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What you can and cannot say to borrowers about financing

The most common compliance risk for contractors isn't marketing — it's what gets said in the field.

The core principle

You are introducing a customer to a financing option. You are not a lender, and you cannot make promises about what a lender will or won't do. Acorn Finance and its lending partners make all credit decisions — not you.

Approval odds and eligibility

Even if a customer seems like a strong candidate, you cannot predict or suggest what a lender will decide. Credit decisions depend on factors you don't have full visibility into.

✓ Say this

  • "It only takes a few minutes to apply and see what you qualify for."

  • "There's no impact to your credit score to check your options."

  • "Many of our customers get approved — the best way to know is to apply."

  • "The application is quick and you'll see real offers right away."

✗ Don't say this

  • "You'll definitely get approved."

  • "Someone with your credit should have no problem."

  • "I've never had a customer get turned down."

  • "I think you'll qualify for the full amount."

Rates and terms

Quoting a specific rate in conversation carries the same risks as advertising one — rates vary by borrower profile and are set by lending partners, not by you or Acorn Finance.

✓ Say this

  • "Acorn Finance offers competitive rates — you'll see your actual options after applying."

  • "Rates depend on your credit profile, but the application shows you real numbers."

  • "The terms you receive will be based on your application — no guessing."

✗ Don't say this

  • "Rates are around X% right now."

  • "You'll probably get something like $X/month."

  • "I can get you a good rate through my financing partner."

  • "The interest is really low — basically nothing."

Funding timelines

Funding timelines can vary. Don't commit to a specific date on behalf of a lending partner.

✓ Say this

  • "Once approved, funding is typically fast — often within a few business days."

  • "We can usually get started shortly after your loan is funded."

✗ Don't say this

  • "You'll have the money by Friday."

  • "We can start work tomorrow — the funding always comes through same day."

A simple field script

When introducing financing to a customer, something like this covers all the bases:

Suggested language

"We offer financing through Acorn Finance — it's a quick application, no impact to your credit score to check your options, and you'll see real offers right away. Rates are competitive and depend on your profile. If you want, we can pull it up right now and you'll know exactly what you're working with."

When a customer asks "will I get approved?"

The honest and compliant answer is: "I can't say for certain — that's up to the lender. But the application is fast and there's no credit impact to check. The best way to know is to apply."

Questions?

If a customer conversation gets into territory you're unsure about, refer them to acornfinance.com or connect them with Acorn Finance support. You don't need to have all the answers — that's what we're here for.

Last reviewed: June 2025 · Questions? Contact support at acornfinance.com · Applies to all active Acorn Finance contractor network members.

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