Lending Rules

    CCCFA Lending Rules Explained (Plain English)

    Why banks scrutinise your Uber Eats spend, what 'reasonable enquiry' means, and how the CCCFA affects your home loan application in NZ.

    15 June 2026 8 min read
    Bank lending assessor reviewing borrower expenses on a laptop

    Ishvinder Pal Singh

    Financial Adviser — Finance in NZ (FSP1010951)

    Reviewed for accuracy

    Auckland mortgage and finance adviser, accredited with ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Co-operative Bank and a broad panel of non-bank lenders. I find the right fit for first home buyers, investors, and business owners.

    Last updated: 15 June 2026

    Quick answer

    The Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCFA) requires lenders to make 'reasonable enquiries' into your income and expenses before lending. In practice that means 3 months of bank statements, line-by-line expense review, and stress-testing your repayments at around 8–9%.

    What the CCCFA actually requires

    The Act doesn't set hard numbers. It requires lenders to be satisfied that the loan is suitable and affordable — which is why bank assessors now go through your statements in detail.

    What lenders look at

    A typical CCCFA-aligned assessment will cover:

    • Income reliability (PAYE, self-employed, contract)
    • All recurring expenses — including subscriptions and BNPL
    • Existing debt obligations (credit cards count at the limit)
    • Stress-tested repayments at ~8–9%
    • Dependants and lifestyle costs

    How to prepare your 3 months of statements

    Tidy up discretionary spending 2–3 months before you apply. Cancel unused subscriptions, pay down credit card limits, and avoid BNPL where you can.

    Frequently asked questions

    Try the Borrowing Power Calculator

    See how income, debts and living costs interact under CCCFA-aligned assumptions.

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    Want personal advice on this?

    Book a free, no-obligation chat with Ishvinder. We'll review your situation and map out the best options for you — no pressure to proceed.

    Disclaimer: The information in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your personal financial situation, goals or needs. It is not personalised financial advice. Lending criteria, interest rates and government scheme settings can change at any time. Before making any financial decision, you should speak to a licensed financial adviser. See our public disclosure statement or contact Ishvinder for personalised advice.