Filters
- Amount
- Up to $35,000
- Rate
- 9.99% – 34.95%
- Term
- 6 – 84 Months
- Amount
- Up to $60,000†
- Rate
- 19.99% – 34.99%*
- Term
- 6 – 120 months
- Amount
- $500 – $10,000
- Rate
- Up to 34.99%
- Term
- Up to 60 months
A personal loan can be a practical solution for both large and small expenses, providing greater flexibility and affordability compared to payday loans. You can use the money however you need, whether for essentials or unexpected repairs, with no restrictions on how you spend it.
Even with a less-than-perfect credit score, you still have options when it comes to getting a personal loan — you just need to know where to look. This guide will walk you through how to get a personal loan in Alberta.
What Is A Personal Loan?
A personal loan provides you with a lump sum of money that you pay back over time through regular installments, with interest.
- Loan Amounts: Most lenders offer personal loans up to $35,000, though larger amounts may be available if you have collateral or a cosigner.
- Interest Rates: Personal loan interest rates usually range between 9.99% and 35%, depending on your credit score and the lender.
- Loan Terms: Repayment terms typically range from 3 months to 5 years, but some lenders may offer longer terms based on your needs.
Are There Restrictions On How You Use A Personal Loan?
In most cases, you’re free to use a personal loan for any expense, such as the following:
- Home Upgrades: If you want to renovate your home, such as upgrading your kitchen or bathroom, you can use the funds from a personal loan to cover these costs.
- Utility Bills: You can cover your cell phone or water heater bill, or even buy out a water heater rental contract.
- Education Costs: If you don’t qualify for a government student loan in Alberta, a personal loan can help pay for tuition and supplies.
- Car Repairs: With high costs to fix cars, a personal loan can help cover repair costs.
Learn more: Personal Loans
Do You Qualify For A Personal Loan?
Although each lender may have their own criteria, there are certain qualifications you’ll typically need to meet to get a personal loan:
- Residency: Applicants must reside in Canada. Newcomers or those who hold temporary visas may face additional conditions or documentation requirements.
- Minimum Age: You must be 18 years old, which is the age of majority in Alberta.
- Stable Income: Lenders usually require proof of steady income that meets their minimum income requirements.
- Debt-To-Income (DTI) Ratio: Your existing debt compared to your income is a key factor when applying for a personal loan. Most lenders prefer a DTI ratio of 32% or less to ensure you can manage repayment.
| Credit Score Requirements For Personal Loans In Alberta When applying for a personal loan in Alberta, your credit score plays a significant role in the approval process. A score of 660 or higher is generally considered the minimum and may help you secure better interest rates. If your score falls below that threshold, you might still qualify, but expect higher interest charges. |
Learn more: Personal Loan Requirements: How To Qualify For A Personal Loan
Can You Qualify For A Personal Loan With Bad Credit In Alberta?
Yes, although securing a personal loan from a traditional bank can be impossible with poor credit, many alternative lenders specialize in offering loans to individuals with low credit scores. These non-bank lenders typically assess applications using other financial criteria, like your income, employment, and overall debt load.
Keep in mind, however, that while these lenders may offer more flexibility as far as credit is concerned, they charge higher interest rates and additional fees compared to conventional banks. This makes bad credit loans more expensive.
Learn more: How To Get A Loan With Bad Credit In Alberta
Where To Apply For A Personal Loan In Alberta
If you’re looking for a personal loan in Alberta, you have several options depending on your financial/credit profile and how quickly you need the funds. These include banks, credit unions, and private lending firms, each offering distinct advantages and requirements.
- Traditional Banks: Major banks in Alberta provide personal loans with lower rates and a variety of repayment terms. That said, approval generally depends on having a solid credit history and stable income. Plus, the process can be slower, involving thorough documentation and credit checks.
- Credit Unions: Credit unions often provide loans with more personalized terms and potentially lower rates, especially to members with different financial backgrounds. To apply, you’ll need to join the credit union and become a member, which may be limited to residents of specific regions or communities.
- Private Lenders: Private lenders cater to a broader range of borrowers, including those with poor or limited credit. They’re ideal for individuals seeking quick access to funds. Keep in mind, though, that these loans come with higher interest rates and fees than those offered by banks.
Where Can I Get A Personal Loan Online In Alberta?
Online loan applications are very popular in Alberta. Nowadays, almost all lenders offer loans online. Here are a few examples:
| Fairstone | Personal loans are available online and in person. | Learn More |
| easyfinancial | Personal loans are available online and in person. | Learn More |
| Spring Financial | Personal loans are available online only. No Physical branches are available. | Learn More |
| LendDirect | Personal loans are available online and in person. | Learn More |
Is It Better To Apply For A Loan In Person?
There are several reasons why you might to apply for a loan online versus in person:
- Convenience & Flexibility: You can apply anytime, anywhere, with no need to schedule appointments or visit a branch. No matter where you are or what time it is, online applications will always fit your schedule.
- Faster Processing Times: Online lenders usually use automated systems to review loan applications, which can lead to quicker approvals and faster funding.
- Streamlined Documentation: Online lenders let you upload documents instantly, track your application status, and receive updates.
- Access To More Lenders & Better Rates: Online marketplaces let you compare multiple lenders side by side, helping you find the best interest rates and terms without having to visit lenders in person one by one.
How To Apply For A Personal Loan
Step 1: Get Pre-Approved
Before applying for a personal loan, get pre-approved with multiple lenders first. This will allow you to compare various loan offers based on your financial situation. Moreover, the pre-qualification process is often instant and only requires a “soft” credit check, so it won’t negatively impact your credit scores.Step 2: Choose A Lender
Compare your loan offers and choose one that comes with affordable rates and favourable terms. Be sure to also compare funding times if you need the cash urgently.Step 3: Gather All Required Documents And Apply
You’ll need to provide your lender with specific documents to verify your creditworthiness and identity. You can upload these documents and submit them electronically with your application. This may include a government-issued photo ID, bank statements, pay stubs and other related documents. Be sure to read over the application to make sure all the information is accurate.Step 4: Wait For Approval
Once you’ve submitted the application you should receive a response shortly after. If approved, the funds will be deposited into your account within 24 to 48 hours (via direct deposit or e-Transfer), depending on the lender.Learn more: How To Apply For A Loan
| What Is Instant Bank Verification (IBV)? Instant Bank Verification (IBV) is a digital process used by lenders in Alberta to quickly and securely confirm your financial details when applying for a personal loan. Rather than submitting physical documents, you securely log into your bank account through a trusted third-party platform. This allows the lender to see a read-only picture of your banking activity, helping them verify your income and identity quickly and efficiently. |
Key Provincial Rules To Know Before Applying For A Personal Loan
In Canada, a handful of provinces have implemented specific regulations to oversee high-cost credit products, including Alberta. These regulations have been put in place to protect borrowers from excessive fees and interest rates charged by lenders.
High-Interest Loan Legislation In Alberta
Alberta has implemented specific rules targeting businesses that offer high-interest credit products, including installment loans, title loans, rent-to-own agreements, lines of credit, and pawnshop financing. The rules for lenders offering high-interest credit products in Alberta fall under the province’s Consumer Protection Act, which aims to prevent unethical lending practices.
In Alberta, any credit product with an annual interest rate of 32% or higher is classified as a high-cost product and must comply with the legislation. This applies to both fixed-term loans and revolving credit accounts.
| Interest Rate Limits | While Alberta does not impose its own cap on interest rates, all lenders must adhere to the federal Criminal Code, which sets the maximum allowable annual percentage rate (APR) at 35%. |
| Fee Restrictions | The province doesn’t regulate specific fees, but federal law ensures that the combined cost of interest and fees cannot exceed the criminal rate of 35% APR. |
| Licensing Requirements | Any lender offering high-cost credit in Alberta must be properly licensed to operate legally. |
| Debt Collection | Lenders are prohibited from using aggressive or inappropriate tactics when collecting overdue payments. Specifically, they cannot:Harass or intimidate borrowersContact third parties about the borrower’s debtCall borrowers between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM |
Learn more: Borrower Rights: High-Interest Loan Legislation In Canada
Have You Been Unfairly Treated By Your Lender? Speak To Someone At Consumer Protection Offices
Alberta lenders are required to follow specific rules when dealing with consumers. If you think you’ve been treated unethically by a lender, you can report them or submit a consumer complaint with the Alberta Consumer Contact Centre at 1-877-427-4088. Representatives are available to provide information about your rights and obligations under the Consumer Protection Act, and you may choose to remain anonymous when reporting concerns.
Thinking Of Applying For A Personal Loan? Do This First
When applying for a personal loan, lenders evaluate several aspects of your financial profile to determine your eligibility. The goal is to make sure you can cover your payments every month.
To improve your chances of approval for a personal loan in Alberta, consider these steps:
Strengthen Your Credit Score
Your credit score reflects your reliability as a borrower. A higher score increases your likelihood of approval and helps you qualify for lower interest rates. If your score needs improvement, take steps to raise it before applying, such as paying bills on time and reducing outstanding balances.
Learn more: How To Improve Your Credit Scores
Consider A Cosigner
Adding a cosigner with strong credit and high income can strengthen your application. This person agrees to take responsibility for the loan if you’re unable to repay it, which lowers the lender’s risk and may help you secure better terms.
Offer Collateral
Secured loans require an asset — like a vehicle or home — to back the loan. This reassures the lender that they can recover their losses if you default. Keep in mind that offering collateral may improve your approval odds, but you risk losing the asset if you don’t make payments.
Reduce Existing Debt
High levels of debt can negatively impact your debt-to-income ratio, which might make lenders hesitant to approve your application. Paying down loans before applying can lower this ratio and improve your chances of approval.
Maintain Steady Employment
Lenders prefer applicants with consistent income and a steady job. If you’re unemployed or have an unreliable job, consider working with a staffing agency to find work. Here are a few employment agencies in Alberta:
| Agency | Services Offered |
| Manpower Services | Online job board Online job training Free workforce development programs Cybersecurity training for immigrants Women in Construction program |
| Diversified Staffing Services | Job listings Career resources Resume writing tips Interview guidance Online resources |
| Randstad | Resume building Interview training Career development assistance Specialized staff recruiters |
How To Calculate Your Personal Loan Cost
Before applying for a personal loan, get familiar with the factors that directly impact the total cost and crunch the numbers to see what you’ll spend overall.
| Loan Amount | Larger loans mean higher monthly payments and increased total repayment costs. |
| Loan Term | Longer loan terms mean lower monthly payment, but more interest paid over the life of the loan. Shorter terms mean higher monthly payments, but less spent in interest over the loan term. |
| Interest Rate | The interest rate represents the cost of borrowing. You may want to consider the APR, which reflects both the interest rate and any additional fees, giving you a better idea of the loan’s true cost. |
To simplify the process, you can use an online loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments and total repayment amount.
Is A Personal Loan Right For You?
In some cases, a personal loan may be a suitable option. But in other scenarios, it might not make sense:
| When A Personal Loan Is The Right Option | When A Personal Loan Is The Wrong Option |
| You want versatility in how you spend the borrowed funds. | You have unpredictable income. |
| You’re able to secure a low rate. | You want to borrow money for a small or unnecessary expense. |
| You want more flexible repayment options. | You can’t qualify for an affordable rate. |
Other Financial Assistance Programs In Alberta
In addition to the provincial government financial assistance programs available, there are other programs across Alberta that you may find useful to help cover the costs of rent, utilities, and child care, among others:
Short-Term Utility Billing Services. Residents of Alberta who are at risk of being disconnected from their utility services due to their inability to keep up with their bill payments may find help from the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA). This agency serves as a mediator and advocates for customers with utility service providers to prevent disconnection from these important services.
Food Banks. There are several food banks located across Alberta that provide food to Albertans who can’t afford their grocery bills.
Emergency Shelters. The Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters is a program designed to help support the homeless in Alberta. Various shelters are located across the province and many are designed specifically for certain groups and needs, such as senior homes, accessible shelters, and those with child minding assistance.
Affordable Loans For Renovations. The Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program (SHARP) offers low-interest home equity loans to cover the cost of home modifications to help seniors remain in their homes longer.
| Financial Resource | Link |
| Alberta Family Support For Children With Disabilities (FSCD) Program | Learn More |
| Alberta Aids To Daily Living (AADL) | Learn More |
| Alberta Seniors Benefit | Learn More |
| Assured Income For The Severely Handicapped (AISH) | Learn More |
| Alberta Child And Family Benefit (ACFB) | Learn More |
| Social Assistance In Alberta | Learn More |
Bottom Line
Personal loans in Alberta offer flexible solutions for various financial needs, from covering unexpected expenses to consolidating debt. With a range of lenders available, you’ll find a loan option that suits your financial profile and needs. Just be sure to compare your options and understand the fine print before signing your loan agreement.
