Payday Loans vs Lines of Credit: What’s the Smarter Move?
You need money fast. Your car needs repairs, an unexpected bill arrives, or you’re short on rent. Two options keep popping up: payday loans and lines of credit. Both promise quick access to cash, but they work very differently. One can cost you hundreds in fees within weeks. The other offers flexibility at a fraction […]
How Loan Interest Rates Are Set in Canada (And How to Get Lower Ones)
Understanding loan interest rates can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. You see advertised rates ranging from 9.99% to 34.99%, and you wonder where you’ll land. The truth is, lenders use specific criteria to determine your rate, and knowing these factors puts you in a better position to save money. Since […]
What Credit Score Do You Need for a Personal Loan in Canada?
If you’ve ever wondered whether your credit score is high enough to qualify for a personal loan, you’re not alone. Most Canadians worry about this before applying, and for good reason. Your credit score plays a major role in whether lenders will approve your application and what interest rate you’ll pay. The good news? You […]
How to Get a Business Loan with Bad Credit in Canada
Running a business means facing financial challenges head-on. Maybe you’ve missed a few payments during a tough season, or perhaps personal credit took a hit before you even started your company. Either way, walking into a bank with a credit score under 600 usually means walking out empty-handed. Here’s the reality: bad credit doesn’t mean […]
Are Payday Loans Ever a Good Idea? A Canadian Perspective
Your car breaks down and needs immediate repairs. Payday isn’t for another week. Your bank account is running low, and the mechanic needs payment before you can pick up your vehicle. This is exactly when payday loans start looking tempting. At Smarter Loans, we’ve helped over 2 million Canadians find financing since 2016. We’ve seen […]
Avoiding Loan Scams in Canada: Red Flags and Safe Practices
The loan application seemed perfect. Too perfect, actually. And that’s exactly the problem. When you’re looking for Canada loans, whether to cover an emergency expense or consolidate debt, scammers know you’re vulnerable. They count on urgency clouding your judgment. At Smarter Loans, we’ve helped over 2 million Canadians since 2016, and we’ve seen every trick […]
How to Use a Personal Loan for Debt Consolidation in Canada
Multiple credit card bills arrive every month. Each has a different due date, minimum payment, and interest rate. You’re making payments but barely touching the principal balances. When we started Smarter Loans in 2016, we noticed this pattern across Canada’s lending landscape. Too many Canadians were stuck paying high interest rates on multiple debts while […]
Secured vs Unsecured Business Loans in Canada: Key Differences
Last month, I watched a friend lose sleep over a simple question: should she use her equipment as collateral for a better interest rate, or play it safe with an unsecured loan? Her restaurant needed $75,000 for renovations, and the wrong choice could cost her thousands. This scenario plays out daily across Canada. Business owners […]
How to Optimize Your Listing on Smarter Loans: A Guide for Lenders
If you’re a lender, you know how tough it can be to stand out in a crowded market. That’s why it’s crucial to optimize your listing on Smarter Loans, the leading loan comparison platform. By strategically creating a robust profile and incorporating video and media, you can differentiate yourself from the competition and attract more customers. Our article offers valuable tips and strategies to help you optimize your listing and reduce costs, so you can stay ahead in the game.
The 30 Cheapest Places to Live in Canada for 2023
If you’re currently living in one of the areas in Canada that are inflated, you may want to consider looking for a new place. There are plenty of affordable towns and cities in Canada to get in on owning a home. There are some mortgages you may not currently be able to access because you don’t qualify. If you have the freedom to move, you may want to consider it. There are a lot of Canadians that are working remotely now. If you don’t need to live in one of the expensive cities like Vancouver or Toronto, it’s a great opportunity to explore this incredible country.
The State of Alternative Lending in Canada 2018 Study
Canadians are warming up to alternative lenders, but remain skeptical. When they’re in need of a loan, a majority of Canadians now look to online lenders as a viable alternative to traditional financial institutions, according to the State of Alternative Lending in Canada 2018 study conducted by online comparison service Smarter Loans.