Payday lender Loan Express is well known for offering an easy application process and quick funding. It’s a popular option when you need a loan to cover urgent expenses, but it’s not your only choice.
If you’re looking for loans like Loan Express, here are some lenders to consider.
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.
Payday loans like Loan Express
The following payday loans like Loan Express offer easy approval and funding.
If you’re looking for 24/7 approval and e-Transfer: iCash
iCash is one of the fastest payday lenders in Canada. It gives an instant decision on your application and sends your money quickly via e-Transfer 24/7. Like Loan Express, iCash accepts applicants with bad credit or non-employment income.
Apply in minutes and receive an instant decision
Round-the-clock customer care with an automated approval process
Flexible requirements, accepting borrowers with bad credit and no credit
Receive your cash quickly via Interac e-Transfer
Extremely high fees
Repayment terms of two weeks up to 62 days, depending on where you live
Not available across Canada
Loan Amount
$100 – $1,500
Loan Term
7 - 62 days
Cost
$14 per $100 borrowed
Serviced Provinces
AB, BC, MB, NB, NS, ON, PEI
Speed
As little as 2 minutes with Interac e-Transfer
Credit Check
Yes
Requirements
- At least 18 years old (for applicants in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and PEI) - At least 19 years old (for applicants in British Columbia, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia) - Canadian resident in a province that iCASH services - Valid cell phone number, address and email address - Net income of at least $800/month deposited into bank account - Receiving the same source of income for the past 3 months - Have a Canadian bank account that's been open for at least 3 months with online banking
If you’re looking for a no credit check payday loan: Cashco
Cashco is an alternative lender that has offered financing for over 30 years. It is headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, but its payday loans are available in AB, BC and SK. Like Loan Express, you won't have to go through a credit check to get approved.
No issues with low credit scores
Fast funding
Government benefits are accepted as income
Extremely expensive
Not available Canada-wide
Loan Amount
$50 – $1,500
Loan Term
Up to 62 days
Cost
$14 per $100 borrowed
Serviced Provinces
AB, BC and SK
Speed
Same day approval
Credit Check
No
Requirements
Have an active bank account
Cash advances like Loan Express
The options below are not payday loans, but they share similarities with Loan Express. They’re zero-interest cash advances and have easy requirements, but you may pay a fee.
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. Repay on your next payday or extend your loan term if you're not ready.
Easy application process
No credit check
No interest
Can improve your credit score
Roll over your loan
$11.99 for fast transfers, 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
If you have a low income or non-employment income: Bree
Non-employment incomes include Canada child benefit, pension, disability and more.
If you're not employed but are currently receiving benefits, try Bree, which is open to many types of income. As long as you have recurring income paid into your bank account, it's possible to get approved. Access up to $500 with no interest and no credit check. Pay a $2.99 monthly membership fee plus an extra fee if you want instant funding.
No credit check
Instant approval and funding available
0% interest
$2.99 optional monthly membership fee for express funding
Small amounts only
Costs
0%
Loan Amount
$20 – $500
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
4.8
Google Play Rating
4.9
If you’re looking for a no credit check cash advance: KOHO
If your credit score isn't the best and you're looking for a no credit check cash advance, try KOHO. 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.
No credit check required to get approved
Bad credit is okay
No income requirements
No interest
Flexible repayments
Start with low amounts
Subscription fee
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
Installment loans like Loan Express
Payday loans are capped at $1,500, so if you need more than that, you might want to consider one of these installment loans instead.
If you’re looking for quick pre-approval: Loans Canada
Loans Canada is not a direct lender but a loan search platform that matches you with lenders. It's a legit option when your financial situation isn't strong and you need to find lenders who can approve you.
Fill out just one application to get matched
Bad credit is accepted
Large network of lenders
High interest rates
Loan Amount
$500 – $50,000
APR Range
8.99% – 35%
Loan Term
4 - 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’re looking for a small installment loan: MDG
MDG is not a payday loan but a small installment loan with loan amounts similar to a payday loan. Like Loan Express, MDG accepts non-employment income and/or bad credit.
$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
What’s a good Loan Express alternative?
It depends on your personal situation, but if you don’t need a ton of money, you might want to consider a cash advance app like KOHO, Nyble or Bree instead of a payday loan. Cash advance apps let you access small amounts of money (up to $500) quickly without the high fees and interest rates of typical short-term lenders like Loan Express.
Instead of charging interest, cash advance apps may ask for optional tips or charge a subscription fee. You may also have to pay extra for instant funding. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait up to three business days to get your money.
What is Loan Express?
Loan Express is a payday lender that offers its services in most provinces. Operating since 2005, it provides approval 24/7, instant funding and no credit checks. Its loans are regulated under provincial payday lending laws but come with APRs up to 365%, making them suited for emergency, short-term borrowing. Learn more about Loan Express.
Features of loans like Loan Express
Online payday loans like those provided by Loan Express share a similar set of features, including the following:
Easy application. Online loan applications are available 24/7 and you can apply in under 10 minutes. There’s no need to visit any physical locations unless you choose to apply in person (provided these lenders have a physical location nearby).
Fast turnaround time. Payday lenders offer instant decisions and instant funding via Interac e-Transfer. Learn more about instant loans.
Bad credit doesn’t matter. Payday lenders shift the emphasis from your credit score to your ability to repay your loan. As long as you can prove you have a stable income to repay your loan, you should be in the clear.
Risks of loans like Loan Express
Short repayment terms. Payday loans get their name because you’re typically required to pay back the loan by your next payday. They’re short-term solutions to your financial problems, so you’ll need to have a concrete plan for repaying your loan when it’s due.
Incredibly high rates and fees. Due to their short-term nature and accessibility, payday loans come with much higher annual percentage interest rates (APRs) than other forms of credit. You’ll pay $14 for every $100 borrowed.
Increases your chances of staying in a cycle of debt. With quick repayments and high APRs, payday loans could leave you in a spiral of debt. With steep interest rates and more penalties for not repaying your loan on time, they can trigger a snowball of debt if you don’t have an exit strategy.
How to apply
If you’re ready to apply for a payday loan, follow these steps:
Visit the lender’s website.
Provide information about yourself, including your date of birth, mailing address and contact details.
Fill in your employment details or benefits information if you’re receiving government benefits like a pension, EI or welfare.
Provide information about your monthly income, including how frequently you’re paid.
Enter your bank account details and agree to electronic transfers. Confirm the website is secure before providing this information.
You’ll need to read over a lender’s terms of service and privacy policy before submitting your application. The best payday loan providers will always have a secure online application and outline your loan’s final amount so you know exactly how much it will cost to borrow. Payday lenders are not allowed to charge more than $14 for every $100 borrowed.
Loan Express vs iCash: Who’s better?
Loan Express and iCash are two of the most popular payday lenders in Canada. Here’s how they stack up.
Feature
Loan Express
iCash
Loan amount
$100–$1,500
$100–$1,500
Loan term
Up to 62 days
7 - 62 days
Funding speed
Within one minute of signing your contract
Within two minutes
Credit check
No
Yes, for the first loan application
Cost
$14 per $100 borrowed
$14 per $100 borrowed
Provinces served
ON, NB, NS, MB, SK, AB, BC, NL
AB, BC, MB, NB, NS, ON, PEI
Incomes accepted other than employment
Many types, including pension, disability, child tax credit and most other government benefits paid regularly
Accepts most income as long as you’ve been receiving it for the past three months (e.g. EI, child tax, ODSP, AISH, provincial disability, CPP, OAS and social assistance)
Other perks
Applications open 24/7
Earn up to 12% cashback when you fully repay your loans
Our verdict
Since Loan Express and iCash are both licensed payday lenders and follow strict provincial regulations, their loans are very similar. They both offer 24/7 applications, instant funding and accept non-employment income. However, Loan Express is available in more provinces and doesn’t conduct a credit check, while iCash offers cashback when you pay back multiple loans.
Do Canadians plan to get a payday loan?
According to the Finder: Consumer Sentiment Survey January 2025, many Canadians do not plan to take out a loan in the next three months with “no plans to take out any form of credit” as the number one response (46%). For those who do plan to get a loan, payday loans were not a popular option (4%).
Bottom line
If you’re looking for a payday lender that approves applications outside of business hours, accepts different forms of income and provides no credit check, Loan Express fits the bill. But it’s always worth shopping around and comparing lenders before submitting your application. You may find an alternative option that will save you money or make it easier to manage your loan in the long run.
Yes, Loan Express is a legitimate, well-established payday lender in Canada. It's fully licensed in the eight provinces in which it operates, and has over 9,500 reviews on Trustpilot with an average rating above 4.8 out of 5 stars.
It depends on the lender you're working with and whether they have all the details needed to approve your application. Lenders like Loan Express accept applications 24/7 via automated processes, so you could get approved in minutes and receive your funds via Interac e-Transfer minutes after signing your loan.
The important factor here is ensuring you have the required information ready, such as identity and income verification. Learn more about 24/7 e-Transfer loans.
That depends again on the lender you're working with. For the most part, lenders will set up automatic withdrawals on an agreed repayment date using the bank account you signed up with during the application process. In other cases, you may opt to repay your loan in person at a physical store or over the phone.
Yes, Loan Express has an app on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
You can receive your payday loan in a number of ways:
Interac e-Transfer or direct deposit. Your lender can send your money via Interac e-Transfer or direct deposit. If you opt for Interac e-Transfer, you'll need to be registered with your bank first.
Cash. If your lender has a physical location close to you, you can head over, apply and receive your payday loan in cold, hard cash.
Loaded onto a prepaid card. A few payday lenders transfer funds directly onto a prepaid card tied to your payday loan account.
Sources
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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by
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Leanne Escobal is a publisher at Finder with more than 12 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.
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Rebecca Low is a writer for Finder. She has contributed to a range of digital publications, including income.ca, Indeed, and Expatden, writing on topics like personal finance, career development, and travel.
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