Get a $5,000 loan

Credit score is one of the key factors that lenders look at when you need to take out a $5,000 loan in Canada. Those with good to excellent credit above 660 have access to lower rates from banks, credit unions and online lenders. If you have fair or bad credit below 660, you can get approved by an online lender, but be prepared to pay more in interest.

Where can I apply for a $5,000 loan?

The different types of lenders below offer $5,000 personal loans to people with good or bad credit.

• Online lenders

  With online lenders, you apply for and get your $5,000 loan completely online. Online lenders generally have easier requirements than banks and credit unions.

  Best for: Good to bad credit.

  Pros

  • Get a $5,000 loan on the same day or next day.
  • Get a $5,000 loan with bad credit.
  • Get a low rate personal loan with select online lenders if you have good credit.
  • No need to visit a branch to provide paperwork or meet with a loan specialist.

  Cons

  • Loans will have higher rates if you have bad credit.

• Banks

  Banks offer competitive interest rates, but the application process is more involved. Banks also have more strict eligibility requirements, so if you want a $5,000 loan from a bank, your finances will need to be in good shape. Learn more about bank personal loans.

  Best for: Good credit.

  Pros

  • Get low interest rates.
  • Apply to established institutions.

  Cons

  • You won’t qualify for a $5,000 loan with bad credit.
  • You may need to meet in person with a loan specialist.

• Credit unions

  Your local credit union will often have low rates since they’re not-for-profit financial institutions.

  Best for: Good credit.

  Pros

  • Get favourable interest rates.
  • Apply to established institutions.
  • Get good customer service.

  Cons

  • A membership may be required.
  • You won’t qualify for a $5,000 loan with bad credit.
  • You may need to meet in person with a loan specialist.

• Peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms

  Peer-to-peer platforms let you borrow anonymously online from everyday Canadian investors. It can take one to four weeks to get your money as you wait for investors to fund your $5,000 loan.

  Best for: Fair to good credit.

  Pros

  • Get competitive rates.

  Cons

  • Your loan might only be partially funded.
  • You won’t qualify with bad credit because you need a score above 650.

• Online brokers

  With online loan brokers such as Loans Canada and LoanConnect, you fill out just one application and they’ll connect you to lenders that match your financial profile.

  Best for: Good to bad credit.

  Pros

  • Get a $5,000 loan with bad credit.
  • Find a low interest loan with good credit.
  • Get pre-approval within minutes.
  • Compare multiple offers.

  Cons

  • Your matches will be limited to whoever is in the broker’s network.
  • Your information will be shared with third-party lenders.

Types of $5,000 personal loans

Just as you have choices in the type of lender, you have choices in the type of $5,000 personal loan. Here’s a look at your options.

• Secured loans

  Secured personal loans require using an asset you own as collateral, like your house, car or investments. They come with lower rates because you reduce the risk for the lender. If you default on your $5,000 loan, the lender can sell your collateral to make up for its losses.

• Unsecured loans

  Unsecured personal loans don’t require any collateral. They’re riskier for the lender and therefore come with steeper interest rates.

• Fixed-rate loans

  With a fixed-rate personal loan, your interest rate stays the same throughout your loan term. Financial institutions, P2P lenders and online lenders offer fixed-rate personal loans.

• Variable-rate loans

  Most variable-rate personal loans come from banks and credit unions. The interest rate of a variable-rate personal loan will fluctuate with the Bank of Canada rate. Your payment amount will generally stay the same, but if interest rates go up, more of your payment will go towards the interest than the principal. If interest rates go down, more of your payments will go towards the principal than the interest. The Bank of Canada increased its rate eight times between March 2022 and January 2023. During the latest rate announcement that occurred on March 8, 2023, the central bank said it would hold the rate conditionally.

• Installment loans

  Installment loans are a type of unsecured personal loan offered by online lenders that have more lenient eligibility requirements. For example, a lender may accept non-employment income such as government benefits and it has a low minimum credit score. Because the criteria to get approved is more flexible, you pay a higher interest rate. Learn more about the best installment loans.

Are there $5,000 loans for bad credit in Canada?

Yes. $5,000 is a realistic amount to ask for, so there are online lenders specializing in bad credit loans that can approve you. Rather than fixating on your credit score, these lenders will look at your income. You’ll need to show them that you have enough room in your income to manage the loan payments by providing recent pay stubs and bank statements.

Get a $5,000 loan with bad credit in Canada

If you need $5,000 now with bad credit, you have options. The providers below specialize in working with borrowers with bad credit.

Personal loan provider	Loan features	Eligibility requirements
	Interest rate: 9.99% - 46.96% Loan amount: $500–$35,000 Loan term: 6 - 60 months	Min. income of $1,800, min. credit score of 500, 3+ months employed	Go to site
	Interest rate: 6.99% - 46.96% Loan amount: $300–$50,000 Loan term: 3 - 60 months	Min. credit score of 300, have a steady source of income	Go to site
	Interest rate: 6.99% - 46.96% Loan amount: $500–$50,000 Loan term: 3 - 120 months	Min. credit score of 300, no min. annual income	Go to site

How to apply for $5,000 loans for bad credit in Canada

Consider the following steps if you need a $5,000 loan with bad credit:

Order a free copy of your credit report

You can order a free copy from one of the major credit bureaus, Equifax or TransUnion, once a year. It’s a good idea to get your credit report because it’s what lenders will use to evaluate your application. If you notice any inaccurate records that are bringing down your credit score, you can file a dispute with the credit bureau.

Getting your credit report and filing a dispute can take a few weeks, so if you don’t have time for this and would rather just know your credit score, you can get your score for free from places like RBC (if you’re a customer), Borrowell, Credit Karma and Loans Canada.

Compare your options

Because you’ll encounter higher interest rates on a $5,000 loan, compare offers from multiple lenders so you can get the lowest possible rate for your situation. Learn about personal loan rates in Canada and get personal loan pre-approval so you have an idea of what rates you qualify for. Mogo and Fairstone are examples of lenders that can give you a free quote without impacting your credit score.

Check that you meet the eligibility requirements

Lenders have their own eligibility requirements for $5,000 bad credit loans, such as minimum income and credit score. Some are more flexible than others.

Ask about fees and penalties

When researching your $5,000 loan options, look into any extra costs beyond the interest rate:

• NSF fee. This is common for loans, and it is in addition to the NSF fee that your bank will charge for insufficient funds. NSF fees for personal loans are typically between $25 and $50.
• Late payment fee. Some lenders charge this, while others don’t. It is usually a percentage of the amount owed or a specific dollar amount, whichever is higher.
• Origination fee. This is a fee to process your loan. It’s either deducted from or added to your loan amount. Not all lenders charge this.
• Early repayment penalty. This fee is not common for unsecured personal loans, so avoid this if there’s a chance you can pay off your loan early.
• Loan insurance. If you have bad credit, the lender may offer you loan insurance in case you default on your $5,000 loan. Loan insurance is completely optional, so avoid lenders that require you to get it. Insurance makes your loan more expensive.

Check that you can manage a $5,000 loan

$5,000 personal loans for bad credit typically have loan terms from 3 - 60 months. Your goal is to get the shortest loan term possible so you pay less interest overall, but at the same time, you don’t want the term to be so short that you’ll have a difficult time managing the monthly payments.

Before signing anything, check how much of your payments is going towards the interest vs principal. You may find that your initial loan repayments are mostly going towards the interest first, which is typical for personal loans, whether you have good or bad credit.

Avoid predatory lenders

People in a bad financial situation are often targeted by predatory lenders. Avoid lenders that pressure you into signing fast and do not clearly explain the terms of the loan, especially how much it’ll cost you.

Can you get bad credit personal loans with guaranteed approval for $5,000?

Be cautious of lenders offering bad credit personal loans with guaranteed approval for $5,000. Trustworthy lenders will not guarantee you’ll get approved for a bad credit personal loan worth $5,000. They will first review your financial situation before approving.

If you’re looking to get approved for a $5,000 loan with bad credit, consider applying to legitimate online lenders that specialize in bad credit loans.

Can I get instant approval on a $5,000 loan with bad credit?

If you’re looking for fast approval on a $5,000 personal loan, consider online lenders. Some online lenders give instant decisions on bad credit loans. An instant decision doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed the loan; it simply means the lender has done a quick scan of your finances and is ready to give you a quote.

If you proceed, the lender will do a more thorough review of your finances. If everything looks good, it will give official approval.

The fastest online lenders can give approval on a $5,000 loan on the same day.

Can I get a $5,000 loan with no credit check in Canada?

Credit checks are a standard lending practice in Canada, and most lenders will want to run a credit check on a $5,000 loan. There are some who offer $5,000 loans with no credit check, but make sure they’re legitimate and be prepared for steep interest rates. A no credit check lender will assume you have a bad credit history.

Get a quote first

Before getting a $5,000 loan with no credit check, you might want to apply first to bad credit lenders that can give you a quote without impacting your credit score. This will give you an idea of what rates you qualify for. Examples of direct lenders that give quotes without affecting credit score include Mogo and Fairstone.

Tips to get approved for $5,000 bad credit loans in Canada

To increase your chances of getting approved for a $5,000 loan with bad credit, consider these tips:

• Get a secured loan. Putting up collateral lowers the risk for lenders.
• Get a cosigner. If a friend or family member with good credit cosigns the loan, it also lowers the risk for the lender.
• Little to no NSF transactions. If you have NSF transactions in your bank account in the last 60-90 days, wait until you no longer have these to increase your odds of approval.
• Little to no short-term loan debt. Similarly, if you have payday loan debt or other kinds of short-term loans, consider waiting until these have been paid off.
• Improve your credit first. This may not be an option for those who need to borrow $5,000 now, but if you can wait six months, take steps to improve your credit score by paying down outstanding debts and paying bills on time.

What will I need to provide to get a $5,000 loan with bad credit?

Requirements vary among lenders, but generally you’ll need to provide:

• Government-issued ID. This can be your driver’s licence or passport.
• Bank statements. Bad credit lenders will usually look at your activity from the last 60-90 days. You can provide your statements by emailing or uploading them online or via instant bank verification.
• Pay stubs. Provide the last two to three months.
• Proof of address. Some lenders may ask for proof of address, such as a utility bill or Internet bill.

Keep in mind, if you opt for instant bank verification, you won’t need to submit any of these, or the lender may just ask for one piece of ID. Learn more about bank verification for loans.

I have good credit. What are my $5,000 loan options in Canada?

If you have a good credit score above 660, you can get $5,000 personal loans with low interest rates. Traditional lenders like banks and credit unions will want your business. For reference, National Bank’s interest rate range for fixed-rate loans is 9.65% - 11.30%. For variable-rate loans, the range is 12.20% - 13.70%.

Consider online brokers

You might also want to broaden your search to online brokers such as Loans Canada and LoanConnect so you can compare rates and terms. Since they have access to a large network of lenders, they can match you with those who can offer low interest rates. Their applications are free, you can see your matches within minutes, and you can choose not to proceed.

Plans to get a personal loan in 2023

Recent data from the Finder: Consumer Sentiment Survey Q2, shows that 20% of respondents plan to take out a personal loan in the next three months.

How much Canadians plan to borrow

While the majority of respondents (24%) plan to borrow between $5,000 and $9,999, in the next three months, 22% plan to borrow $10,000 and $14,999, while 21% plan to borrow between $1,000 and $4,999.

How do I get an emergency $5,000 loan fast?

If you have good credit and need a $5,000 loan fast, consider a bank or credit union that you already have a relationship with. They may be able to expedite their approval since they’re already familiar with your finances.

You can also apply online to alternative lenders that specialize in personal loans for borrowers with good credit, such as Symple and goPeer. Alternative lenders can fund you as soon as the same business day.

If you have bad credit and need a $5,000 loan fast, alternative lenders are your primary option. To speed up the process, consider applying to lenders that do instant bank verification, which is faster than the traditional manual review.

How to get the best $5,000 loan

With so many options for a $5,000 loan in Canada, how do you pick the right one? Consider the following:

• Annual percentage rate (APR). APR is the interest rate and fees you must pay to get your $5,000 loan. It gives you a clearer picture of the cost of the loan and helps you compare multiple offers.
• Loan amounts and loan terms. The ranges can vary among lenders. Make sure your top choices can offer the amount and length of time you need. You’ll find that most lenders can offer $5,000 loans, and that includes large financial institutions.
• Repayment flexibility. Federally regulated financial institutions, like banks, are required to let you pay off your loan early and make extra payments without any penalties, unless the loan is secured by real estate. Prepayment penalties are not common among alternative online lenders either.
• Grace period. Some lenders specify a “grace period.” For example, some of the big banks offer one payment that you can skip per year. P2P lender goPeer gives 15 days after the monthly due date with no penalties and no impact to your credit score.
• Reputation of the lender. Not all lenders are the same. Check reviews from people who have taken out a loan from the lender. If you notice a strong pattern of complaints, you may want to apply somewhere else.

How much would a $5,000 loan cost?

How much a $5,000 loan costs depends on factors like the interest rate you’re charged, how long it takes to pay off the loan and if there are any additional fees. Interest rates on personal loans in Canada tend to range between 6.99% and 46.96% with terms of 6 - 60 months.

Let’s say you take out a no-fee $5,000 loan at 12% interest over 3 years – the cost per month would be $166.07.

What is the monthly payment on a $5,000 loan?

The monthly payment on a $5,000 personal loan depends on your interest rate and loan term. Below is a breakdown of a $5,000 loan over 3 vs. 5 years at 6%, 15% and 25% (for illustration purposes only).

Interest rate	Monthly payment for 3 years	Total cost after 3 years	Monthly payment for 5 years	Total cost after 5 years
6%	$152.11	$5,475.95	$96.66	$5,799.84
15%	$173.33	$6,239.76	$118.95	$7,136.98
25%	$198.80	$7,156.77	$146.76	$8,805.40

• How to use this calculator

  1. Enter $5,000 under Loan amount.
  2. Write the loan term in years (not months) under Loan terms.
  3. Enter the loan’s interest rate if there are no fees under Interest rate. Otherwise, write the annual percentage rate (APR), which includes interest and fees.
  4. Hit Calculate.
  5. Review your results.

How do I apply for a $5,000 loan online?

If you’re ready to apply, follow these steps to apply for a $5,000 loan online:

1. Fill out the application. Provide your personal details like name, contact information, housing situation and employment details.
2. Wait for a decision. Get a response about whether you are pre-approved or denied.
3. Upload required documents. If you’re pre-approved and want to proceed, provide documents. Typically, lenders ask to see pay stubs, bank statements and a valid photo ID.
4. Get approved. Get an official loan offer. Carefully read your loan’s terms and conditions before signing.
5. Get your money. Get your $5,000 loan on the same day or next day.

Bottom line

Whether you have good or bad credit, options to get $5,000 loans are readily available in Canada. The types of loans available to you, along with their interest rates and terms, will vary depending on your needs and your credit history.

Before applying for a $5,000 loan, make sure your credit score is in good shape and you have a stable source of income to increase your chances of approval. Also, compare three to five lenders to help you decide which one is the best fit for you. Remember to double-check for any extra fees or charges before signing on the dotted line.

Compare $5,000 loans

Frequently asked questions about $5,000 loans

• How can I get a $5,000 loan with bad credit?

  To get a $5,000 loan with bad credit, you can apply to online lenders. Online lenders have easier eligibility requirements than banks and credit unions.

• What is the monthly payment on a $5,000 loan?

  The monthly payment on a $5,000 loan will depend on your interest rate and loan term. Many financial institutions have personal loan calculators you can use to calculate your potential monthly payments, or you can use the calculator on this page.

• What credit score is needed for a $5,000 personal loan?

  The credit score score needed for a $5,000 personal loan from online lenders typically ranges between 500 and 650. Banks and credit unions have higher credit score cutoffs of 660 or more. That means that if you have bad credit and are looking for a $5,000 loan, your best bet is to look into online personal loan lenders.

• I need $5,000 now – what are my loan options for a fast, instant approval?

  If you're in urgent need of funds, online lenders can provide fast approval and funding on a $5,000 loan in Canada. Some can give pre-approval within minutes and approval within 24 hours. Learn more about fast personal loans.

• What income is needed for a $5,000 personal loan?

  Online lenders offering $5,000 personal loans tend to have minimum income requirements ranging from $1,000 to $1,800 per month to qualify. Banks and credit unions will likely have higher minimum income requirements for $5,000 loans.