Loans Vancouver

Loans in Vancouver, BC

Vancouver is a city filled with business, so it’s not surprising that there’s a huge variety of financial firms and lenders in the area. The number of lending institutions to look into might leave you lost for choice on which institution to secure your loan with, but the lenders down the street may not be the best options for you. These days there are many alternative options to traditional loans, namely online loans, that are easy to apply for and come with fast approval.

Online loans in Vancouver usually offer better conditions and more options that will likely work better for you. Here at Smarter Loans we want to help you get the best loans as quickly as possible, so that you can take advantage of the financial boost. Our comprehensive list of pre-vetted lenders will help you find fast loans from reputable firms. Simply choose a Vancouver loan provider from the list below, and we’ll get you connected. You can also apply directly from our site!

Frequently Asked Questions About Loans in Vancouver


Where can I get a loan from in Vancouver?

Vancouver’s size and position as a key hub in B.C. means it’s home to many different loan providers, including:

  • Banks & credit unions
  • Auto loan providers
  • Payday lenders
  • Online lenders
  • Vehicle or equipment specialists
  • No credit check lenders
  • Bad credit loan providers
  • Other financial service companies

For newcomers or students in Vancouver, securing an immigrant loan can be challenging due to limited credit history. However, specialized lenders cater to the unique needs of immigrants and students, offering accessible financial solutions when needed.

In addition to all of the above, if you are searching for certain specific loans (for example, a student loan or a startup loan), you may be able to access help through the government – federal, provincial or local. So there’s no shortage of options for Vancouverites looking for financing.

What kind of loan can I get in Vancouver?

Vancouver residents need financing for all aspects of their lives, business and personal, and luckily there are a range of different loans to suit every need. If you need a quick injection of cash to help manage general, short to medium term expenses, then you might consider:

If you’re making a specific purchase, then you might be better off looking for one of the following:

Or, for business purposes, you can choose from:

All of the above range in cost, processing time, and eligibility requirements, so be clear about what you need, why you need it, and how quickly you need it.

How do I qualify for a loan in Vancouver?

All financial lenders have their own unique eligibility requirements, but generally speaking, Vancouver lenders will require a minimum of:

  1. Proof of ID showing that you are age of majority (19 years old in B.C.)
  2. Proof of address showing your residency in B.C.
  3. An active bank account

These are the most basic criteria, but there will be others, with the exact list dependent on the company and loan you’re applying for. Traditional loan companies require a minimum credit score of 600, and proof of income. Alternative lenders are likely to be more flexible about their qualification criteria. Some even accept borrowers with bad credit or no income.

Can I get a business loan in Vancouver?

Vancouver is home to nearly 80,000 businesses, and many rely on external financing at some point – for vehicles, equipment, cash flow, property, expansion, emergency expenses or something else entirely. The depth of Vancouver’s business community means that there are many financing options available locally, but there are eligibility requirements for most business loans.

Generally, traditional lenders will want to see:

  1. A business history lasting at least two years
  2. A business plan
  3. Proof of revenues, profitability, and projected future revenues (or other proof you will be able to repay the loan)
  4. Collateral (for property, equipment, invoice and vehicle loans)
  5. Credit history for the business and the business’s owners

If your business does not meet one or any of these requirements, a loan may still be possible, but an alternative lender with more flexibility is probably better placed to help you. Or, you may be eligible to receive financial aid from the provincial government or the city government.

Can I get a loan in Vancouver if I have bad credit?

The average credit score in Vancouver is 687 – slightly higher than the national average of 650. Anyone with a score of less than 600 is considered a “risky” borrower, and may struggle to get financing through a bank or credit union. For this reason, alternative lenders who work with borrowers with lower credit scores are available. These alternative lenders usually charge a higher than average interest rate, to offset the greater risk of lending to these borrowers. But this does mean that you should be able to access a loan, regardless of your credit.

Can I get a loan in Vancouver if I’m unemployed?

Unemployment in Vancouver stands at 11.1%, and unfortunately for this portion of the population, traditional lenders like banks and credit unions won’t work with borrowers who have no income. However, alternative lenders are more flexible, and there are some who will work with you even if you are unemployed. This means that access to affordable financing isn’t out of reach, but bear in mind that these lenders usually require some collateral, charge a higher interest rate, or have other conditions to help offset their risk.

What’s the best interest rate I can get on a loan in Vancouver?

Interest rates on loans vary according to the loan type, size, term, downpayment, and the borrower’s financial profile. In general, the best rates are reserved for those with excellent credit and high income.

Here’s a quick breakdown of typical rates on the most popular type of loans:

  1. Mortgages tend to have quite low rates, ranging from 2-5%, with an average of 3%.
  2. Personal loans have higher rates: the average is 9.5%, but can range from as low as 4.5% to as high as 50%.
  3. Bad credit loans have high rates, averaging 20%.
  4. Auto loans have very variable rates, ranging from 0% on new vehicles (for those with excellent credit) to as much as 30%.

Vancouver’s median income is $72,662, and the average credit score is 687, so many in the city will qualify for competitive interest rates. Those with poor credit, a bankruptcy in their past, or no income will have to pay more for a loan.

How much can I borrow with a personal loan in Vancouver?

The amount you can borrow with a personal loan depends on who you borrow from, your credit score, your income, and your existing debt levels. The better your financial position, the more you will be able to borrow. Loans up to $50,000 are possible for the most qualified borrowers in Vancouver, but you don’t have to borrow this much. You can get as little as $500 if that’s all you need.

Different Types of Loans in vancouver, british-columbia

Elite Trusted Lenders

These companies are recognized for their excellent service, product offering and financial literacy education for all Canadians.