📅 Last Updated: November 16, 2023
✏️ Written By Bryan Daly
🕵️ Fact-Checked by Caitlin Wood

Bad Credit Car Loans Alberta - Compare Providers

ProviderLoan AmountRateTerm (Months)Rating
00 Up to $50,000Prime – 46.96%3 - 120
Up to $50,000
1001709683200 Dashloansup to $1,250 12%-32% 90 - 150 days
up to $1,250
231700524800 Parachute$5,000 - $25,000 24.99% - 29.99% 30 or 60
$5,000 - $25,000
151695254400 GoLoans$1250 16.06% (nominal) - 31.99% (effective) 3 - 5
$1250
31692748800 BreeUp to $350 0% Up to 65 days
Up to $350
81688083200 City Lending Centers (CLC)$150 - $1,600 10 - 35% 3 - 6
$150 - $1,600
1001686182400 Northstar Brokers$300 - $3,000 18% + fees 6
$300 - $3,000
1001686182400 Deposit My Cash Now$300 - $3,000 18% + fees 6
$300 - $3,000
1001686182400 My Next Pay$300 - $3,000 18% + fees 6
$300 - $3,000
61683676800 Windmill Microlending$15,000 6.7% Up to 60 months
$15,000
11670889600 Fora$1,000 - $15,000 19.9% - 34.9% -
$1,000 - $15,000
71666051200 Nyble$250 0% -
$250
1001643932800 FlexMoney$500 - $15,000 +18.9% APR 6 - 60
$500 - $15,000
1001734618460 29.9% - 46.9% APR   12 - 60
301637280000 Symple Loans$5,000 - $50,000 5.75% - 22.99% Up to 84
$5,000 - $50,000
1001623369600 AfterpayVaries 0% 6 or 8 weeks
Varies
21620777600 Spring FinancialUp to $35,000 9.99% - 46.96% 6 - 60
Up to $35,000
171607558400 Helium Loans$500 - $50,000 6.99% - 46.99% 12 - 36
$500 - $50,000
1001598918400 LM Financial$1,000 - $15,000 - -
$1,000 - $15,000
1001598832000 LM Credit$500 – $15,000 + 25.99% 9 - 60
$500 – $15,000
1001595980800 FlexiLoans$200 - $1,200 25% - 32% -
$200 - $1,200
1001593561600 PayBright- 0+ 2 - 60
-
1001589155200 Moves Financial$2,500 15.65% AIR 13 - 26
$2,500
1001582243200 LendCare- - Up to 60
-
1001580947200 ECN Capital- - -
-
1001580860800 SimplyBorrowed$500 - $5,000 - 12 - 24
$500 - $5,000
1001580860800 Pebble Cash$350 - $1,000 - 2 - 12 weeks
$350 - $1,000
161580774400 goPeer$1,000 - $25,000 8.99% - 34.99% APR 36 or 60
$1,000 - $25,000
1001579478400 North’n Loans$100 - $1,500 - -
$100 - $1,500
1001579478400 MDGUp to $5,000 29.78% - 44.8% 36 months
Up to $5,000
1001579219200 Loan or Credit$100 - $25,000 +4.9% -
$100 - $25,000
1001576713600 Flexiti Financial- Up to 35% -
-
181576713600 Financeit$500 - $100,000 6.99% - 14.99% 12 - 240
$500 - $100,000
1001575590400 Climb1800- 2900 15.99% 23 - 36
1800- 2900
1001562198400 Pylo Finance$500 - $15,000 15.99 - 39.99% 6 - 60
$500 - $15,000
1001560124800 Fresh Start FinanceUp to $15,000 29.99% - 46.96% 9 - 60
Up to $15,000
191552262400 Money Mart$1,000 - $15,000 29.9% or 46.90% 6 - 60
$1,000 - $15,000
1001569974400 Private Loan Shop$500 - $50,000 15 - 30% -
$500 - $50,000
1001551830400 Progressa$1,000 - $15,000 19% - 46.95% 6 - 60
$1,000 - $15,000
1001551398400 My Canada PaydayUp to $1,500 15% - 19% 14 days
Up to $1,500
1001551398400 Mr. Payday$100 - $1,500 15% - 17% 14 -31 days
$100 - $1,500
1001551398400 Money Provider$500 - $1,000 28% - 32% -
$500 - $1,000
1001551398400 Loan Express- - 14 days
-
181546128000 Loan AwayUp to $5,000 19.9% - 45.9% APR 6 - 36
Up to $5,000
1001551139200 Lendful$5,000 - $35,000 9.9%+ 6 - 60
$5,000 - $35,000
151551139200 LendDirectUp to $15,000 29.99% to 46.93% APR Open-end
Up to $15,000
1001550534400 Health Smart Financial Services$300 - $25,000 7.95%+ 36 - 60
$300 - $25,000
1001550534400 GoDay$100 - $1,500 - 14 days
$100 - $1,500
1001569974400 iCashUp to $1,500 Varies by province up to 62 days
Up to $1,500
1001550534400 Focus Financial Inc.Up to $1,500 Up to 59% APR 14 days
Up to $1,500
191550534400 FlexFi$2,500 + - -
$2,500 +
1001550534400 Eastern Loans$500 - $1,000 28% - 32% 3 -5
$500 - $1,000
1001550534400 DMO Credit$300 - $1,000 38% APR 3 - 4
$300 - $1,000
1001567555200 Cash Depot$300 - $3,000 18% + fees 6
$300 - $3,000
1001549238400 Credit 700$500 - $1,000 28% - 32% 4 - 5
$500 - $1,000
1001549238400 Credit2Go$250 - $1,000 29% APR 3 - 4
$250 - $1,000
201548720000 Ledn$500 - $1,000,000 7.9% 12
$500 - $1,000,000
1001548720000 ATB FinancialUp to $5,000 - 12 - 60
Up to $5,000
1001548720000 Amber Financial$1,000 - $50,000 4.6% – 49.96% 3 - 60
$1,000 - $50,000
1001548633600 Affirm Financial$300 - $7,500 29.9% - 39.9% 6 - 60
$300 - $7,500
1001548633600 310 Loan$50 - $1,500 - 14 days
$50 - $1,500
161545264000 Ferratum$2,000 - $10,000 18.9% - 54.9% 12 - 60
$2,000 - $10,000
51545264000 SkyCap Financial$500 - $10,000 12.99% – 39.99% 9 – 36
$500 - $10,000
1001545264000 Fast Access Financial$500 – $10,000 Starting at 9.90% 12 - 36
$500 – $10,000
21543622400 Fairstone FinancialUp to $60,000 19.99% - 39.99% 6 - 120
Up to $60,000
101545264000 Consumer Capital Canada$500 - $12,500 19.99%+ 12 - 60
$500 - $12,500
1001545350400 LaminaUp to $1000 30% 3 - 5
Up to $1000
1001545350400 Loans SOSUp to $5,000 60% 6 - 60
Up to $5,000
1001545350400 Cashco FinancialUp to $7,000 -Up to 48.99% Up to 60 months
Up to $7,000
1001545350400 UrLoan$500 - $2,500 29% - 46.95% 6 - 36
$500 - $2,500
51545350400 LoanMeNow$500 - $1000+ 28%-32% 3
$500 - $1000+
1001545350400 Captain Cash$500 – $750 28% – 34.4% 3
$500 – $750
1001545350400 BC Loans$500 – $750 23% - 34.4% 3 – 12
$500 – $750
1001545350400 Urgent Loans$300 - $1500 27% - 35% 3 - 4
$300 - $1500
41545264000 easyfinancial$500 - $100,000 29.99%-35% 9 - 84
$500 - $100,000
31545264000 Mogo FinanceUp to $5,000 47.72% -
Up to $5,000
101545177600 Borrowell$1,000 - $35,000 5.99% - 29.19% 36 - 60
$1,000 - $35,000
181545177600 Magical Credit$100 - $20,000 Up to 46.8% Up to 60
$100 - $20,000
1001569974400 Speedy CashUp to $1,500 15% - 23% 14 days
Up to $1,500
ProviderLoan AmountRateTerm (Months)Rating
00 Up to $50,000Prime – 46.96%3 - 120
Up to $50,000
31725321600 iCommissionup to $40,000 - -
up to $40,000
81714089600 Primed Loans$10,000 + 4%-45% 90 days+
$10,000 +
71714089600 OnTap Capital $10,000 to $2,000,000 10%+ Up to 36
$10,000 to $2,000,000
21669852800 Driven$5,000 - $300,000 - 3 - 24 months
$5,000 - $300,000
1001648512000 2M7 Financial Solutions$10,000 - $250,000 Varies 6-12
$10,000 - $250,000
1001620345600 TD Bank- - 12 - 60
-
1001611878400 Accord Financial$5,000 - $30,000,000 - Up to 18
$5,000 - $30,000,000
171607558400 Helium Loans$500 - $50,000 6.99% - 46.99% 6 - 36
$500 - $50,000
1001598918400 Loop- - -
-
1001592438400 Core Capital Group Inc- - -
-
1001585612800 BarterPay- 0.9% - 12% 6 months - 5 years
-
1001581984000 Clearbanc$10,000 - $10,000,000 6% - 12.5% -
$10,000 - $10,000,000
1001581033600 GE Capital- - -
-
1001581033600 We Can Financial- - -
-
1001581033600 Wajax Equipment- - -
-
1001580947200 Key Equipment Financing- - -
-
1001580947200 Corl$10,000 - $1,000,000 - -
$10,000 - $1,000,000
1001580860800 Yellowhead Equipment Finance Ltd- - -
-
1001580860800 Specialty Truck Financing- - -
-
1001580860800 Travelers Financial- - -
-
1001580860800 Peel Financial- - -
-
1001580860800 Pioneer Financial Services$5,000 - $1,000,000 - -
$5,000 - $1,000,000
1001580860800 Polaris Leasing- - -
-
1001580860800 Patron West- - -
-
1001580860800 Payabilityup to $250,000 - -
up to $250,000
1001580860800 Planet Financial- - -
-
1001580688000 RiseUp to $10,000 - -
Up to $10,000
1001580256000 Merchant Growth$5,000 - $500,000 - 6 - 18 months
$5,000 - $500,000
1001579478400 Onesta- - -
-
1001579478400 Lionhart Capital$10,000- $30,000,000 Min 4.95% -
$10,000- $30,000,000
1001579478400 Lift Capital- - 12 - 120
-
1001579478400 Leaseline- - 24 to 60
-
1001579478400 Lease Direct- - -
-
1001579478400 John Deere- - -
-
1001579046400 Hitachi Capital Canada- - -
-
1001578873600 Guardian Leasing- - -
-
1001577059200 Export Development Canada- - -
-
1001577059200 Essex Lease Financial Corporation- - -
-
1001577059200 Equilease- - -
-
1001575849600 Alliance Financing Group LTD$5,000 - $150,000 15% + 6 - 24
$5,000 - $150,000
1001575849600 CanaCapUp to $250,000 - -
Up to $250,000
1001575590400 CLE Capital- - -
-
1001575590400 Canada Equipment Loan- - -
-
11545955200 SharpShooter Funding$5,000 - $150,000 Fee-Based: Starting at 9% 12 - 60
$5,000 - $150,000
1001552262400 First West Credit Union$500,000 - $10,000,000 - -
$500,000 - $10,000,000
1001548720000 ATB FinancialUp to $5,000 Prime +7% or 8% 36 - 60
Up to $5,000
1001552262400 Laurentian Bank of CanadaUp to $250,000 - Up to 10 years
Up to $250,000
1001552262400 HSBC Bank Canada- - -
-
1001552262400 National BankUp to $1,000,000 - -
Up to $1,000,000
1001551830400 Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)$10,000+ - Up to 15 years
$10,000+
1001551830400 ScotiabankUp to $1,000,000 -   Up to 15 years
Up to $1,000,000
1001551830400 Bank of Montreal (BMO)Up to $500,000 - Up to 10 years
Up to $500,000
1001551830400 Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)$5,000 - $10,000 - Up to 7 years
$5,000 - $10,000
1001551398400 CWB National Leasing$3,500+ - -
$3,500+
1001551398400 Money in Motion$10,000 - $1,000,000 4% - 14% 12 - 84
$10,000 - $1,000,000
1001551139200 Lease LinkUp to $75,000 - Up to 18
Up to $75,000
1001550534400 FundThrough$500-$50,000 0.5% weekly 12 week cycles
$500-$50,000
1001550534400 Econolease Financial Services Inc.$1,000 - $1,000,000 6% - 20% -
$1,000 - $1,000,000
1001550534400 Easylease CorpUp to $5,000,000 4.5% 24 - 72
Up to $5,000,000
1001550534400 Dynamic Capital- - -
-
1001550534400 Capify$5,000 - $200,000 - -
$5,000 - $200,000
1001549411200 Canadian Equipment Finance$50,000 - $12,000,000 - 24 - 96
$50,000 - $12,000,000
1001549411200 Capital Key$5,000 - $1,000,000+ - 1 - 60
$5,000 - $1,000,000+
1001549238400 Cashbloom$5,000 - $1,000,000 - 3 - 24
$5,000 - $1,000,000
1001548720000 BFS Capital$5,000 - $5,000,000 - 4 - 18
$5,000 - $5,000,000
1001548720000 BDCUp to $100,000 6.05% + 60
Up to $100,000
1001548720000 Baron Finance$10,000+ 18% - 22% -
$10,000+
1001548720000 B2B Bank$10,000 - $300,000 4.70% - 5.45% -
$10,000 - $300,000
1001548633600 AOne Financial SolutionsUp to $5,000,000 5% - 10% 12 - 60
Up to $5,000,000
101545177600 Borrowell$1,000 - $35,000 5.6% – 25.5% 36 – 60
$1,000 - $35,000
1001545264000 iCapital$5,000 - $250,000 - 3-18
$5,000 - $250,000
1001545264000 Lendified$5,000 - $150,000 - 3 - 24
$5,000 - $150,000
61545350400 IOU Financial$5,000 – $100,000 15% + 12 – 18
$5,000 – $100,000
1001545264000 Company Capital$5,000 – $100,000 Starting at 6.87% 3 – 18
$5,000 – $100,000
51545177600 Journey Capital$5,000-$300,000 15% - 25% 4 - 24
$5,000-$300,000
41545177600 Lending Loop$5,000 – $500,000 Starting at 5.9% 3 – 60
$5,000 – $500,000
51545264000 SkyCap Financial$500 - $10,000 12.99% – 39.99% 9 – 36
$500 - $10,000
1001561507200 Thinking CapitalUp to $300,000 - -
Up to $300,000
ProviderLoan AmountRateTerm (Months)Rating
00 Up to $50,000Prime – 46.96%3 - 120
Up to $50,000
31632960000 SafeLendUp to $50,000 15.99% + 12 -72
Up to $50,000
81624233600 Auto Credit DealsUp to $50,000 29.99% – 46.96% 12 - 96
Up to $50,000
171607558400 Helium Loans$500 - $50,000 - 24 - 60
$500 - $50,000
1001594339200 Alphera Financial Services- - -
-
1001582761600 Go Auto- - 12 - 96
-
61582761600 Eden Park- 11.9% - 22.9% Up to 84
-
1001581033600 WeFinanceCars- + 4.9% -
-
1001581033600 Walker Financial Services- - -
-
1001580688000 Rifco- - -
-
1001579478400 National Powersports Financing- - -
-
1001579478400 LMG Finance- - -
-
1001579478400 Loans2Go- - -
-
1001578873600 iA Auto Finance- +8.99% -
-
1001578873600 Gamache Group- - -
-
1001551830400 Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)$5,000 - $10,000 - up to 84
$5,000 - $10,000
1001552262400 Laurentian Bank of CanadaUp to $250,000 - 12 - 60
Up to $250,000
1001552262400 National BankUp to $1,000,000 - up to 96
Up to $1,000,000
1001551830400 DesjardinsUp to $100,000 - 6 - 96
Up to $100,000
1001551830400 Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)$10,000+ - 12 - 96
$10,000+
1001551830400 ScotiabankUp to $1,000,000 - up to 96
Up to $1,000,000
1001577059200 Daimler Truck Financial- - up to 72
-
1001577059200 DealerPlan Financial- - -
-
1001575849600 Coast Capital Savings- Starting at 4% Up to 84
-
1001575849600 Canada Auto Finance$5000 - $45,000 4.90 % - 29.95% APR 36 - 72
$5000 - $45,000
1001575849600 Credit River Capital Inc- - -
-
1001575590400 Capital Trust Financial- - -
-
1001575590400 Canadian Truck Loan- - -
-
1001575504000 Canada Car Loans- - -
-
1001574985600 Calmont Leasing- - -
-
61569974400 Car Loans Canada$7500 - $59,995 3.95% + 12 - 96
$7500 - $59,995
1001562112000 Car Creditex- Up to 49.9% -
-
1001561507200 Auto Capital Canada- - -
-
1001561507200 Carfinco- - Up to 84
-
11560124800 Canada DrivesUp to $100,000 3.99% - 19.9% 24 -96
Up to $100,000
1001551830400 Prefera FinanceUp to $30,000 - -
Up to $30,000
1001548720000 Approve Canada- - -
-
1001548633600 2nd Chance Automotive- 4.2%+ -
-
51545264000 SkyCap Financial$500 - $10,000 12.99% – 39.99% 9 – 36
$500 - $10,000
1001545177600 Splash Auto Finance by RifcoUp to $50,000 - -
Up to $50,000
1001545177600 Carloans411$5,000 – $40,000 - 12 – 72
$5,000 – $40,000
1001545177600 AutoArriba- - Maximum 84
-
ProviderLoan AmountRateTerm (Months)Rating
00 Up to $50,000Prime – 46.96%3 - 120
Up to $50,000
1001578873600 Instant Loans Canada$1,000 - $35,000 - 24 - 60
$1,000 - $35,000
1001545264000 BHM FinancialUp to $25,000 - 12 - 60
Up to $25,000
ProviderLoan AmountRateTerm (Months)Rating
00 N/AN/AN/A
N/A
31726531200 Lotly$15,000 + 6% - 16% 12 - 60
$15,000 +
71708473600 Blue Pearl MortgageVaries Varies 1 - 10 years
Varies
51700524800 Rocket Mortgage- - -
-
61696377600 Mortgage Maestro- 5.69% + -
-
1001695945600 Mortgage Intelligence- - -
-
1001695772800 QuestMortgage- - -
-
41690934400 Neo MortgageVaries 5.54%+ Varies
Varies
21688601600 nestoMin $100,000 5.34%+ 2 - 10 years
Min $100,000
31679616000 Frank Mortgage$100,000 - $2 million Fixed, variable, or adjustable rates 1 - 5 years
$100,000 - $2 million
1001627344000 Peoples Bank- 1.94% - 2.45% 12 - 60
-
1001581033600 Mortgage Alliance- 2.74% - 6.30% 12 - 120
-
1001580947200 Paradigm- - -
-
1001580860800 Verico- - -
-
1001580860800 True North Mortgage- 2.64% - 4.45% 12 - 120
-
1001580860800 Tangerine$50,000+ 2.74% - 3.49% 12- 120
$50,000+
1001580860800 Think Financial- - 36 - 60
-
1001580860800 Turnedaway- - -
-
1001580860800 REICO- - -
-
1001580688000 Motusbank- 2.79% - 6.00% 6 - 60
-
1001579478400 Mortgage Architects- 2.74% - 3.70% 6 - 120
-
1001578873600 IntelliMortgage- - -
-
1001578873600 Invis- 2.69% - 3.95% 6 - 120
-
1001577059200 Equitable Bank$25,000 - $800,000 4.59% - 5.64% 6 - 60
$25,000 - $800,000
1001577059200 Dominion Lending Center- - -
-
1001577059200 Fisgard Asset Management- -- -
-
1001577059200 First National Financial LP- 2.84% - 7.30% -
-
1001574985600 CMLS Financials$100,000 - $750,000 - 12 - 120
$100,000 - $750,000
1001574899200 CHIP Reverse Mortgagemin 25,000 3.89.% - 4.84% 12 - 60
min 25,000
1001574899200 CanWise- 2.23% - 4.45% -
-
1001560124800 Centum- 2.89% - 3.79% -
-
1001548806400 Capital Direct$10,000 - $1,500,000 Varies 12 - 24
$10,000 - $1,500,000
1001548720000 Broker Financial Group Inc.- 2.41% - 3.84% -
-
1001548720000 Bridgewater Bank- - -
-
11517097600 Alpine Credits$10,000+ Based on equity -
$10,000+
ProviderServicesRating
00 Debt Consolidation Program, Debt Settlement Program, Consumer Proposal, Bankruptcy Consultation
N/A (Referrer)
1001732233600 Money Mentors Credit Counselling, Orderly Payment of Debts (OPD) Program
1001576540800 BDO Credit Counselling, Bankruptcy, Consumer Proposal
1001576540800 Full Circle Debt Solutions Inc Credit Counselling, Debt Management Program
1001576368000 Consolidated Credit Credit Counselling, Debt Management Program
1001576454400 4Pillars Debt Restructuring, After Care - Credit Rebuilding Program, Corporate Debt Restructuring

When applying for new credit, a bad credit score can lead to lower approval chances, stricter repayment terms and higher interest rates. The same goes for car loans, which can be very expensive but necessary for most Canadian drivers these days.

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to get approved for a bad credit car loan in Alberta, if you know where to look.

What is a Bad Credit Car Loan?

A car loan is a lump sum of liquid money that you can borrow from a lender, use to buy your car, then repay over time through divided installments with interest. Many dealerships also offer in-house financing plans, where you pay them directly and they will retain ownership over the car’s title until your debt is fully covered.

Normally, you get a bad credit score (300 – 600) when you don’t pay your existing debts on time or you’re a brand new credit user. It may also be the result of having your identity stolen or a more serious issue, like a consumer proposal or bankruptcy.

No matter the cause, bad credit can make it hard to get approved for any credit product with favourable conditions, because the lender/dealer could consider you a riskier client. This is especially true when it comes to a car loan, which can involve a lot of money, as well as a valuable asset (usually the car itself).

Essentially, a bad credit car loan helps you purchase the vehicle you’re looking for, despite these financial weaknesses, which would otherwise get you denied or approved for unappealing conditions through a prime lender, like a bank or credit union.

Check out what credit score you need for a car loan.

How Does a Bad Credit Car Loan Work?

A bad credit car loan works the same way as any car loan in Alberta, only with easier approval requirements. Generally, your odds of getting approved are more dependent on your overall financial health, rather than your credit (although the lender/dealer may still perform a credit check when you apply).

That said, it’s important to understand that applying with a low credit score can have an impact on your bad credit car loan. Remember, even though it’s not as difficult to get approved by a bad credit friendly lender or dealership, the fact that you qualify as a “risky” borrower can lead to less appealing loan conditions.

Take a look at these common loan factors, which bad credit can affect in different ways:

  • Loan Amount – Bad credit lenders/dealers sometimes offer smaller loans than traditional lenders. Many are private businesses that cannot provide as much financing, while others want to decrease the level of risk they’re taking by accepting clients with less creditworthiness. Either way, a bad credit car loan may not be large enough to cover all your vehicle’s costs, including its retail price.
  • Down Payment – When applying for a traditional car loan, a down payment isn’t always required, if you have a good income and credit score. However, since having bad credit could mean you’re more likely to default on your loan, a down payment of at least 10% – 20% may be mandatory. Sadly, not everyone can afford to pay such a huge amount upfront.
  • Interest Rate – Every lender/dealer charges different rates for car loans. They can be ‘fixed’ (won’t change during your payment term) or variable (they fluctuate with Canada’s prime borrowing rates). Because more risk is involved, bad credit car loans usually come with higher rates, which can significantly increase the size of your payments and the final cost of your loan.
  • Term Length – Bad credit car loans sometimes have shorter terms and higher payments. Lenders and dealers may not be open to negotiation and penalties can apply if you don’t pay on time. You may qualify for a longer-term if you can prove that you’re responsible and have a decent income. Nevertheless, an 84-month term leads to more interest overall than a 48-month term.

Auto Financing 101

How Can I Get a Bad Credit Car Loan in Alberta?

There are a few borrowing options for bad credit car loans in Alberta. Don’t forget to research each option properly before you commit to applying:

Banks & Credit Unions

While vehicle financing isn’t always possible, you may be able to qualify for a large personal loan through your financial institution. This way, you can at least cover your down payment or finance part of your car.

Benefits:

  • Better loan amounts, rates and terms than other financing sources
  • Added security that comes with a highly regulated financial institution

Limitations:

  • Approval can be harder if you aren’t a member or you have weak finances
  • You may not be allowed to finance a vehicle located outside of a specific radius

Dealerships

As mentioned, many Alberta auto dealers have their own in-house financing plans, where you pay them directly instead of having to go through the hassle of qualifying with a third-party lender.

Benefits:

  • Buying a new car or making a down payment can lead to good loan conditions and perks, like better warranties or having your administrative fees waived.
  • Many different vehicles and financing options may be available.

Limitations:

  • Bad credit can still lead to small loan amounts, higher rates and shorter terms
  • Many different fees and taxes can apply with dealership financing
  • Some dealerships don’t report to Canada’s credit bureaus

Alternative Lenders

If you can’t qualify with a prime lender or dealership, there are plenty of alternative lending companies that can offer you a bad credit car loan in Alberta.

Benefits:

  • Easier requirements and application process than other vehicle financing sources
  • Loan approval and payments can often be completed entirely online

Limitations:

  • Higher interest rates may apply to less appealing loan conditions
  • Harder to regulate than some financial institutions, prime lenders and dealerships

Things to Know Before You Apply For a Bad Credit Car Loan

Despite the easier approval requirements of a bad credit car loan, it’s essential not to forget about the responsibilities and costs you could encounter along the way, which can be hard on your finances if you’re not prepared. Here are some things you should know and do prior to applying for a bad credit car loan in Alberta:

  • Figure Out Your Budget – A car loan can severely drain your savings and leave you with a lack of money for your other expenses. Remember to get a price quote and confirm the size of your payments beforehand to avoid any problems. If your payments would be too much for your budget to handle, think about getting a smaller loan or a cheaper car.
  • Understand the Costs – While price and loan principal can be daunting enough, you must also factor your down payment, interest rate, fees and taxes into your budget to get the full scope of the vehicle’s cost. Actually, the interest, fees and taxes alone can add well over $1,000 to your car’s final price tag. Plus, there are all the future costs to consider, such as gas, car insurance, and maintenance and repairs.
  • Don’t Be Fooled By Longer Terms – Generally, longer vehicle financing terms are accompanied by lower loan payments, which many drivers find more affordable initially. Then again, a longer-term means you’ll pay more interest. This is particularly dangerous with some bad credit car loans in Alberta because they tend to come with higher rates.
  • Check Your Lender’s Reputation – Small dealerships and alternative lenders are hard for the government to regulate. Scammers and identity thieves may use your need for a car to coax you into buying a fake loan or charge you predatory rates. Always check your potential lender’s business credentials and customer reviews before giving away any personal or financial information.
  • Check Your Credit – Equifax and TransUnion hold different versions of your credit score, either of which you can monitor for a fee. You can also check both copies of your credit report for fraud, identity theft or errors that may be hurting your score (you’re entitled to one free yearly copy from each bureau). This way, you’ll have a better idea of what kind of car loan you’ll qualify for.
  • Get Quotes – Any good lender or dealership should be able to give you a basic price quote for your vehicle and/or loan payments. Some websites even have a free cost calculator. However, this won’t be an exact quote. You may need to go through a full financial evaluation process to see a more precise figure. Plus, bad credit can increase the cost of an otherwise standard car loan.

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Qualifying For a Bad Credit Car Loan in Alberta

Every lender/dealership has different approval standards. Luckily, a bad credit car loan can be easier to acquire than a traditional car loan. That said, even a smaller bad credit car loan can equal a large amount of money and risk for the lender. So, here are a few simple but essential steps to prepare yourself for the approval process:

  • Have a clean Canadian driver’s history
  • Be past the age of majority in your province/territory (18 – 19+)
  • Research multiple lenders/dealers (online and offline) to find the best deal
  • Pay down as much of your existing debt as possible
  • Have the same job for at least a few months and earn a steady income

During the application process, the lender/dealer may want to inspect your:

  • Driver’s license
  • Credit report & score
  • Most recent bank statements
  • Debt payment history
  • Employment history
  • Desired car’s specifications (year, VIN #, value, etc.)
  • Investments, assets & liabilities

Increase Your Chances of Being Approved For a Bad Credit Car Loan

While many lenders/dealers will still consider you, bad credit can make it tough to get approved for a favourable car loan in Alberta, especially if you have a history of missing payments. Unfortunately, a good income can only do so much for your application.

Don’t worry, there are several ways to earn better approval chances, such as:

  • Offer a larger down payment – The more money you put down, the shorter your term will be, the less interest you’ll and the more creditworthy you’ll be considered. Save at least 10% – 20% of the car’s sales price for the best results.
  • Trade-In Your Car – If your current vehicle has resale value, some dealerships will let you trade it in for a lower price on your next car. Although you won’t get what the car is truly worth, this can also increase your approval chances.
  • Opt For a Cheaper or Used Car – There are plenty of lower-priced vehicles in Alberta, any of which can reduce the interest and fees you have to pay. A used car or a less luxurious car can even help you save on insurance, fuel, and maintenance.
  • Get Pre-Approved – If you’d like to save yourself the trouble of applying, only to get denied, getting pre-approved in-person or online is the easiest way to find out if you’ll actually qualify for appealing bad credit loan conditions.
  • Find a Cosigner – If you can’t get approved alone, someone with better credit and finances can co-sign your application. However, they must agree to take over your payments if you can’t afford them (this can affect their finances).

Bad Credit Card Loan FAQs

What fees come with a bad credit car loan?

Although the principal and interest will make up the biggest percentage of your upcoming car loan debt, many drivers forget to factor in the potential fees, such as:
  • Administrative fees (loan origination, document processing, etc.)
  • Dealership fees (vehicle servicing, pre-delivery inspection, etc.)
  • Penalty fees (applied to late, short or missed payments)
  • Taxes (varies based on your location)
Some of these costs are only a problem with dealership financing, where the actual sales price of a car can be several thousand dollars more than advertised once taxes and fees are included. If you’re worried about those extra costs, it may be safer to apply for a bad credit personal loan, then use it to buy a used car from a private seller.

What kind of dealership or lender should I apply with?

Earlier, we mentioned the importance of getting your bad credit car loan through a reputable lender/dealership. This way, you’re less likely to end up with a lemon car, a subpar loan or your money/identity being stolen. Always confirm that your lender is a registered business with good customer ratings and a license to operate in Alberta. Additionally, be sure to apply with a lender or dealer that reports to at least one of Canada’s credit bureaus. This way, any bad credit car loan payments you complete will appear on your credit report and increase your credit score. Watch out, the opposite can happen if you miss payments.

What happens if I miss my secured car loan payments?

If you have bad credit, you may be able to get a secured car loan by offering one of your existing assets as collateral. This provides the lender with some security in case you default, so you might receive better approval chances and loan conditions. In most cases, the car you’re buying will act as collateral. Once again, be very careful. By offering your lender/dealer collateral, you’re giving them temporary ownership over your asset. If you miss too many payments with no explanation, they might repossess your vehicle (or other asset) to regain their losses.

Searching For a Bad Credit Car Loan in Alberta?

Loans Canada can help you find reputable lenders and dealerships, as well as the best interest rates and loan conditions in your neighbourhood.

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