5 Companies like Kikoff in Canada

Kikoff isn't your only option if you're looking for ways to boost your credit score.

Kikoff offers credit-building solutions and personal loans in the U.S. and Canada. But if you’re not sure whether Kikoff is right for you, there are lots of other options to consider. Compare credit-building apps in Canada with secured credit cards and credit builder loans to find your ideal Kikoff alternative.

Finder Score Costs Loan Amount Loan Term

1. Credit-building app with cash advances: Nyble

Nyble logo
0%
$30 - $250
31 days, extendable
Use code CFIND1J to get 500 extra points and a $5 higher approval. T&Cs apply.
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Why we like it

Like Kikoff, Nyble offers access to a small line of credit to help you build credit. But unlike Kikoff, Nyble allows you to borrow for free, with no interest charges or mandatory fees to worry about. And because Nyble reports to the credit bureau, you can use your line of credit to build credit or improve your low credit score. That’s why Nyble is one of the best credit-building apps in Canada.

Pros

  • No interest charges
  • No mandatory fees
  • Apply online in minutes
  • Helps you build credit
  • Provides free access to your credit score

Cons

  • Low maximum amount of $250
  • Funding takes 1 to 3 business days
  • $11.99/month for a premium membership for instant funding
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Welcome Offer Rewards Annual Fee

2. Secured credit card: Neo Secured Mastercard

Neo Secured Mastercard image
N/A
up to 15% boosted cashback at thousands of partners across Canada
$119.88
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Why we like it

Kikoff offers a secured credit card to U.S. customers only, but in Canada, the Neo Secured Mastercard is a great alternative. You can apply no matter your credit history or income, and Neo also offers instant approval. You can then deposit anywhere from $50 to $10,000 and start using your card to make everyday purchases, with your payment history reported to the credit bureaus to help you build credit.

Pros

  • Flexible credit limit (minimum $50)
  • Earn cashback rewards
  • All Neo credit cards are available as secured cards
  • Helps you build credit

Cons

  • Security deposit required
  • $9.99 monthly fee
  • Monthly spend limit applies to cashback
  • Purchase interest rate of 19.99%–29.99% (up to 25.24% in QC)

3. Secured credit card: Capital One Secured Mastercard

Capital One Guaranteed Secured Mastercard image
N/A
N/A
$0
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Why we like it

The Capital One Secured Mastercard is another top Kikoff secured credit card alternative in Canada. Approval is guaranteed as long as you meet a few basic criteria, and this card has no annual fee. And once you put down a security deposit of $75 – $2,500 and start spending, your card usage and payment details are reported to the credit bureaus for credit building purposes.

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • Get pre-approved without impacting your credit score
  • Includes a range of insurance covers
  • Can help you build credit
  • Lots of positive customer reviews

Cons

  • Maximum credit limit of $2,500
  • Purchase interest rate of 29.9% (21.9% in Quebec)
  • Security deposit required

4. Secured credit card: Home Trust Secured Visa

Home Trust Secured Visa (Low Rate & Monthly Fee) image
N/A
N/A
$59
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Why we like it

The Home Trust Secured Visa is a low-cost secured card designed to make it easy to build credit. What we particularly like is its flexibility—you can choose either no annual fee and a 19.99% interest rate, or a $59 annual fee and a 14.9% interest rate. Once you put down a security deposit and use your card to pay for everyday purchases, your file is reported to the credit bureaus every month to help you get your credit back on track.

Pros

  • Credit limit of up to $10,000
  • Choose no annual fee or a lower interest rate
  • Could help improve your credit score
  • Accepted everywhere Visa is accepted

Cons

  • $500 minimum deposit
  • No cashback rewards
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Finder Score APR Range Loan Amount Loan Term

5. Credit builder loan: Spring Financial's The Foundation

Spring Financial logo
Not scored yet
The Foundation
Not scored yet
Undisclosed
Undisclosed
12 months
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Why we like it

If you're searching for a credit builder loan in Canada, Spring Financial's The Foundation is well worth checking out as a Kikoff alternative. This program is designed to help you build or rebuild credit by making on-time payments. You can apply and get approved no matter your credit score, and once you've made all your payments over a period of 12 months, you get guaranteed qualification for a Spring Financial Evergreen Loan.

Pros

  • High approval rate
  • Get monthly credit score updates
  • Helps you save $750
  • Can help you build credit

Cons

  • You don’t get money upfront
  • Program is 12 months
  • Potentially high interest rate
  • Complaints about the loan
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What other credit-building apps are there in Canada?

There are a few other options worth checking out if you’re searching for the best credit-building apps in Canada:

  • KOHO. KOHO’s Credit Building tool is available as an added extra to your KOHO spending and saving account. You can apply without a credit check to get an interest-free line of credit, and KOHO then reports your monthly payments to the Equifax credit bureau.
  • Borrowell. Sign up for Borrowell Credit Builder and you can set up automatic payments towards a trade line, with on-time payments reported to Equifax to help boost your credit score. Borrowell also offers the option to build credit history by reporting up to 24 months of prior rent payments.
  • Chexy. Chexy is a fintech that lets you pay large, regular bills like rent and utilities with a credit card. If you sign up and turn on the Credit Builder feature, every on-time rent payment you make is reported to Equifax to help build credit.

How Kikoff compares

You can get a full rundown of what Kikoff has to offer in our Kikoff review. But if you just want a quick summary, check out the pros and cons below:

Pros

  • No credit checks
  • No interest charges
  • No late fees
  • Designed to help you build credit
  • Supports automatic payments

Cons

  • $10 monthly fee
  • You can't use your line of credit for everyday spending
  • Doesn't report to TransUnion
  • Not available in QC, SK, NS and NB

Bottom line

From lines of credit to credit-builder loans and secured cards, there are several credit-building apps in Canada that can help you get your credit score back on track. Each has its own pros and cons, so compare your options to find the best way to start your journey to a higher credit score.

Sources

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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Leanne Escobal as part of our fact-checking process.
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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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Tim has written 582 Finder guides across topics including:
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Editor

Stacie Hurst is an editor at Finder, specializing in loans, banking, investing and money transfers. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Writing, and she has completed FP Canada Institute's Financial Management Course. Before working in the publishing industry, Stacie completed one year of law school in the United States. When not working, she can usually be found watching K-dramas or playing games with her friends and family. See full bio

Stacie's expertise
Stacie has written 235 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Banking
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  • Personal Loans
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  • Credit Cards

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