Kiva Free Microloan

[jeffrey]

These won't last long, but if you can give a free $25 loan to a KIVA entrepreneur at the moment:

Kiva - You're invited to Join Kiva

[Mr Nice Guy]

Dang only new lenders are eligible for trial

[Mjenn]

Thanks for posting this. I've been meaning to sign up for awhile, what a great excuse to do so.

[kork13]

That's really cool! I've considered participating in Kiva for a long time, so this is as good a reason as any to finally start. Also passing along the opportunity via Facebook...

[Mr Nice Guy]

As your free $25 loan is payed back, will you collect that your money in your account and have the ability to disburse it to your pay-pal like a non-trial loan? If so everyone should get on this cause that is free money!

[kork13]

As your free $25 loan is payed back, will you collect that your money in your account and have the ability to disburse it to your pay-pal like a non-trial loan? If so everyone should get on this cause that is free money!

No, Kiva's website specifically states that money repaid from these 'trial' loans will be repaid to Kiva and cannot be withdrawn. I'm curious, though, if they'll let us keep the $25 to continue lending with. I'm probably going to load a couple hundred dollars with them in the coming months (as I said, I've been considering Kiva for a while now), but I'd still like to keep the 'free' $25 rolling if possible...


Side question, for any current Kiva lenders... How do currencies play into this? I assume the loans are made in the borrower's currency (not dollars)... As exchange rates slide, do repayments also vary? Like with a $25 loan, could you end up with $24 or $26 depending on the currency conversions?

[Mr Nice Guy]

No, Kiva's website specifically states that money repaid from these 'trial' loans will be repaid to Kiva and cannot be withdrawn. I'm curious, though, if they'll let us keep the $25 to continue lending with. I'm probably going to load a couple hundred dollars with them in the coming months (as I said, I've been considering Kiva for a while now), but I'd still like to keep the 'free' $25 rolling if possible...


Side question, for any current Kiva lenders... How do currencies play into this? I assume the loans are made in the borrower's currency (not dollars)... As exchange rates slide, do repayments also vary? Like with a $25 loan, could you end up with $24 or $26 depending on the currency conversions?

That's a great question, because it could potentially present some arbitrage situations. But I have made two $25 loans on Kiva within the last two years and have gotten the full amount back in 12 equal payments. I think Kiva either takes the hit or the profit from the forex... Something to research

[AccountantSalary]

Having been a member of Kiva for a couple of years, I'd like to encourage everyone to join whether or not you've got the $25 freebie. My $200 total investment has gone around many times to help dozens of small businesses all over the world. It actually makes me feel like I'm doing some good in the world.

[Collin1000]

Having been a member of Kiva for a couple of years, I'd like to encourage everyone to join whether or not you've got the $25 freebie. My $200 total investment has gone around many times to help dozens of small businesses all over the world. It actually makes me feel like I'm doing some good in the world.

Agreed fully on this one - I've made 8 loans on Kiva with $100. As soon as one gets repaid, I loan it to someone else, and so on. The gift that keeps on giving.

[adpiterp]

I've been meaning to sign up, so this is a perfect time. Thank you!