Loans Northwest Territories

Find Financing, Leasing and Loan Providers in Northwest Territories, Canada.

Bad credit is typically the culprit when you are trying to get a personal loan or business loan to either pay your expenses or grow your business. Purchasing equipment, trucks or buses can also be expensive making financing or leasing a desired option in the Northwest Territories. Getting financing from a bank can be difficult and time-consuming. Thankfully, we have a solution for you.

Here you’ll find the most trusted loan providers in Northwest Territories who can help you with financing fast. Whether you are a looking for an equipment or truck loan and have bad credit – getting a loan is possible with these lenders, because they consider much more than your personal credit score when making a decision on who to approve. Select one of the NWT loan providers below and hit “Apply Now” to be redirected to the company’s application form. Once approved, you will have the funds in just a few days! You can also just “Pre-Apply” with Smarter Loans and we will do our best to connect you with the best loan provider in Northwest Territories.

Frequently Asked Questions About Loans in Northwest Territories


What kind of loan can I get in NWT?

NWT’s 45,000 residents have a lot of options when it comes to loans, so whatever your need, you’ll be able to find something to suit. Popular options across the territory include:

  • Mortgages
  • Auto loans
  • Truck/trailer loans
  • Equipment loans
  • Bad credit loans
  • Personal loans
  • Credit cards
  • Commercial loans
  • Home equity lines of credit
  • Payday loans

The size of loan you qualify for will depend on the type of loan and your personal circumstances, including your credit score and income.

How do I get a loan in NWT?

There are only three absolutes when it comes to qualifying for a loan in NWT:

  1. You must be at least 19 years old
  2. You must be a resident of the province
  3. You must have an active bank account

If you meet these requirements, you must then address the specific terms of your chosen lender, which usually relate to income and credit score. The average resident in NWT shouldn’t have any trouble qualifying for most loans, as the average household income ($125,657) is 33% higher than the national average – making it one of Canada’s most prosperous regions. In addition, the average credit score is 637, above the 600 threshold most lenders require. However, if your income is lower than average or you have poor credit, there will still be loans you can qualify for. You may however need to try an alternative or niche lender with more flexible criteria.

Where can I get a loan from in NWT?

NWT may be remote, but its wealthy population ensures an active financial services market. There are many different loan providers available in the territory, including:

  • Banks
  • Credit unions
  • Online lenders
  • Payday lenders
  • Other financial service companies, like
    • Mortgage companies
    • Vehicle and equipment specialists
    • Credit card companies
    • No credit check lenders
    • Bad credit loan providers
  •  Government of Canada
  • Government of NWT

The best lender for you will depend on the type of loan you need and your financial situation.

Can I get a business loan in NWT?

NWT is rich with mining and construction businesses, many of whom rely on external financing to weather tough times and meet new challenges. Thankfully, the business community has a lot of support from public and private bodies hoping to ensure a continued thriving economy. If you are seeking a business loan from a traditional lender, like a bank, you will need to be able to show:

  1. A business history lasting at least two years, including bank statements and tax returns
  2. A business plan
  3. Proof of revenues, profitability, and projected future revenues
  4. Collateral (for property, equipment, invoice and vehicle loans)
  5. Credit history for the business and the business’s owners

Alternative lenders will be able to help businesses with more niche needs, like startup loans or bad credit commercial loans. And there are federal and provincial programs for qualifying businesses. These are typically targeted at Indigenous businesses, new ventures, or companies in the agricultural, mining, tourism or film industries.

How do I choose the right loan provider in NWT?

Choosing the right loan company starts with understanding what type of loan you need. Not every lender offers every type of loan! So step one is finding a loan provider in NWT who has what you need. Step two is understanding your personal financial situation – your credit score, your income, your collateral, and your other debts. These factor into which companies will work with you. Every lender has their own set of eligibility criteria, so narrow down your list of possibilities by comparing their requirements against your position. Now you have a list of providers who can offer you what you need, and who will work with you. Step three is finalizing your choice: compare each company’s rates, terms and reviews to find a reputable company with a product you can afford. As NWT has a smaller loan market than the provinces, interest rates may not be as competitive, so always remember to check online for the best deals.

Can I get an NWT loan if I’m unemployed?

NWT may have a high average income, but it also has high unemployment, at 8.2%. This is coupled with high consumer debt, averaging $41,086. This, plus the difficult living conditions, can combine to make unemployment particularly stressful in NWT. But while qualifying for a traditional loan requires proof of income, not all loans demand this, so if you’re in financial difficulty in NWT and facing tough times you do have financing options. These usually come from alternative lenders, who may have other qualification criteria for you to meet before they approve your no income loan.

What’s the deal with payday loans in NWT?

Payday loans are not regulated in NWT in the same way as in the provinces. Instead of territory-specific rules, payday lenders only have to comply with federal laws. This means that payday lenders can charge much higher interest rates, punitive fees, and have higher lending amounts than elsewhere in the country. However, because of this many local banks and credit unions have adapted their rates and terms to eliminate the competition from predatory payday lenders. They even offer credit builder programs to provide small, short term loans to help residents build their credit score, and so become eligible for other, larger financial products. So if you’re in need of a small, short term loan, don’t assume that your bank won’t be able to help!

How is financing different in NWT than the rest of Canada?

NWT has a number of financial relief programs for its residents, aimed at helping the most vulnerable in its communities during times of need. This includes a Northern Bonus for students, an Income Assistance Program to help families afford the basics, a Child Benefit for low income families, and several Senior Citizen initiatives. This all means that residents have greater public support than in some other parts of the country, and so finding financial help via a private loan is potentially less necessary.

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