Strapped for cash and need a fast $400 loan to help you get through to your next paycheque? Installment, cash advance and payday lenders all offer quick loans in Canada, and it’s even possible to get a $400 loan for bad credit.
In this guide, we’ll explore your $400 loan options, how to compare loans and how to increase your chance of getting approved.
Get a $400 cash advance
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How we picked theseFinder Score for cash advances
To make comparing even easier, we came up with the Finder Score. Interest rates, fees and features across 5+ cash advance providers are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score the better the loan—simple.
Compare $400 personal loans
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How we picked theseFinder Score for personal loans
To make comparing even easier, we came up with the Finder Score. Interest rates, fees and features across 40+ personal loans are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score the better the loan—simple.
⚠️ 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 the Credit Counselling Society for free financial counselling (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm at 1-888-527-8999). Also consider payday loan alternatives.Compare $400 payday loans
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How we picked theseKey takeaways
- You can get $400 installment loans, cash advances and payday loans, and it’s possible to get funded within an hour, in some cases. Payday loans are the most expensive, with APRs in the triple digits.
- Bad credit doesn’t have to stop you from getting a loan; alternative and payday lenders will let you apply for a $400 loan with no credit check.
- High interest rates and fees combined with short repayment terms result in high loan APRs, so make sure you’re aware of the full cost of borrowing before taking out a loan.
Where to apply for a $400 loan?
If you’re looking for a quick $400 loan, here are 3 options you might want to check out:
- Bree. Bree offers $400 cash advances with 0% interest and no credit check. You can receive your funds within minutes if you choose express delivery (for a fee), or wait a few business days for a free transfer.
- KOHO Cover. KOHO recently upped its maximum loan amount, so $400 cash advances are now available. But unlike Bree, KOHO charges a required membership fee, which is $2+ per month.
- Vancity. Live in BC? If you want to get a $400 loan from a traditional lender, Vancity’s Fast & Fair loan is a good option. It’s designed for borrowers who need a small loan but want to avoid the high cost of payday lenders. Borrow $400 at a 19% interest rate with no credit check. This is a better option than payday loans because you can break up the payments.
How to increase your chance of getting a $400 loan with bad credit
- Apply through a loan search platform. Loan search platforms like Loans Canada and LoanConnect allow you to compare multiple loan offers by filling out a single application. Once you apply online, you’ll be able to review offers from the platform’s network of lending partners, including lenders that offer bad credit loans.
- Check the eligibility criteria. Check the lender’s eligibility criteria before applying. Minimum income and credit score requirements may apply, so it’s important to only apply with lenders whose qualifying criteria you satisfy.
- Avoid NSF fees. If your bank statement shows multiple NSF fees, the lender will have concerns about your ability to make on-time loan payments. A clean transaction history of at least 90 days will boost your chance of getting approved.
- Be steadily employed. If you’ve been in the same job for an extended period of time, the lender will view you as a lower-risk borrower than someone who has just started a new job.
- Improve your credit score. Rebuilding your credit score will increase your chance of getting approved for a larger loan amount and a lower rate.
Can I get a $400 loan without a credit check?
Yes, you can get a $400 loan with no credit check. There are three borrowing options to choose from:
- Installment loan. Some installment loan lenders offer $400 loans with no credit check. They will assess your income and employment situation rather than your credit score when deciding whether to approve your loan.
- Cash advance. Cash advance apps Bree and KOHO offer $400 cash advances with no credit check. Nyble also offers cash advances with no credit check, but for amounts up to $250.
- Payday loan. Most payday lenders do not conduct credit checks and will instead check your income when assessing your loan application.
How much is a $400 loan?
The cost of your $400 loan varies depending on the type of loan you choose. Here’s an example of what you can expect to pay for an installment loan, cash advance and payday loan in Ontario.
| $400 installment loan | $400 cash advance (Bree) | $400 payday loan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loan amount | $400 | $400 | $400 |
| Loan cost | 35% APR | 0%, no fees | $14 per $100 borrowed (365% APR) |
| Repayment period | 6 months | 14 days | 14 days |
| Payment amount | $73.64 per month | $400 | $456 one-time payment |
| Total loan cost | $441.81 | $400 | $456 |
Which type of $400 loan should I go for?
A cash advance from Bree, if you opt for standard delivery, is the most affordable $400 loan option because you pay no interest or fees. The catch? If you’re a first-time borrower, Bree might not approve you for $400 right away.
The biggest benefit of installment loans, meanwhile, is that they allow you to spread your $400 loan repayments out over several months. This makes it easier to budget for repayments.
Payday loans are the most expensive type of $400 loan. In Ontario, a $400 payday loan with a 14-day term has an APR of 365%. It offers far less flexibility, requiring you to repay the entire amount by your next payday. That’s why you should only ever consider a payday loan as a last resort.
Can I get an instant $400 loan?
Yes. If you need money fast, instant $400 loans are available. The exact turnaround time will vary depending on the lender and the type of loan you choose:
- $400 installment loan. Installment loans take a little longer to process than cash advances and payday loans. While same-day funding is available in some cases, you may have to wait 24–48 hours to get your money.
- $400 cash advance. Instant $400 cash advances are available, but you need to pay a fee to get fast funding. Bree charges $2.99 – $45.99 per instant transfer.
- $400 payday loan. Instant payday loans are available online and in-store, so you can get approved and funded in less than an hour. Online lenders use automated systems to approve loans 24/7, with loan funds sent out by e-Transfer.
How to get a $400 loan
Here’s what you need to do to get a $400 loan:
- Compare $400 loans and lenders to find one that meets your needs.
- Submit an application online. You’ll need to submit your personal information, contact details and information about your income and employment.
- Upload proof of ID.
- Provide your bank account information so the lender can verify your income.
- Get funded.
Bottom line
There are plenty of options to choose from if you need a fast $400 loan, even if you have bad credit. Compare lenders and loan options to find affordable $400 loans, and make sure you can afford to repay what you borrow before applying for funding.
Frequently asked questions
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It depends on the lender and the type of loan you choose. Payday lenders offer loans to borrowers with bad credit, while it's also possible to get a cash advance without completing a credit check. Credit score requirements vary among installment loan providers, but there are some providers that work with borrowers who have bad credit.
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Take care when dealing with any lender that claims to offer loans with "guaranteed approval." Responsible lenders will need to assess your income and financial situation before deciding if you can afford to repay the amount you want to borrow. Promising guaranteed approval could be a scam or could indicate that you've come across a predatory lender. Learn more about guaranteed approval loans.
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Cash advance apps offer instant access to funds if you're willing to pay an extra fee, but otherwise, you may have to wait up to three business days. Payday lenders also offer fast funding, allowing you to get the money you need in less than an hour. Installment loan approval and funding generally takes a little longer, so you may need to wait 24–48 hours before getting your money.
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Yes, but not from all lenders. While some lenders have strict eligibility requirements, others are more lenient and are willing to work with people who have bad credit. Rather than looking at your credit score, they will check your income and employment situation to determine if you can afford loan repayments. Learn more about bad credit loans available to you.
Tim Falk is a freelance writer for Finder. Over the course of his 20-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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