manhattan Finance in Lower Hutt. The first branch to carry the Instant Finance name opened in Panmure, Auckland, in 1971.

Is Instant Finance a responsible, regulated lender?

Yes. We're a proud member of the Financial Services Federation and bound by its Code of Conduct, and we promote responsible lending in everything we do.

Do I need great credit to get a loan with Instant Finance?

Not necessarily. We look at your whole situation, not just a credit score, and we'll only ever lend responsibly — which means what you can actually afford, not just what you're asking for.

What if I'm not happy with the service I received?

Talk to us first — our complaints process is quick and straightforward. If we can't resolve it together, you can take it to the free, independent IFSO Scheme.

Where can I find my nearest branch?

Find your nearest branch has the full, up-to-date list of all 25 locations, or you can bank with us online.