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

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada is responsible for protecting the rights and interests of consumers of financial products and services. But does that include high-interest loan products? 

Millions of Canadians have little or no access to the lending market due to poor credit. Excluded from mainstream financial institutions, this class of borrowers must seek financing solutions elsewhere. Often, this entails turning to the alternative lending market. An industry rife with high-cost loans and, at times, predatory lending practices.

Are there any laws and regulations in place to protect vulnerable borrowers?

What Qualifies As A High-Interest Loan In Canada?

Alternative lenders are high-cost loan providers that operate outside of traditional banking institutions. Some of the credit products offered by alternative lenders include installment loans, lines of credit, payday loans, and debt consolidation loans

At the federal level, regulations aimed at alternative lenders are sparse. The only law applicable nationally stipulates the maximum interest rate an alternative lender may legally charge under the Criminal Code, an effective rate of interest (EAR) of 60%.

DescriptionCriminal Interest Rate
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)APR factors in all the fees and interest costs.47%
Effective Annual Rate (EAR) Or Annual Percentage Yield (APY)EAR/APY factors in all the fees and interest costs, but it also factors in the effect of compounding interest.60%

*Note: As part of the 2023 Budget, the Canadian government wants to reduce the APR criminal interest rate from 47% to 35% APR.

Are There Provincial Laws That Regulate High-Cost Credit Lenders?

At the provincial level, there are more specific laws that govern alternative lending practices. Some provinces’ laws are more stringent than others. Still, collectively they’ve dramatically reduced the rates alternative lenders can charge on credit products such as personal loans and auto title loans. 

Currently, only British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Quebec have a high-cost credit legislation in effect. 

High-Interest Loan Legislation In Alberta

The High-Cost Credit Regulation in Alberta outlines a set of rules aimed at firms that issue high-cost credit products, such as title loans, lines of credit, installment loans, rent-to-own transactions, and pawnshop loans. 

The regulations are part of the province’s Consumer Protection Act, whose goal is to address, discourage, and punish unethical business practices online and offline. The High-Cost Credit Regulation became effective on January 1, 2009.

In Alberta, any credit product with an annual interest rate of at least 32% is designated as high-cost and subject to the legislation. This threshold applies to both fixed credit products and open credit products, like a line of credit.

Max Interest RateWhile Alberta doesn’t have any regulations on the interest a lender can charge, there are federal regulations. All lenders must respect the federal Criminal Code interest rate limit of 60% (APY), which is equivalent to 47% (APR).
Fee CapsWhile there are no provincial caps on fee charges, there are federal rules. The total fees, cost and interest of a high-cost personal loan cannot be more than the criminal interest rate of 47% APR.
Licensing RequirementsAll high-cost credit lenders in Alberta must be licensed.
Debt Collection RulesHigh-cost lenders in Alberta cannot do the following when trying to collect outstanding debts:
- Threaten or harass borrowers
- Call third parties regarding borrowers
- Call borrowers between 10 pm and 7 am

High-Interest Loan Legislation In Quebec

Under Quebec law, a credit product is considered “high-cost” if it meets the following criterion: the interest rate is higher than the sum of the Bank of Canada’s Bank Rate plus 22%. This threshold applies to all types of credit products.

Max Interest RateWhile Quebec doesn’t have any regulations on the interest a lender can charge, there are federal regulations. All lenders must respect the federal Criminal Code interest rate limit of 60% (APY), which is equivalent to 47% (APR).
Fee CapsWhile there are no provincial caps on fee charges, there are federal rules. The total fees, cost and interest of a high-cost personal loan cannot be more than the criminal interest rate of 47% APR.
Licensing RequirementsAny lender who issues you a high-cost credit loan must hold a permit from the Office de la protection du consummator. This permit is mandatory for both offline and online businesses. If the contract entails the lender loaning you money, they’re also required to have a money lender’s permit. To verify if your lender holds these permits, type in their name here.
Debt Collection RulesWhile there are consumer protection rules on how collection agencies can contact borrowers, none such exist for high-cost credit lenders in Quebec.

High-Interest Loan Legislation In Manitoba

In Manitoba, a loan is considered “high-cost” if the annual interest rate exceeds 32%. While Manitoba doesn’t have any caps on interest these lenders can charge, they do have rules on what the lenders must disclose. 

The lender must disclose the following details to borrowers:

  • APR
  • Loan term
  • Loan principal
  • Annual interest rate
  • Fees that will or may be payable
  • Total cost of the loan
  • Cancellation rights

In addition, borrowers have the right to cancel a credit contract 48 hours from the time it’s signed and pay back the loan early without incurring a penalty.

Max Interest RateManitoba doesn’t have any regulations on the interest a lender can charge. However, all lenders must respect the federal Criminal Code interest rate limit of 60% (APY), which is equivalent to 47% (APR).
Fee CapsWhile there are no provincial caps on fee charges, there are federal rules. The total fees, cost and interest of a high-cost personal loan cannot be more than the criminal interest rate of 47% APR.
Licensing RequirementsManitoba legislation requires lenders to obtain a license through the Consumer Protection Office before offering high-cost credit products to borrowers. Each lender must operate under only the name and style of business specified in the licence agreement. They must also obtain a separate license for each location they operate in.
Debt Collection RulesWhile there are consumer protection rules on how collection agencies can contact borrowers, none such exist for high-cost credit lenders in Manitoba.

High-Interest Loan Legislation In British Columbia

On February 26, 2019, Bill 7 – Business Practices and Consumer Protection Amendment Act, 2019 (Bill) was introduced to outline a series of proposed changes to rules governing high-cost credit products in British Columbia. The bill is part of the province’s Consumer Financial Protection Action Plan.

The government of B.C. will enact rules similar to those of other provinces, though their approach is expected to be more stringent on some matters. Bill 7 would affect fixed credit products, open credit products, leases, and other high-interest products with an interest rate higher than the prescribed rate specified in the regulations. British Columbia will likely choose a rate of 32%, which would be in line with other provinces.

Max Interest RateIn BC, there is no maximum interest that a high-cost credit lender can charge, as long as the APY does not exceed 60%, as per Section 347 of the Criminal Code.
Fee CapsWhile there are no provincial caps on fee charges, there are federal rules. The total fees, cost and interest of a high-cost personal loan cannot be more than the criminal interest rate of 60% APY.
Do Lenders Require A License?High-cost credit lenders must be licensed in BC and comply with requirements under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act. This license number must be clearly displayed on the high-cost credit lender's storefront or website.
Debt Collection RulesWhen collecting debt, high-cost credit lenders have rules to follow under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act. Lenders cannot:
- Collect a debt payment before the due date.
- Require information that would give the lender direct access to a borrower's bank account.
- Use account information for any purpose other than to process a pre-authorized payment.
- Use threatening, intimidating or coercive language in an attempt to collect unpaid debt.
- Communicate with the borrower's family, neighbours, friends, or employer in a manner that is considered harassment.
- Collect debt payments until the borrower has been informed in writing.
- Communicate with a borrower to collect a debt until five days after written notice has been provided.
Source: BC Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act

When it comes to cancellation rights, borrowers can void the credit contract should the lender fail to:

  • Include any of the requirements mandated in the proposed legislation (of which there are 28)
  • Inform them of any critical matters that could sway their decision to sign the contract
  • Advise of the cooling-off period
  • Provide them with a copy of the agreement and cancellation notice

Does Ontario Have Any Regulations To Protect Consumers From High-Cost Credit Lenders?

Ontario is considering implementing stricter rules for alternative lenders to protect consumers better. In January 2021, a proposal was drafted outlining a series of steps to improve business practices in the high-cost credit industry. The proposal was prepared after a comprehensive review of the Consumer Protection Act, 2002, which governs consumer transactions in the marketplace.

Max Interest RateCurrently, there are no provincial interest rates or fee limits on high-cost credit lenders (other than payday lenders) in Ontario. However, lenders must follow the federal Criminal Code interest rate limit of 60% (APY), which is equivalent to 47% (APR).
Fee CapsWhile there are no provincial caps on fee charges, there are federal rules. The total fees, cost and interest of a high-cost personal loan cannot be more than the criminal interest rate of 47% APR.
Licensing RequirementsAlternative lenders (other than payday lenders) are not required to be licensed in Ontario.
Debt Collection RulesWhile there are consumer protection rules on how collection agencies can contact borrowers, none such exist for high-cost credit lenders (other than payday lenders).

Bottom Line On High-Interest Loans In Canada

As more consumers seek alternative lenders to obtain high-cost credit products, governments across Canada will have to keep pace on the legislative front to ensure they operate their business fairly and ethically.

Borrowers with bad credit face many struggles and challenges regarding their finances, which makes them vulnerable to exploitation by unscrupulous lenders. Though most high-cost credit lenders operate in an honest, transparent, and ethical way, the few who do not can tarnish the industry’s reputation. For this reason, legislation in provinces like Alberta and British Columbia can play a critical role in ensuring the industry works for both borrowers and lenders. However, most provinces have yet to follow in their footsteps – it may take some time before such regulations are instituted across the country.

Borrower Rights FAQs

What fees do alternative lenders charge?

There are  numerous and high fees levied on loans by alternative lenders. Lenders can tack on origination fees, disbursement fees, refinancing fees, NSF fees, and more. These fees may be hidden in the terms and conditions of the loan contract or not included, with the implicit assumption that the borrowers understand their obligations. One reason for this is because provinces don’t have regulations that specify what details lenders must provide in the loan contract.

What is the highest interest rate a lender can charge?

Unless there are provincial regulations, lenders across Canada can charge up to  an effective rate of interest (EAR) of 60%. 

Are there debt collection regulations in Canada?

When dealing with a Federally regulated financial institution or a debt collection agency, there are strict rules on what they can and cannot do when collecting debt from you. High-cost credit lenders aren’t as regulated and have more freedom to collect debts how they want. However, certain provinces, such as BC and Alberta, have rules on what they can do. 
Mark Gregorski avatar on Loans Canada
Mark Gregorski

Mark is a writer who specializes in writing content for companies in the financial services industry. He has written articles about personal finance, mortgages, and real estate and is passionate about educating people on how to make smart financial decisions. Mark graduated from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology with a degree in finance and has more than ten years' experience as an accountant. Outside of writing, he enjoys playing poker, going to the gym, composing music, and learning about digital marketing.

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/2022/10/How-To-Pay-Your-Taxes-With-A-Credit-Card-Through.png
How To Pay Your Income Taxes With A Credit Card

By Lisa Rennie

If you’d like to pay your taxes using a credit card, you’ll need to use a third-party service provider like Plastiq or PaySimply.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Climate-Action-Incentive-CAI-1.png
What Is The Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR)?

By Bryan Daly

The Climate Action Incentive Payment (CAIP), or Carbon Tax Rebate, is quarterly benefit paid to eligible Canadians in

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Canada-Workers-Benefit-CWB.png
Can You Claim The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) In 2024?

By Bryan Daly

The Canada Workers Benefit is a refundable tax credit for individuals earning a low taxable income of $3,000 - $24,112.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Student-Tax-Credits-and-Deductions.png
Student Tax Credits In Canada

By Chrissy Kapralos

Similar to how there are specific tax credits and deductions for businesses, seniors, and parents, there are student tax credits in Canada.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Pay-Less-Taxes-Canada.png
How To Pay Fewer Taxes In Canada

By Bryan Daly

People are always trying to figure out how to save money on taxes in Canada. We present the best ways to legally pay less tax in Canada.

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