📅 Last Updated: March 6, 2024
✏️ Written By Lisa Rennie
🕵️ Fact-Checked by Caitlin Wood
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Personal Loan Lenders In Canada

Luckily for Canadians looking to apply for a personal loan, there are plenty of lenders and online lending platforms available. Let’s take a look at some of them, what they offer, their perks, and some things to watch out for. 

LC Logo

Loans Canada 

Loans Canada is an online loan aggregator that helps you find lenders and loan programs based on your financial and credit profile. It’s free to use and can make loan shopping quick, easy, and convenient. Based on your personal and financial information, Loans Canada will match you with the right lenders. 

Loans Canada is particularly useful for those with subpar credit who may have trouble getting approved for a loan through conventional outlets, such as banks and credit unions. Loans Canada is partnered with many lenders that work with these types of underserved borrowers.

After completing a loan application with Loans Canada, you can get multiple offers from different direct lenders within 24 to 48 hours, and then funded within 1 to 3 business days.

Pros Of Loans Canada

  • Several options for borrowers with both good and bad credit
  • Interest rates as low as 2%
  • Quickly matches borrowers with lenders and loan options 
  • A+ rating with the BBB
  • Member of the Canadian Lenders Association

Cons Of Loans Canada

  • Not a direct lender
  • High-interest rates for those with low credit scores
Easyfinancial

easyfinancial 

easyfinancial is an alternative lender that offers personal loans, home equity loans, and car loans. The company has been around since 2006 and now has more than 400 brick-and-mortar locations across Canada. You can apply for a loan and receive your funds entirely online, and your credit won’t be affected. 

easyfinancial pays particular attention to those who would otherwise have a difficult time getting approved for a conventional loan, such as students, newcomers to Canada, and bad credit or no credit borrowers. 

Pros Of easyfinancial 

  • Both secured and unsecured loans offered
  • Quick loan application and approval
  • Bad and no credit borrowers can qualify

Cons Of easyfinancial

  • Interest rates can be expensive with APR’s capping at 35%
mogo

Mogo

Mogo is a fintech firm that offers a variety of loan and credit products, including personal loans, mortgages, cryptocurrency, free credit score monitoring, and identity fraud protection. Mogo also offers a prepaid card designed to help consumers build credit. You can also use Mogo to trade and invest commission-free using the MogoTrade platform. 

Pros Of Mogo

  • Loan amounts as high as $35,000
  • Relatively competitive rates for those with decent credit, starting at 9.9%
  • Quick loan quotes and a relatively easy approval process
  • 100-day money-back guarantee policy (interest and fees are refunded if you change your mind within 100-days.)

Cons Of Mogo 

  • High-interest rates for bad credit borrowers
  • Not all loans are eligible for the 100-day money-back guarantee 
spring

Spring Financial

Founded in 2014, Spring Financial is an alternative online lender that offers multiple loan products to consumers with fair or bad credit. Borrowers can apply for Spring Financial’s personal loan or credit-builder loan to establish and build credit. You can borrow anywhere from $500 to $15,000 and choose from loan terms between 9 to 48 months.

Pros Of Spring Financial

  • Apply and get funded entirely online
  • Quick loan approval and funding, within 24 hours
  • No early prepayment penalty fees 
  • Easily accessible customer support 

Cons Of Spring Financial

  • High interest rates for bad credit borrowers
  • You may be offered a credit builder loan instead if you don’t qualify for a personal loan
Loanz

Loanz

Loanz is an online lender that offers personal loans for consumers with fair to bad credit. Its application and approval process is very quick and simple, with instant loan approval and funding provided within the same day in many cases. You can get $1,000 to $15,000 depending on your financial profile.

Pros Of Loanz

  • Get pre-approved in as little as 3-minutes
  • Get funded in as little as 15 minutes 
  • Has low requirements, bad credit or no credit borrowers are accepted

Cons Of Loanz

  • APRs offered by Loanz are 29.9% or 46.9%
  • Fees not specified
Borrowell

Borrowell

Borrowell is a financial provider that helps consumers better manage their finances. Thousands of Canadians use Borrowell to check their credit scores for free. Borrowell also offers guidance on mortgages and recommendations on credit cards. Personal loans are available with loan amounts up to $35,000, which can be used to cover a wide range of expenses.  

Pros Of Borrowell

Cons Of Borrowell

  • Bi-weekly payment option is not available, only monthly payments are available
Fairstone logo

Fairstone

Fairstone is an alternative lender that offers secured and unsecured personal loans and debt consolidation loans. It’s been in the industry for a century and has over 230 locations across Canada. 

With Fairstone, you can obtain free no-commitment quotes that won’t affect your credit. Interest rates charged are higher than what banks offer, but less than what is typically charged for payday loans. In order to qualify for a loan from Fairstone, you’ll need fair to good credit.

Pros Of Fairstone

Cons Of Fairstone

  • High interest rates, as much as 39.99% 
  • Extra fees possible on secured loans

What Are The Requirements For A Personal Loan In Toronto?

Different lenders have their own lending criteria that applicants must meet, but the following are usually part of the overall requirements:

  • Be the age of majority in your province or territory
  • Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
  • Provide photo identification 
  • Have an active bank account for fund deposits and payment withdrawals
  • Be employed with a steady income
  • Have the minimum credit score the lender requires

Documents Needed To Apply For A Personal Loan in Toronto 

In order to prove the above, you’ll need to supply documents, such as the following: 

Photo Identification

The lender will want to verify your identity, so you’ll need to provide government-issued photo identification to satisfy this requirement. Usually, 1 to 2 pieces of ID are sufficient, such as your:

  • Driver’s license
  • Health card
  • Passport

Bank Documents

You’ll need sufficient income to support the loan payments. To prove your income and employment, you’ll need to supply one or more of the following:

Miscellaneous Documents

The lender might also require other documentation to support your application, such as the following:

  • Utility bill as proof of address
  • Letter from employer as proof of employment
  • Social Insurance Number (SIN)

How To Apply For A Personal Loan In Toronto

To apply for a personal loan, follow these steps:

Step 1: Comparison Shop

Before applying for a loan, take a few minutes to conduct a quick online search of the lenders and loan products available. There are plenty of online loan aggregators you can use that will instantly populate a number of lenders and the personal loan products they offer, along with the rates based on the information you provide. 

Step 2: Submit An Application

If you’re using an online lender to get a personal loan, the application process will be entirely online. Have all of the necessary information ready to input into the application to streamline the process. 

You’ll need to provide details such as the following:

  • Full name
  • Address
  • Contact information
  • Information about your income and employment
  • Information about your assets and debts

Step 3: Submit Required Documents

Your lender may require proof of your employment, income, and assets. As such, you may be asked to submit any of the following:

  • Government-issued I.D.
  • Bank statements
  • Letter of employment 

Depending on the type of loan you’re applying for, the lender may or may not conduct a credit check. If a credit check is required, your lender will need your consent to pull your credit report. 

Step 4: Review and Submit Your Application

Carefully read over your loan application to make sure you’ve completed all sections and that all information is 100% accurate. Then submit your application.

Step 5: Review Your Agreement

After your loan application is approved, your lender will send a loan agreement. Review this contract in its entirety before agreeing to its terms. If you’re comfortable with the agreement, sign it.

Step 6: Get Funded

You can expect the funds from your personal loan within 1 to 2 business days, depending on the lender and the exact type of loan you’ve applied for. The funds will be deposited into your bank account unless you don’t have one, in which case other arrangements can be made. 

Types Of Personal Loans You Can Get In Toronto

Personal loans in Toronto come in a few varieties, depending on your needs. More specifically, you can choose between secured or unsecured personal loans, as well as fixed- versus variable-rate personal loans.

Secured Or Unsecured Personal Loans

  • Secured loans are those that are backed by some form of collateral, whether it’s a house, car, equipment, investments, and so forth. Because of the collateral used, secured loans are generally easier to get approved for compared to unsecured loans. They also tend to come with lower interest rates because they’re less risky for lenders.
  • Unsecured loans, on the other hand, don’t require collateral. In the event that you default on your loan payments, your lender won’t have any asset of value to repossess to recoup their losses. As such, there’s more risk for the lender, which also means unsecured loans typically require stronger qualifications and come with higher interest rates.  

Fixed- Or Variable-Rate Personal Loans 

  • Fixed-rate personal loans maintain the same interest rate for the duration of the loan term. That means your loan rate won’t change, even if the going rate fluctuates over time. Fixed-rate personal loans are easier to budget for since your payments will always remain the same. 
  • Variable-rate personal loans, on the other hand, have an interest rate that changes over the loan term. A variable rate fluctuates based on the Bank of Canada’s prime rate. Variable rates can be a good option if rates are expected to remain low or you plan to pay your loan off early. 

Can You Get A Personal Loan In Toronto With Bad Credit?

There are several online lending firms available that cater to borrowers with bad credit. Some may require a credit check, while others might not. That said, these lenders don’t place as much emphasis on your credit scores as the banks do. Instead, alternative lenders look at a variety of other factors, including your income, job stability, and bank account when deciding whether or not to approve your loan application. Keep in mind, however, that when you apply for a personal loan with bad credit, you’ll likely be paying higher interest rates.

Can You Get A Personal Loan In Toronto With No Credit Check? 

While conventional lenders might require a credit check, there are alternative lenders in Toronto who provide “no credit check” loans. Similar to bad credit loans, a no credit check loan usually means you’ll have to meet other lending criteria to make up for your lack of credit. Again, you’ll likely pay higher interest and qualify for lower loan amounts with these no credit check lenders in Toronto. 

Can You Get A Personal Loan In Toronto With No Bank Verification?

Lenders in Toronto typically require an active bank account for funding and repayment purposes. Similarly, lenders usually require your bank information to help them verify certain financial information. But if you don’t have access to a bank account, you may still be able to secure a loan.

A “no bank verification” loan is a specific type of loan that does not require any documentation to be verified by the lender. There’s no need to provide the lender with any documentation surrounding your bank account or other assets, though you will still need to prove your income when you apply. 

Can You Get A Personal Loan In Toronto With No Refusal? 

Loans with no refusal are quick, short-term loans, with funding available in as little as 24 hours after application.

A “no refusal” loan is one that does not require a credit check. In other words, you don’t have to prove that you have strong credit to get approved, so your application won’t be rejected as a result of your bad credit. Instead, the lender will base their decision to approve you for a loan on other factors, including your income and assets. 

Can You Get A Personal Loan In Toronto With Instant Approval? 

Certain lenders provide instant approval following loan applications, typically these are payday loans so make sure you understand the costs associated with this type of loan. 

An instant approval loan is just what it sounds like: a loan that is instantly approved after you complete the application. These short-term loans are designed to help consumers who need quick access to funds to cover unexpected or urgent expenses. The entire application, approval, and funding process is streamlined, allowing borrowers to apply and be approved within minutes.

Loan amounts are usually not very high, as these loans are typically meant to cover smaller financial expenses. Funds are made available as soon as possible. 

How To Calculate The Cost Of Your Toronto Personal Loan

The exact amount that your personal loan will cost you depends on several factors, such as the following:

  • Your Credit Scores. A high credit score not only increases your chances of getting approved for a loan, but it may also lower the APR on your loan. Generally speaking, credit scores over 660 will ensure lower APRs compared to those with scores under this threshold.  
  • Loan Amount. The more you borrow, the more interest you’ll have to pay over the life of the loan. 
  • Loan Term. The length of your loan term plays a role in the overall amount you pay in interest. Longer loan terms might mean smaller monthly payments, but you’ll pay more in interest over the term. 
  • Miscellaneous Fees. Lenders can charge an array of extra fees, such as loan origination fees, administrative fees, NSF fees, and early prepayment penalties.
APRMonthly PaymentTotal InterestTotal Cost
10%$87.92$54.99$1,054.99
20%$92.63$111.61$1,111.61
30%$97.49$169.85$1,169.85
40%$102.47$229.66$1,229.66
*$1,000 personal loan with a 1-year term.

Best Reasons To Use A Personal Loan In Toronto

We know that personal loans are very common in Toronto, but what can they be used for? Well, the options are essentially endless as you can use them on whatever you need. Some of the best reasons you can use your personal loan in Toronto include:

  • Emergency medical care or medical bills
  • Car repairs
  • Household improvements
  • Large unexpected expenses

How Much Of A Loan Can You Qualify For In Toronto? 

Personal loan lenders often provide loans as low as $300 and as high as $35,000. However, some even provide $50,000 loans. How large of a personal loan you can get approved for in Toronto depends on quite a few different factors including: 

  • The Lender – The lender you choose to work with and their requirements will affect the loan amount you’re approved for. 
  • Your Income – Lenders will check your income level to see how much loan you can afford. The more you make the higher the loan amount you can qualify for.
  • Your Debt – In addition to your income, your lender will evaluate your current debt obligations to see how much of your income goes toward it. If you already have a lot of debt, your lender may be unwilling to provide you with a large loan as you may not have enough left to cover a new loan. 
  • Security – If you provide collateral like a vehicle or piece of property, you can usually qualify for a larger loan as it reduces the lender’s risk. 
  • Your Credit – Your credit scores can also impact the loan amount you qualify for. Generally, those with good credit can qualify for larger loans and access better terms and more affordable rates. 

Personal Loans in Toronto FAQs

What credit score do I need to get a personal loan in Toronto? 

Generally, credit scores over 660 are considered “good”. Those with good credit scores should have no trouble getting a personal loan in Toronto. However, those with fair credit or bad credit may have difficulty getting a loan, particularly with banks. Individuals with fair or bad credit can still get a loan with private lenders whose borrowing requirements are more flexible. 

Can a personal loan affect my credit scores?

A personal loan can affect your credit scores if your lender reports to one or both of the credit bureaus. Your personal loan payments can help build your payment history which can positively affect your credit scores. Similarly, any missed or late payments can negatively affect it. Do note, that if your lender doesn’t report your payments, your credit scores will not be positively or negatively affected (unless you default and the lender sells your debt to a collection agency). 

How do I know if a lender in Toronto is legit?

  It’s important that you only work with a legitimate lender before signing a loan agreement. Look at the following factors when assessing a lender:
  • The lender should be registered as an active business in your province or territory.
  • The lender should have a physical address, and active contact information, including a phone number and email address.
  • The lender should not be promising “guaranteed loan approval.” Steer clear of lenders who make this promise, as they’re likely predatory in nature. 

Bottom Line

Finding the right personal loan in Toronto isn’t always easy, especially if you’ve dealt with past financial issues or are currently struggling with less than great credit. The good news is there are lots of personal loan lenders in Toronto to choose from. If you’re interested in seeing what your options are, Loans Canada can help by matching you with a loan that will work for you and your budget. 

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