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Kiva U.S.
How do I withdraw funds from my Kiva account back into my PayPal account?
To request to withdraw funds from Kiva, please go to: kiva.org/withdraw
On this page, enter the amount you want to withdraw and the email address associated with your PayPal account (you will need to enter this email twice), then follow the prompts.
We'll process your request and the funds should be deposited into your PayPal account within 1-2 weeks. Kiva isn't able to deposit funds directly into a personal bank account, but from PayPal you can transfer funds to your bank.
How do I get a loan?
Kiva is not a bank or microfinance institution, which means that most of the loans fundraising on our website were not provided by Kiva directly. Because we know that finding the right loan can be a challenging process here are a few options to consider:
If you’re an entrepreneur in the U.S. --
Kiva supports entrepreneurs in the U.S. with interest-free loans which are crowdfunded by lenders across the globe and are paid back over the course of a couple of months to a few years. Kiva U.S. loans can be as large as $10,000.
Rather than assessing credit history and financial statements, Kiva U.S. relies on trust networks as a measure of creditworthiness. For that reason, applicants are required to secure initial lenders from within their own network prior to fundraising on Kiva (and sometimes a Trustee as well). To learn more and apply for a loan please visit: borrow.kiva.org
Questions about applying for a U.S. loan can be sent here: borrowers@kiva.org
If you live in another country around the world --
Kiva partners with Field Partners in many countries around the world who may be able to make a loan to you. These loans vary in interest rates, loan amounts and requirements. To apply for a loan through a Field Partner, please contact them directly. A list of Kiva's Field Partners and their contact information can be found at: kiva.org/about/where-kiva-works
If you can’t find a partner near you please try the MIX Market, which is a great website that collects data on microfinance institutions around the world. Please refer to their website: mixmarket.org
Please note, MIX Market is an information service and doesn’t provide funding. Also note that Kiva does not have a say in which businesses are selected by our Field Partners. Contact each partner directly for more information on loan requirements and underwriting guidelines.
How do I unsubscribe from Kiva's email lists or change my email settings?
You can edit your email preferences with Kiva by signing into your account and going to: kiva.org/settings/email
Please note that as long as you have a Kiva account, you will receive some emails from Kiva, as we are legally required to send you information about your account status and activity every so often. Otherwise, you can pick and choose which emails you receive.
How do I lend the credit in my account?
To lend your Kiva credit, please follow these steps:
1. Go to kiva.org/login and sign into your account.
2. Click "Lend" and find a borrower to support. Then click "Lend $25" to add that loan to your basket.
3. Add additional loans to your basket or click "Checkout now".
4. On the basket page you'll see your loans, and be asked to make an optional donation to Kiva. You can edit the suggested donation by clicking the pencil icon next to the amount and changing how much you want to donate ($0 is an option). Click "Update" to save your changes.
5. You'll see your available Kiva credit automatically deducted from your total at the bottom of the page. Review your transaction and click the blue button at the bottom to confirm your purchase. If your total exceeds the credit in your account, your credit will be deducted from your total first and you will then be directed to PayPal to pay for the remainder of your purchase with funds from a credit card or PayPal account.
Upon completion of your purchase you will see an order confirmation page as well as receive an emailed receipt.
I'm having trouble using Kiva's website. Can you help me troubleshoot?
Hopefully some quick browser adjustments will resolve this issue. Here are a few troubleshooting tips which may help:
-Clearing your browser cache and deleting your cookies
-Using a private browser or "incognito mode"
-Using a different browser or upgrading your browser to the most current version
-Enabling cookies
-Changing your browser's security settings to allow Kiva as a trusted site
-Checking to ensure you don't have any browser plugins (such as ad blockers) that may be conflicting with kiva.org
If the problem continues, please let us know.
How do I view my transaction history?
You can see a record of all your transactions on Kiva by clicking "Transaction history" on the left side of your Portfolio page or directly at this link: kiva.org/portfolio/transactions
This page will allow you to check on all of your past deposits, purchases, repayments or withdrawals.
Do I have to donate to Kiva's operating expenses?
Donations to Kiva's operating expenses are always optional, although vital to what we do.
100% of every dollar lent on Kiva goes toward funding loans and we never take a cut -- instead, we support our operations through donations from our lender community. While a donation is automatically suggested during checkout, you can always opt out on the Basket page by clicking the pencil icon next to the donation amount and then the "No donation to Kiva" link.
How do I make a loan on Kiva?
You can make a loan on Kiva by following these steps:
1. Go to kiva.org/login and sign into your account or create a Kiva account.
2. Click "Lend" and find a borrower to support. Then click "Lend $25" to add that loan to your basket.
3. Add additional loans to your basket or click "Basket" to check out.
4. On the basket page you'll see your loans, and be asked to make an optional donation to Kiva. You can edit the suggested donation by clicking the pencil icon next to the amount and entering how much you want to donate ($0 is an option). Click "Update" to save your changes.
5. You'll either see your available Kiva credit automatically deducted from your total (if you have credit), or be directed to PayPal to pay for your purchase, using a credit card or PayPal account. Click the blue button at the bottom of the page to confirm your purchase.
Upon completion of your purchase you will be directed to an order confirmation page as well as receive an emailed receipt.
What's the difference between a Kiva loan and a donation?
Lending and donating on Kiva are distinct actions which are easy to confuse.
To clarify, loans are made to borrowers, while donations are made to our operating expenses. When you lend to a borrower, your loans are not tax-deductible. Our hope is that all Kiva loans will be repaid so you can use your funds to lend again.
When you make a donation to Kiva, you're helping cover the costs of running the website and allowing our nonprofit to continue providing loans around the world. Donations, unlike loans, are one-time gifts that don't return to you, but are eligible for a tax-deduction in the U.S.
Please note that when you lend you're also given the opportunity to make a donation to Kiva in addition to your loan. You can also donate to Kiva at any time here: kiva.org/about/supportus
Can I combine or merge Kiva accounts?
At the moment we're unfortunately not able to move loans from one Kiva account to another, or combine 2 accounts. The best ways to combine accounts is to either purchase a Kiva Card, which you can redeem from the account you'd like to lend from going forward, or withdraw your funds and deposit the balance into that account.
How can my organization become a Field Partner?
The best place to learn about our criteria for Field Partners is on our website here: kiva.org/partners/info
In order to apply for partnership, an organization must at minimum:
--Display a strong commitment to serving the needs of poor, vulnerable, and/or excluded populations.
--Operate an existing lending program with portfolio quality that is in line with market context and industry standards, or be prepared and legally able to set up a lending program.
--Provide a specific proposal for using Kiva’s capital to fund loans with a) high social or environmental impact, and b) pricing that is in line with market context and industry standards.
--Be able to post at least $50,000 USD in loans in the first 12 months on the Kiva website, with capacity to grow in subsequent years.
--Have assets or operating revenues of at least $100,000 USD.
--Be able to legally accept and repay US Dollar debt capital and manage currency risk.
--Be legally registered in its country of operation.
On the above page, there is a Partnership Inquiry Form that can be used to start a conversation with our team. If our field staff is interested in learning more, they will respond and request further documentation.
Can I forgive a loan or request that a borrower not have to repay?
While offers to forgive loans are very generous, Kiva's lending process is designed to accommodate loans and not donations. This means that all funding requests posted to Kiva are considered loans, and there unfortunately isn't a way to request that a borrower not repay your portion of the loan they received.
Our hope is that once you've been repaid you'll recycle your credit to make even more loans on Kiva -- helping reach even more borrowers around the world.
How do I use a Kiva Card?
To use your Kiva Card, go to: kiva.org/redeem
On this page you'll see a box where you can enter the card's gift code and click "Apply." Once you've entered the code, click the blue "Get Started, Find a Loan" button to find a list of all loans in need of support. When you find a loan that interests you, add it to your basket by clicking the blue "Lend $25" button. When you're ready to checkout click "Basket" at the top of the page. This will begin the checkout process.
In order to use a Kiva Card you will need to sign up for a Kiva account if you don't already have one. Please also note that if your total exceeds the amount on your Kiva Card, you'll be directed to PayPal to pay for the difference between the total due and the amount of your Kiva Card. Upon completion of your purchase you will be directed to an order confirmation page on Kiva's website. You will also receive an emailed receipt for your purchase.
Can I lend less than $25?
At Kiva, we divide loans into $25 amounts. For this reason, the minimum amount that you can contribute to a loan is $25.
You can still make a loan if you have less than $25 of Kiva credit in your account. When you select a loan to support and proceed through the check out process, we'll automatically deduct the Kiva credit in your account from the amount of your purchase. You can then pay for the remainder of your loan with funds from a credit card or PayPal account.
What is auto lending?
Auto lending is a feature that ensures your Kiva credit is always being put to use. When you turn on auto lending, our system automatically recycles your available credit whenever the balance reaches $25. Loans made through auto lending are triggered by another Kiva lender making a loan to a borrower that matches your preferences, so people are still the driving force behind the loans being made.
To turn on auto lending, please sign into your Kiva account and go to: kiva.org/settings/credit
Click "Automatically lend my Kiva credit" at the bottom and use the options provided to select your preferences. Once you do, click the "Save auto lending settings" button to enable auto lending.
Can I make a loan by paying with a check rather than a credit card?
If you're unable to use PayPal you're welcome to add credit to your Kiva account via check. To do so, please follow these steps:
1. Create a Kiva account if you don't already have one.
2. Write your check payable to "Kiva User Funds LLC"
3. To ensure the funds are deposited into the correct account, please write the email address associated with your Kiva account on the back of the check.
Note how much you'd like to be credited to your account for lending, as well as how much should be donated to Kiva's operating expenses should you wish to donate (we typically suggest a donation of 5-10% to help cover the administrative costs associated with check processing).
4. Mail the check to:
Kiva User Funds LLC
Attn: Finance Department
875 Howard Street, Suite 340
San Francisco, CA 94103
Once your check has been processed (which can take a few weeks) we'll credit your account and notify you by email. You can then sign into your Kiva account and use the credit in your account for lending.
How do I purchase a Kiva Card?
You can purchase a Kiva Card by going to: kiva.org/gifts/kiva-cards
On this page select the delivery method, value and quantity of the Kiva Cards you want to buy. Once you've done that and agreed to the terms and conditions, including the 12 month lending period, add the card to your basket by clicking "Add to Basket" or "Add to Basket and Checkout". To begin the checkout process click "Basket" at the top of the page.
Upon completion of your purchase, you'll be directed to an order confirmation page and also receive an emailed receipt. You can view and/or print the Kiva Cards you've purchased at any time by signing into your Kiva account and going to: kiva.org/portfolio/kiva-cards
How do I redeem free credit I've earned?
If you have free credit, it should automatically be applied to the next loan you make. Sign into your Kiva account, click "Lend my free credit" at the top of the page, choose a loan and proceed through the checkout process.
Please note that free credit cannot be applied to direct loans, loans with repayment terms over 21 months, or loans from Field Partners with risk ratings below 3 stars. You’ll be able to see if a loan is eligible on both the loan profile and in your basket. To find loans that are eligible using free credit, you can also use this link: kiva.org/lend/bonusEligibleLoans
How do I add Kiva credit to my account?
You can add credit to your Kiva account by signing in and going to: kiva.org/portfolio
Click the "Add Credit" link in the column on the left side of the page (or go directly to: kiva.org/portfolio/credit/deposit). Enter the amount of credit you want to add and click "Checkout with PayPal" to proceed through the payment process. Once you’ve completed payment you'll be directed back to Kiva's website and your Kiva credit will appear in your account.
Please note, Kiva also has the option to set up a monthly deposit into your Kiva account. For more information, please visit: kiva.org/auto-deposit
How can my company partner with Kiva?
Kiva has a number of institutional supporters, and we appreciate your company's interest in partnering with us. If you'd like to support Kiva through a small business partnership, revenue sharing program, or simply by making loans on behalf of your company, you can learn more here: kiva.org/about/supportus/smallbusiness
Please note, Kiva can only facilitate partnerships with a contribution of $25K or more. If your company can't make a contribution of this level, please refer to the "Other ways to support us" section at the bottom of this page.
If you'd instead like to apply to be a Field Partner or Trustee to help facilitate loans and endorse borrowers, you can learn more here: kiva.org/partners/info and kiva.org/trustees
If you have any questions about these ways to get involved, please let us know.
What does it mean that my loan is delinquent?
Loans can become delinquent if either the borrower or Field Partner falls behind on making repayments according to the repayment schedule that was set when the loan was posted to Kiva. If you click on the "Repayment Schedule" link on a loan profile and then "Show advanced", you'll be able to see further explanation for why the loan is delinquent.
If a loan is marked as delinquent, this means that Kiva still expects repayments to be made on the loan. In the case of a borrower's delinquency, you can assume that the Field Partner is working with the borrower to reschedule the loan term, if necessary, to try to recover eventual repayment of the loan. If the delinquency is due to a Field Partner being late in repaying Kiva lenders, you can assume that a member of the Kiva team is following up with the partner to work on recovering the amount owed to lenders.
If Kiva or the Field Partner determines the collection of funds is doubtful, the loan will be marked as defaulted and you'll be notified by email. Until then, we will continue making efforts to recover lender funds.
I forgot my password. How do I change it?
You can reset your Kiva password by going to kiva.org/login and clicking the "Forgot your password?" link.
Enter your email address and we'll send you instructions for how to reset your password. Please be sure to change your password as soon as possible, as this link will expire within a few hours for security purposes.