Trusted by More than 2,000,000 Canadians since 2016

Loans For Bad Credit Canada

  • chLoans for all credit types
  • chTransparency in rates & terms
  • chChecking offers on Smarter Loans does not impact your credit score
up Last updated

November 11, 2025

up Written by:

Amy Orr

up Reviewed by:

Jenna West

If you have less than ideal credit, there are still many reputable companies on Smarter Loans that may be able to help you. Below you will find a list of our most trusted lending companies that work with poor credit or no credit situations. Bad credit loans in Canada can be obtained easily, just by filling out a quick online application. Take a look at the options below, and click “Apply Now” next to one of the companies, to submit a request to them directly. You can also choose to Apply with Smarter Loans, and we will find the most suitable loan provider in your province, and connect you with them.

Compare Lenders

AMOUNT
$300 - $35,000
INTEREST RATE
9.99% - 34.95%
TERMS
6 - 84 Months
AMOUNT
Up to $20,000
INTEREST RATE
19.8% - 34.99%
TERMS
36 months
AMOUNT
$1,000 - $5,000
INTEREST RATE
19.9% - 34.5%
TERMS
12 - 36 months
AMOUNT
$500 - $2,500
INTEREST RATE
18.99%
TERMS
Variable
AMOUNT
$500 - $1,000
INTEREST RATE
Varies
TERMS
3 - 6 months
AMOUNT
$30 - $250
INTEREST RATE
0%
TERMS
N/A
AMOUNT
$20-$500
INTEREST RATE
0%
TERMS
N/A
AMOUNT
$150-$1000
INTEREST RATE
30.4% APR
TERMS
30 Days
AMOUNT
$500 - $150,000
INTEREST RATE
9.99% - 34.99%
TERMS
9 - 240 months
AMOUNT
$300 – $1,500
INTEREST RATE
$14 per every $100 lent
TERMS
Up to 2 Months
AMOUNT
$500 - $25,000
INTEREST RATE
34.56% - 34.95%
TERMS
6 - 84 Months
AMOUNT
$500 - $15,000
INTEREST RATE
34.37%
TERMS
12 - 60 Months
AMOUNT
$100 - $1,500
INTEREST RATE
Varies
TERMS
2 months
AMOUNT
$100 - $1,500
INTEREST RATE
Varies
TERMS
Up to 2 months
AMOUNT
$500 - $10,000
INTEREST RATE
34.99%
TERMS
Open Line of Credit
AMOUNT
$100 – $15,000
INTEREST RATE
34.99%
TERMS
Open Line of Credit
AMOUNT
$100 - $20,000
INTEREST RATE
34.37%
TERMS
6 - 84 Months
AMOUNT
$1,000 – $15,000
INTEREST RATE
19.9% - 34.9%
TERMS
Line of Credit
AMOUNT
Up to $250
INTEREST RATE
0% APR (Has Fees)
TERMS
Varies
AMOUNT
$100 - $1,500
INTEREST RATE
Varies
TERMS
2 months
View More Lenders

What Is Bad Credit?


When trying to borrow money for any reason - a mortgage, a medical bill, a car, debt consolidation, or something else entirely - most lenders will ask for a credit check. This is so they can assess your ability to pay the loan back. But what exactly do they look at?

What Is a Credit Report?

credit score

Credit Rating Agencies

1. Payment History

2. Outstanding debt

3. Time

4. Types of Debt

andpersonal loan

5. New Inquiries

Once all of these variables are synthesized, the output is your credit score. A credit score between 300 to 550 is generally considered to be poor, while scores of 650 or over are considered good.

How Does Bad Credit Happen?

Missed or late credit paymentsCredit cards that are regularly stretched to their maximal limitsApplying for too many loans within a short period of timeDefaulting on loans

How Is Your Credit Score Used?

How Does a Bad Credit Loan Work?


history of consumer proposals

Secured Bad Credit Loans and Unsecured Bad Credit Loans

Open-Ended Credit Options in Canada

payday loans

How Do I Qualify For a Bad Credit Loan?

To learn more about personal loans and credit, visit the Government of Canada website.

Required Documents

1. Proof of address and age

2. Existing Mortgages/Debts and Number of Dependents

3. Proof of employment

4. Bank account information

Advantages of a Bad Credit Loan


Accessible

Easily Available

Quick Approval

Credit Improvement

Versatile

Drawbacks of a Bad Credit Loan


There are, however, certain considerations that need to be evaluated before selecting a bad credit loan as a financing option. These include:

Endless Debt Cycle

Higher Rates

Predatory Lending Practices

Focus on Payday Loans and Payday Lenders

How To Compare Lenders

loan companiesinstallment loans

What The Numbers Say

The chart below shows that nearly 50% of Canadians fall within the 700-799 credit score range. Also, over 25% of Canadians have a credit score below 699.

Bad Credit Loans Frequently Asked Questions


How Big of a Personal Loan Can I Get Approved for with Bad Credit?

Can I Receive a Bad Credit Loan with a Previous Bankruptcy on My Record?

Do I Need a Downpayment for a Bad Credit Loan in Canada?

What are the Consequences for Non-Repayment of Bad Credit Loans in Canada?

What Interest Rates Should I Expect for Bad Credit Loans?

Will a Bank Give Me a Loan with Bad Credit?

Where Does Offer Loans for Bad Credit?

Can I Trust Lenders Offering Bad Credit Loans with No Credit Check and Guaranteed Approval?

What's a Direct Lender?

How Do I Find Out If I Have Bad Credit?

Pre-Apply For a Bad Credit Loan

Expert Review & Editorial Standards

This page was researched, written, and reviewed by financial professionals with expertise in Canadian lending regulations. All information is regularly updated to reflect current rates, terms, and regulatory changes.

Jenna West
Reviewed By

Jenna West

Financial Writer & Content Director

Jenna has covered the Canadian FinTech and consumer lending industry since 2017. She specializes in regulatory updates, consumer protection, and helping Canadians navigate complex financial products.

  • 8+ years analyzing Canadian consumer lending
  • Monitors FCAC and provincial regulatory changes
  • Specializes in personal loans and alternative lending
Amy Orr
Written By

Amy Orr

Financial Content Specialist

Amy is a financial writer with 10+ years covering Canadian, U.S., and U.K. financial markets. She holds a Masters in Finance from the University of Edinburgh Business School and formerly worked in the hedge fund sector.

  • Masters in Finance, University of Edinburgh
  • Former hedge fund professional
  • Published in major financial publications

About Smarter Loans

Canada's independent lending comparison platform since 2016. Trusted by over 2 million Canadians and recognized by the Toronto Star as "the GPS of FinTech Lending." Featured in the National Post and major Canadian publications.

Verified Lenders Only All lenders verified for proper licensing and regulatory compliance
Editorial Independence Content created independently from business relationships
Regular Updates Content monitored and updated for rate changes and new regulations
2M+ Canadians Served Helping Canadians compare loans since 2016

Our Editorial Process

Every page undergoes research, expert writing, fact-checking, and review by our Financial Content Director. We verify all rates, terms, and regulatory information against official sources including FCAC guidelines and provincial lending regulations.

Last Updated: November 11, 2025 | Next Review: Ongoing monitoring

Awesome G. profile pictureAwesome G.
04:46 26 Feb 25
I’m very honoured to shear my experience with this illustrious platform. To be able to systematically choose from a list optional to one’s profile without doing much leg work is truly rewarding. This platform allowed to expand my options and chose which lenders fit my profile, thank you and continue doing what you do best,, connecting people to available wealth opportunities.
Pat M. profile picturePat M.
03:10 26 Feb 25
Good place to get a loan
Chris “Stufphr” H. profile pictureChris “Stufphr” H.
02:07 26 Feb 25
When you feel in need of a loan do it smart and make it a Smarter Loans.
Dan Bott (. profile pictureDan Bott (.
01:41 26 Feb 25
Very Helpful, was assisted in a timely fashion and was ultimately able to receive assistance; I highly recommend!!!
joel K. profile picturejoel K.
22:59 25 Feb 25
I have recommended this place to many friends I feel that this company goes out of their way to help people that they can and they are very easy to work with
Nate C. profile pictureNate C.
13:22 27 Oct 24
This company is reliable, quick, and just has the best customer service and rates it is a easy process with quick results. Would definitely recommend to anyone that needs the help.
Vincent J. profile pictureVincent J.
07:08 23 Oct 24
Good place for borrowing a bit of money 😁
Kels H. profile pictureKels H.
06:41 23 Oct 24
Personally love this opportunity and app. Super convenient and easy to use and super awesome variety of great loans. Thanks so much guys for making such an awesome site and app and being there for me over the years. :)
Tara H. profile pictureTara H.
16:23 16 Oct 24
From beginning to end, my experience was great! Very professional and personable agents. They only asked questions that were needed for the loan and payments were extremely reasonable. Would recommend to anyone who needs emergency funds.
A S. profile pictureA S.
19:43 11 Oct 24
“ Thank you SO very much! My situation was tricky and you guys made the whole process so effortless. The way you guys handle the whole process so discreetly. That truly speaks to how well your office is run and the caliber of specialists who handled the processing of my entire loan!”

Why Choose Smarter Loans?

smart

Access to Over 50 Lenders in One Place

smart

Transparency in Rates & Terms

smart

100% Free to Use

smart

Apply Once & Get Multiple Offers

smart

Save Time & Money

smart

Expert Tips and Advice

As seen on
  • logo
  • logo
  • logo
  • logo
  • logo
  • logo