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Payday Loans

Last Updated: October 16, 2024
Written by: Amy Orr
Reviewed by: Jenna West
Originally Published: December 30, 2017

Online Payday Loans in Canada

Payday cash loans are very common across Canada. A payday loan allows you to borrow a small amount of money (anything from a few hundred dollars to $1500) via a short term loan, which typically must be paid back within a few weeks, from your pay. Because of this structure, they are often referred to as payday advance loans or cash advance loans.

Interest rates on payday loans can be high, but the good news is that you can gain approval for a payday loan very quickly, even if you have bad credit, and get your cash on the same day. And online payday lenders mean you can do all this from the comfort of your own home. This makes these loans ideal for those seeking an emergency influx of cash.

At Smarter Loans, we’ve compiled a list of the most reputable payday lenders in Canada, which you can see below. Click “Apply Now” to get started with one of these lenders, or pre-apply with Smarter Loans and we will find the most suitable payday lender for your needs. And read on to find out everything you need to know about payday loans and payday lenders in Canada.

We can help connect you with the top loan payday loan providers in Canada.

Pre-Apply For A Payday Loan Now

Top Payday Loans Providers in Canada

Company
Amount
Interest Rate
Reviews
Terms
$500 - $1,000
Varies
3 - 6 months
$100 - $1,500
Varies
2 months
$100 - $1,500
Varies
2 months
$100 - $1,500
Varies
Up to 2 months
$300 - $20,000
Varies
12 - 60 Months
$500 - $15,000
18.9% - 46.93%
6 months - 5 years
$100 - $15,000
46.93%
12 - 60 Months
$500 - $1,000
29.99% - 46.96%
84 - 120 days

What Is an Online Payday Loan?


A payday loan is an unsecured, short term loan available to retail consumers. The loan relies on a repayment agreement signed at the loan’s origination, which is activated when the borrower receives his/her next payday.

Payday Loans Canada.

Interest Rates on Payday Loans

All things being equal, payday loans generally have higher interest rates than any other type of loan, because of their unsecured and short term nature. Lenders assume a greater risk when providing payday loans, and so can charge higher interest to compensate for this risk.

Typical Terms with Payday Loans

The principal amount of a payday loan is typically smaller than with traditional loans (generally in the $500 – $1000 range, with an upper limit set by the federal regulator). And as mentioned above, they are designed to be very short term in nature – the shortest term loans available.

They are mostly structured to be repaid in a single repayment, via a post-dated cheque or pre-authorized electronic debit for the full balance. Hence the name: they are cash advances against future pay.

Chart showing distribution of borrowing amounts. Most people borrow under $500.

Credit Check Not Required

Unlike with other loans, a credit check is not necessary when you apply for a payday loan; the only really important factor is income. Crucially, this does not necessarily have to be employment income; it can be income from benefits. What matters is that you’ll have money coming in to pay off the loan.

Graphic indicating that your credit score does not matter.

Are Payday Loans Legal in Canada?


Payday loans are sometimes considered a debt trap, charging those in vulnerable financial positions high fees for quick cash, with lenders acting in an unscrupulous manner. But the payday loan market in Canada is actually subject to more regulation than in many other countries, and as you’ll see below, much of this regulation aims to protect consumers from disreputable practices.

That isn’t to say that payday loans aren’t an expensive way to access fast cash, or that another form of loan might not better suit your needs; but as long as you understand the risks and rewards of a pay based cash advance, they can prove very useful in certain situations.

A debt trap cartoon.

Who Can Get an Online Payday Loan?


Getting an online payday loan is much easier than any other type of online loan. Eligibility rules state that applicants must:

  1. Be age of majority in their province of residence (18 or 19 depending on where you live in Canada)
  2. Have a chequing account
  3. Have some form of income

And that’s it! Perfect credit is not required; neither is any form of collateral. As long as you can show the above, you are likely to receive approval for an online payday loan.

Applying for an Online Payday Loan


Applying for payday loans – especially online – is trivial. Most loans in Canada have online loan application processes these days, and payday lenders are no different. You can apply online for the payday advance you need, simply by:

  1. Choosing your preferred lender
  2. Completing their online application form
  3. Attaching requested documents (e.g. a payslip)

How Do I Receive My Payday Loan?

Once your loan application has been approved – which normally happens within a business day, if not faster – your entire loan amount will be automatically deposited into your chequing account. This is one of the ways in which a payday loan is so convenient: there is no need to worry about accessing the funds or how long it’ll take to clear via a cheque or other payment method. Hassle free, quick cash is available, fast, in a very easy process.

Where Can I Get an Online Payday Loan?


Across all of Canada’s provinces and territories, payday loans are available at retail stores in convenient locations and online. They are provided by non-bank institutions that must be registered with the Financial and Consumer Services Commission.

Chart showing distribution of payday loan market. Most people still choose to borrow money in person.

You won’t be able to get a payday loan from your bank, and there is no need to apply in store with a payday lender unless you choose to. All Canadian payday lenders make it easy to access a payday loan online.

Payday loans are very popular in Canada, with more than 2 million people using them each year.

How Can I Use a Payday Loan?


Due to their structure, payday loans are best suited to provide cash for financial emergencies or unexpected expenses. Their size and interest rate makes them less suitable for long-term borrowing or a large loan amount. But this doesn’t mean those accessing a short term loan are restricted in how they can use their payday advance; on the contrary, online payday loans can be used for any purpose, including:

  • Financial assistance for ongoing expenses, such as food or gas
  • Unexpected one-off expenses, such as a car repair
  • Emergency expenses, such as medical bills
  • Other financial emergencies, for example to avoid late charges on other debts or bills
  • Non-emergency expenses, such as a discretionary purchase
Chart showing payday loan uses. The majority of users want money to cover unexpected payments.

It’s important to stress, though, that the money borrowed via a payday loan must be repaid on your next payday, so it really is a very short term form of financial assistance. Longer term borrowing for ongoing expenses is achievable via other types of online loans, even for customers with bad credit. More on this below.

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Advantages of Payday Loans Over Traditional Loans


Despite their high fees, a payday lender can offer the following benefits to customers:

(Almost) Instant Cash in Your Bank Account

The steps to get a payday loan are trivial: the borrower must provide a limited amount of financial information, including proof of regular income, bank account details, and an address. Once the application is complete, the loan can be approved and money transferred into your bank account within just a few hours.

90% of payday loan users cite convenience as a primary reason for their use.

A money transfer or e transfer direct into your bank account within a business day.

A Short Term Solution for a Short Term Problem

Conventional loans with longer timelines reflect their intended usage and size, and in order to access them you need to be able to prove income over an extended period of time. But as payday loans have significantly shorter timeframes, you only need to show that you have income now; past employment gaps, changes in pay, and financial changes do not factor in.

Easy Approval, No Credit Requirements

Most payday loans are accessible to anyone over the age of 18 with consistent, verifiable income.

Unlike traditional loans that require collateral or a credit check, these loans are based solely on the cash flows and expected pay of the borrower. Even if you have bad credit, it doesn’t matter – your credit is simply not taken into account. 27% of payday loan borrowers have been denied approval by a bank or credit union.

Chart showing reasons why people get a payday loan. People like payday loans as it is easier to get approved than when applying to other financial institutions.

Spending Flexibility

Many conventional retail loans are offered for a specific purpose, defined from the outset. An auto loan can only be used to purchase an automobile, and a mortgage can only be used to finance a residential or commercial property.

Cash from payday loans, however, can be spent on anything – any discretionary or staple expense deemed fit by the borrower. You can borrow money for any reason, and do not have to prove you need the financial assistance.

Easy Access

Online payday loans are available to anyone with an internet connection. All processes and procedures can be completed online, making them very accessible.

This doesn’t mean you have to apply online though; many lenders have brick-and-mortar stores in convenient locations, so you can apply in store instead if you prefer. But you have the option to do either.

Achieve your goals even without a credit history by applying for a no-credit-check loan. Unlock the opportunities you deserve with financial support tailored to your unique situation.

In certain cases, lack of credit history may stem from being a student or immigrant. For tailored solutions, we offer special loans to accommodate your unique circumstances. Apply now to access the support you need.

Potential Risks of Payday Loans


As with any form of loan, there are downsides to borrowing money via a payday loan. These include:

Interest Charges

Depending on the duration that the loan is obtained for and the interest rate charged by the lender, payday loans can be an expensive form of financing compared to other short-term loans and/or credit cards. The image below illustrates this concept. Assuming $500 borrowed for 2 weeks, interest payments are as follows:

Payday Loan Credit Card
$75 At A 15% Rate -$8 Assuming A 23% APR

Payday loans are intended for short term use; it is crucial to know that if a payday loan is held for longer than intended, it can quickly become extremely expensive, contributing to financial difficulties and making it impossible to repay the loan in full.

This is one of the primary criticisms of payday loans: they can make a difficult financial situation worse via quickly escalating interest charges, which in the end means the customer has to borrow even more money to repay the payday loan.

Interest compounding graphic.

A Debt Trap

As mentioned above, borrowers can find themselves in a cycle of debt, where each pay cheque goes towards the repayment of existing loans, leaving little for the operating expenses they took out the loan for. As a consequence, extensions of these loans mean even more interest and even more debt, making it even harder to pay back what you’ve borrowed. This is known as a debt trap, and it is an especially high risk for those who need emergency cash, whatever the cost.

Predatory Practices

Non-sophisticated borrowers may be susceptible to lending practices that are intended to be unfavourable to the borrower; there may be contract loopholes or misleading marketing materials to contend with. There may even be hidden fees that make online payday loans even more expensive. It is therefore critical for consumers to find registered institutions that are fully licensed and vetted by regulatory authorities.

To learn more about criminal rates of interest in Canada, please visit the Government of Canada website.

An easy application is not always a sign of a reputable lender.

What To Consider Before Getting an Online Payday Loan


Before you get a payday loan, the following should be defined and reviewed in detail:

Need

Before completing any loan application, it is important to understand your financial needs, and whether they justify the higher interest payments that come with a payday loan.

For debts that can be negotiated, it may be worthwhile to speak to the creditors directly to restructure the outstanding amounts and/or develop a specialized repayment plan, if that option is available.

Interest, Penalties and Other Fees

The unsecured nature of payday loans means that while the borrower can avoid asset seizure in the event of default, interest rates can become extravagantly high. This is even before penalties and other fees come into consideration. It is therefore important to read contract documents carefully to understand the consequences of missed/late payments, and to be really sure you’ll be able to repay the loan.

Loan Term

The length of the loan is a major consideration. If the borrower is in immediate need of cash and payday is still a few weeks away, a payday loan is a better option than for someone whose payday is a few days away and/or does not have immediate cash needs.

Remember to take the loan term into account when calculating the overall cost of a loan – regardless of how much you borrow or where you source funds from. The amount you repay over the life of the loan depends on both the interest rate and the loan term.

Calculate how much money you need and apply for only what you need.

Principal Amount

The amount of cash being borrowed should be studied closely prior to receiving funds, as each incremental dollar yields a higher interest payment. In a facility such as a payday loan, this gets magnified due to the significantly higher interest rate charged. Borrow only what you need.

Alternatives

It may be a good idea to consider if any of the other loans in Canada that are available to consumers may better suit your needs; for example, bad credit borrowers can access other types of short term loan, and many of these lenders have an online application form. Or, if time is of the essence, other lenders have hassle free online application processes that allow borrowers to access cash very quickly – some even providing direct deposit of borrowed funds within a day.

As loans in Canada, of all types, have become more popular, and online lending has surged, pretty much any type of loan you can think of is available online, and lenders of all kinds – including banks, credit unions, credit card companies and alternative lenders – have multiple options that make getting a loan much easier than you might think.

All of this is to say, remember to always compare the cost of borrowing across loan types, before deciding upon a final option. Fast cash may be attractive, but don’t overlook the long term cost.

Comparing the Cost of Online Payday Loans and Cash Advances


The most comparable alternative to a payday loan, wherein borrowers acquire short term cash to assist with immediate expenses, is known as a cash advance. This can be a little confusing, as some people call payday loans “cash advances” and the two terms are often considered synonymous. But in fact, they are subtly different.

There are two types of cash advances:

Type I Cash Advance

This is basically the same as a payday loan; the lender provides a fixed loan amount that is tied to the borrower’s income and is intended to be repaid on the borrower’s next payday. As mentioned above, bad credit, other loans in Canada, and other factors are not taken into account.

Type II Cash Advance

A type II cash advance is structured as a line of credit, where the cash advance offered is dependent on the unused credit limit on the borrower’s credit card, rather than on income. This type of cash advance is provided directly by the credit card company (not the issuer), and receives the same type of treatment as any other ordinary purchase made with a credit card.

The pay periods of different loans can vary.

When speaking colloquially, most people refer to type I cash advances as payday loans, and type II cash advances as a credit card transaction.

Which Is Better: Payday Loan or Cash Advance?

Depending on the borrower’s financial situation and credit card features, it may or may not be advantageous to use a credit card cash advance. Some key factors for borrowers to consider if choosing between these two options are: current credit rating, and credit card contract terms. In some cases, credit card companies charge higher rates on cash advances than on ordinary credit purchases, so it is important for the borrower to understand the rate differential, and choose accordingly.

If you have fair credit you may be eligible for a personal loan instead. They offer better rates and have pretty flexible requirements.

Chart showing the cost of borrowing for different loan types. Getting approved for a payday loan is one reason they are so popular despite their expense.

Statistics from Government of Canada

Cost-Effective Alternatives to a Payday Loan or Cash Advance


There are many ways to access cash online, and many options have competitive interest rates and terms, so it’s smart to educate yourself about all of your options before choosing to go with a payday loan. Research by the Government of Canada found that 57% of payday loan users were aware of their high costs versus their alternatives.

Online Options

A major reason many turn to payday loans is that they are unable to access cash by any other means; 65% of payday loan borrowers in Canada do not have access to a credit card. But if this is you, you should know that there are many financing options available to those who have been turned away by a bank or credit union.

Online lenders offer loans and credit products to new Canadians, those with bad credit, and those who don’t qualify for more traditional financing. Many of these lenders are accessible from this website, and you may be able to qualify for their products online and at a lower interest rate than with a payday lender. Many of these alternative lenders have excellent customer service and allow you to apply online, and receive your funds via e transfer or direct deposit. In this way, they mimic much of the convenience of an online payday loan.

Personal Loans

Below you’ll find a list of reputable companies that offer personal and installment online loans. These loans can be for small amounts, and come with much lower interest rates than payday loans. Take a look to compare your options, including products offered, interest rates, terms, qualifications and even reviews from other customers. When you’ve found a loan company you like,  hit “Apply Now” next to the lender to start the application process.

Similarly, there are other short term loans in Canada, and you can apply online or in store for many of them.

Secure your aspirations with a small loan that packs a big punch. Complete the entire process online, now, to ease your financial difficulties and receive funds into your bank account quickly.

Borrowing vs. Using Savings

Finally, it’s worth noting that research has shown that even those with high income and savings turn to fast cash loans to cope with unexpected expenses. This is believed to be an education issue; people would rather keep savings accounts ring-fenced, and take on new debt in the form of a payday loan, than dip into rainy day funds.

It makes better financial sense to use savings than to borrow.

However the math on this does not add up, as new debt costs more than using savings, and can potentially affect your credit rating and overall financial health too. The best advice states that it is better to use savings when encountering an unexpected expense, and then rebuild them slowly from your monthly pay, than it is to take on unnecessary debt.


As mentioned above, payday lenders in Canada are regulated and have to comply with specific requirements in order to operate. These requirements were created to protect Canadian consumers from predatory practices – especially important nowadays, when getting a loan online means you never have to speak to a financial specialist, and easy application forms mean you can request funds from a lender without ever having to verify their business practices.

The rules state that those who offer payday loans in Canada – including those who offer online payday loans across Canada – must adhere to the following:

Licensed & Registered

Every payday business must be licensed and registered with the Government of the province they operate in, as well as fully compliant with the rules of the Payday Loans Act, 2008. For those that offer online payday loans, this means remaining compliant with the rules across the country.

Licensed.

Transparent

Payday lenders must display specific information about their loans on the first page of the loan contract; this includes the loan amount, the number of days the loan is for, and the interest rate.

Repayment Rules

Payday lenders cannot ask for or accept payment by automatic pay cheque deduction.

However, customers can set up a direct deposit to repay their payday loan at their next payday, so they do not have to worry about going in store to repay, or worry about dealing with transferring money back to their online lender.

Adhere to repayment rules.

Borrowing Practices

Payday lenders cannot issue more than one loan at a time to a single borrower. However, customers can take out multiple online payday loans by applying to borrow funds from multiple lenders.

Only one loan at a time can be approved.

Cost of Loans

Payday lenders must display a poster and provide a flyer articulating the cost of a payday loan over time.

Fees and practices must be disclosed.

Payday Loan Borrower Rights in Canada


Payday loans are governed by the Payday Loans Act, 2008, which was initiated to protect borrowers and enshrine certain rights. Most pertinent amongst the Act’s tenets are the following points:

  • Borrowers cannot be charged more than 15% interest on the loan amount
  • Lenders cannot sell or offer to sell any incremental and/or additional goods and services along with a payday loan
  • Lenders cannot provide a loan of more than a fixed percentage of pay cheque proceeds (the percentage varies between 30% to 50% across provinces)
  • Insurance is optional on a payday loan
  • Borrowers can cancel a payday loan contract within 2 business days of origination, without paying any penalty, fees, or providing a reason to the lender
  • Payday loan debt cannot be rolled over into a new payday loan, as it is prohibited for a borrower to receive a second loan from the same lender before paying the first one

What Happens If You Fail To Repay a Payday Loan?

Just as the Payday Loan Act specifies how a lender must act when selling a payday loan to a customer (whether online or in store), it specifies how a lender cannot act if a customer fails to repay their borrowed funds.

Crucially, a failure to meet the terms of a payday loan agreement cannot result in the lender pursuing one or more of the following actions:

  • Contacting the borrower more than 3 times a week (excluding regular mail) or on statutory holidays
  • Contacting the borrower’s immediate or distance relatives, household members, friends, neighbours or acquaintances at any time
  • Using excessive pressure or threatening language to coerce payment
  • Processing a post-dated cheque or pre-authorized debit more than once if it means that the financial institution will charge additional fees, such as overdraft or insufficient funds fees
Some illegal behaviour still occurs.

Payday Lending Regulation Variations by Province


Payday lending is regulated at both a federal and provincial level, and as such there are some geographical variations across Canada. For example, Nova Scotia has some of the laxest laws – with higher than average interest rates and fees. British Columbia has one of the lowest levels of interest and fees.

It may seem confusing, given that so many people choose to get a payday loan online, that different provinces have different rules. When you apply online, you may not notice this at all. However, you should know that every payday business must be fully licensed and registered in whichever province(s) it operates. If it offers financial services to customers online, that means that it needs to be fully licensed in each and every province it accepts customers from.

Table showing regulation variations by province.

So for bigger companies that operate across Canada, that means their customers in Nova Scotia, say, will be subject to different rates and rules than their customers in British Columbia. And the lender itself must be compliant with the regulations in both provinces, and apply the relevant regulations to their customers accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Payday Loans


Can I apply online for a payday loan?

Yes, most payday lenders have easy application processes that can be accessed entirely online. This means you never have to go in store – not even to collect your money. Once funds are approved, cash will be deposited into your bank account via a transfer. You can apply today and receive approval – and your funds – almost immediately!

What’s the difference between a payday loan and a cash advance?

Most people use the two terms synonymously, but a cash advance can actually refer to two different types of funds: those received via getting a loan from a payday lender, and those received by taking money out from your credit card. The latter does not need any approval, and you can ‘borrow’ as much money as you like, up until your credit limit.

What do I need to qualify for an online payday loan?

Borrowers must be at least the age of majority in their province, have a steady verifiable source of income, access to a bank account, and a permanent address.

What counts as income for a payday loan?

The income needed to be approved for a payday loan does not have to be employment income; any form of income counts, including benefits, pension, royalties, and so on. The key is that you’ll be able to repay the money you borrowed.

Can I get a payday loan with bad credit?

Yes. Payday loans are a very useful way to access cash for people that have bad credit and can’t get approval anywhere else. They are also intended for people who want to avoid a credit check, for any reason – even if they have perfect credit! Payday loans should however still be your last loan option, because they are expensive.

How quickly can I receive my payday loan?

Lenders typically approve payday loans within a day, and sometimes even within a few hours of submitting an application form. Cash is usually automatically deposited into your chequing account via a bank transfer. This makes a payday loan one of the fastest and most convenient ways to borrow money.

Do I need a bank account to get a payday loan?

Yes. You will need access to a bank account, and to provide that bank account’s details when applying for a payday loan. This is because the payday lender will transfer cash into your account. Those without a bank account will struggle to secure a loan of any kind.

Is using an online payday lender safe?

Payday loans are subject to regulation aimed at making them as safe as possible for consumers. However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t risks. You should always exercise caution when using any website to input private, personal or financial data, and ensure your connection and device are secure to prevent this information from being compromised when you apply online to a payday lender.

In addition to data security risks, if using a payday loan you should know that payday lenders charge the highest interest rate of any type of lender, meaning that payday loans are the most expensive way to borrow money.

Am I at risk of a collection agency if I borrow money with a payday loan?

Yes, potentially. If you don’t make your loan payments on time, you will initially be subject to fees and interest; this interest will increase as time passes. Eventually, the lender may decide to pursue payment via a collection agency, or may decide to sue you for the debt. You can avoid the threat of a collection agency by making sure you pay back any money you borrow. Financial assistance is available if you’re struggling.

How long do I have to repay my payday loan?

That depends on the loan agreement you signed when taking out the loan and its stipulated pay periods. Most who borrow money via a payday lender do so with the intention of paying the money back within a few weeks. If you extend your loan beyond this, your loan may end up as a debt trap, requiring you to borrow more money to cover its cost.

Does my employer need to know I’ve taken out a payday loan?

No. While you need to be able to prove your income when applying for a payday loan (in order for the payday lender to verify you’ll be able to repay the loan), your employer does not need to know about the loan, and the payday lender should in no circumstances inform your employer. It is illegal for payday lenders to take payment in the form of automated pay cheque deductions.

If you’re self-employed as a freelancer and seeking financial support, we’ve got you covered with freelance loans tailored to your unique needs. Apply now to take your freelancing career to the next level.

How fast can I get my payday loan delivered to my bank account?

Your cash is typically delivered to your bank account within a day, but you could receive a deposit within just a few hours. And if you have online banking, this means that you can access money borrowed via this type of loan extremely quickly.

How much will a payday loan cost me?

That depends on which payday lender you go to, how much money you borrow, and for how long. Interest charges usually make up the majority of the cost, though there are fees to account for too. Hidden fees are illegal. Make sure you understand the entire cost of your intended borrowing before agreeing to it.

What’s the flat fee advertised in my payday loan?

Most payday loans are intended to be repaid in one lump sum, so their cost is often advertised as a ‘flat fee’ rather than as an interest rate. You’re likely to see a lender state something along the lines of “$15 per $100 borrowed” – but you should know that this is only if you pay back the cash on time, and does not account for fees, interest and other factors that will increase cost if you fail to repay on time.

How will I get my payday loan?

Most of the time, money borrowed via a payday loan will be automatically deposited into your bank account, or sometimes sent to you via an e transfer. This will be done very soon after your application is approved.

Can I increase my payday loan amount?

No. There are rules that state customers can only take out one loan at a time from each payday lender. You must repay all of the money you borrow before you can borrow any more.

Can I get a payday loan for my business?

No, not in the same way as you can as an individual. If your business needs to borrow money and is struggling to find a lender it can qualify with, the best option is usually a business cash advance. This short term financing option relies on the business’s ability to pay back the money borrowed (plus interest charges and fees) with expected business income.

For other borrowing options for your business, take a look at our business financing page.

Do payday loans build credit?

No, as even if you repay all of the money you borrowed on time, most payday lenders do not report payments to credit bureaus, so positive payment history will not be taken into account in your credit score. It is actually more likely that a payday loan will harm your credit, as high fees and an unaffordable interest rate make it much harder to pay back. The route to perfect credit is unfortunately not via this financial instrument.

How do I choose a payday lender near me?

With so many options to choose from, picking a payday lender can seem tough. To find one that works for you, firstly check whether the lender follows regulations. Then ask: are they transparent about fees? What are their reviews like? Do they mention their excellent customer service, or do they say it’s hard to get help? And lastly, assess whether their offerings work for you needs e.g. do they offer a guaranteed turnaround time, or have an online-only option?

Can I pay off my payday loan early?

Yes. You may be subject to a fee for doing so, but this varies by province. British Columbia, for example, has a low fee compared to other provinces.

What happens if I’m denied a payday loan?

If you’re denied a payday loan, it’s probably because you already have an active loan with that lender. Try applying through another lender. Or, work on paying off your outstanding debts and building your credit with services such as credit counselling or a debt management program, so you can more easily access other borrowing tools.

How much pay do I need in order to secure a fast cash loan?

Although payday loan approval is typically based on employment pay, as long as you have some form of pay coming in, it doesn’t actually matter where it comes from, or how much it is. All that matters is that you can pay back the cash you borrow once you receive your next pay. This means these loans are available to those receiving pay via benefits, child support and so on.

Is applying for a payday loan online safe?

The security of your personal information online will depend more on your personal set up than the lender’s security, as most reputable payday businesses in Canada have fairly robust security protocols. But you should know, if security is a concern, that you can complete an easy application for a payday loan in store. Most lenders are accessible in convenient locations.

What should I do if I don’t understand the payday loan terms?

Speak to someone before you agree to borrow money from a lender who you are wary of dealing with, for any reason. It may be that you can gain clarity by calling the lender, or visiting them in store. But if terms and conditions are opaque even after this, consider dealing with another financial services company.

Alternatives to Payday Loans


Below you’ll find a list of reputable companies that offer personal and installment online loans in Canada. Take a look and compare your options, including products offered, interest rates, terms, qualifications and even reviews from other customers.

When you’ve found the loan company you like,  hit “Apply Now” next to the lender to start the application process.

Written By:

Amy Orr

Amy Orr is a professional writer and editor with over 10 years of experience in the Canadian, U.S. and U.K. financial markets. She has written for numerous publications on topics as diverse as economic literacy, corporate finance, and technical analysis of numerical data. Prior to transitioning to full-time writing, she worked in the hedge fund sector. Her academic background is astrophysics, and she has a Masters in Finance from the University of Edinburgh Business School.

Reviewed By:

Jenna West

Jenna West is Smarter Loans' in-house financial writer and content director. She has been covering the Canadian FinTech and finance industry since 2017, including financial trends analysis, industry surveys, regulatory updates and changes in Canadian consumer behaviour when it comes to finance.


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Based on 138 reviews
powered by Google
Nate CampeauNate Campeau
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.
Bles4lif Pro-DreBles4lif Pro-Dre
19:29 23 Oct 24
Vincent JohnsonVincent Johnson
07:08 23 Oct 24
Good place for borrowing a bit of money 😁
Kels HillKels Hill
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 HartTara Hart
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 ScottA Scott
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!”
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