Get a free, no obligation personal loan quote with rates as low as 6.99%
Get Started You can apply with no effect to your credit score
Best Personal Loans In Canada 2024
📅 Last Updated: December 18, 2023
✏️ Written by: Bryan Daly
🕵️ Fact-checked by: Sean Cooper

Personal loans are one of the most popular financial tools among Canadian consumers. They offer the opportunity to cover a wide variety of debt and expenses, from unexpected travel to unfortunate car issues. 

While finding a personal loan that best meets your unique needs may seem like a difficult task, there’s a huge selection of lenders for you to choose from. For everything you need to know about the best personal loan options in Canada and how to choose the best fit for your finances, keep reading.

Where Can You Get The Best Personal Loans In Canada

Filters
Loading...
Loans Canada
Loans Canada
Amount
Up to $50,000
Rate
Prime to 46.96%
Term
3-60 months
Fora
Fora
Amount
$1,000 - $10,000
Rate
19.69% - 46.9%
Term
Varies
Spring Financial
Spring Financial
Amount
Up to $35,000
Rate
9.99% - 46.96%
Term
6 - 60 Months
Fairstone Financial
Fairstone Financial
Amount
Up to $50,000
Rate
19.99% - 39.99%
Term
6 - 120
Cash Money
Cash Money
Amount
$1,500 – $10,000
Rate
Varies by province
Term
Varies
Mogo Finance
Mogo Finance
Amount
Up to $3,500
Rate
9.9% - 47.72%
Term
-
easyfinancial
easyfinancial
Amount
$500 - $100,000
Rate
9.99% - 46.96%
Term
Varies
LoanMeNow
LoanMeNow
Amount
$500 - $1000+
Rate
28% to 32%
Term
3 Months
Nyble
Nyble
Amount
$150
Rate
No Cost!
Term
-
Bree
Bree
Amount
Up to $250
Rate
No Cost!
Term
-
goPeer
goPeer
Amount
$1,000 - $25,000
Rate
7.5% - 31.5%
Term
36 - 60 months
Unfortunately we couldn't find you a provider with the given filters

What Do You Need To Get A Personal Loan? 

Every lender’s application process will vary slightly, however, most personal loan lenders examine a few key factors when it comes to approving a borrower. Some areas that the majority of lenders look at include, but aren’t limited to:

  • Gross Monthly Or Yearly Income – Lenders typically have a minimum income threshold you’ll need to be eligible for a loan. You’ll need to provide proof of income when applying which may include pay stubs or your T4.
  • Debt-To-Income Ratio – A debt-to-income ratio of 35% – 45% is the highest lenders want to see in an applicant. Those with higher ratios generally have a lower chance of approval. Lenders may assess this information by asking for your bank statements. 
  • Employment History – Job stability is another factor lenders consider when assessing your creditworthiness. Usually, lenders like to see you’ve been employed for at least 3-6 months with your current employer. You may need to provide an employment letter as proof of employment. 
  • Credit Report And Credit Score – As part of your application process, your lender may ask your permission to do a credit check. Your credit history can greatly affect your ability to qualify for a loan and secure a low interest rate. Some lenders may have a minimum credit score that borrowers must meet to be eligible.

Documents Required To Apply For A Personal Loan

Personal Identification DocumentsYou’ll need to provide and prove your name, date of birth, and address. You can use 1 or 2 government-issued IDs (1 photo) such as a driver’s license or passport. 
Social Insurance Number (SIN)Some lenders may request your SIN to conduct credit checks.
Employment DocumentsYou may need to provide proof of employment by providing pay stubs, tax forms (T4 slips) or employment letters. 
Financial DocumentsMost lenders will require 3 months’ worth of bank statements.
Bank Account DetailsYou may need to provide a void cheque for direct deposit and other bank details for the withdrawal of payments.

How To Apply For A Personal Loan

When it comes to applying for a loan, keep in mind that every lender’s process is different.  That being said, these are the general steps you should take when applying for a personal loan:

  1. Find the right lender by comparing features, amounts, interest rates, terms, consumer reviews, etc.
  2. Choose the lender that best fits your needs.
  3. Submit an application. You’ll be required to provide information such as:
    1. Name
    2. Contact information (address, phone number, email)
    3. Employment information (where you work, your job title)
    4. Income information (pay stubs, or bank statements to prove direct deposit amounts)
  4. Wait to hear back from the lender. This can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days.
  5. Submit any additional information or documents needed.
  6. Receive your loan agreement, read through it carefully, and sign on the dotted line.

Wait to receive your funds. The majority of personal loan lenders deposit loans directly into the bank account of the borrower. This is done via an electronic funds transfer or EFT. You may also find some smaller lenders who will send you an e-Transfer.

Borrow Up To $50,000

$
100% FREE. NO OBLIGATION.

Types Of Personal Loans You Can Apply For

There are several different types of personal loans you can apply for. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. One may be better suited for you than the others. 

Secured vs. Unsecured Personal Loans

Secured Personal Loan – When you want a relatively large amount of loan money, your lender will need more reassurance that you’ll pay them back. One way of reassuring them is by offering up one or more assets as compensation if you default on your payments for too long. While doing this often gives you a better chance of being approved for a large loan and a lower interest rate to go with it, be extremely cautious. If your debt grows too large and you can’t make your payments, your lender has the right to seize your asset and sell it

Unsecured Personal Loan –  It’s called “unsecured” because it involves no collateral (asset backing it up), only money. Meaning if you default on the loan, the lender may charge you fees or sell your debt to a collection agency, but it cannot seize any of your assets to recoup payment.  Since unsecured loans don’t involve collateral, your interest rate is likely to be higher than that of a secured loan. Depending on the size of the loan, you may also need to have a better income, healthier credit, and even a co-signer before you’ll be approved.

Co-Signed Personal Loans

If you have bad credit or poor finances and are unable to qualify for a personal loan, then you should consider getting a cosigner. A co-signer is an individual who agrees to take responsibility for the loan in the event you default. A co-signer is typically someone you know such as a family member or friend, however, they must have good credit and finances to be accepted by the lender. Having someone co-sign your loan not only reduces the risk for the lender but also gives you a higher chance of approval and the ability to secure a lower interest rate. However, it’s important to be aware that the co-signer is fully responsible for the debt if you fail to pay it back. Both you and the co-signer must be aware of this.

Bad Credit Personal Loans

If you have bad credit, you can apply with an alternative lender. These lenders have flexible requirements compared to more traditional financial institutions like banks. Some personal loan lenders don’t require credit checks, they simply base your eligibility on your overall financial health. However, it’s important to note that these lenders often charge higher interest rates, making them a more expensive option. 

Fixed vs. Variable Rate Personal Loans

Fixed Rate Personal Loan – With a fixed rate, your loan’s interest rate will be calculated in advance. Once approved, you’ll pay that same interest rate, meaning it won’t increase or decrease for the duration of the loan term. This type of rate can be beneficial because it never fluctuates, making it easier to budget. 

Variable Rate Personal Loan – A variable rate, on the other hand, will fluctuate following the current market premium, otherwise known as the prime rate. This can sometimes be beneficial because if the prime rate goes down, you could save a decent amount of money over time. Then again, if the prime rate goes up during your payment schedule, the rate you’re currently paying will rise.  

How Much Will A Personal Loan Cost You?

The total cost of your personal loan will be affected by several factors. To calculate your personal loan payments and total cost, you’ll need to consider the following factors: 

  • Loan Amount – Depending on the size of the loan, it may take many months or even years to pay back in full. 
  • Loan Term – The longer your loan term, the smaller your payments will be, however, it also leads to more interest paid over the life of the loan. Similarly, shorter terms mean higher payments but lower interest throughout the loan. 
  • Interest Rate – The interest rate you’re charged will also impact your personal loan payments. The higher the interest rates, the more you’ll need to pay back. 
  • Fees – Most personal loans come with a variety of fees including, origination fees, NSF fees, early payment fees, administrative fees, loan insurance, etc. 
  • Payment Frequency –  The frequency of your regular payments is another factor that can impact your loan payments. Every lender is different, however, most lenders offer monthly (12 payments per year), weekly (52 payments per year) and bi-weekly (26 payments per year) payments.
Estimate Your Monthly Payments

CALCULATOR

Credit Score 1
Your Interest Rate: 35 %
Loan Options 2
$
Result 3

Compare Personal Loan Payments

Assuming you take a $10,000 loan that is being paid over 3 years, find out how much your personal loan payments will be at different interest rates and payment frequencies.

Monthly PaymentBi-Weekly PaymentWeekly Payment
5%$299.71$138.17$69.05
10%$322.67$148.59$74.23
15%$346.65$159.46$79.62
26%$402.91$184.88$92.21
46%$516.73$236.08$117.53

How Do Credit Scores Affect Personal Loan Interest Rates?

Along with your income, current debts, and your credit is one of the main factors that many lenders use to determine both your creditworthiness and interest rate. The higher your credit scores are, the less of a borrowing risk they’ll consider you and you’ll likely receive a lower rate because of it. However, the lower your credit scores are, the more of a borrowing risk you’ll be considered and you’ll likely receive a higher interest rate.

Cost Of A Loan For Different Credit Ranges

In this example, we used a $5,000 loan paid monthly with a two-year term to illustrate how credit scores can affect the total cost. 

Estimated Interest Rate Based On Credit ScoreTotal Interest Based On Lowest Estimated RateTotal Interest Based On Highest Estimated Rate
Poor Credit Score (300 - 559)18% to 46.96%$11,981.78$15,601.48
Fair Credit Score (560 - 659)15% to 35%$11,636.80$14,044.47
Good Credit Score (660 - 724)5% to 29.99%$10,529.13$13,417.84
Very Good Score (725 - 759) 3% to 17%$10,315.49$11,866.14
Excellent Credit Score (760 - 900)1.5% to 10%$10,157.00$11,074.78
Note: These rates are for illustrative purposes only. Actual charged rates will depend on the lender, your credit and your overall financial profile.

Improving Your Credit To Apply For A Personal Loan

Working to improve your credit is a great step to take before applying for a personal loan. True, even if your credit health is low, there are subprime lenders out there who can grant you the personal loan you need. However, as we said, your interest rate can end up being extremely high, costing you hundreds, even thousands of dollars. So, if the present state of your creditworthiness is not where you’d like it to be, you can try to improve it gradually by:

  • Pay your bills on time and in full, whenever possible.
  • Avoid maxing out your credit cards or paying them off twice a month to keep your utilization ratio low.
  • Get a free annual copy of your credit report, review it for errors, and dispute any errors you find.
  • If you can’t afford the full payment, at least make the minimum balance payment.
  • Pay off any other debts you may have, starting with the largest.

How To Reduce Your Personal Loan Interest?

If you’re looking for a low-interest personal loan in Canada, there are a few things you can do to get one. Loan interest loans can be acquired by doing one or more of the following:

  • Add Collateral – As previously mentioned, collateral reduces the lenders’ lending risk. As such, they are more willing to provide a low-interest loan when you offer an asset as collateral.
  • Get A Cosigner – A cosigner is someone who takes responsibility for your loan in the event you’re unable to make your loan payments. Like collateral, this provides your lender with additional security. As such, you can get a low-interest loan in Canada, if you get a cosigner for your loan.
  • Improve Your Credit Score – Your credit score can greatly impact the interest rate you get on your loan. The higher your credit score, the more likely you’ll qualify for a low-interest loan in Canada.

What Is A Guarantor Loan And How Can It Help Me?

If you’ve applied for a personal loan in the past but your application was denied due to your bad credit, there is another loan option that might work out better for you. It’s known as a “guarantor loan” and involves finding a cosigner prior to applying. 

Your own bad credit will no longer be an issue during the application process. Instead, your approval will hinge on your cosigner’s credit health. Ideally, your cosigner would need to have good credit and a decent income. They would also have to agree to take on the responsibility of your loan payments in the event that you default.

Get The Personal Loan You Want

If you’re interested in applying for a personal loan or are simply looking for more information, we can help. Click the button below to fill out an application to see what your options are.

Personal Loan FAQs

Can I get a personal loan without a credit check?

Yes, there are many alternative lenders in Canada who provide personal loans with no credit checks. In place of your credit score, they will evaluate your income level, employment stability, debt-to-income ratio, and other financial factors that will determine your creditworthiness.

What documents do I need to apply for a personal loan?

When applying for a personal loan you’ll have to provide certain documentation for verification and identification purposes. This may include personal identification documents such as a driver’s license or passport and income verification documents such as pay stubs, bank statements, or tax returns.

What interest rate can I get with a personal loan?

The rate you’re charged depends on your lender, your credit score, your debt-to-income ratio, and even your loan terms. On average, interest rates vary anywhere between 15% and 45% for a personal loan. However, the federal government put a criminal interest rate cap on the rate lenders can charge for personal loans. The maximum total cost including fees and compounding interest is 60%.

How do I increase my odds of qualifying for a personal loan?

In order to increase your odds of qualifying for a personal loan, it’s important you do your research and apply with lenders whose requirements you meet. You can also increase your odds by improving your credit score and reducing your debt-to-income ratio. Lastly, you can reduce your riskiness as a borrower by providing your lender with additional security. This can be done by securing your loan with an asset or backing it with a cosigner.

How do I get a 100% guarantee approval for my personal loan?

Any lender that claims 100% approval, is probably a scammer. All legitimate lenders will require a credit check or some financial information prior to approving an applicant.
Bryan Daly avatar on Loans Canada
Bryan Daly

Bryan is a graduate of Dawson College and Concordia University. He has been writing for Loans Canada for five years, covering all things related to personal finance, and aims to pursue the craft of professional writing for many years to come. In his spare time, he maintains a passion for editing, writing screenplays, staying fit, and travelling the world in search of the coolest sights our planet has to offer.

More From This Author

Special Offers

More From Our Experts

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GlobeMailTopCompanies2023-1.png
Loans Canada places No. 228 on The Globe and Mail’s fifth-annual ranking of Canada’s Top Growing Companies.

By Caitlin Wood, BA
Published on September 29, 2023

Loans Canada is excited to announce it has made it onto the Globe and Mail’s Top Growing Companies list for the second year in a row.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Finder-Awards.png
Finder Awards Finalists: Personal Loans Customer Satisfaction Awards 2023

By Priyanka Correia, BComm

Loans Canada is happy to announce it received the finalist award in the Best Personal Loan Search Platform category.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/caution-1.jpg
Beware of Fraudulent Lenders Impersonating Loans Canada

By Caitlin Wood, BA

A note to our clients about fraudulent lending practices and illegal upfront fees.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/T1213.png
The T1213 Form Explained

By Corrina Murdoch

The names of specific tax forms in Canada can be confusing, like the T1213 tax form. What is it and do you need to file this year?

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/How-To-File-A-Notice-Of-Objection-To-Dispute-Your-Tax-Return.png
Filing A Notice Of Objection To Dispute A Tax Return

By Corrina Murdoch

Do you disagree with your notice of assessment? Find out how to file a CRA notice of objection and have the issue resolved.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Notice-Of-Assessment.png
What Is A Notice Of Assessment?

By Corrina Murdoch

A Notice of Assessment is the government’s evaluation of your income tax return. After you file your taxes each year, the CRA sends you an NOA.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Canada-tax-reviews.png
Canada Tax Reviews

By Lisa Rennie

Wondering if you have any unclaimed cash with the CRA? Canada Tax Reviews can help you recover unclaimed tax credits from previous years.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Nyble-vs-bree.png
Nyble vs. Bree: Which One Is Better?

By Lisa Rennie

Bree and Nyble make great alternatives to expensive payday loans. If you're short on cash, these services can help cover you.

Recognized As One Of Canada's Top Growing Companies

Loans Canada, the country's original loan comparison platform, is proud to be recognized as one of Canada's fastest growing companies by The Globe and Mail!

Read More

Why choose Loans Canada?

Apply Once &
Get Multiple Offers
Save Time
And Money
Get Your Free
Credit Score
Free
Service
Expert Tips
And Advice
Exclusive
Offers

Build Credit For Just $10/Month

With KOHO's prepaid card you can build a better credit score for just $10/month.

Koho Prepaid Credit Card