Life’s unexpected expenses don’t wait, and sometimes you need cash fast to cover urgent costs like medical bills or car repairs. Calgary has a variety of short-term loan options, each with its own perks and downsides. This guide breaks down the best providers, their features and what sets them apart, so you can find the right fit for your financial needs when you most need money.
But before we go into the best payday loans in Calgary, you should know that payday loans are extremely expensive. If you’ve decided it’s right for you, here are the top licensed lenders.
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.
Best instant payday loans 24/7
Instant payday loans available 24/7 provide quick access to cash for urgent financial needs, catering to those who require immediate assistance. These loans typically feature online applications, allowing borrowers to apply anytime while offering rapid approvals and funding in as little as two minutes. Lenders often prioritize income and existing debt over credit scores, making these options accessible to a wide range of borrowers.
iCash stands out for its accessible, 24/7 instant payday loans, letting you apply anytime online or through its app with quick approval and funding available in as soon as five minutes. While a credit check is required for first-time borrowers, no credit check is needed for repeat customers. iCash accepts a wide range of income types — including government benefits and pensions — making it a flexible option for those needing fast access to cash. Plus, it offers around-the-clock customer support for added convenience.
High Trustpilot score
No credit check after the first loans
24/7 customer support
High cost of borrowing
You need a monthly income of $800
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
No credit check payday loans provide a fast solution for individuals in need of cash without the complexities of traditional credit assessments. With a straightforward application process and quick approvals, they help manage urgent financial needs effectively. However, it’s important to consider that these loans may come with high interest rates and shorter repayment terms.
Cashco Financial provides online payday loans designed for quick access to cash without a credit check. You can borrow up to $1,500, with repayment terms aligned with your pay cycle, making it easier to manage payments. Whether you have bad credit or no credit history, Cashco's payday loans offer a straightforward application process and fast approval, giving you the financial boost you need when you're short on funds.
No credit check
Large branch network
Established lender
High cost of borrowing
Short repayment terms
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
Best same-day payday loans in Calgary
Same-day payday loans offer fast access to cash for urgent financial needs, providing funds typically within hours through streamlined applications. These loans are designed to meet immediate expenses without extensive documentation, making them ideal for those who require quick financial relief. It’s important to consider that these loans often come with high interest rates.
GoDay provides quick and convenient payday loans with same-day funding through Interac e-Transfer. With instant decision-making, you can access the funds you need within hours, making it an ideal solution for urgent financial situations. Having served customers since 2012, GoDay is recognized for its reliable service and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, ensuring you receive trustworthy support when you need it most.
Established lender
It also offers loans in person
No employment needed to apply
High interest rates
Not available everywhere
Loan Amount
$100 – $1,500
Loan Term
Up to 62 days
Cost
$14 per $100 borrowed
Serviced Provinces
AB, BC, MB, NB, NS, ON, PEI, SK
Speed
As little as 2 minutes with Interac e-Transfer
Credit Check
Yes
Requirements
- Canadian resident over the age of 18 - Valid email address and phone number - Have an open bank account with a Canadian bank or credit union
In-store payday loans offer a convenient way to access cash quickly, especially for those who prefer face-to-face interactions. These loans allow borrowers to apply directly at retail locations, providing immediate assistance from knowledgeable staff. With a streamlined application process and same-day funding options, in-store payday loans can be an effective solution for urgent financial needs. However, borrowers should be aware of potentially high interest rates associated with these loans.
Money Mart stands out as the premier in-store loan option in Calgary, providing borrowers with a reliable and convenient solution for their financial needs. With a user-friendly application process, you can quickly apply for a payday loan directly at any Money Mart location. Their knowledgeable staff are ready to assist you, ensuring you understand your loan options. Plus, Money Mart provides funding in as soon as 24 hours, giving you access to cash when you need it most.
Simple to use
Get your money via Interac e-Transfer for fast funding
You can also use the app to find your nearest Money Mart location
Member of the Canadian Consumer Finance Association
Watch out for high interest rates
Availability in provinces varies in-store and online
Loan Amount
$100 – $1,500
Loan Term
1 - 62 days
Cost
$14 per $100 borrowed
Serviced Provinces
AB, BC, NS, ON, SK and MB
Speed
As little as 1 hour after getting approved
Credit Check
Yes
Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old - Have a valid ID - Have a chequing account - Have a steady source of income
Best cash advances with repayment flexibility
Payday loans typically lack repayment flexibility because Alberta law mandates that borrowers repay them in at least two installments. For those seeking more adaptable repayment options, cash advance apps and lines of credit can offer a better alternative that caters to individual financial situations.
Nyble offers a credit line of up to $250, providing a flexible alternative to traditional payday loans. Unlike payday loans, which legally require borrowers in Alberta to repay in at least two installments, Nyble's credit line doesn't impose this restriction, allowing for more personalized repayment options. There are no interest charges and no late fees if you don't pay back on time, making Nyble an ideal choice for those seeking a convenient financial solution without the typical payday loan constraints.
Ability to build credit
You can get your money in as little as 30 minutes
Flexible loan terms
$11.99 per month for fast transfers 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.
Best cash advances in Calgary with lenient requirements
Cash advances offer quick access to funds with less stringent income requirements. This means you can secure funds even if your income isn’t directly verified, making these options accessible for a wider range of borrowers. Flexible eligibility criteria can help those with imperfect credit histories find relief when unexpected expenses arise. Just be mindful of any fees or terms that could impact your overall cost.
KOHO Cover offers an instant, interest-free cash advance of up to $250, making it an excellent choice for managing unexpected expenses. With a simple signup process through the KOHO app and no credit checks, you can easily access funds and repay the advance at your convenience. However, be aware that there are monthly plan and subscription fees, so it's essential to factor these into your budget. While KOHO is great for quick cash, you may want to explore other options if you need a larger loan.
Interest-free
No credit checks
No income required to qualify
Monthly KOHO Cover fee
Small $250 maximum amount
Won't improve your credit score
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
Best cash advance in Calgary for loan amounts
For smaller, quick-access funds, cash advance apps typically offer lower amounts than payday loans, making them a suitable choice for covering urgent expenses without high fees.
Bree offers cash advances of up to $500, providing a convenient solution to help you manage unexpected expenses without incurring bank overdraft fees. Applying for an advance is quick and straightforward, taking just minutes online, with no credit check required. You won't pay any interest or fees on the borrowed amount, making it a cost-effective option.
No interest or late fees
Quick application and approval
Excellent Trustpilot score
$2.99 optional monthly membership fee for express funding
You must connect your bank account to Bree's app
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
How we selected the best payday loans and cash advances in Calgary
We’ve chosen the products on this page based on licensed lenders available through Finder and online in the Canadian short-term-loan marketplace. These loans are not representative of the entire market. When choosing the best short-term loans in Calgary, we considered each lender’s speed, availability, eligibility requirements, reputation, customer reviews, application process and funding options. No single loan will be the best choice for everyone, so compare your options before applying.
What are some good options for e-Transfer loans in Calgary?
E-Transfer is a common method for payday lenders and cash advance apps to deliver loan funds. Popular lenders that offer quick e-Transfers include iCash and GoDay, which are payday lenders, as well as Nyble and KOHO, which are cash advance apps.
How to pick the best short-term loan in Calgary
When considering a short-term loan in Calgary, looking at specific lenders can offer a clearer view of options tailored to different needs. For instance, iCash provides 24/7 automated approval and funds within minutes, making it a convenient choice for those seeking immediate cash.
Cashco, on the other hand, specializes in no credit check loans of up to $1,500, with repayment terms that align with your pay cycle. GoDay offers same-day funding via Interac e-Transfer, which can be especially useful for urgent financial needs.
Comparing these lenders’ total costs — including interest rates and fees — alongside their unique features, such as flexible repayment or around-the-clock customer support, can give insight into their overall value. Reviews and ratings from past customers further clarify each lender’s reliability and customer service, supporting a choice that aligns well with your financial situation.
Bottom line
Finding the right short-term loan in Calgary requires a careful balance between urgency, cost and convenience. Each option — whether a payday loan or cash advance — offers unique benefits and trade-offs, so it’s important to assess your needs, from the amount required to the speed of funding and repayment flexibility.
With high interest rates common across payday lending, prioritize lenders with transparent terms and manageable repayment options to avoid financial strain. By comparing lenders, you can choose a solution that provides both immediate support and a path towards manageable repayment.
Frequently asked questions
To get a payday loan in Calgary, you'll typically need a government-issued photo ID, permanent address, proof of income (like recent pay stubs or bank statements) and your bank account information for fund disbursement. Some lenders may also require an application form with personal details and employment information. Always check specific lender requirements, as these can vary.
You can file a complaint with the Service Alberta Consumer Investigations Unit (CIU), which will act on your behalf to conduct an investigation into the payday loan business in question. You can also phone the Service Alberta Contact Centre to start the complaints process.
Yes. Many payday lenders don't require you to undergo a credit check when applying for a loan. Instead of looking at your credit history, they'll assess whether you earn sufficient income to repay your loan.
Gabriel Vito is a freelance personal finance writer for Finder. With over four years of experience, he has crafted helpful guides and articles covering various personal finance topics, including credit cards, investing and banking. Gabriel's work has been featured on Yahoo Finance, NASDAQ, GoBankingRates, and more. He has a Bachelor's Degree in English and is passionate about helping others navigate their financial journey.
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We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
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