Emergency situations often require immediate access to money. Anything from car repairs to a medical issue can call for a quick influx of cash. If you don’t have established savings, credit cards or good credit, it can feel overwhelming. For these reasons, many turn to payday loans — a short-term lending arrangement that provides you with emergency funds.
But how do you find a payday lender near you?
Key Points
- To find a payday lender near you, conduct an online search or use a comparison website to compare options.
- You also have the option to apply for an online payday loan, which can provide you with funds the same day via e-transfer.
- Make sure to do your research on the lender you choose to work with to ensure they’re licensed and legitimate.
Find Payday Loan Lenders Near You
Risk-free · No obligation Take the guesswork out of borrowing Apply once with Loans Canada and get real pre-qualified offers from Canada's trusted lenders.Lender Amount Rate Term Apply Details
Magical Credit - Payday Loans $100 - $1,500 $14.00 per $100.00 14 to 62 days APPLY NOW Show More
iCash - Payday Loan Up to $1,500 $14 per $100 Up to 62 days APPLY NOW Show More
AimFinance - Personal Loan $100 – $1,000 29% – 35% 9 – 24 months APPLY NOW Show More
GoLoans - Installment Loan $500 – $5,000 Up to 32% 3 – 4 months APPLY NOW Show More
Green Loans - Personal Loan Up to $1,000 Up to 35% Not listed APPLY NOW Show More
Venue Financial - Payday Loan $50 – $1,500 $14 per $100 Up to 62 days APPLY NOW Show More
Wagepay - Payday Loan $100 – $1500 $8 per $100 + 24% Up to 62 days APPLY NOW Show More
Cash Money - Payday Loan Up to $1,500 $14 per $100 Up to 60 days APPLY NOW Show More
Cashco - Personal Loan - Flex Loan Up to $9,000 35% 6 – 60 months APPLY NOW Show More
Captain Cash - Personal Loan $500 – $1000 23% 90 – 150 days APPLY NOW Show More
GoDay - Payday Loan $100 – $1,500 $14 per $100 Next pay date, 14 – 30 days APPLY NOW Show More
Cash 4 You - Installment Loan $500 – $20,000 Up to 34.37% APR 6 – 84 months APPLY NOW Show More
Pay2day - Payday Loan Up to $1,500 $14 per $100 Next payday, 42 days in Alberta APPLY NOW Show More
My Canada Payday - Payday Loan Up to $1,500 $14 per $100 Next payday, or the one after APPLY NOW Show More
Speedy Cash - Payday Loan $200 – $1,500 $14 per $100 Next payday APPLY NOW Show More
Loan Express - Payday Loan up to $1,500 $14 per $100 14 days APPLY NOW Show More
Instant Payday Canada - Payday Loan Up to $1,500 $14 per $100 Up to 30 days APPLY NOW Show More
How Do I Find A Payday Loan Near Me?
There are a few different approaches to tracking down a payday lender in your area. By doing your research, you can find lenders with easier application processes and faster results. Some research methods include:
Research Online
Go online and type in “payday loans near me” or “payday lenders in [enter your location]” in Bing, Yahoo, or Google. Depending on the search engine used, you’ll likely have slightly different results. Just be sure to keep your location settings active.
Compare Lenders & Loan Options
While you can always use a search engine to find payday lenders online, perhaps a more effective way to gauge lenders and compare their offers is to use an online loan comparison website, like Loans Canada.
With this platform, you can plug in your personal and financial information, then the site will populate a list of payday lenders and their offers that you’re eligible for. Then, you can quickly compare these offers - particularly the rates, loan amounts, and terms - to help you choose the right lender to work with.
See How Much You Qualify For
How To Apply For A Payday Loan Near You In Person?
Once you’ve found a payday lender to work with, applying for a payday loan is relatively straightforward. Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
While it’s much easier to qualify for a payday loan compared to other loan types, the lender will still need to vet you before extending a loan. In addition to your application form, you’ll need to provide a few pieces of information to support your application, such as:
- Photo ID: A government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport, may be required to verify your identity.
- Financial Information: Pay stubs and bank statements may be looked at to help the lender assess your income.
- Banking Details: The lender may want to ensure that you have an active bank account with direct deposit capabilities for repayment purposes.
Step 2: Visit A Payday Loan Branch
Go to the payday location of your choice in person and complete their application form. Be sure to bring all the paperwork you gathered to back the information provided in your application form.
Step 3: Review The Agreement
Once you’ve been approved, be sure to review the specifics of your contract like you would any other personal loan. Pay extra attention to the repayment terms, including the rate of interest and due date for full repayment. Make sure you’re able to pay back the full amount - including both principal and interest - before signing the loan contract.
What Do You Need To Be Eligible For A Payday Loan Near You?
To qualify for a payday loan in Canada, you'll generally need to meet the following criteria:
- Age Requirement: You must be at least the age of majority in the province you live in (typically 18 or 19).
- Residency: You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to qualify for a payday loan.
- Sufficient Income: A stable and consistent income source is needed to ensure repayment ability. Depending on the lender, you may even be able to qualify with a non-employment source of income, such as government benefits.
- Bank Account: An active bank account that's capable of direct deposits and withdrawals is needed for loan deposits and repayments.
What Should You Look For In A Payday Lender Near You?
When vetting potential payday lenders near you, there are a few necessary metrics to investigate. Be sure to follow the same steps for each lender to ensure that you are consistent in the details. Necessary steps include:
Investigate The Lender’s Online Presence
A reputable payday lender will have a well-established network of physical locations. Known companies like Cash Money and Money Mart have retail outlets across Canada in addition to an established website. Ensure that the business is accredited, has a proven track record of success on the market, and makes sufficient information available online.
Make Sure They’re Licensed
Payday lenders are required to be licensed in the province where they operate. A licensed payday lender is required to follow government regulations, ensuring fair lending practices and consumer protection against excessive fees or rates.
Unlicensed lenders, on the other hand, may engage in predatory practices, such as charging hidden costs or subjecting borrowers to unfair terms. For this reason, it's important to ensure that the lender you choose is licensed.
You can visit your province's government website on high-cost credit lending to find a list of licensed payday lenders. These sites list payday lenders that are licensed to operate in your province, so you'll have a leg up on ensuring that you're working with a legitimate lender. Here's a list to help you get started:
| British Columbia | Learn More |
| Alberta | Learn More |
| Saskatchewan | Learn More |
| Manitoba | Learn More |
| Ontario | Learn More |
| Quebec | Learn More |
| New Brunswick | Learn More |
| Nova Scotia | Learn More |
| PEI | Learn More |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | Learn More |
Learn more: Payday Loans: Know Your Rights
Look Into Fee Specifics
For any loan, you need to know what charges you incur for taking out the loan. These include any administrative fees, origination fees, the standard rate of interest, and any extra costs associated with defaulting on your agreement. All payday loans are regulated by the federal government, so the fees are fairly standard.
However, to be competitive, lenders may offer slightly more competitive rates to incentivize consumers. Keep your eye on the specifics, especially if you are doing the research on your own instead of using a loan comparison site.
Learn About The Funding Process
Depending on whether you complete the loan application process in person or online, the financing method will differ. If you get a payday loan at a branch, you can expect the money right away in either cash or cheque.
Conversely, if you are completing the payday loan application online, you can receive the funds as early as the same day via e-transfer.
Choosing Between Online And In-Person Payday Loan Providers
Determining how to access your payday loan depends largely on your personal situation. Both approaches have their own benefits.
Online Payday Lenders
There are a couple of good reasons why an online payday lender might be worth considering:
- More Accessible: An online approach is preferable for those who may not have any payday lenders close by, such as those living in rural areas. If you don’t have access to a vehicle, it can save you a lot of hassle if you apply through an online service.
- All Online: The online approval process can be completed entirely online, saving you time. Even the documents required can be uploaded without the need for you to leave your home. Once approved, your funds will be directly deposited into your account.
In-Person Payday Lenders
Here are a few reasons why you might want to stick to the traditional in-person approach to borrowing money:
- Can Be Easier To Apply For: Some circumstances make it easier to apply for a payday loan in person. If you are close enough to a physical branch, it can be more straightforward to take the time to apply at the location. This is especially true if you are new to the application process.
- Can Ask Questions: A customer service representative can talk you through the steps, informing you of any necessary paperwork. It also gives you an opportunity to make inquiries as to the interest, repayment, or anything else about which you’re curious.
- Fast Funding: If you prefer to access your borrowed funds in physical cash, applying in person may be the way to go.
Learn more: Get A Small Installment Loan Instead Of A Payday Loan
Is A Payday Loan The Best Option For You?
Payday loans can seem like a convenient way for Canadian consumers to access the money they need quickly and with few requirements. But, payday loans are an extremely expensive loan product. If you are considering taking out a payday loan, make sure you fully understand the consequences and research other viable options before signing any contract.
Final Thoughts
Payday loans can be a great way to get quick cash if you’re in urgent need. However, they’re also a very expensive way to borrow money and can be difficult to repay in a short period of time. Make sure to do your research and find the right lender to ensure you don’t fall prey to predatory lending practices and that you only agree to a loan you can comfortably repay.
