As a senior member of the Loans Canada team, Priyanka Correia is committed to empowering Canadians with the knowledge they need to make smart financial choices. Expertise:
Personal finance
Consumer borrowing
Consumer banking
Debt management
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Updated On: May 26, 2025
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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.
Magical Credit is an online lender that offers two types of loan products; Magical Cash Loans and Magical Installment Loans. Borrowers can access up to $1,500 with the Magical Cash Loan and up to $20,000 with the Magical Installment Loan. Magical Credit specializes in bad credit loans, so qualifying with them may be easier compared to traditional banks. Moreover, they accept various government subsidies as income for their Magical Cash Loan, providing greater accessibility to those in need.
Available in seven provinces, iCash is an online source of fast, small loans that can be used for any emergency. Approved applications are processed within the same day and no documentation is required before the transfer of your funds. You can borrow up to $1,500 with iCash. Every time you pay the loan back following the agreed-upon deadline, you become a more reputable borrower. The increased trust allows you to borrow more each time. iCash uses a Trust Rating System, an algorithmic function that determines your merit as a borrower.
AimFinance is a financial service that provides small personal loans up to $1,000 to borrowers in Ontario and BC. The online application process is quick and easy, and funding is provided in as little as 24 hours. Loan terms range from 9 to 24 months, with interest rates ranging from 29% to 35%. AimFinance focuses on helping bad credit borrowers access credit without the need to undergo a credit check. So, if you have bad credit, you’re still eligible to apply.
GoLoans is a Canadian financial services company that offers online installment loans. The online application process can be completed in a few minutes, with funding available in as little as 2 hours or less after approval. GoLoans does not require credit checks and aims to help borrowers build their credit scores with timely payments. Repayment terms are flexible and range from 91 to 120 days or longer, depending on your needs. This flexibility makes GoLoans a convenient financial solution when you need fast cash and easy repayment terms.
LoanMeNow offers Canadian consumers quick access to the cash they need. They offer loans up to $1,000 with no credit check required. Funds are deposited directly into your bank account within as little as 24 hours. A short-term loan from LoansMeNow can help you cover the cost of an unexpected expense or tide you over until your next paycheque. Whatever your financial needs are, LoanMeNow’s quick approval time means you’ll be able to get back on track as soon as possible.
Venue Financial is a financial services company that offers short-term lending solutions online and in person to consumers in British Columbia (BC). The application and approval process is quick and easy, with funding available via e-transfer shortly after approval. All income types are accepted, and flexible repayment terms make repayments manageable for borrowers. No credit check is required, making Venue Financial a suitable option for bad credit borrowers or those with no credit history.
Wagepay is an online financial services platform that provides early payday advances, allowing consumers to access some of their upcoming paycheques before payday. The sign-up process takes just a few minutes, with up to $1,500 made available shortly after approval. No credit check is required, making it a great option for bad credit borrowers in need of cash but can't wait for their next paycheque to come in.
Cash Money has been helping Canadians access easy and quick loans for more than 30 years. They offer payday loans, personal loans, and line of credit loans from $1,500 to $10,000. User will enjoy their simple online application, personalized options, and same-day funding. Whether you need to cover an emergency expense or simply need to make it to your next payday, Cash Money can a variety of options to meet your needs.
Cashco Financial is a Canadian financial services company that offers short- and long-term loan options. Payday loans for up to $1,500 are available with no credit checks and instant approvals. Flex loans are available for up to $7,000 with loan terms of up to 60 months and flexible repayment options. Cashco is known for providing same-day funding, ensuring you have access to the money you need quickly.
Captain Cash specializes in providing quick online cash loans to consumers of all credit types. You can get up to $750 and repay your loan over a term as long as 3 months or more. Same-day approvals are available when you apply during business hours and funds are sent via email money transfer. If you have bad credit, you’re still encouraged to apply, as no credit check is required.
GoDay is an online payday loan lender that offers small, short-term loans up to $1,500. The application process is very quick and can be completed in as little as 5 minutes. You'll receive an instant decision once you submit your application, and funding can be accessible in as little as 1 hour. Their goal is to help Canadians in need of short-term financing access quick funds to cover last-minute expenses without the hurdles that typically come with traditional lending.
Cash4You is a financial services company that offers payday loans and installment loans. Payday loans are available for up to $1,500, and installment loans are available for up to $15,000. Cash4You provides an easy and efficient application process, which can be done either online or in-store. Loan applications can be approved very quickly and funding provided shortly after. Cash4You caters to consumers with varying credit scores, so bad credit borrowers may apply.
Pay2Day is an online payday lender in Canada that offers small, short-term payday loans for up to $1,500. The company has over 30 locations across Canada, giving borrowers the option to apply either in-person or online. Loan applications and approvals are available 24/7, with funding available in as little as 1 to 2 hours via e-transfer. No credit checks are required, making payday loans from Pay2Day accessible to bad credit borrowers. Pay2Day aims to make financial solutions more accessible, quick, and convenient for Canadians in need of fast cash but who don't have the credentials to secure a traditional loan.
My Canada Payday is a licensed payday lender specializing in short-term loans with fast approval and no credit checks, making them an ideal option for bad credit borrowers with urgent financial needs. Loans are available from $100 to $1,500, with funds available via e-transfer in as little as 15 minutes after approval.
Speedy Cash is a financial services company in Canada that provides payday loans both online and in person. Loan amounts are available from $200 to $1,500, based on income. The application and approval process is straightforward, and no credit check is required. Once approved, you can receive the funds as quickly as 30 minutes later via e-transfer.
Loan Express is an online lender that provides payday loans up to $1,500 with high approval rates and e-transfers available in as little as 2 minutes. Loan Express specializes in making small loans accessible to consumers with various credit backgrounds, including those with bad credit. If you're not employed and are collecting a pension or government benefits, you may still be eligible for a small, short-term payday loan from Loan Express. The simple and straightforward online application process makes Loan Express a viable option for those who need immediate financial relief.
Instant Payday Canada is an online payday lender in Canada that provides small, short-term loans for up to $1,500. Funds can be made available in as little as 15 minutes after approval, which is ideal in cases where fast cash is required to cover a pressing expense.
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:
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.
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.
Do I need a bank account when applying for a payday loan in the physical branch?
Yes, whether you are applying for a payday loan in-person or online, you need an active bank account. This is because the lender will complete an automatic withdrawal in order to process the repayment of the loan. When your loan comes due (upon your next payday), the lender will withdraw the base amount plus interest from your bank account.
Will the payday loan lender give me cash or a cheque when I apply in person?
The lender will give you either cash or a cheque when you apply in-store, depending on your preference. Typically, if you apply online, the funds are directly deposited into your bank account, though this can take longer than getting the funds in person. When you complete the loan application at the branch, the customer service representative will inquire as to your preferences.
Can I get a payday loan at my local bank?
No, banks do not offer this type of product. Payday loans are a specialized type of financing only offered by payday lenders or alternative lenders.
Can I get more than one payday loan?
You’re only allowed to take out one payday loan at a time. Payday lenders are not permitted to issue “rollover” loans, which involve rolling over what you owe on your payday loan into another loan. The first loan must first be paid in full before you can take out another payday loan.
How can I get $1,000 today?
If you need $1,000 right away, a payday loan is one of the easiest and fastest ways to get your hands on the money. Other financing options may include pawn shop loans and title loans, which can provide access to the funds within hours after approval.
Corrina Murdoch has been a dedicated freelance writer and editor for several years. With an academic background in the sciences and a penchant for mathematics, she seeks to provide readers with accurate, reliable information on important topics. Working as a print journalist for several years, Corrina expanded her reach into the digital sphere to help more people gain insight into the realm of finances. When she's not writing, you can find Corrina swimming and spending time with family.
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