10 Best Loans for Bad Credit in Canada (2026)

Compare some of the best bad credit loans in Canada to get fast approval and funding. Find options for extremely bad credit.

If you have bad credit, there are lots of online and alternative lenders available to you, and you don’t need a guarantor.

The catch? Be prepared to pay more interest. The maximum rate lenders are allowed to charge you is 35% APR. This is a big reduction from the previous maximum of 47% APR. But if you’re ready for financing, this guide covers some of the best bad credit loans in Canada.

Access a Large Network

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  • Accepts bad credit borrowers
  • Easy online application
  • Quotes from multiple lenders
  • Access cash within 1-3 business days

Get Multiple Offers

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  • Accepts bad credit borrowers
  • Quotes from multiple lenders
  • Pre-approval in 5 minutes
  • Funds in as little as 24 hours

Fast Financing

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  • Accepts bad credit borrowers
  • Same day funding
  • 100% online
  • No prepayment fees

Summary: Best bad credit loans in Canada

Best forLenderAlternative
Extremely bad creditLoans CanadaLoanConnect
Same-day fundingeasyfinancialSpring Financial
No credit checkGreen LoansHelium Loans
Line of creditMogoNyble
Small bad credit loanBree24Cash
Flexible repaymentAAR FinancialKOHO
Non-employment incomesMagical CreditMoney Mart
Lesser-known brandBlue Copper CapitalLM Credit
Car title loansPrudent FinancialTitle Loans Online
Traditional lenders for almost good creditVancity (Fair and Fast Loan)Innovation Federal Credit Union

Best loans for extremely bad credit

If your credit history isn’t great, the best way to find a bad credit loan is to use a loan search platform. These sites offer access to dozens of lending partners, including those that work with people who have poor credit.

All you have to do is complete a single application, and you can then compare offers from multiple lenders that are willing to provide funding. This makes it quicker and easier for you to find suitable lenders, but you’ll need to watch out for high rates and fees when taking out a loan.

Winner: Loans Canada

$500 – $35,000

Loan Amount

9.99% – 35%

APR

6 - 60 months

Term

Why we like it

Large network of lenders. Loans Canada is an online loan search platform that provides access to a network of 60+ lenders, including lenders that work with all types of credit.

Free and fast comparison. You can fill out one application with Loans Canada and compare multiple loan offers for free.

Get funded fast. It's possible to get your loan on the same day or the next day, so Loans Canada is a solid option if you need money fast.

Will I get approved?

If you have a bad credit score or low income, there's still a chance to find a lender willing to finance you, given the size of Loans Canada's database. Having a large database of lenders increases your odds of getting approved for a loan.

  • Easy online application
  • Quick deposits
  • High loan amounts
  • No collateral required
  • High rates for bad credit
  • No online quotes provided
  • Limited to its network
Loan Amount $500 – $35,000
APR Range 9.99% – 35%
Loan Term 6 - 60 months
Serviced Provinces/Territories All of Canada
Turnaround Time Receive funds in as little as 24 hours.
Min. Credit Score 300
Fees No application, origination or brokerage fees
Requirements Canadian resident, age of majority in your province of residence

Runner-up: LoanConnect

$500 – $60,000

Loan Amount

8.99% – 35%

APR

3 - 120 months

Term

Why we like it

LoanConnect is a loan search platform that maintains a large database of lenders and matches you with bad credit loan offers based on your unique profile. All you have to do is fill out one application to get matched with suitable lenders, and you can see your loan offers in as little as a minute. Unsecured loans of up to $60,000 are available, and you can apply without hurting your credit score.

  • Free to use
  • Find lenders who work with bad credit
  • Fast pre-approvals
  • Easy to compare multiple lenders
  • Not a direct lender
  • You're limited to offers from LoanConnect's partner lenders
  • High APRs if you have bad credit
Loan Amount $500 – $60,000
APR Range 8.99% – 35%
Loan Term 3 - 120 months
Serviced Provinces/Territories All provinces
Turnaround Time Receive funds in as little as 24 hours.
Min. Credit Score 300
Fees No application, origination or brokerage fees
Requirements Canadian citizen or permanent resident, age of majority in your province of residence, current debts must total less than 60% of your income

Best online same-day bad credit loans

Need money fast? Some online lenders offer bad credit loans with same-day funding. These lenders offer fast applications and lenient eligibility criteria, and they use instant bank verification to speed up the approval process.

You’ll need to meet an income requirement to qualify. If approved, funds are sent out immediately via e-Transfer.

Winner: easyfinancial

$500 – $150,000

Loan Amount

9.99% – 35%

APR

9 - 240 months

Term

Why we like it

Any credit is OK. easyfinancial helps Canadians access financing when their credit scores are low, and banks aren't an option.

Fast approval and funding. You can apply for an easyfinancial loan and get approved within minutes, with loan amounts sent out as soon as the same day.

Improve your credit score. easyfinancial reports your loan activity to the credit bureaus, so making on-time payments could help boost your credit score.

Will I get approved?

easyfinancial's loans offer plenty of flexibility. It's possible to get approved when your financial situation isn't the best, but be prepared to be offered a lower amount and a higher rate. You can increase your chances of approval and even get a rate reduction if you apply with a co-applicant who's in a stronger financial position than you.

  • Secured and unsecured loan options
  • 2% rate reduction with a co-applicant
  • BBB-accredited with an A+ rating
  • Steep rates for bad credit
  • Many negative customer reviews
Loan Amount $500 – $150,000
APR Range 9.99% – 35%
Loan Term 9 - 240 months
Serviced Provinces/Territories All provinces
Turnaround Time Approval within 30 minutes
Min. Credit Score 300
Fees Potential NSF fee, late payment fee, Credit Optimizer fee
Requirements Min. monthly income of $1,200, min. credit score of 300

Runner-up: Spring Financial

$500 – $35,000

Loan Amount

9.99% – 34.95%

APR

6 - 84 months

Term

Why we like it

Spring Financial offers fast bad credit personal loans online. Loans of up to $35,000 are available, and it's possible to get approved and funded the very same day. Spring Financial also has an average rating of 4.6/5 stars based on 19,700+ Trustpilot reviews, so it's well worth checking out for anyone searching for the best bad credit loans.

  • Established lender
  • Apply online in minutes
  • No prepayment penalty
  • Loans available across Canada
  • High rates for bad credit
  • You might get approved for a credit builder loan instead
  • Low BBB rating
Loan Amount $500 – $35,000
APR Range 9.99% – 34.95%
Loan Term 6 - 84 months
Serviced Provinces/Territories All of Canada
Turnaround Time Within 24 hours
Min. Credit Score 550
Fees No fees except a $30 NSF fee
Requirements Min. income of $2,000, min. credit score of 550, 3+ months employed

Best no credit check installment loans for low credit

Some lenders offer installment loans with no credit check. Instead of checking your credit score, they will ask you to complete instant bank verification (IBV) to confirm your income.

If you have enough income to meet repayments and you satisfy the lender’s other criteria, you can get approved and funded as soon as the same day. The downside is that high APRs of up to 35% apply, and you may need to pay a broker or surety fee in the hundreds.

Winner: Green Loans

$300 – $1,000

Loan Amount

22% – 35%

APR

3 - 12 months

Term

Why we like it

Specializes in bad credit. Green Loans is a broker that specializes in helping borrowers with poor credit find a loan, so your credit history won't stop you from getting funded.

Non-employment income accepted. There are no credit checks when you apply with Green Loans, and government disability, CPP and a wide range of income types are accepted.

Fast funding. If your application is approved, you will typically receive your loan funds within 24 hours.

Will I get approved?

You will need to receive at least $1,200 net income monthly in order to qualify for a loan. Green Loans also accepts applications from borrowers with all types of credit, so you still have a chance of getting funded even if you have poor credit.

  • Accepts bad credit
  • Fast funding
  • High rates and fees apply
  • Broker fee included in payments
Loan Amount $300 – $1,000
APR Range 22% – 35%
Loan Term 3 - 12 months
Serviced Provinces/Territories all provinces except Manitoba and Alberta
Turnaround Time within 24 hours
Min. Credit Score 300
Fees 2.66% late fee
Requirements • Share banking access via our secure IBV system (Instant Banking Verification)
• Have a Canadian bank account open for 90+ days with online access
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with a job
• Be 18 or older (or provincial age of majority)
• Earn at least $1,200 monthly in net income
• Provide a valid phone number, email, and home address
• You must not be in a bankruptcy or a consumer proposal.
• You must not be planning to declare bankruptcy or a consumer proposal.

Runner-up: Helium Loans

$1,000 – $5,000

Loan Amount

Undisclosed

APR

1 - 3 years

Term

Why we like it

Helium Loans is an online private lender specializing in loans for non-prime borrowers. You can apply online to borrow up to $5,000 with a Personal Loan, or up to $2,000 with a Coffee Cup Loan. Helium Loans offers an automated approval system, and you can get your money quickly via e-Transfer. Helium Loans also reports your loan payments to the credit bureaus, so making on-time payments could improve your credit score.

  • Apply online in minutes
  • Get a decision straight away
  • Fast access to funds
  • No prepayment fees
  • Must have a credit score above 600
  • High rates
  • Must have after-tax income of at least $2,000 per month
Loan Amount $1,000 – $5,000
APR Range Undisclosed
Loan Term 1 - 3 years
Serviced Provinces/Territories All of Canada (excluding Quebec)
Min. Credit Score 600

Best lines of credit for bad credit

Some online lenders also offer lines of credit for bad credit. Lenders will assess your income to determine if you can afford to borrow money, and you can access funds up to your approved credit limit at any time. You only pay interest on the money you actually use, but a high APR of up to 35% will apply.

Winner: MogoMini

$300 – $5,000

Loan Amount

Up to 34.36%

APR

Open

Term

Why we like it

Fast pre-approval. You can apply for a MogoMini line of credit online and get no-obligation pre-approval in just a few minutes.

Funding options. You can get your line of credit funds by e-Transfer or direct deposit to your bank account.

No early payment penalty. You can repay what you borrow ahead of schedule at any time without penalty.

Will I get approved?

You'll need to undergo a hard credit check when you complete your application for MogoMini, but it's still possible to qualify with poor credit. You may also need a net annual income of at least $35,000/year
and a steady income for 30 days to be eligible for funding.

  • No prepayment penalties
  • Bank-level security
  • High rates for bad credit
  • Some negative Mogo reviews online
Loan Amount $300 – $5,000
APR Range Up to 34.36%
Loan Term Open
Serviced Provinces/Territories BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, NB, NS, NF, PEI, NU, NT
Min. Credit Score 600
Fees None
Requirements Canadian resident, age of majority in your province of residence, annual net income of $35,000

Alternative: Nyble

Nyble Credit Line

$30 – $250
Loan amount
Starting at 0%
APR
31 days, extendable
Term

Why we like it

Nyble offers an affordable, interest-free alternative if you only need to borrow a small amount. You can apply online with no credit checks and get a credit line of up to $250, and you won't pay interest charges or late fees. Best of all, Nyble reports your payments to the credit bureau, so you can use your line of credit to improve your credit score.

  • Bad credit or no credit is OK
  • You can get funded for free
  • Apply in minutes
  • 4.8/5 stars based on 8,600+ Trustpilot reviews
  • $11.99 monthly membership fee if you want instant funding
  • Small loan maximum of $250
  • Making late payments could hurt your credit score
Costs 0%
Loan Amount $30 – $250
Loan Term 31 days, extendable
Credit Check No
Turnaround Time 1-30 minutes with a paid membership or 1-3 business days with a free membership.
Requirements You must be 18 years or older and have a minimum monthly income of $1,000.
Serviced Provinces All provinces and territories
Apple App Store Rating 4.8
Google Play Rating 4.8

Best bad credit small loans

If you only need a small amount of money to help you get through to your next payday, there’s more than one option to consider. You could go with a conventional personal loan from an online lender, which comes with lenient eligibility criteria but potentially high rates and fees.

Alternatively, for a more affordable option, you could choose a cash advance app, allowing you to avoid paying interest on the money you borrow.

Winner: Bree

Bree Early Pay

$20 – $750
Loan amount
Starting at 0%
APR
Next pay cycle (90 days max)
Term

Why we like it

Get up to $750 interest-free. Bree offers cash advances of up to $750, and there are no interest charges or mandatory fees to worry about.

Fast funding available. Bree offers instant decisions 24/7, and you can get the money within minutes if you're willing to pay a small subscription fee and transfer fee.

Positive reviews. Bree has earned an average rating of 4.8/5 based on 7,300+ Trustpilot reviews.

Will I get approved?

You don't need to complete a credit check to qualify for funding, so bad credit or no credit won't stop you from getting a cash advance. You will need to connect your chequing account to Bree so that the lender can confirm that you receive consistent and sufficient income to afford to repay what you borrow.

  • No interest
  • No fees for standard funding
  • No credit check required
  • Instant funding available
  • Free standard advances take a few business days
  • Small loan amounts
  • Does not improve credit score
Costs 0%
Loan Amount $20 – $750
Loan Term Next pay cycle (90 days max)
Credit Check No
Turnaround Time Receive funds within 5 minutes with express delivery (the fee is based on the advance amount) and within 1 to 3 business days for standard delivery.
Requirements You must have a bank account with regular income deposits and a Visa or Mastercard debit card with a CVV
Serviced Provinces All provinces and territories
Apple App Store Rating 4.9
Google Play Rating 4.8

Alternative: 24Cash

$500 – $850

Loan Amount

Starting at 22%

APR

90 - 120 days

Term

Why we like it

24Cash offers short-term loans of up to $850, which are designed to be repaid over up to 120 days. You won't need to pass a credit check or provide any documents to apply, so you can complete the online application in a matter of minutes. If you're approved, you'll get the money the same day.

  • Fast access to funds
  • Bad credit is OK
  • Longer repayment period than a payday loan
  • 4.6/5 stars based on 2,900+ Trustpilot reviews
  • High APR plus a broker fee applies
  • First-time borrowers are limited to a maximum of $500
Loan Amount $500 – $850
APR Range Starting at 22%
Loan Term 90 - 120 days
Serviced Provinces/Territories All of Canada (excluding MB, QC, SK)
Turnaround Time Within 24 hours
Min. Credit Score 300
Fees broker fee of up to $225
Requirements Be at least 18 years old, Canadian citizen, 3+ months employed, $1,200 monthly income, Canadian bank account with direct deposits for 3+ months, low short term debt ratio, no active or plans for bankruptcy

Best bad credit loans with flexible repayments

If your income fluctuates and you’d like the opportunity to pay extra off your loan whenever you come into some extra cash, look for lenders with flexible repayment plans. These lenders will allow you to tailor a repayment schedule that suits your income frequency, and you will also be able to make extra repayments at any time without penalty.

Winner: AAR Financial

$1,000 – $50,000

Loan Amount

14.9% – 35%

APR

24 - 120 months

Term

Why we like it

Large loan amounts. AAR Financial offers unsecured personal loans of up to $50,000.

Flexible loan terms. Loan terms range from 2 to 10 years with AAR Financial, so you can tailor a repayment plan to suit your budget.

Early repayment allowed. You can pay back your AAR Financial loan ahead of time without penalty.

Will I get approved?

AAR Financial personal loans are only available in AB, BC, MB, ON and SK, so you'll need to consider other options if you live elsewhere. The lender says your credit score is just one of several factors it considers when assessing your application, so bad credit or no credit won't necessarily stop you from getting funded. AAR Financial also says it has a 99% approval rate, but whether or not you qualify will depend on your financial situation.

  • Flexible loan amounts
  • No prepayment penalties for unsecured loans
  • High rates
  • Fees not clearly disclosed online
Loan Amount $1,000 – $50,000
APR Range 14.9% – 35%
Loan Term 24 - 120 months
Serviced Provinces/Territories AB, BC, MB, ON and SK
Turnaround Time Within 24 hours
Min. Credit Score 550
Fees Fees may include insurance fees, administration fees and NSF/late payment fees.
Requirements Must be the age of majority in your province, have an active bank account and provide proof of employment as well as three pieces of ID.

Alternative: KOHO

KOHO Cover

$20 – $250
Loan amount
Starting at 0%
APR
Flexible
Term

Finder Reward

Finder Members get a $75 digital Visa gift card. Become a Finder Member & open and fund a KOHO account. T&Cs apply.

Why we like it

If you have a KOHO plan and you subscribe to KOHO Cover, you can access an interest-free cash advance of up to $250. You can apply without a credit check, and you can get the money instantly through the KOHO app. Best of all, the repayment period is flexible, so you get the freedom to repay your advance at any time. That's why it's one of the best bad credit loans in Canada.

  • Pay 0% interest on the money you borrow
  • No minimum income requirement
  • Repay when it suits you
  • Fast access to funds
  • Monthly KOHO Cover fee
  • You may also have to pay a KOHO plan monthly fee
  • You can only borrow up to $250
  • Won't help you improve your credit score
Costs 0% + monthly fee from $2
Loan Amount $20 – $250
Loan Term Flexible
Credit Check No
Turnaround Time Immediately
Requirements KOHO account—access higher loan amounts over time by using KOHO for everyday spending, repaying your monthly fees and using its other services
Serviced Provinces All provinces and territories
Apple App Store Rating 4.8
Google Play Rating 4.3

Best bad credit loans for non-employment incomes

Many lenders require you to earn employment income to qualify for a loan. But if you receive income from government benefits, a pension or some other source, some lenders will still offer you a loan.

When you apply, these lenders will verify your income to make sure you can afford to repay your loan. Bad credit is OK too, but these lenient eligibility criteria come at a cost: you can expect to pay a high APR of up to 35%.

Winner: Magical Credit

$1,500 – $20,000

Loan Amount

19.99% – 35%

APR

12 - 60 months

Term

Why we like it

Get a fast loan. Apply online and validate your information with instant bank verification to get a fast loan decision (with funds sent within 24 hours).

Rebuild your credit. Magical Credit reports on-time payments to the credit bureaus to increase your credit score.

Use non-employment income to qualify. Magical Credit accepts many types of income, such as most government benefits, private pensions and maternity benefits.

Will I get approved?

You'll need to have been employed for at least six months and have your income directly deposited into your account to qualify for a short-term loan from Magical Credit. This lender specializes in loans for bad credit and low-income earners, so these flexible eligibility criteria make it easier to get funded. However, Magical Credit does not approve everyone; for example, applicants with loans in collections or those in a consumer proposal or bankruptcy may be declined.

  • Automated process with bank verification
  • Easy application
  • Funding as soon as same day
  • Many types of income are okay
  • High rates for bad credit
Loan Amount $1,500 – $20,000
APR Range 19.99% – 35%
Loan Term 12 - 60 months
Serviced Provinces/Territories All of Canada (excluding MB, SK and QC)
Turnaround Time Receive funds within as little as 24 hours
Min. Credit Score 300
Fees A single administration fee of $194
Requirements Canadian citizen or resident, age of majority in province of residence, receiving employment or child tax income, no outstanding loans with other lenders

Runner-up: Money Mart

$500 – $25,000

Loan Amount

34.56% – 34.95%

APR

12 - 84 months

Term

Why we like it

Money Mart offers installment loans and payday loans to people with bad credit. It's been in business for over 40 years and is one of the largest alternative lenders in Canada. You can apply online or in-store, and if approved, you can get funded in a matter of minutes.

  • Accepts a variety of income types
  • Fast access to funds
  • Loans of up to$25,000 available
  • Peace of mind in dealing with an established lender
  • No fee for early repayment
  • Watch out for high APRs
Loan Amount $500 – $25,000
APR Range 34.56% – 34.95%
Loan Term 12 - 84 months
Serviced Provinces/Territories AB, BC, MB, NS, NT, ON, PEI, SK, YT
Turnaround Time Less than 1 day
Min. Credit Score 300
Fees None
Requirements - Be at least 19 years of age
- Have an active chequing account
- Have a steady source of income

Best lesser-known bad credit loans

While there are plenty of well-known bad credit lenders across Canada, others sneak under the radar a little bit. This can sometimes be because they haven’t been around as long as bigger lenders, or simply because they only offer loans in selected provinces.

Whatever the case may be, these lesser-known lenders are worth comparing if you’re searching for the best bad credit loans in Canada.

Winner: Blue Copper Capital

$1,000 – $100,000

Loan Amount

16% – 35%

APR

6 - 84 months

Term

Why we like it

Choice of loan options. Blue Copper Capital offers installment loans, lines of credit and payday loans (Alberta only).

Apply online or in-store. You can apply for a Blue Copper Capital loan online or by visiting one of its locations in BC and AB.

You can apply with bad credit. Blue Copper Capital says it won't reject your loan application just because you have bad credit.

Will I get approved?

Blue Copper Capital only offers loans in BC and AB, so you'll need to consider other options if you live elsewhere. You will also need to receive employment income or income from private disability insurance to qualify for a loan, as several types of non-employment income are not accepted by this lender. It's also worth noting that you will be asked to supply the details of three references during the application process.

  • Apply online or in person
  • Wide range of borrowing options
  • Could improve your credit score
  • Repay your loan early without penalty
  • High loan APRs
  • Only in BC and AB
  • Many income types not accepted
  • You'll need to provide three references to apply
Loan Amount $1,000 – $100,000
APR Range 16% – 35%
Loan Term 6 - 84 months
Serviced Provinces/Territories BC and AB
Turnaround Time Varies
Fees $6 per month
Requirements 3+ months employed, active bank account, resident of AB or BC, at least 18 years of age

Runner-up: LM Credit

$500 – $15,000

Loan Amount

10.99% – 34.99%

APR

9-60 months

Term

Why we like it

Ontario-based LM Credit offers unsecured loans of up to $15,000. You can apply and get pre-approved online in minutes, and it's still possible to qualify for a loan if you receive income from non-employment sources. Loan terms range from 9-60 months and LM Credit also reports your payments to the credit bureaus to help you rebuild credit.

  • Could help improve your credit score
  • No collateral required
  • Early repayment allowed
  • High interest rates
  • Not available in Quebec
  • Approval could take up to 2 business days
Loan Amount $500 – $15,000
APR Range 10.99% – 34.99%
Loan Term 9-60 months
Serviced Provinces/Territories All provinces (excluding Quebec)
Turnaround Time as little as 30 minutes
Min. Credit Score 550

Best car title loans for bad credit

A car title loan is secured by the title to your vehicle, allowing you to borrow up to 50% of your vehicle’s market value. By providing your car as collateral, you reduce risk for the lender and increase your chances of getting approved. This means you can qualify if you have bad credit, but you risk losing your car if you can’t repay the loan. High interest rates also apply.

Winner: Prudent Financial

$5,000 – $500,000

Loan Amount

19.99% – 34.99%

APR

6 - 48 months

Term

Why we like it

Same-day loans. Prudent Financial Services offers 30-minute car title loan approvals and can fund your loan on the same business day.

Bad credit is not a problem. A poor credit score or a past bankruptcy or consumer proposal won't stop you from qualifying for a loan.

Early repayment allowed. You have the flexibility to pay your loan back early without penalty.

Will I get approved?

You must be a resident of ON to qualify for a car title loan from Prudent Financial. Your car must have no liens, no leases and be fully insured. During the application process, you will be asked to provide proof of insurance, proof of ownership, your driver's licence, a void cheque and two references. However, provided your vehicle is eligible, providing it as collateral will give you a good chance of getting a loan.

  • Established lender
  • Fast approvals
  • Bad credit is OK
  • Unclear loan features
  • High APRs
  • Make sure you're aware of the loan fees that apply
  • Only available in ON
Loan Amount $5,000 – $500,000
APR Range 19.99% – 34.99%
Loan Term 6 - 48 months
Serviced Provinces/Territories ON
Turnaround Time as little as 30 minutes
Fees Unknown
Requirements have 50% equity in your home

Runner-up: Title Loans Online

Title Loans Online

$4,000 – $25,000

Loan Amount

19% – 34.9%

APR

24 - 60 months

Term

Why we like it

Title Loans Online offers car title loans of up to $25,000 across Canada. You can apply without a credit check and get approved as quickly as an hour. Loan terms of up to 60 months are available, and you can get funded the same day.

  • Fast approvals and funding
  • Bad credit or no credit won't stop you from getting a loan
  • No upfront fees
  • Repay your loan early without penalty
  • Only in AB, BC, SK and ON
  • Your car must be a 2017 model or newer
  • Vehicle must be fully paid off and insured
Loan Amount $4,000 – $25,000
APR Range 19% – 34.9%
Loan Term 24 - 60 months
Serviced Provinces/Territories AB, BC, SK and ON
Turnaround Time 24 hours
Requirements Vehicles 2013 and newer with less than 200,000km. Vehicle must be fully paid for, registered in your name and have a full coverage insurance policy. Rebuilt or repaired vehicles not accepted.

Best traditional lenders for almost good credit

Traditional lenders like the Big Five banks have strict eligibility criteria, so their loans are usually out of reach if you have bad credit. But some traditional lenders, typically credit unions, offer loans designed for people with less than perfect credit.

These loans are intended as payday loan alternatives or loans to help you rebuild your credit. Check if you’re eligible for funding before applying.

Winner: Vancity Fair & Fast Loan

$100 – $2,500

Loan Amount

Starting at 19%

APR

12 - 24 months

Term

Why we like it

Fixed interest rate. You can borrow up to $2,500 with this loan, and you get the peace of mind of predictable payments thanks to a fixed interest rate of 19.00%.

Fast access to funds. You can apply for the Fair & Fast Loan online and get funded in as little as 10 minutes.

Early repayment allowed. If you want to pay your loan off early, you can make extra repayments without penalty.

Will I get approved?

You don't need to pass a credit check to qualify for this loan. Eligibility for the Fair & Fast Loan is based on your income, debts and expenses rather than your credit history.

However, you will need to be a BC resident, have a regular source of income and become a Vancity member to qualify. You also must not have an undischarged bankruptcy or outstanding consumer proposals, or any unpaid collection items (unless the loan will be used to pay them off).

  • Established lender and the largest credit union in Canada
  • Loans to suit a variety of borrowing needs
  • Flexible loan terms
  • ou can't apply for all loans online
  • Only for BC residents
  • Limited loan information available online
Loan Amount $100 – $2,500
APR Range Starting at 19%
Loan Term 12 - 24 months
Serviced Provinces/Territories BC
Turnaround Time Within 10 minutes
Fees No prepayment fees
Requirements Unknown

Runner-up: Innovation Federal Credit Union Fresh Start Loan

$5,000 – $50,000

Loan Amount

5.95% – 14.99%

APR

12 - 120 months

Term

Why we like it

Innovation's Fresh Start Loan is designed to help you improve your credit score. You can borrow up to $5,000 over a term of up to 2 years, with a fixed interest rate of 14.99%. Innovation Federal Credit Union invests your loan amount into a GIC, so you can use your loan payments to build credit and the GIC investment to provide you with interest income.

  • Helps build credit
  • Less than perfect credit is OK
  • You get the peace of mind of a fixed interest rate
  • You earn investment income
  • Minimum credit score of 541 or no credit required to qualify
  • You must also open a No-Fee Bank Account
Loan Amount $5,000 – $50,000
APR Range 5.95% – 14.99%
Loan Term 12 - 120 months
Serviced Provinces/Territories All provinces (excluding Quebec)
Turnaround Time Approval in one business day
Min. Credit Score 541
Fees $10 - $25
Requirements 18 years of age and a Canadian resident

How we found the best loans

Finder experts collected 11 points of data for more than 50 lenders operating in Canada. Finder used this data to create a proprietary weighting formula that scores each lender based on rates, fees, terms, loan amounts, application process, funding speed, customer support, and reputation, among other features. The providers shown on the best list are those who scored highest based on this data-driven methodology. They are providers that are available and not available through Finder. While we aimed to review a wide range of lenders, the loans listed do not reflect the entire market. Read more about the Finder personal loan ratings and review methodology.

How much do bad credit personal loans cost?

Bad credit personal loans come with APRs ranging from 18% - 35%. Lenders charge high interest rates on bad credit loans because there’s a greater chance that borrowers won’t pay the money back.

The rate you get will be determined based on factors such as:

  • Your credit score
  • Your income
  • Your employment situation
  • How much you borrow
  • Whether your loan is secured or unsecured

Cost example: A $5,000 loan over 3 years

Let’s take a look at how much it will cost you to repay a $5,000 loan over 3 years with an 18% APR compared to a 35% APR.

As you can see in the table below, a 35% APR means your monthly repayment will cost $45 more compared to an 18% APR. Over the life of your loan, the higher APR will see you pay $1,635 more in interest.

Loan ALoan B
APR18%35%
Loan amount$5,000$5,000
Repayment term3 years3 years
Monthly repayment$181 per month$226
Total cost to repay$6,507$8,142
Difference over the life of the loan$1,635 more

Tips to get approved when you have bad credit

Boost your chances of getting funded with these simple tips:

  • No short-term loan debt. Having an active payday loan or other short-term loan debts will lower your chances of approval on a bad credit loan, so try to pay these off before applying.
  • No NSF transactions. It’s best to wait until you have no NSF transactions in your credit history in the last 60 to 90 days. A few NSF charges may be acceptable to some lenders.
  • Opt for a secured loan. Offering collateral, such as your house or car, reduces the risk for the lender and increases your chances of getting approved. You could lose your asset if you default, so make sure you can manage the payments.
  • Hold down a job. Providing proof of steady employment will help show the lender that you are likely to be able to continue receiving enough income to afford loan repayments.
  • Rebuild your credit first. If you can wait at least six months, improve your credit score first by making on-time payments for your other bills and debts.

What transactions in a bank account would increase an applicant’s chances of approval?

We asked Trust Science, a Canadian company specializing in AI tech that helps lenders assess an application, to share their insights into what would help someone with bad credit get approved for a loan. Here’s what they had to say:

Expert insight

"As a general rule, demonstrating consistent income to your account from stable employment sources is a benefit, as are regular outflows that can be identified as regular bill payments. Similarly, debts that you may have taken on that are not reported to the bureau may arise in your historical banking data: showing that you consistently repaid these debts can work in your favour. Having savings available, or having more cash inflows than outflows is always a good sign."

AI credit reporting agency

Can I get a loan with bad credit and no guarantor?

Yes. If you have poor credit and no guarantor, you can still get a loan. Many alternative lenders specialize in secured or unsecured bad credit loans in Canada with no guarantor needed, and it’s possible to get funded as soon as the same day. But be prepared to pay more in interest and to get approved for lower loan amounts.

The lenders included in our list (above) do not require a guarantor to be approved for a bad credit loan.

How do I compare personal loans for bad credit?

Compare the following factors when shopping around to find the best bad credit loan for you.

What should I watch out for?

  • Promises of guaranteed approval. Responsible lenders will check your income to work out whether you can afford a loan before they approve your application. So if a lender advertises guaranteed loan approval, be careful: it could be a sign of a scam.
  • Upfront fees. If a lender requires you to pay a fee to get your application approved, walk away.
  • Hidden fees. Check the fine print of the loan contract for any hidden fees that may apply. These could include origination, late payment and NSF fees.
  • No contact details. Be wary of lenders that don’t list any phone contact details or a physical address on their website. Research the lender thoroughly to make sure they’re legit.
  • Loan insurance requirement. Lenders in Canada cannot require or insist that you pay for insurance to get a bad credit loan. Insurance is 100% optional and will add to the cost of your loan.
  • High-pressure sales tactics. Watch out for “urgent” or limited-time offers designed to pressure you into signing a loan agreement. If you feel like a lender is trying to force your hand, consider other options.

Bad credit personal loan in 2026 and beyond

On January 1, 2025, the maximum personal loan rate allowed in Canada dropped from 47% APR to 35% APR. This is particularly relevant if you have bad credit because applicants with the riskiest profiles are charged the highest rates. Lowering the maximum rate allowed means you could save on interest. However, according to experts in non-prime lending, this drop will also cause lenders to be more selective with their approvals, which means fewer people with bad credit will be able to get a personal loan.

Once the maximum rate is lowered, the following years will help the government and participants of the lending market evaluate whether 47% APR was the appropriate rate charged because of the actual credit risk of the borrower or whether it was the rate charged because it was the maximum that was allowed. We’ll be keeping an eye on this.

Other loans for bad credit

If you can’t find a bad credit personal loan for your needs, there are other online options to consider.

LoanHow it worksHow it compares to bad credit personal loans
Payday loanBorrow up to $1,500 and repay by your next dayFaster, easier to qualify, much more expensiveLearn more
Pay advance appBorrow up to $750 and repay by your next paydaySmaller loan amounts, often no credit check required, pay a fee for express serviceLearn more
Line of creditBorrow up to a limit, pay the interest and repay the balance any timeCan be harder to qualify for, open loan term requires discipline in repayments and spendingLearn more
Cash-secured credit cardWorks like a standard credit card, but you’ll pay a cash deposit for collateralLower rates, cash collateral requiredLearn more

Alternatives that don’t involve taking on more debt

  • Credit counselling. There are non-profit agencies that provide credit counselling in Canada. A counsellor can meet with you in a confidential session to discuss your financial situation and come up with a plan to help you take control of your debt. Learn more in our guide to free credit counselling in Canada.
  • Negotiating with creditors. If you sign up for a debt management plan through a credit counselling agency, a counsellor can contact creditors on your behalf. They will negotiate with your creditors to try to reduce the interest rate or fees that apply to your debt or arrange a longer repayment period.
  • Taking on a side hustle. Instead of borrowing money, make money. From completing surveys and playing games to working as a freelancer or a food delivery driver, there are lots of ways you can boost your income. If you need some inspiration, check out our guide to 30+ online and offline side hustles.

Don't Leave Money on the Table

35+ ways to claim rebates, bonuses and rewards in Canada

Are Canadians in a stronger financial position now?

More Canadians are feeling the pinch. In 2024, 27% of the population reported they were not in a stronger financial position than the year before; by 2026, that number surged to 37%, reflecting a deepening sense of economic insecurity.

Bottom line

If you need a loan, bad credit isn’t the end of the world. There are plenty of lenders out there who are willing to lend money if you have enough income to afford repayments, but you’ll need to watch out for high rates and fees, as well as small loan amounts. If you’re ready to borrow, compare the best bad credit loans before deciding where to apply.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Romana King's headshot
To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Romana King as part of our fact-checking process.
Leanne Escobal's headshot
Written by

Senior Publisher

Leanne Escobal is a senior publisher at Finder with more than 13 years of experience in financial products and services, with a focus on content strategy and marketing. She has completed the Canadian Securities Course (CSC®) as well as the Personal Lending and Mortgages course through the Canadian Securities Institute. Leanne holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English literature and creative writing from Western University. See full bio

Leanne's expertise
Leanne has written 182 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Personal Loans
  • Car Loans
  • Business Loans
  • Short-Term Loans
  • International Money Transfers
  • Make Money Online
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Co-written by

Associate editor

Claire Horwood was a writer at Finder, specializing in credit cards, loans and other financial products. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies from the University of Victoria, and an Associate’s Degree in Science from Camosun College. Much of Claire’s coursework has focused on writing and statistics, with a healthy dose of social and cultural analysis mixed in for good measure. In her spare time, Claire enjoys rock climbing, travelling and drinking inordinate amounts of coffee. See full bio

Claire's expertise
Claire has written 334 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Banking
  • Personal Loans
  • Car Loans
  • Business Loans
  • Credit Cards

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