📅 Last Updated: November 15, 2024
✏️ Written By Bryan Daly
🕵️ Fact-Checked by Caitlin Wood
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Are Payday Loans Available In Nova Scotia?

Yes, payday loans are available in Nova Scotia. These loans are typically high-cost, short-term cash advances that are due for repayment in one lump sum by your next paycheque. In Nova Scotia, you have up to 62 days to repay your payday loan.

Payday lenders in Nova Scotia must have a current license to operate their business. They are also regulated by the Consumer Protection Act and Payday Lenders Regulations in the province.

Note: Payday loans are extremely expensive and can lead to a cycle of debt if you’re unable to repay the full amount borrowed. To Learn about the payday loan laws in your province, click here.

Licensed Payday Lenders in Nova Scotia

It’s important to work with a payday lender that’s licensed in Nova Scotia. Licensed lenders must comply with strict regulations regarding interest rates, fees, and collection practices, which ensures that you’re treated fairly.

To find a licensed payday lender in Nova Scotia, you can check lenders’ storefront or website to see if their license is clearly advertised. Alternatively, you can search the provincial government’s website, which provides a database of licensed payday lenders in Nova Scotia

To help you begin your search, here is a list of licensed payday lenders, some of which are available in person, and others that provide online-only payday loans:

LenderLoan AmountsIncome Type AcceptedAddress
Pay2DayUp to $1,500– Employment income
– EI
1251 Prince St, Truro, NS B2N 1J5Learn More
GoDay$100 – $1,500– Employment income
– Canada Child Benefit
– Disability Tax Credit
– Old Age Security
– Canada Pension Plan
– Private pensions
Online onlyLearn More
Money Mart$120 – $1,500 – Steady source of income325 Prince St Unit 100, Sydney, NS B1P 5K6Learn More
Cash MoneyUp to $1,500– Employment income
– Unemployment income
– Disability income
644 Portland St #14, Dartmouth, NS B2W 6C4Learn More
Speedy Cash$250 – $1,500– Employment income
– Unemployment benefits
– CPP or private pensions
– Child Tax Benefit
581 King St #101, Bridgewater, NS B4V 1B3Learn More
Loan ExpressUp to $1,500– Employment income
– Child Tax Benefit
– CPP or private pension
– Disability
Online onlyLearn More
Green Tree CashUp to $1,500 (up to $500 for new customers)– Employment income
– CPP, private pensions
Online only
My Canada PaydayUp to $1,500– Employment income (not self-employed)Unit 1807 – 45 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 2N6Learn More

Your Rights As A Payday Loan Borrower In Nova Scotia 

In Nova Scotia, payday loan borrowers have many rights under the Consumer Protection Act and the Payday Loans Regulation, as mentioned. Before you apply for a payday loan, get familiar with the following:

Loan AmountsUp to $1,500
Loan TermsNo longer than 62 days
Cost LimitsMaximum fee of $15 per $100 borrowed
Cooling-Off Period48 hours
Rollovers– Not allowed
Disclosures– Cost of borrowing must be clearly displayed in the place of business
– Total amount owed, including interest and all fees in loan agreement
– Licensing must be clearly displayed
Lender LicensingAll payday lenders in Nova Scotia must be licensed in the province
Default Charges– Interest up to 30% for late payments
– Maximum late fee charge of $40

Do Payday Lenders In Nova Scotia Require Good Credit? 

No, payday lenders in Nova Scotia don’t typically require a good credit score. In fact, they usually don’t conduct a credit check at all when you apply for a payday loan. Instead, payday lenders may ask for the following:

  • Proof of income
  • A bank account
  • Identification

This makes payday loans much more easily accessible to those with poor credit or no credit history.

Can You Get An E-Transfer Payday Loan In Nova Scotia?

Yes, you can get an e-transfer payday loan in Nova Scotia. Many lenders provide borrowed funds via Interac e-transfer, which allows you to get your money quickly, conveniently, and securely. 

Depending on the lender, you may receive the funds within minutes after loan approval, making this a great option if you’re in urgent need of extra cash.

Learn more: Best No Credit Check Loans

How Much Will Your Payday Loan Cost You?

Before you take out a payday loan, you should understand the exact amount it will cost you, including all interest and fees. As noted earlier, the most a payday lender in Nova Scotia can charge is $15 per $100 borrowed.

To help you get a sense of how much you can expect to pay for a payday loan in Nova Scotia, here are a few loan amounts, their respective fees and rates, and the total amount for each:

Loan Amount Cost To BorrowTotal Loan Cost 
$100$15$115
$200$30$230
$300$45$345
$400$60$460
$500$75$575
$1,000$150$1,150
$1,500$225$1,725
Note: The federal government recently proposed to reduce the maximum amount that payday lenders in Canada may charge to $14 per $100 borrowed in all provinces. This includes Nova Scotia. These changes are expected to take effect in January 2025.

What Happens If You Miss A Payday Loan Payment In Nova Scotia?

If you miss a payday loan payment in Nova Scotia, several things can happen. That said, payday lenders in Nova Scotia must adhere to regulations in the province that limit what lenders can do in the event of loan default. 

Maximum Penalty Fees-Up to 30% of the default amount per year
-Up to 2.5% per month on the overdue amount beginning the day after the loan due date
Maximum NSF Fees Up to $40 for a late payment
Collections ActionsLenders may contact you to request payment via phone calls, emails, letters, or in-person visits. However, they must not:
– Harass you or your family
– Contact you before 7am or after 9pm
– Contact you outside business hours or on weekends/holidays
– Threaten to repossess your assets without authority
– Mislead you with falsified court documents
Learn more: beta.novascotia.ca

How To File A Complaint Against A Lender In Nova Scotia

As noted, payday lenders in Nova Scotia have rules to follow when dealing with borrowers. If you believe that your rights are being violated, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Office in the province. Your complaint must be in writing and include as much relevant information as possible.

By MailPublic Enquiries – Service Nova Scotia
PO Box 2734
Halifax, NS
B3J 3K5
By Phone902-424-5200
1-800-670-4357
By Email askus@novascotia.ca
By Online FormSubmit this form online

Alternatives To Payday Loans In Nova Scotia

Payday loans are risky. If you’re in need of financial assistance but want to avoid the potential risks that come with payday loans, consider the following alternatives:

Government Assistance Programs In Nova Scotia

You may qualify for various provincial government programs if you’re struggling financially:

Income AssistanceLearn More
Heating Assistance Rebate ProgramLearn More
Nova Scotia Child BenefitLearn More
Disability Support ProgramLearn More
Affordable Living Tax Credit Learn More

Debt Relief

If your financial situation is too difficult for you to clear on your own, you may seek debt relief solutions. Keep in mind that some options may have a detrimental effect on your credit score:

ProgramDescription
Debt Consolidation Loans These loans combine several debts into a single monthly payment, typically with a lower rate.
Credit CounsellingCredit counsellors can help you create a budget, negotiate with creditors, and provide financial guidance.
Debt SettlementA debt settlement company will negotiate with your creditors to settle your outstanding balances for less than what you owe. Your credit score will be negatively affected.
Consumer ProposalsThis is a formal offer to your creditors to settle your unsecured debts. Your credit score will take a hit.
BankruptcyThis is a legal process that can help you discharge your debts. You may need to surrender your assets (with exceptions), and your credit score will be significantly affected.

Other Ways To Get Quick Cash In Nova Scotia

If your financial struggles are temporary and you’re still able to cover small loan repayments, consider the following options:

  • Credit Card Cash Advances – If you have a credit card, you can get a cash advance, but be aware of high rates.
  • Car Title Loans – This is a short-term, high-interest loan where you use your car as collateral. The lender holds the car title until you repay the loan.
  • Personal Loans – You can apply for a personal loan from a bank or online lender, depending on your credit score.
  • Small Advances & Credit Lines – These companies provide small cash advances and credit lines:
    • Nyble offers a zero-interest line of credit up to $250, which can also be used to build credit.
    • Bree offers interest-free cash advances up to $350 to help cover urgent bills or avoid NSF fees.

Payday Loan Nova Scotia FAQs

How long do I have to repay a payday loan in Nova Scotia?

The repayment period is usually 14 days, though it can be as long as 62 days.

What’s the most I can borrow?

You can borrow up to $1,500, depending on the lender.

How can I avoid payday loan interest and fees?

Your loan will cost you interest. However, you can avoid additional charges by repaying the loan on time. Alternatively, you may consider other less expensive options, like a credit card cash advance or secured loan.

How much will a $500 payday loan cost me?

In Nova Scotia, payday lenders can charge up to $15 per $100. So, if you borrowed $500, it would cost you $575 ($500 loan amount + $75 in interest and fees).

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