Loans Halifax

Loans in Halifax, Nova Scotia

As a beautiful and heavily populated city, Halifax has a variety of lending institutions offering personal and business loans. However, traditional lenders aren’t always the best route to take. Despite the number of providers in Halifax, the big five banks may not be the most convenient option for your situation. Getting approved can take days and receiving your funds can actually take weeks. Though there are several lenders in Halifax that you have likely already looked into, the growing market for online financing means that there are better options available for loans in Halifax. If this isn’t an option you’ve decided to explore yet, have no fear. Smarter Loans’ learning centerwill teach you the basics of alternative lending options. One of the methods becoming more common for financing is getting approved for an online loan.

Online loans in Halifax offer a variety of terms, rates, and conditions; and tend to be faster and more convenient than the traditional loan. In fact, getting approved for an online loans means that, if approved, you will have access to your funds in a matter of hours, instead of having to wait around for weeks and sometimes longer for the money to get into your bank account. But looking for the best online loan for your situation doesn’t have to mean screening every online institution on the internet. Luckily for you, Smarter Loans has a comprehensive list of reputable online lenders in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Take a look at the table below, and see what these lenders have on offer. You can apply from their profile page or fill out an application here and we will help connect you with the right lender for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Loans in Halifax


How do I qualify for a loan in Halifax?

All lenders have slightly different eligibility requirements, so you’ll always need to check with a loan provider that you meet their specific criteria before you apply with them. However, there are some common stipulations. This includes being able to show:

  1. ID indicating that you are age of majority (19 years old in Nova Scotia)
  2. Proof of address
  3. An active bank account

These are the most basic criteria, but it’s also common for lenders to ask to see proof of income (paystubs, an employment letter, or similar), and to do a credit check. A lot of lenders have a minimum credit score threshold of 600, but if your score falls below this level, you can get a bad credit loan or a no credit check loan.

Where can I go to get a loan in Halifax?

Halifax may not be a big city compared to its western brethren, but it is the largest in the Maritimes, and as such is home to the most active loan market in the Atlantic provinces. This means there is a diverse range of places to get a loan from, including:

  • Banks
  • Credit unions
  • Payday lenders
  • Online lenders
  • Vehicle or equipment dealers
  • No credit check lenders
  • Bad credit loan providers
  • Other financial service companies

In addition to all the above, you may qualify for government financing. Student loans and certain business loans are available from the federal, provincial and city governments. Check their available grants and financing programs online to see if you are eligible for any of their varied programs.

What kind of loan can I get in Halifax?

Halifax’s 400,000 residents have easy access to many different types of loans, meaning locals can find affordable financing suited to almost any need. For example, if you need a quick injection of cash to help manage general, short to medium term expenses, then you might consider a:

  • Personal loan
  • Credit card
  • Home equity line of credit
  • Payday loan
  • Installment loan
  • Same day loan
  • Title loan
  • Debt consolidation loan

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

  • Mortgage
  • Auto loan
  • Boat loan
  • Truck/trailer loan

Also available are a range of business loans:

  • General commercial loans
  • Invoice loans
  • Equipment loans
  • Inventory loans
  • Working capital loans
  • Merchant cash advances
  • Expansion loans
  • Marketing loans

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 get a business loan in Halifax?

Halifax is home to a small but flourishing business community of over 24,000 companies. Although the commercial loan market is smaller here than in some of Canada’s larger provinces, there are still plenty of loans available to eligible applicants. However, it is important to note that business loans are harder to get than personal loans. Most lenders will ask to see, at a minimum:

  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 all that sounds like a lot of paperwork, you’re right, but you do still have commercial financing options even if you lack some of the above. Alternative lenders who work with startups, bad credit businesses, or niche business needs are available, and they may still be able to help.

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

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. Generally, the better your financial position, the more you will be able to borrow. Personal loans up to $50,000 are possible for the most qualified borrowers in Halifax, but you certainly don’t have to borrow this much – even if you qualify for it. You can borrow as little as $500 if that’s all you need.

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

The average credit score in Halifax is 638 – slightly lower than the national average of 650. This means that Halifax is home to a greater proportion of people with lower credit scores, and as you may already know, a low credit score can impact your ability to get a loan. Anyone with a score less than 600 will not qualify for a loan from a traditional lender, like a bank or credit union. But other options are available, even if you have a very low score. Bad credit lenders work specifically with borrowers with poor credit – though they may charge higher than average interest to offset their greater risk. There are also other alternative and online lenders who have more flexibility in their qualification criteria and who are willing to work with low credit scores.

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

Nova Scotia has a low rate of unemployment, at just 6.4%, but this number doesn’t include the self-employed or seasonal workers. Anyone with patchy income, no income, or hard to prove self-employment income will have a tough time qualifying for a traditional loan, as proof of income is normally a prerequisite. However, alternative lenders are more flexible than banks in their paperwork requirements, and there are some who will work with you even if you have no source of income at all. Just be aware that they might require collateral (depending on the size of the loan), or charge a higher interest rate to help offset their risk.

Different Types of Loans in halifax, nova-scotia

Elite Trusted Lenders

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