iCash is one of the most popular payday lenders in Canada. However, they’re not the only major player in the marketplace of fast, short-term loans. If you’re facing an emergency and need a small loan right now, here are alternatives to iCash that are worth considering.

Lender	Key features
KOHO	0% interest cash advance with no credit check or income requirements
Exclusive + Get a $75 digital Visa Card when you open and fund a KOHO account online through Finder. Become a Finder Member in seconds for free to claim your reward. Offer ends May 2, 2026. T&Cs apply. Get offer
Nyble	Free 0% interest line of credit with no credit check and instant funding for a fee
Bree	0% interest cash advance with no credit check and instant funding for a fee
Wagepay	24/7 payday loan, no credit check and funding within 2 minutes
GoDay	Payday loan with no paperwork required and funding within 2 minutes
Loans Canada	Loan comparison platform offering installment loans, partnered with 60+ lenders
LoanConnect	Loan comparison platform offering installment loans with quick pre-approvals, even to those with bad credit
Green Loans	Small installment loans with no credit check and funding within 24 hours

If you want a no credit check app: KOHO

8.7 Great

Go to site Read review

KOHO Cover

$20 – $250
Loan amount

Starting at 0%
APR

Flexible
Term

• Info
• Pros + Cons
• Details

Finder Reward

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

Get a cash advance ranging from $20 to $250 when you pay 0% + monthly fee from $2. You'll need a KOHO account to access this service. The KOHO app has a 4.3 rating on Google Play and a 4.8 rating on the Apple App store.

• No late fees
• 0% interest
• No credit score impact
• Free financial coaching service

• KOHO savings account required
• Small loan amount

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

Related: Loan apps in Canada

If you want a fast loan app that can improve your credit score: Nyble

9.3 Excellent

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Nyble Credit Line

$30 – $250
Loan amount

Starting at 0%
APR

31 days, extendable
Term

• Info
• Pros + Cons
• Details

Apply online for an interest-free line of credit of up to $250 to cover small expenses and build your credit. Get funds in 1-3 business days with a free account. For $11.99, get access to premium services, including funding in 1-30 minutes, credit monitoring and identity theft protection. The Nyble app has a 4.8 rating on the Apple App store and 4.8 on Google Play.

• Easy application process
• No credit check
• No interest
• Can improve your credit score
• Roll over your loan

• $11.99 for fast transfers, a full credit report and other premium perks
• Small loan amounts only

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

Related: Cash advance apps in Canada

If you want a loan app with high amounts and no interest: Bree

8.8 Great

Go to site Read review

Bree Early Pay

$20 – $750
Loan amount

Starting at 0%
APR

Next pay cycle (90 days max)
Term

• Info
• Pros + Cons
• Details

Bree lets you borrow up to $750 to help cover expenses until your next payday. You won't have to pay any interest or fees for standard funding, but there's a $2.99 – $45.99 fee per transfer if you want funding within minutes. Bree has a 4.9 rating on the Apple App store and a 4.8 rating on Google Play.

• Easy application process
• No credit check
• 0% interest and no late fees

• $2.99 optional monthly membership fee for express funding
• Loan amount may not be enough for your needs
• May not improve your credit, unlike Nyble

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

If you want a payday loan app: Wagepay

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Wagepay Wage Advance Loan

$100 – $1,500
Loan amount

7 – 62 days
Loan term

2 minutes
Min. turnaround time

• Info
• Pros + Cons
• Details

Like iCash, Wagepay offers 24/7 loans through its app. Credit checks aren't part of its process, so you can apply if you have bad credit. If you have non-employment income, you may want to apply elsewhere because Wagepay has stricter income requirements than iCash.

• Easy application
• Fast funding
• Licensed lender
• No late fees

• Very expensive
• Monthly employment income of $1,600 required

Loan Amount	$100 – $1,500
Loan Term	Up to 62 days
Cost	$14 per $100 borrowed
Serviced Provinces	BC and ON
Speed	As little as 2 minutes with Interac e-Transfer
Credit Check	No
Requirements	- Be at least 18 years old in Ontario or 19 in BC - You must live and work in Canada - You must be employed and receive a regular, consistent income from your employer of at least $400/week ($1,600/month) - You must leave enough of your income each pay cycle in your account to be able to repay an advance - You must have a generally good banking history

If you want a loan with flexible income criteria: Loans Canada

8.6 Great

Go to site Read review

Loans Canada Personal Loan

$500 – $35,000
Loan amount

9.99% – 35%
APR

6 - 60 months
Term

• Info
• Pros + Cons
• Details

Loans Canada is an online loan search platform that matches you with lenders when you fill out a single application. It has a network of 60+ lenders to help you find the right loan. Like iCash, Loans Canada can help you access a loan even if your financial situation isn't the best.

• Get matches fast
• Funding in 24-48 hours
• Bad credit is okay

• Limited to Loans Canada's partners
• High rates for bad credit

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

If you want a fast funding small loan: LoanConnect

8.8 Great

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LoanConnect Personal Loan

$500 – $60,000
Loan amount

8.99% – 35%
APR

3 - 120 months
Term

• Info
• Pros + Cons
• Details

LoanConnect is a loan search platform that connects borrowers with small and large loans. Fill out one application and get pre-approval within minutes, then receive funding in as little as 12 hours. You can apply with fair or bad credit.

• Easy application process
• No fees
• Accessible to borrowers with bad credit

• Not a direct lender
• Not partnered with banks

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

Related: Same day loans guide

If you want a small installment loan: Green Loans

7.9 Great

Read review

Green Loans

$300 – $1,000
Loan amount

22% – 35%
APR

3 - 12 months
Term

• Info
• Pros + Cons
• Details

Green Loans connects you with lenders who offer short-term installment loans online. It doesn't do any credit checks and has more lenient requirements than traditional lenders. It's a good iCash alternative if you're looking for a small no credit check loan that you can repay in installments.

• Funding in 24 hours
• No credit check
• Accepts employment income, pensions and government benefits

• High rates and fees

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.

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• $35 per hour on average (depends on chosen tasks & engagement)
• Sign up in minutes
• Instant cash-outs from $2
• $5 sign-up bonus when you start your first task

Summary of apps like iCash

Lender	Instant?	Credit check required?	iOS app	Android app
KOHO	Yes	No	4.8 stars	4.3 stars
Bree	Yes	No	4.9 stars	4.8 stars
Nyble	Yes	No	4.8 stars	4.8 stars
Wagepay	Yes	No	4.6 stars	4.1 stars

What other apps are similar to iCash?

Other lenders offering loans like iCash include:

• Credit Club Loans
• Money Mart
• PAY2DAY

How does iCash compare?

You can read our review of iCash for more details, but here are the highlights:

Are cash advance apps better than payday loans?

Cash advance apps are generally better than payday loans because they offer more affordable options. For example, Bree and Nyble both offer advances with no interest or mandatory fees, making the APR 0%. Payday loan APRs, on the other hand, reach triple digits. The downside of cash advance apps is that their loan amounts are lower than those of payday loans.

Features of payday loans like iCash

A payday loan is an unsecured loan of up to $1,500. It must be paid back when you receive your paycheque — hence the term “payday loan.” Key features include:

Small loan amounts

The amount you can borrow may depend on the province or territory you’re in, but you can usually get small loans ranging from $100 up to $1,500 maximum.

Short loan terms

Payday loans are designed to be short-term solutions to your financial problems. When you apply for a loan, the lender asks you how frequently you’re paid to determine your final repayment due date.

Incredibly high rates and fees

Expect fees of $14 for every $100 borrowed. With fees like this, APRs are typically over 300%, making payday loans one of the most expensive ways to borrow money.

Quick access to cash

Most payday lenders will give you a decision within minutes. If you clear the income and identity verification process, you could receive funds via e-Transfer immediately after approval. Learn more about e-Transfer payday loans.

Use the funds for any purpose

Once you’re approved for a payday loan, you have the freedom to use the money however you want, as long as it’s legitimate and legal. Payday lenders don’t keep tabs on how you’re making use of your loan.

Bad credit is okay

Payday loan providers usually accept applications from people with poor credit because they prioritize income and the ability to repay loans on time over credit scores.

Related: Best payday loans in Canada

What do I need to apply for a payday loan like iCash?

While the application process for any iCash alternative varies from lender to lender, the following eligibility criteria must usually be met:

• Age. You must be of the age of majority in your province or territory.
• Residency. You need to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and have a valid Canadian address.
• Income. You need proof that you have some form of income, whether it’s employment income, pension or government benefits.
• Bank account. If you’re applying online, you need a working bank account. If you apply in person at a store, you may not need a bank account.

Remember that meeting the eligibility requirements doesn’t guarantee you’ll get approved for a payday loan.

Required information

Lenders may not ask for all of this information, but to speed up the application process as much as possible, gather these details in advance:

• Valid ID with your name and address
• Valid phone number
• Proof of income
• Net and gross income amounts
• Bank account information (chequing account, transit and institution numbers)
• Reference

What do I need to watch out for?

Aside from quick repayment terms and the sky-high fees you’ll pay to borrow money, look out for these risks with payday loans like iCash:

• Disreputable lenders. Not all lenders follow provincial or territorial laws and regulations. Check to make sure the payday lender you’d like to work with is licensed and isn’t a scam. Always choose a reputable company that has positive feedback from real customers.
• Cycle of debt. Unless you have a clear-cut plan to pay off your loan by your next payday, you could end up in a spiral of debt. With steep interest rates and more penalties for not repaying your loan on time, payday loans can trigger a snowball of debt if you don’t have an exit strategy. This could negatively affect your credit rating, too.

How do I get my payday loan?

You can receive your payday loan in several ways:

• Interac e-Transfer. This is one of the fastest options, and instant funding is possible.
• Direct deposit. Get your money in a few hours or the next day.
• Cash. If your lender has a physical location close to you, head over and apply for a payday loan to receive cold, hard cash.

Canadians’ finances in 2024 vs 2025

According to the Finder: Consumer Sentiment Survey January 2025, Canadians appeared to be in a weaker financial position compared to the same time last year. Just 30% said they were in a stronger financial position, down from 33% in January 2024. Meanwhile, 30% said they were not in a stronger position, up from 27% the year before.

Bottom line

A payday loan should be used as a last resort when you’re facing a financial emergency. While iCash is a viable option that provides a quick application process, a speedy decision on your loan request and a smooth process for receiving funds, there are plenty of iCash alternatives too. If you believe a payday loan like iCash is right for you, always compare your payday loan options to find the best deal available to you.

Frequently asked questions

• How can I borrow $50 instantly in Canada?

  If you need to borrow $50 instantly, you're going to have to look into iCash alternatives, since the minimum amount you can borrow from iCash is $100. Instead, opt for a cash advance app like KOHO Cover, Bree or Nyble, which are typically much cheaper than payday loans. Learn more about your options in our guide to getting a $50 loan.

• Can I cancel a payday loan?

  Yes, you can. Most provinces offer a cooling-off period of about two business days in which you can cancel a payday loan without penalty.

• What happens if I miss a payment?

  If you're late or you miss a repayment, you may be charged other fees, such as late payment fees, NSF fees, arrears fees and even collection fees if your account remains unpaid.

  Contact your lender as soon as possible if you're having trouble repaying your loan on time. If you don't inform them, your loan eventually goes into default. Having a defaulted loan on your credit report causes your credit score to drop, making it difficult to qualify for financing in the future.

• Which iCash alternatives are available in Quebec?

  Since iCash doesn't service Quebec, you may be wondering what loans like iCash are available in the province. Lenders like Loans Canada, Green Loans, KOHO, Nyble and Bree all offer loans that Quebec residents may be eligible for.