Filters
- Amount
- Up to $35,000
- Rate
- 9.99% – 34.95%
- Term
- 9 – 78 Months
- Amount
- Up to $60,000†
- Rate
- 19.99% – 34.99%*
- Term
- 6 – 120 months
- Amount
- Up to $10,000
- Rate
- Varies by product
- Term
- Varies by product
Types Of Loans In British Columbia
There are plenty of different loan options you can access in British Columbia. Some can be used for any expense, others are for specific purposes. Common loan types include:
Personal Loans In British Columbia
Personal loans are lump sums of money that you borrow over a specific period and pay back in installments. They usually range from $1,000 – $35,000 and have terms of 1 – 5 years. Interest rates vary from 4% – 46%, depending on your lender, creditworthiness, and loan size. For example, having bad credit or a low income can lead to high rates.
Payday Loans In British Columbia
Payday loans are small, high-interest loans for people with bad or no credit. They’re typically more than $100 – $1,500 and, like a personal loan, can be used to cover any cost. However, you must repay a payday loan all at once, plus interest and fees, after 14 usually. Watch out, because interest rates can be as much as 500% APR or more.
Car Loans In British Columbia
While it can also be received as a lump sum of money, a car loan is specifically used to buy a vehicle. Some dealerships offer in-house financing too. Either way, the loan must be repaid in fixed installments with interest. Do note, car loans are secured against the car. This means your lender can seize your car if you default on your payments. Similarly, having collateral means there’s less risk for the lender, so the rates are often lower on car loans.
Mortgages In British Columbia
A mortgage is a large loan you can borrow to finance a piece of real estate, like a home or business building. Since those properties can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, the amortization periods are normally 10 to 25 years long, with terms of about 5 years. If you fail to make your mortgage payments, the lender can foreclose on the property.
Student Loans In British Columbia
Student loans are meant to cover post-secondary tuition fees. They’re issued as loans or lines of credit by many lenders in British Columbia and Canada, including banks, private companies, and even the provincial and federal governments. Approval and loan conditions vary according to your household income, dependents, and total education costs.
Steps On How To Get A Loan In British Columbia
When applying for a loan, remember that every lender has different approval standards. That said, here are the basic steps you must go through to get a loan in British Columbia:
Step 1. Compare Lenders And Choose One To Apply With
Start by deciding how much money you need and what you can afford to pay back each month. Then, shop around and compare multiple lenders to find out what you might pay for a loan based on your creditworthiness. Keep in mind that having a bad credit score can lead to higher rates and make sure to pick a legitimate company with a good reputation.
Step 2. Fill Out The Application And Provide Documents
Before you apply, it’s a good idea to prequalify for several loans to see what deals you can get. Afterward, different loans require different types of documents to apply for. Car loans and mortgages require far more paperwork, whereas personal loans normally involve a simpler, easier approval process. Either way, be sure to fill out your application correctly. In most cases, you must also agree to a credit check to finish the procedure.
Step 3. Submit And Wait For Loan Offer
If all your information looks good, you can send in your loan application. Depending on where you apply, you may receive a response within the same day. At some point, you should receive an email or call from them with their best loan offer. Look it over carefully prior to accepting and, if you’re really worried, show it to a financial expert.
Step 4. Accept Loan Offer And Receive Funds
If you’re satisfied with the loan offer, the final step is to sign the lender’s agreement and submit it back to them. Then you simply need to wait for your finds to arrive. These days, most lenders send their loans via direct deposit but many will have other options, like e-Transfer, cheque, wire transfer, or even physical cash. Depending on its size, type, and origin, it could take a number of hours or business days to see the funds appear in your bank account.
What Documents Do You Need To Apply For A Loan In British Columbia
As mentioned, every lender has different standards when it comes to their loans and approval process. However, here’s what you’ll typically need to apply for a loan in BC:
- Personal Identification – Most lenders require you to be a permanent resident or citizen of Canada to apply for a loan. To verify this, they’ll ask for at least one piece of valid government-issued photo identification (or a copy of it), such as your driver’s license, passport, medical insurance card, or birth certificate.
- Income/Employment – Unless you’re applying for a payday loan or other bad credit loan, you’ll often need an acceptable form of employment and income to qualify for a loan in BC. In this case, your lender may request documents like your recent pay stubs, job history, tax records, or proof of government benefits.
- Additional Documents – If you’re applying for a larger loan, like a car loan or mortgage, your lender may also require more extensive forms of documentation, including details about your existing assets, debts, and other liabilities. This is especially true when you apply with a bank, credit union, or other prime lenders.
How To Calculate Your Loan Costs?
Find out what your monthly payments will be by using this loan calculator.
How To Increase Your Chances Of Getting Approved For A Loan In British Columbia?
Applying for a loan can seem like a long and difficult process, especially when you need it to help you with a particular financial problem you’re having. Thankfully, there are some ways to help increase your odds of qualifying for a loan:
Be Prepared
Make sure to check your credit score before you apply. You can use this information to see if you meet the lender’s minimum requirements before applying. This can prevent you from applying to too many lenders and undergoing unnecessary hard credit checks.
Similarly, update and gather all necessary documentation and personal information. Missing or inaccurate information can cause delays and even loan rejections.
Reduce Your Debt-to-Income Ratio
Before applying for a loan, take a few months to clean up your finances, that is if your borrowing needs are not urgent. Paying off debts can lower your debt-to-income ratio, which is a common factor used by lenders to determine creditworthiness. The less debt you have, the more money you’ll have to pay off another loan, thus increasing your borrowing power.
Consider Alternative Lenders
Remember, banks are no longer the only places to get a loan. If you can’t qualify with a bank due to poor credit or finances, you may still have a chance with alternative/online lenders. Online lenders are a great option to get the loan you need, especially if you have bad credit.
Risks Of Getting A Loan In British Columbia
Loan scams are not unique to BC. In fact, it exists all around Canada and throughout the world. As such, it’s important to be careful when applying for a loan. Here are some of the most common warning signs of fraud that everyone should be on the lookout for whether you live in British Columbia or anywhere else in Canada.
- If a lender contacts you to inform you that they’ve successfully received a loan application in your name, one that you never applied for.
- If you receive confirmation from a credit card company or bank that you’ve been approved or declined for a card that you never applied for.
- When your credit card (or other credit product) statements stop arriving by mail.
- When you start seeing purchases and/or transactions on your statements that you don’t remember making.
- If you’re contacted by a collection agency that informs you of an outstanding debt that you haven’t paid, or an account in default that you never opened.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been A Victim Of Fraud In BC?
If you’re a British Columbia resident and you’ve fallen victim to fraud, or if you want to know more about some ways of protecting your personal information, visit Consumer Protection BC at:
| Consumer Protection British Columbia | #307-3450 Uptown Blvd PO Box 9244 Victoria, British Columbia V8W 9J2 |
| Consumer Protection British Columbia Contact Info | Telephone: 604-320-1667 Toll-Free: 1-888-564-9963 Fax: 250-920-7181 Email: info@consumerprotectionbc.ca |
Bottom Line
A loan can help you finance many different expenses, from small items like groceries to big-ticket items like a house. Getting a loan in British Columbia is possible no matter what your credit is. Just be sure to check your lender’s requirements before applying. Similarly, make sure to check your lender’s reputation as there are scammers always looking to take advantage.
