A consumer proposal can help you get out of debt and get your finances back on track. But it also hurts your credit score, so if you find yourself short on funds, you might find it difficult to qualify for a loan.
The good news is that it is possible to qualify for loans while in a consumer proposal or after, if you know where to look.
Where can I get a loan during or after a consumer proposal?
While you won’t qualify for a loan from a traditional lender, you may be able to find funding from online lenders, payday lenders and cash advance apps that work with bad-credit borrowers.
That said, it’s not recommended that you borrow money—especially through high-interest loans—while you’re in a consumer proposal or soon after completing it. Instead, first try to identify and fix the financial issues that led you to enter a consumer proposal in the first place. That’s where expert advice from a credit counsellor can help.
However, if you’ve decided a loan is necessary for your situation, explore your options below.
Compare personal loans if you’re in a consumer proposal
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⚠️ Warning: Be cautious with payday loans
High-cost payday loans are unsustainable for long-term borrowing, with up to $14 charged per $100 borrowed. If you're experiencing financial hardship, consider calling Credit Counselling Canada for free financial counselling (Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm at +1 866-398-5999). You may also want to consider payday loan alternatives.Compare payday loans (last resort only)
Payday loans are one of the easiest loans to get with low credit, but it’s best to avoid them, because they could worsen your financial situation. We show licensed lenders below as last resort options.
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Can you get installment loans while in a consumer proposal?
Many lenders don’t offer loans for people in a consumer proposal, but some may be willing to work with you. Some online and alternative lenders specialize in loans for people with bad credit and offer fast access to funds. These lenders will look beyond your credit report and consider your income and employment situation when deciding whether to approve your loan application.
But there are a few key things to watch out for:
- High rates. The lender will likely view you as a high-risk borrower due to your poor credit history, so your loan will have a high interest rate. Learn more about the latest personal loan rates.
- Fees. Check the fine print for any fees that apply to your loan, such as origination, late payment and NSF fees.
- Income and employment. To get approved, you’ll typically need to be steadily employed and earn sufficient income to afford loan repayments as well as your consumer proposal obligations.
- Scams. Watch out for sketchy lenders. Research the lender thoroughly to make sure it’s a reputable provider.
Can you sign up for a cash advance app while in a consumer proposal?
Yes, it’s possible to get a cash advance during or after a consumer proposal. Cash advance apps do not check your credit and they offer small loan amounts, even smaller than payday loans, making them less risky for lenders. Cash advance apps typically require recurring income, but in KOHO’s case, there are no job or income requirements to worry about.
Can you get a payday loan while in a consumer proposal?
Yes, it’s possible to get a payday loan while in a consumer proposal. Payday lenders have lenient eligibility criteria and may even skip credit checks. So, if you have sufficient income to cover your loan repayment, you can qualify for a fast payday loan.
Loans of up to $1,500 are available, and the money you borrow will usually have to be repaid by your next payday. But there are two downsides:
- Payday loans are very expensive. Depending on where you live, the lender can charge you $14 for every $100 borrowed.
- Short repayment periods make it difficult to spread out loan repayments, so you could end up in even more financial trouble.
That’s why you should consider a range of payday loan alternatives before applying.
Can you get a student loan while in a consumer proposal?
You may be able to get a government student loan while in a consumer proposal. However, if your consumer proposal already includes government student loan debt, you may be denied further funding.
Private lenders may not approve you for a student loan unless you can prove you receive a stable, recurring income.
Can you get a car loan while in a consumer proposal?
Yes, you may be able to get a car loan while in a consumer proposal. While the negative impact a proposal has on your credit score will once again limit your financing options, you can still get approved for funding.
Because the vehicle you buy with the loan is also used as collateral for the loan, the lender’s risk is reduced. If you default on the loan, the lender can repossess and sell the vehicle to recover its losses, so this helps your chances of getting approved. But you’ll need to settle for a higher interest rate than you’d get with good or excellent credit. Bad credit car loan interest rates are typically .
Can you get a loan to pay off a consumer proposal?
It’s generally not recommended and often difficult to get a loan to pay off a consumer proposal. A consumer proposal lets you repay your debt interest-free, but taking out a loan to pay it off means you’ll start paying interest and possibly extra fees. Since lenders view borrowers in a consumer proposal as high risk, these loans also tend to come with very high interest rates.
How long after a consumer proposal can you get a loan?
A consumer proposal stays on your credit report for three years after you finish paying it off or six years after you sign the proposal—whichever is sooner. You may still be able to qualify for financing from alternative lenders during this period, but you typically won’t meet the strict eligibility requirements of banks and other traditional lenders.
So, rather than asking, “How long after a consumer proposal can you get a loan?” the question should be, “How long should I wait after a consumer proposal before getting a loan?” While there are lenders that will approve you for a loan right now, you’ll only be able to qualify for high interest rates. Taking on a high-interest loan could see you end up in the same sort of financial trouble that led you to file a consumer proposal in the first place.
Rather than taking out a loan now, take steps to improve your credit score if possible and consider setting up a high-interest savings account. Once you’ve rebuilt your credit, you’ll be in a stronger financial position and might qualify for a lower interest rate on future loans.
Bottom line
There are financing options available if you’re searching for loans while in a consumer proposal, but taking on more high-interest debt is not recommended. So if you can avoid taking out a loan—and access free credit counselling for tips on getting your finances back on track—you’ll be in a good position in the long run.
Frequently asked questions
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