Compare bad credit car loans in Nova Scotia

Credit score isn't the best? Find the best auto loan for you by comparing rates and terms.

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Name Product CAFCL Ratings APR Range Loan Amount Loan Term Requirements Broker Compliance
Loans Canada Car Loans
Customer Survey:
★★★★★
0% - 46.96%
$500 - $50,000
3 - 60 months
Requirements: Min. income of $1,800 /month, 3+ months employed
Loans Canada is a loan search platform. Get matched with a suitable dealer based on your credit history and borrowing requirements.
Dealerhop Car Loans
Not yet rated
6.99% - 29.99%
$7,000 - $50,000
12 - 96 months
Requirements: Min. income of $1,800 /month, 3+ months employed
Dealerhop matches you with a dealer partner to get you financing.
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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 in this guide.

Eligibility requirements of 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 car loan 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. However, it’s unlikely you’ll get approved for a car loan of this size unless you show the lender there’s plenty of room in your monthly income for the loan payments.

Consider focusing on used cars with cheap price tags to make your loan much more affordable. Learn more about used car financing.

Tips to get the best bad credit car loans

With the right strategy, Nova Scotians can secure the funding you need even with bad credit. Consider these steps before applying:

How to compare bad credit 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 - 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, 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 12.9% – 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.

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

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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

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Leanne Escobal as part of our fact-checking process.
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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. See full bio

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