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8 best payday loans in Toronto

Compare eight payday loans in Toronto so you can access a loan in as little as one hour.

Payday loans in Toronto offer fast and convenient access to emergency cash, but they’re expensive and difficult to repay. If you need a payday loan, compare some of the best Toronto payday loans below, learn how to find a legitimate lender near you and find out how to apply.

We choose the best products through an independent review process, and advertisers do not influence our picks. We may receive compensation if you visit partners we recommend, which are listed first on this page. Read our advertiser disclosure for more info.

⚠️ Warning: Be cautious with payday loans
High-cost payday loans are unsustainable for borrowing over a continued period of time and are expensive as a means of longer-term borrowing. If you're experiencing financial hardship call 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. Maximum borrowing costs will vary by province. Review the maximum borrowing cost for your province before entering into a loan agreement.

Best payday loans in Toronto

  1. iCash
  2. GoDay
  3. Cash Money
  4. Money Mart
  5. Cash 4 You
  6. PAY2DAY
  7. Credit Club Loans
  8. USolve Financial

1. iCash

$100 – $1,500
Loan amount
Varies by province
APR
7 - 62 days
Term
With instant loan approvals available 24/7, online lender iCash is a convenient option if you're searching for payday loans in Toronto.

Why it's one of the best

  • Get funded 24/7. iCash approves and funds loan applications at all times of day, so you can get money when you need it.
  • Instant approvals. iCash offers fast approvals and you can get your loan amount in one hour or less.
  • Bad credit is OK. There are no credit checks and a bad credit score won't stop you getting a loan.
  • Wide range of income types accepted
  • Apply online or via a mobile app
  • Plenty of positive customer reviews
  • Very high APR
  • Short repayment term
Loan amount $100 – $1,500
APR Varies by province
Term 7 - 62 days
Min. Turnaround time As little as 2 minutes with Interac e-Transfer
How to apply Online
In Store
Credit Check Yes

2. GoDay

$100 – $1,500
Loan amount
Varies by province
APR
Up to 62 days
Term
GoDay is an online payday lender that offers an easy application process and loans within minutes. GoDay is an online payday lender that offers an easy application process and loans within minutes.

Why it's one of the best

  • Fast approvals. GoDay offers instant pre-approvals and the loan amount is sent out via e-Transfer within one hour of your loan being approved.
  • Easy online application process. You can apply for a GoDay payday loan in just a few minutes.
  • Wide range of incomes accepted. GoDay accepts CCB, disability tax credit, OAS, CPP and private pensions.
  • Better Business Bureau accredited with A rating
  • Established in 2012
  • Lenient eligibility criteria
  • High cost of borrowing
  • Short repayment terms
  • First-time customers limited to $500 loans
Loan amount $100 – $1,500
APR Varies by province
Term Up to 62 days
Min. Turnaround time As little as 2 minutes with Interac e-Transfer
How to apply Online
In Store
Credit Check Yes

3. Cash Money

$100 – $1,500
Loan amount
Varies by province
APR
5 - 40 days
Term
You can apply for a payday loan from Cash Money either online or in-person, with the lender having more than 20 locations across Toronto.

Why it's one of the best

  • Instant decisions. Cash Money provides a fast decision on your loan application.
  • e-Transfers available. You can get paid via e-Transfer if you need money fast, while direct deposit is also available.
  • Flexible eligibility requirements. Bad credit is OK and you can qualify for a loan with non-employment income.
  • Toronto-based lender
  • Established in 1992
  • A+ Better Business Bureau rating
  • Steep interest rates
  • Watch out for additional fees
Loan amount $100 – $1,500
APR Varies by province
Term 5 - 40 days
Min. Turnaround time As little as 15 minutes with INTERAC e-Transfer
How to apply Online
In Store
Credit Check Yes

4. Money Mart

$120 – $1,500
Loan amount
Varies by province
APR
1 - 62 days
Term
You can apply for a loan from long-established payday lender Money Mart either online, in-store or via a highly rated mobile app.

Why it's one of the best

  • Fast approval and funding. You can get funded within 24 hours of being approved for a payday loan in Toronto.
  • Multiple payout options. Get your loan amount in-person, via e-Transfer or by direct deposit.
  • Bad credit is OK. You can still qualify for a loan if you have sufficient income to repay what you borrow.
  • Founded in 1979
  • Apply online or in-store
  • Lots of positive customer reviews
  • Expensive to repay
  • Short repayment period
  • Watch out for NSF and late fees
Loan amount $120 – $1,500
APR Varies by province
Term 1 - 62 days
Min. Turnaround time As little as 1 hour after getting approved
How to apply Online
In Store
Credit Check No

5. Cash 4 You

$120 – $1,500
Loan amount
Varies by Province
APR
Up to 62 days
Term
You can apply for payday loans of up to $1,500 online with Cash 4 You, or apply in-store at one of several locations around Toronto.

Why it's one of the best

  • Established lender. Cash 4 You has been providing payday loans to Canadians for more than 20 years.
  • Fast approval and funding. You can typically get funded the same day via Interac e-Transfer.
  • Easy application process. You can apply online or in-store in a matter of minutes.
  • Established in 2001
  • Over 100 store locations across Ontario
  • Also offers installment loans
  • High fees
  • Short repayment period
Loan amount $120 – $1,500
APR Varies by Province
Term Up to 62 days
Min. Turnaround time In 60 minutes with funds deposited via INTERAC e-Transfer.
How to apply Online
Credit Check Yes

6. PAY2DAY

$300 – $1,500
Loan amount
Varies by province
APR
Up to 62 days
Term
PAY2DAY offers fast payday loans online and through its store locations across Ontario and BC.

Why it's one of the best

  • Fast access to funds. You can get approved for a payday loan in Toronto and get the money in your bank account in as little as one hour.
  • Available 24/7. PAY2DAY offers online approvals and funding 24/7.
  • Lenient eligibility criteria. Bad credit is OK and PAY2DAY also accepts some forms of non-employment income.
  • Seven store locations in the Greater Toronto Area
  • Mobile app also available
  • Discounts for first-time borrowers
  • High fees
  • Short loan terms
Loan amount $300 – $1,500
APR Varies by province
Term Up to 62 days
Min. Turnaround time Within 1-2 hours via e-Transfer once approved
Credit Check No

7. Credit Club Loans

$100 – $1,500
Loan amount
Varies by province
APR
Up to 62 days
Term
Credit Club Loans is a licensed payday lender that lets you apply for a loan 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Why it's one of the best

  • Fast funding. This lender funds loans in as little as 30 minutes via email money transfer.
  • Get approved 24/7. Credit Club Loans uses an automated loan approval system, so you can apply and get approved 24/7.
  • No credit checks. A bad credit score won't stop you from getting a loan.
  • Established in 2012
  • Mobile app available
  • Plenty of positive customer reviews
  • Not staffed on weekends and holidays
  • $100 limit for new customers
  • High cost of borrowing
Loan amount $100 – $1,500
APR Varies by province
Term Up to 62 days
Min. Turnaround time 30 minutes
Credit Check No

8. USolve Financial

Usolve Financial Payday Loans
Up to
Loan amount
Varies
APR
Up to 62 days
Term
USolve Financial is an Ontario-based lender that offers payday and installment loans, cheque cashing, car title loans and more.

Why it's one of the best

  • 13 locations. USolve Financial has 13 locations around Ontario so you can apply for a loan in-person.
  • Bad credit is OK. A poor credit history won't stop you from getting approved for a payday loan.
  • Discounts for new customers. The first $200 you borrow from USolve Financial is free.
  • Positive customer reviews
  • Licensed payday lender
  • You can't apply online
  • Only accepts employment income
  • High cost of borrowing
Loan amount Up to $1,500
APR Varies
Term Up to 62 days
Credit Check Yes

How can I apply for a payday loan in Toronto?

If you’re interested in applying for payday loans in Toronto, you’ll need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a recurring income
  • Have an active chequing account

To complete your application successfully, prepare to submit some basic information:

  • Personal details, such as your name, date of birth and a valid form of ID
  • Contact details, such as your residential address, email address and phone number
  • Details about your employment and income

Payday loan regulations in Toronto

Payday loan regulations vary depending on which province or territory you live in across Canada. In Ontario, the following rules apply:

  • Maximum loan amount: $1,500 (or 50% of your paycheque)
  • Maximum loan term: 62 days
  • Maximum amount a lender can charge on a loan: $15 for every $100 borrowed

Payday loan lenders must:

  • Be licensed to offer payday loans in Ontario
  • Not offer you another payday loan until you have completely paid off your first loan
  • Not offer rollover loans (you can’t roll over what you owe into a second payday loan)
  • Display the loan amount, term and total cost on the first page of the loan contract
  • Not ask you to sign a form that transfers your wages directly to them
  • Offer you an extended payment plan if you take out three loans within a 63-day period
  • Not offer or sell you any products or services in connection with the payday loan
  • Allow you to cancel a payday loan contract within two business days without any penalty

How much do payday loans in Toronto cost?

The maximum cost of a payday loan in all of Ontario is $15 for every $100 borrowed. Let’s look at what that means for the total cost of a few different loan amounts.

Loan amountLoan termCost of borrowingTotal cost to repay
$40014 days$15 for every $100 borrowed$460
$80014 days$15 for every $100 borrowed$920
$1,20014 days$15 for every $100 borrowed$1,380

Risks of payday loans

If you’re struggling to stay afloat between paycheques, a payday loan may seem like the best option. But there are several risks you should be aware of before deciding whether a payday loan is right for you:

  • High cost of borrowing. Payday loans are extremely expensive to repay. If you take out a $500 loan that’s due to be repaid in 14 days, you’ll be looking at a loan APR of 391%.
  • Short repayment period. Payday loans are typically designed to be repaid on your next payday, so you only have a very short time to repay what you borrow. This can make it difficult to budget for regular expenses at the same time, so there’s a real risk of getting trapped in a cycle of debt.
  • Fees. The lender can charge you a maximum fee of $25 for a dishonoured cheque or pre-authorized debit. Check the fine print for details of late fees or any other charges that may apply.
  • Loan scams. The payday lending space attracts more than its fair share of unscrupulous lenders who prey on financially vulnerable people. That’s why it’s essential to make sure you’re dealing with a legit lender before applying for a loan. Learn more about payday loan scams.

How can I tell if a payday lender in Toronto is legit?

The best way to make sure a Toronto payday loan lender is legitimate is to check their credentials with Consumer Protection Ontario. Look for the following signs to make sure you’re working with a reputable business.

  • The lender displays an Ontario licence number. Always check that a lender is licensed — you can search for licensed payday lenders on the Government of Ontario website. Be aware that there are companies that pose as payday loan lenders online but are actually just collecting your personal information for illicit purposes, charging illegally high fees or even gaining access to your bank account.
  • The lender doesn’t allow roll-overs or multiple loans. Ontario law doesn’t allow payday lenders to give out multiple loans. This means you can’t use a second payday loan to pay off your first one.
  • The lender follows consumer protection laws. Stay away from lenders who charge more than $15 in fees per $100 borrowed. If you’re charged more than the maximum rate allowed, you have the right to file a complaint with Consumer Protection Ontario.

If you notice any other red flags that could indicate a loan scam — such as a lender charging an upfront fee — walk away.

Alternatives to payday loans in Toronto

If you’re not sure you want to take out payday loans in Toronto, you have other options. Here are some programs and lenders you might want to check out.

Ontario assistance programs

Ontario has some programs that can help lower the costs of everyday expenses for some residents and newcomers who are struggling to make ends meet.

  • The Ontario Child Benefit provides low-income families with financial assistance to cover expenses like medical bills, food, rent and utility bills.
  • Ontario Works can provide you with money and help you find a job during temporary financial difficulties.
  • The Resettlement Assistance Program provides financial assistance to refugees and protected persons for accommodations, essential clothing, household effects and living expenses.
  • The Income Assistance Program provides funding to First Nation communities to help their eligible members meet basic needs, such as food, clothing and shelter.
  • Ontario Disability Income Support helps people with disabilities who are in financial need pay for living expenses, like food and housing.

Credit counselling

If you’re struggling with your personal finances, you might want to consider enrolling in a credit counselling program. These programs can help you make a budget and manage your debts for the long-term.

Local financial institutions

Some credit unions and local banks offer less expensive small-dollar financing amounts with longer repayment terms. You could also look into credit builder loans, which come in small amounts and can help you improve your credit score by reporting every on-time repayment you make to credit bureaus. You also typically have more time to pay it off.

Other borrowing options

You may be eligible to qualify for a range of other loan types, such as:

  • Online installment loans. Installment loans from online lenders allow you to borrow money for any purpose. They have more lenient eligibility criteria than bank personal loans, so you may be able to get funded even if you have bad credit. Learn more about installment loans in Ontario.
  • Lines of credit. A line of credit is a flexible borrowing option that provides ongoing access to a revolving line of credit. You only pay interest on the money you use, not the full credit limit, and there are line of credit options available for bad credit.
  • Credit card cash advances. If you have a credit card, you can use it to withdraw cash at an ATM. This convenient option is known as a cash advance, but you’ll need to watch out for high interest rates, fees and card limits.
  • Early pay advances. These are small loans you can get at 0% interest, but you may have to pay a monthly subscription fee.

Bottom line

Payday loans can be a quick and easy solution for short-term financial difficulties, but they’re expensive and risky – they often throw borrowers into an endless cycle of debt. Since these types of loans come with high fees, they are only manageable if they can be paid off in full and on time.

If you’re considering taking out a payday loan in Toronto, familiarize yourself with the laws of Ontario to make sure you’re aware of the maximum amount of fees you can be charged. Read our full guide to payday loans to learn more.

Frequently asked questions about payday loans in Toronto

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Written by

Writer

Tim Falk is a freelance writer for Finder. Over the course of his 15-year writing career, he has reported on a wide range of personal finance topics. Whether you're investing in stocks and ETFs, comparing savings accounts or choosing a credit card, Tim wants to make it easier for you to understand. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors. See full bio

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