Kiva FAQ

Answers to your most common questions about Kiva.

Quick, simple, and helpful information at a glance.

What is Kiva?
Kiva is an online microfinance platform that connects lenders with entrepreneurs in developing countries to provide affordable loans.
How do I create a Kiva account?
To create a Kiva account, go to the Kiva website and click on "Sign Up" in the top right corner. You can sign up using your email, Facebook, or Google account.
How do I choose a borrower to loan to?
You can browse the profiles of borrowers on the Kiva website and choose the one that resonates with you. You can also filter borrowers by country, loan type, or sector.
How do I make a loan on Kiva?
To make a loan, click on "Lend" on the Kiva website and choose a borrower. Then, select the loan amount and payment method, and complete the checkout process.
What payment methods does Kiva accept?
Kiva accepts credit and debit cards, PayPal, Kiva credit, and mobile money payments for loans.
What happens after I make a loan?
Your loan will be disbursed to the borrower's account, and you will receive updates on their progress and repayments. Once your loan is repaid, you can choose to redeploy the funds to another borrower or withdraw it.
How do I know if my loan has been repaid?
You will receive an email notification when your loan has been repaid. You can also check your loan portfolio on the Kiva website.
Can I cancel my loan?
Yes, you can cancel your loan within 30 days of making it. After 30 days, the loan will be considered final, and you will not be able to cancel it.
What happens if the borrower doesn't repay the loan?
In the rare case that a borrower is unable to repay their loan, Kiva's Field Partners will work with them to find a solution. If the loan cannot be repaid, Kiva will take the loss, and lenders will not be expected to cover it.
How do I contact Kiva's customer support?
You can contact Kiva's customer support by emailing [email protected] or filling out the contact form on the Kiva website.
Why am I unable to log into my Kiva account?
Make sure you are using the correct login credentials. If you have forgotten your password, click on "Forgot password?" on the login page and follow the prompts. If you are still unable to log in, contact Kiva's customer support.
My loan is not showing up in my portfolio, why?
It may take some time for your loan to appear in your portfolio. If it does not show up within 24 hours, contact Kiva's customer support.
I requested a withdrawal, but the funds have not been deposited into my account, what should I do?
Withdrawals from Kiva can take up to 15 business days to process. If you have not received the funds after 15 days, contact Kiva's customer support.
How can I change my email address on Kiva?
To change your email address, go to your account settings on the Kiva website and click on "Change Email".
What is Kiva credit, and how does it work?
Kiva credit is an amount that can be used to purchase a loan on Kiva without making a payment upfront. It works as a voucher and can be applied during the checkout process.
Why is my loan portfolio showing $0 as my outstanding balance?
This could be due to a technical issue. Try logging out and logging back in or contacting Kiva's customer support for assistance.
My credit card was declined when trying to make a loan, what should I do?
Check that you have entered the correct card details, including your name, card number, expiration date, and CVV. If your card is still declined, try using a different payment method. If the issue persists, contact your card issuer.
I received an error message saying "Internal Server Error", what should I do?
This is a technical issue on Kiva's end. Try refreshing the page or waiting a few minutes and trying again. If it continues, contact Kiva's customer support for assistance.
I received an email stating that my loan has expired, what does this mean?
Kiva loans are usually funded within 30 days. If a loan does not reach its funding goal within 30 days, it expires, and funds are returned to lenders.
Can I change the amount of my loan after it has been made?
No, you cannot change the loan amount after it has been made. However, you can cancel the loan within 30 days and make a new one with the desired amount.
I received an error message saying "We cannot process your loan at the moment.", what should I do?
This could be due to a technical issue or a temporary unavailability of the borrower's country. Try completing the loan at a later time or contact Kiva's customer support for assistance.
I received an email stating that my loan has been refunded, what does that mean?
This could be due to an issue with the borrower's profile or loan request. Kiva will refund the funds to your account, and you can choose to make a new loan.
I received an error message saying "No Field Partners were found", what does this mean?
This could be due to a temporary unavailability of Field Partners in the borrower's country. Wait a few days and try again or choose a borrower from a different country.
I am unable to add a loan to my cart, why?
This could be due to a technical issue. Try refreshing the page or clearing your browser's cache and cookies. If the problem persists, contact Kiva's customer support.
Can I make a loan on Kiva using my mobile device?
Yes, you can make a loan using your mobile device by downloading the Kiva app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
What are Kiva's fees and how are they covered?
Kiva charges a small amount of interest and fees on loans to cover its operational costs. These fees are embedded in the total loan amount, and borrowers are responsible for repaying them as part of their loan.
Why does my lender dashboard show inaccurate data?
This could be due to a technical issue. Try refreshing the page or clearing your browser's cache and cookies. If the problem persists, contact Kiva's customer support.