NotchUp is a Canadian lender that offers fast, on-demand wage advances. You can apply with no credit check 24/7, and NotchUp provides access to up to 50% of your next paycheque in as little as 15 minutes.
But while NotchUp is worth a look when you need a fast loan, there are plenty of other options worth checking out too, which we break down below.
Cash advances like NotchUp
⚠️ Warning: Be cautious with payday loans
High-cost payday loans are unsustainable for long-term use, with up to $14 charged per $100 borrowed. If you're experiencing financial hardship, call Credit Counselling Society for free financial counselling (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm at 1-888-527-8999). Also consider payday loan alternatives.Payday loans like NotchUp
How does NotchUp compare?
If you want all the details of what NotchUp has to offer, check out our full NotchUp review. But if you just need a quick comparison, here are NotchUp’s pros and cons.
Pros
- Apply online in less than 10 minutes
- Get funded in as little as 15 minutes
- No credit checks
- Bad credit is OK
- Supports a wide range of income types
- $5 fee per advance
- Available 24/7/365
Cons
- $48 NSF fee
- Late or missed payments could hurt your credit score
- Variable fee applies if you don't want to connect your bank account
- Licensed payday lender; payday loans have very high APRs
Is NotchUp a payday loan or cash advance?
NotchUp is licensed as a payday lender in BC, but the loans it offers seem like a hybrid of payday loans and cash advances.
For example, NotchUp promotes its services as a way to gain early access to your earned wages. If you connect your bank account to NotchUp to verify your income, you can get a cash advance for a flat fee of $5.
But if you don’t want to connect your account, you can still get an advance but with a “variable” fee. It’s worth noting that payday lenders in Canada can charge up to $14 for every $100 borrowed, so make sure you’re aware of the total cost of borrowing before taking out a loan.
What to watch out for with loans like NotchUp
- High cost of borrowing. While NotchUp charges an advance fee of $5 if you connect your bank account, be aware that payday loans can cost up to $14 for every $100 borrowed.
- Short repayment terms. Payday loans are usually meant to be repaid by your next payday, which can make it difficult to budget for repayments.
- Income requirements. You’ll typically need to meet a minimum income requirement to qualify for a loan, while the types of income accepted vary between lenders.
- Membership fees. Some cash advance lenders require you to pay a monthly membership fee to qualify for features like instant funding and credit monitoring tools.
- Additional fees. Check the fine print of your loan agreement for information about any other fees that may apply, such as NSF fees and late payment fees.
Bottom line
NotchUp is worth a look if you need a fast loan to help you get through to your next payday, but it’s far from the only choice available. Compare NotchUp with the alternative lenders listed here to find the short-term cash advance or loan that’s right for you.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
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