Whether you’re looking for bad credit loans in Halifax or anywhere else in Nova Scotia, you have options. While traditional lenders may make it harder for you to qualify, subprime lenders are a viable option. Find out where you can apply for bad credit car loans in Nova Scotia and how to compare your loan offers.
Eligibility requirements for bad credit car loans in Nova Scotia
Before applying for a subprime car loan, read over the eligibility criteria to make sure you meet the baseline requirements. They typically include the following:
Age. You must be at least 19 years old, which is Nova Scotia’s age of majority. You’ll need a valid government-issued ID to prove this.
Residency. You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Income. Because bad credit loans shift the emphasis from your credit score to your monthly income, you must have a steady source of income that’s sufficient to manage loan repayments. Lenders will ask for bank statements, pay stubs, benefits letters or other documents to verify your monthly income.
Employment. While some lenders may accept government benefits or private pension as income, the vast majority will only accept applicants with steady employment of at least 3 to 6 months.
A valid bank account. You must have a valid bank account that accommodates automatic withdrawals for your routine loan repayments.
How to apply for bad credit car loans in Nova Scotia
The process for getting a bad credit car loan in Nova Scotia isn’t too different from getting one with good credit. Here’s a step-by-step look at what to expect:
1. Do your research
Compare Nova Scotian lenders, their interest rates, terms and their eligibility requirements. After this, create a shortlist of top contenders. Check on whether you can make extra payments without any penalties and if you have the option to refinance your loan without penalty.
2. Prepare your documentation
Based on the eligibility criteria, prepare everything you need for a successful application. You may be asked for proof of identity (passport or driver’s licence), auto insurance and, most importantly, your income. Have copies of pay stubs, a letter of employment or tax returns ready for uploading.
3. Apply for pre-approval from lenders
When a lender in Nova Scotia pre-approves you for a car loan, it means they’ve qualified you in advance for an auto loan based on a light review of your finances. Once you’ve selected your top choices, apply online.
4. Choose your loan offer
Consider the options you’ve been pre-approved for and decide on the offer you want to proceed with based on your budget and needs. To finalize approval, the lender will look at your documents to verify your identity and income.
5. Read your loan agreement before signing
Once you’ve received approval, read your loan contract with extra care. Note your APR, terms and your payment schedule. Make sure you agree with any charges you may incur for late or missed payments, early repayments and refinancing changes.
6. Receive your funding and buy your car
With your loan finalized, you’ll receive the funds to buy your car within 1-2 business days. Create a repayment plan, circle due dates on your calendar and make sure you stick to your loan’s terms and conditions.
What types of vehicles can you finance with a bad credit car loan?
Nova Scotians can finance nearly any vehicle they want with bad credit car loans, including cars, SUVs, vans and trucks. The only limitations to your vehicle choices will depend on how large a loan amount you’re approved for, which typically maxes out at $50,000 for bad credit car loans. That means you could have access to a wide range of vehicles to suit your needs.
There are also no limits to the car brands you can finance with bad credit auto loans from online lenders or dealerships. If you get a loan through a branded dealership in Nova Scotia – at Hyundai or Chrysler, for example – you can shop any of that brand’s lineup. Again, you may not have access to some luxury brands depending on how large a loan you’re approved for.
Tips to get the best bad credit car loans in Nova Scotia
With the right strategy, Nova Scotians can secure the funding you need even with bad credit. Consider these steps before applying:
A mistake on your credit report can cost you points on your credit score. If you can wait a few weeks to apply for a car loan, you can get a copy of your credit report for free and fix mistakes by filing a dispute with the credit bureau. Get your credit score.
Come up with a limit to how much you’re willing to spend on a car, how much you can afford for the down payment and how much you can pay each month. Lenders may offer you more, but if you’ve already done your homework, you’ll know precisely how much you can realistically afford.
Apply for car loan pre-approval to see what rates and terms you qualify for. If the lenders you’re applying to in Nova Scotia do a hard credit check, make sure to keep your applications close together to avoid hurting your credit score.
Worried you won’t qualify? Sign up for a credit counselling session to have an expert guide you through your options. Visit the government of Canada’s website where you can find a credit counsellor who can help you get your finances back on track.
Bringing on someone with a higher credit score can increase your chances of approval for a loan and at better terms. And if you plan on sharing the car, you’ll share the responsibility for paying it off.
If you can wait at least 6 months, try to boost your credit score before asking lenders to borrow more money. Pay down your debts and don’t make late payments. These steps will help increase your chances of approval. Learn more about how to improve your credit.
How to compare bad credit car loans in Nova Scotia
With a variety of lenders offering subprime car loans in Nova Scotia, take account of these factors to help you find the best option to suit your needs:
APRs
From the interest rate to extra fees and penalties you may incur, your job is to zero in on the true cost of your auto loan. The annual percentage rate (APR) represents the annual cost of having the loan, including both interest and fees. This is one of the most crucial determining factors to help you compare loans.
Loan terms
Loan terms usually run between 12 and 96 months. Shorter loan terms will help you get out of debt faster, but your monthly payments will be larger. A longer loan term equals smaller monthly payments with more time to accrue interest. Choose a lender with loan terms that work for your budget and timeframe.
Fees
Bad credit car loans often come with more fees than other types of car loans. Check on whether your lender charges administration fees, origination fees (a processing fee) or other penalties such as late fees or NSF fees.
Minimum and maximum loan amounts
If you’re buying a used car in Nova Scotia, you may need a loan amount that’s less than the minimum some lenders offer. Make sure the loan amount you need fits within the lender’s parameters.
Eligibility requirements
From a minimum credit score to a minimum monthly income, lenders in the bad credit space have specific eligibility criteria you must meet.
Repayment flexibility
Find a bad credit car loan lender in Nova Scotia that allows you to make extra payments or pay off your loan early without penalties.
Trade-ins and down payments
Some lenders and dealers allow you to trade in your current car for a new one or to use it for a down payment. If you have an old car that may be worth trading in, you could shift your focus to lenders that offer this option.
How much does a bad credit car loan cost in Nova Scotia?
The cost of a bad credit car loan in Nova Scotia depends on a few factors:
The interest rate you are approved for, typically between 9.90% to 29.99% for bad credit loans.
The loan term, which can be up to 96 months.
Any extra charges, such as taxes, loan origination fees, late payment penalties or administrative fees.
If you’re applying a trade-in or down payment to drive down the total amount owed.
For illustrative purposes, let’s say you live in Halifax and you’re looking to finance a used car. Here’s a glimpse of what your monthly payments could look like with a bad credit car loan compared to a conventional car loan.
We used the average used car price in the Atlantic region (according to the AutoTrader.ca Price Index) as of April 2022 plus a $3,500 down payment and 15% HST tax.
Conventional car loan
Car price: $33,456
Down payment: $3,500
APR: 5.99%
Loan term: 72 months
Monthly payment: $579.46
Total interest paid: $6,746.84
Bad credit car loan
Car price: $33,456
Down payment: $3,500
APR: 12.99%
Loan term: 72 months
Monthly payment: $701.90
Total interest paid: $15,562.06
Bad credit car loan monthly payment calculator
Calculate how much you could expect to pay each month on your bad credit car loan in Nova Scotia
Enter the amount you want to borrow to buy a new car under Loan amount. This might not be the same as the cost of your car, since you’ll need to add the cost of tax and minus the amount of your down payment.
Write the amount of time you have to pay off your car loan under Loan terms (in years). If your loan term is in months, divide it by 12 first.
Enter the interest rate you expect to pay on a car loan under Interest rate. If your car loan comes with fees, enter the annual percentage rate (APR) instead.
Click Calculate.
Compare bad credit car loans in Nova Scotia
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Bottom line
Don’t panic if you’re having trouble securing a car loan due to your bad credit. There are lenders providing subprime car loans in Nova Scotia. Shop around and compare factors, such as interest rates, loan terms, extra fees and repayment flexibility, before deciding on the choice that best suits your needs.
Ultimately, a bad credit car loan can be just the ticket to help you get the keys to your new car and aid in rebuilding your credit.
Frequently asked questions about bad credit car loans in Nova Scotia
Yes, most dealerships in Nova Scotia provide in-house financing or connect shoppers with lenders they've partnered with. More often than not, these dealers will accommodate borrowers with bad credit, but this will come at a premium via hefty interest rates that will drive up the total cost of your loan.
Yes, you can. Typically, bad credit car loans are earmarked for people with a credit score of 600 or less, who have filed for bankruptcy or insolvency or who have little to no credit history at all.
Lenders in Nova Scotia differ in their credit score requirements. Some lenders have a minimum credit score of 300, which is the lowest credit score possible.
Carmen Chai is a freelance writer at Finder, specializing in financial products. She is an award-winning Canadian journalist who has lived and reported from major cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, London and Paris. She has reported on personal finance, mortgages, and banking products for nearly a decade.
Find out how to get a car loan without a cosigner, even if you have bad credit.
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