THE FLOW
How Cencrest works
Cencrest keeps phase one intentionally simple: verify paychecks, match borrowers and lenders, and track repayments using Plaid and Stripe. Here’s what the journey looks like on each side.
FOR BORROWERS
Bridge the gap to your next paycheck.
1
Apply through Cencrest with the amount you want to borrow and your next paycheck date (for example, borrow $100 and repay $120).
2
2
Securely connect your bank using Plaid so we can see your paycheck history and confirm deposits.
3
Once matched with a lender, Stripe moves the funds directly between you and your lender.
4
On your paycheck date, repayment is processed with the agreed amount, so everyone knows what to expect.
FOR LENDERS
Back real paychecks, not faceless debt.
1
Join Cencrest as a lender and tell us how much you’re comfortable lending in a typical paycheck cycle.
2
Review short-term requests from verified borrowers: amount, repayment offer, and target date.
3
Select the micro-share you want to fund. Stripe handles the transfer directly between your account and the borrower’s.
4
When their paycheck lands, repayment is processed with your agreed return built into the repayment amount.
QUESTIONS
Cencrest FAQ
These answers cover how Cencrest works in phase one. As the platform grows, details may change, but the goal stays the same: simple, clear, community-focused micro-advances.
Is Cencrest a bank or a lender?
No. Cencrest is a platform that connects people who agree on short-term paycheck micro-shares. Borrowers and lenders move money between each other using Stripe. Cencrest does not hold deposits like a bank.
How does the typical example work?
A borrower might request $100 and agree to repay $120 from their next paycheck. A lender chooses to fund that request. When the paycheck hits, repayment is processed with the agreed return included in the total.
Where does my money go as a lender?
Funds are sent directly to the borrower via Stripe. Cencrest’s role is to verify accounts, help with tracking, and charge a small flat fee per completed match instead of stacking hidden charges.
What if a borrower doesn’t repay on time?
In phase one, Cencrest is not a collections service and cannot guarantee repayment. We rely on verified paychecks, clear terms, and transparent communication. Over time, data from successful and failed repayments will help us design stronger safeguards.
How does Cencrest make money?
Cencrest charges a small flat fee for each successfully completed match between borrower and lender. We want pricing to stay simple and easy to understand, without junk fees or surprises.
Will Cencrest expand beyond paycheck advances?
Phase one is tightly focused on paycheck-based micro-advances so we can learn what works. Future phases may expand into other types of short-term community funding once we have enough data and demand.