If you need quick access to cash before your next payday, PAY2DAY is one option, but it’s not the only one available. Several other lenders and cash advance apps offer similar services in Canada, from traditional payday loans to cash advances and lines of credit.
To help you find the right lender, this guide compares loans like PAY2DAY and highlights the key similarities and differences between each option, including costs, eligibility requirements, funding speeds and other key features.
1. iCash payday loan
Like PAY2DAY, iCash is a payday lender that offers 24/7 online applications, approvals and Interac e-Transfer funding. Unlike PAY2DAY, iCash accepts more than just employment income; it also accepts EI, child tax, ODSP, AISH, provincial disability, CPP, OAS and social assistance.
iCash also offers payday loans in more provinces than PAY2DAY, including AB, BC, MB, NB, NS, ON and PEI. However, this is one of the PAY2DAY alternatives that conducts a credit check on your first loan, though iCash states approval is not determined by your credit score alone.
Wagepay is another one of the PAY2DAY alternatives that offers 24/7 approval and funding. Like PAY2DAY, it provides fast access to short-term cash through Interac e-Transfers, but it operates as a wage advance service rather than a traditional payday loan provider, allowing users to access a portion of their earned income before payday.
Both Wagepay and PAY2DAY don’t conduct a credit check. Instead, they focus on employment income and banking activity when assessing eligibility. However, Wagepay only accepts employment income and requires a minimum monthly salary of $1,600. It also only offers its services in BC, AB and ON.
KOHO Cover is another one of the PAY2DAY alternatives that provides quick access to short-term funds, but in the form of a cash advance rather than a payday loan. This feature is available to all KOHO account holders, with repayment automatically deducted from the user’s next deposit. Like PAY2DAY, KOHO doesn’t require a credit check and offers a fast, fully online application process. Unlike PAY2DAY, KOHO Cover is part of a broader financial app and requires both a KOHO account and a monthly fee (though this can be waived), making it better suited for users who want access to cash advances alongside everyday spending, budgeting and savings tools.
Loan amount: $20 – $250
Loan term: Flexible
Interest rate: 0% + monthly fee from $2
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Nyble is another good option for those looking for loans like PAY2DAY, offering access to a small line of credit. Like PAY2DAY, Nyble doesn’t require a traditional credit check and focuses on factors such as income and banking activity when determining eligibility.
However, unlike PAY2DAY’s payday loan model, Nyble offers a line of credit designed to help users establish or build their credit. Also, instant funding requires an optional, paid Nyble membership, while PAY2DAY’s fast funding is already baked into the interest.
Bree is one of the PAY2DAY alternatives that provides quick access to small cash advances through a mobile app. Like PAY2DAY, Bree offers fast funding without a traditional credit check, assessing eligibility based on factors like income and banking activity. It accepts non-employment income, including EI, CCB, CPP, OW and ODSP, while PAY2DAY only mentions accepting EI.
However, Bree provides interest-free cash advances rather than traditional payday loans, with no interest or late fees. But if you want instant funding, you’ll have to pay a $2.99 – $45.99 fee.
Focus Cash Loans is one of the more similar PAY2DAY alternatives, as it provides payday loans with fast online applications and same-day funding. Like PAY2DAY, Focus Cash Loans doesn’t require a traditional credit check and evaluates eligibility based on income and banking information. However, it accepts more types of income than PAY2DAY does, including CPP, private pension, EI, WCB, child tax credit, non-government disability benefits (government disability income not accepted).
Focus Cash Loans also offers a 24/7 online application, but not 24/7 approval like PAY2DAY.
Our PAY2DAY review covers the details, but here are the main benefits and potential drawbacks to keep in mind with this payday lender:
Pros
24/7 online applications, approval, funding and customer service
35 locations in BC, ON and NS
Also offers other types of loans, insurance and mortgages
No credit checks or hidden fees
Fully online application available
Interac e-Transfers within 1 to 2 hours
Mobile app available
Referral discounts
Accepts EI as a source of income
Cons
Not widely available across Canada
High APRs
Doesn't state what income you need for approval
Risks of loans like PAY2DAY
While loans like PAY2DAY can provide fast access to money during an emergency, they also come with risks to consider. Payday loans typically have higher costs than traditional borrowing options, with APRs that reach over 300%.
Before applying for any loan, consider the total cost of borrowing, including any fees, interest charges and repayment requirements. Taking out a loan you can’t comfortably repay by the due date (which is typically your next payday for payday loans) could lead to financial pressure or a cycle of borrowing. Consider one of the PAY2DAY alternatives with no interest or mandatory fees, like Nyble or Bree, if you’re looking for a lower-cost way to access short-term funds.
How to get 24/7 loans like PAY2DAY
Every lender’s application process is different, and not all lenders offer 24/7 applications and approval, but most loans like PAY2DAY offer a similar set of steps when applying online.
Start an online application. Provide your personal information, employment or income details and banking information through the lender’s website or mobile app. Some lenders, like PAY2DAY, also accept in-person applications.
Verify your identity and income. Lenders may ask you to go through instant bank verification, which is a fast process that doesn’t involve manual uploads of documents.
Review the loan terms and accept the offer. Before accepting, check the total cost of borrowing, repayment date, fees and any other conditions.
Receive your funds. After signing the loan agreement, you should receive your funds instantly via Interac e-Transfer. Be sure to repay your loan on time to avoid late fees and potential damage to your credit score.
Loans like PAY2DAY can be a convenient option when you need quick access to cash, but they often come with high borrowing costs and short repayment periods. The best PAY2DAY alternative depends on your situation. For traditional payday loans with fast funding, iCash or Focus Cash Loans are good options, while lower-cost alternatives like KOHO Cover, Nyble and Bree offer interest-free access to smaller amounts.
Before applying for any loan, compare each lender’s fees, eligibility requirements and repayment terms to make sure you can afford it.
Frequently asked questions
In Canada, payday lenders can typically charge up to $14 for every $100 borrowed, depending on the province or territory. This means a payday loan of $1,500 could cost up to $210 in fees, not including potential late fees or other charges. Since repayment is usually due by your next payday, borrowing costs can add up quickly if you're unable to repay on time.
Payday loans in Canada are generally limited to a maximum of $1,500. Cash advance apps and lines of credit like KOHO Cover, Nyble and Bree offer lower amounts, but typically provide more flexible repayment options or lower borrowing costs.
Some lenders accept other sources of income besides traditional employment, such as government benefits, pensions or employment insurance. For example, PAY2DAY, iCash, Focus Cash Loans and Bree accept non-employment income, while other lenders like Wagepay require applicants to earn a minimum amount from employment.
It depends on the lender. Some PAY2DAY alternatives, including KOHO, Nyble, Bree, Focus Cash Loans and WagePay, don't perform traditional credit checks and instead consider factors like income and banking activity. Other lenders, like iCash, may conduct a credit check for first-time borrowers.
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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If you have bad credit and need cash quickly, consider Speedy Cash for your next payday loan.
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