Get a free, no obligation personal loan quote with rates as low as 9.90%
Get Started You can apply with no impact to your credit score
📅 Last Updated: November 1, 2024
✏️ Written By Caitlin Wood, BA

How to Choose a Loan

When it comes to choosing the right loan, there are several factors you should take into consideration. 

  1. What do you need the money for? Since you’re looking to apply for a loan you likely have a reason, this will determine the type of loan and what lender you should choose. If you’re looking for a personal loan for a general reason (such as a vacation or to make a purchase), you’ll have more options to choose from then someone looking for a debt consolidation loan. 
  2. What interest rate are you being offered? When comparing the interest rates of multiple lenders, makes sure you consider the APR as well as the monthly rate. This is particularly useful when trying to decide between several lenders that are offering similar options. 
  3. What type of repayment plans are available? The repayment plan that you choose will not only dictate how often you have to make a loan payment but also how quickly you can pay off your loan. Typically, you’ll choose from monthly, weekly, or bi-weekly payments. If you’re looking to save money and pay off your loan quickly, bi-weekly payments are the best option
  4. Are there any additional fees? Generally speaking, some lenders will have a couple of fees added to the cost of your loan. But, it’s important that you make sure you aren’t being charged any illegal fees or that the cost of the fees is not higher than the legal limit. 
  5. What do consumer reviews say? When it comes to choosing a great lender to work with, reviews from other consumers can provide much-needed insight. Furthermore, if you can’t find any reviews at all, this could be a red flag.

How to Apply For a Loan Online

Once you’ve decided on the type of loan and lender that best fits your needs and the lender, it’s time to apply. The easiest way to apply for a loan is to apply online.

Loans Canada Loan Application

By applying with Loans Canada, you can get matched with the best loan offer and get your loan faster. We created a short personal loan application system to save you time (and money!) when searching for a personal loan.

See How Much You Qualify For

$
100% FREE. NO OBLIGATION.
Loan Type
Unsecured Personal LoanMore InfoApply Now
Debt Consolidation LoanMore InfoApply Now
Car Repair LoanMore InfoApply Now
Guarantor (Cosignor) LoanMore InfoApply Now
Consumer Proposal Payoff LoanMore InfoApply Now
Credit Rehab Savings LoanMore InfoApply Now
Small Business LoanMore InfoApply Now
Car LoanMore InfoApply Now

You can also follow our guide below to learn how online loan applications work.

Step One: Fill out the online application

Visit the website of the lender you want to apply with and navigate to their application. This process should take no more than 1 to 5 minutes. You will be asked to provide personal information, employment information, and financial information.

Step Two: Compile all your required documents

After submission, you should compile any required documents. This could be bank statements, proof of employment or a government-issued I.D. It’s best to compile everything you may need so that when you’re asked to submit additional information, you’ll be prepared and won’t delay your approval.

Step Three: Monitor your email and answer your phone

This step is particularly important for those looking for a quick approval. Once you’ve submitted your application you will need to wait to hear back from the lender. Depending on the lender this could be a call, an email, or even a text message. Monitor these so that you don’t miss any communication from them. It’s important to promptly answer your loan agent and provide them with exactly what they ask for, being helpful will make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible. 

Step Four: Wait for approval

Playing the waiting game is never fun, but the good news is that this step shouldn’t take too long. On average you should hear back from a lender within 48 hours. Although it’s important to keep in mind that this does vary from lender to lender. If you’re curious about the status of your loan application, you can always contact the lender.

Note: If your application is declined, you will have to restart the process with another lender. That’s why, when looking for a loan online, it’s best to apply with Canada’s leading loan search platform. Click here to get started.

Step Five: Receive funds 

Once approved, you will receive your funds. Depending on the lender, this should take no more than one business day. Most lenders will transfer the money directly to your bank account, but some may provide the option to receive a cheque.

Read More About Applying For a Loan

Compare Lenders

Filters
Loading...
Loans Canada
Loans Canada
Amount
Up to $50,000
Rate
Prime to 46.96%
Term
3-60 months
iCash - Best Quick Option
iCash
Amount
Up to $1,500
Rate
15% - 17%
Term
Fora - Best Overall
Fora
Amount
$1,000 - $15,000
Rate
19.9% - 34.9%
Term
Varies
Spring Financial - Best User Experience
Spring Financial
Amount
Up to $35,000
Rate
9.99% - 46.96%
Term
9 - 78 Months
Fairstone Financial - Best For Homeowners
Fairstone Financial
Amount
Up to $60,000
Rate
19.99% - 39.99%
Term
6 - 120
Bree - Best Interest-Free Option
Bree
Amount
Up to $350
Rate
No Cost!
Term
-
Mogo Finance - Highest Approval Chance
Mogo Finance
Amount
Up to $5,000
Rate
9.9% - 47.72%
Term
-
easyfinancial
easyfinancial
Amount
$500 - $100,000
Rate
9.99% - 46.96%
Term
Varies
LoanMeNow - Best For Low Credit
LoanMeNow
Amount
$500 - $1000+
Rate
28% to 32%
Term
3 Months
SkyCap Financial - Best Alternative Option
SkyCap Financial
Amount
$500 - $10,000
Rate
Term
Nyble - Best Credit Building Help
Nyble
Amount
$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

Loan Requirements: Documents and More 

While certain lenders may have additional requirements, here are some of the basic documents and eligibility requirements that most lenders will ask for during the loan application process. 

  • Steady income
  • Active chequing account
  • Age of majority in your province
  • Valid Canadian address
  • Canadian citizen (or permanent resident) 
  • Specific credit score requirements 
  • Social Insurance Number
  • Proof of address
  • Valid government-issued I.D.
  • Proof of employment
  • Bank statements
  • Co-signer or collateral

Costs Associated With A Loan

When deciding to apply for a loan, it’s important that you calculate all of the costs associated with it. Certain costs, for example, any unexpected fees can affect your ability to repay the loan or can change the amount you’re able to borrow. 

Interest rate. All lenders charge interest, it is the main cost of borrowing. Interest rates vary from lender to lender but in Canada, the maximum rate that can be charged is 60%. 

Fees. Depending on the type of loan you apply for there is any number of fees you may need to pay. Some of the most common fees are:

  • Administration fee
  • Loan origination fee
  • Brokerage fee
  • Non-sufficient funds fee (NSF)
  • Late payment fee
  • Early repayment fee

All loans will come with some type of fee, but if you’re concerned about a certain fee or feel as though a fee is too high, make sure you’ve read and understood your loan contract before you sign. 

Down payment. A down payment is an initial payment you make when purchasing a large asset like a house or a car. It’s typically a percentage of the purchase price of the asset, therefore the down payment you may need to save up for depends on what you’re purchasing. 

Monthly payments. Most loans are repaid in installments spread out over the term of the loan. Typically, you’ll be able to choose from monthly, weekly, or bi-weekly payments. Depending on when you receive your paychecks and your budget, you should choose the option that best works for you. Although, it’s important to note that not all lenders will offer all of these options. 

Total repayment cost. While you may be able to afford the monthly payments associated with a loan or the interest rate you were offered seems affordable, you should also take into consideration the full cost of the loan at the end of your term. Most lenders will provide you with the final cost of a loan. It’s always a good idea to ask yourself if the full cost is worth it?

Where Should You Get Your Loan From?

Finding the right lender to work with may seem like a stressful task, but once you understand what your options are, you should have no problem making the choice that best fits your unique needs. 

Bank or credit union. Probably the most common choice, a bank or credit union is a good option for those consumers who have good credit. Banks and credit unions typically have stricter approval procedures and require borrowers to meet higher standards. 

Private lender. A private lender is an individual or company that lends privately as opposed to through a traditional financial institution. Because private lenders do not have the same restrictive requirements, they are able to work with more borrowers. If you have less than great credit or have struggled financially in the past, a private lender could be a great option for you. 

Loan broker. Brokers have relationships with multiple lenders and can help you find the best option and rate. One of the main benefits of working with a broker is that you apply with them and they do all the work for you. This means you’ll save time and get the best options that fit your needs. 

Online lender. An online lender works directly with borrowers to get them approved for the loans they need. A consumer will fill out the lender’s online application, which is typically quick and easy to accomplish. Once approved they will receive funds directly deposited into their bank account. Online lenders are able to approve more borrowers because they don’t need to follow the same strict approval procedures as banks and credit unions. An online lender is a good option for someone who has struggled financially, who is currently receiving Employment Insurance, or who has poor credit.

Payday loan lender. If you’re currently thinking about applying for a payday loan, we suggest that you consider all other options first. While a payday loan may seem like a great option (easy application and quick approval), more often than not they can cause serious financial issues.

Note: if you apply for your loan online with Loans Canada, your application gets automatically checked against our entire network of lenders, leaving you with the best options to choose from at the end of the application process. Apply with us today to save time and money.

How to Pay Off Your Loan

Once you’ve received your funds, the next step is to start your repayment plan. Your repayment schedule is set, so you should know what to expect when paying off your loan.

But, it’s important to focus on making sure you can afford to make all your payments as scheduled.

Automatic payments. Most lenders require loan payments to be automatically withdrawn from the borrower’s account. This is a great option as you won’t need to remember to send in your payments and therefore won’t run the risk of missing a payment. But, it’s also important to make sure you always have the funds needed in your account. If your payment bounces, you will be charged a non-sufficient funds fee by your lender and your bank.

Communication. If you know you won’t have the necessary funds in your account one month you should contact your lender before they try to withdrawal the payment. Likely, they will be able to help you out and rescheduled the payment, but if you don’t reach out, they might not be as willing to help you after your payment bounces. 

Prepayment. Making all your payments on time will keep you on schedule, but there is always the possibility to pay off your loan earlier than scheduled. Some lenders will allow you to make a large one-time payment to pay down your balance quicker. You may also want to discuss with your lender the possibility of paying off the full balance of your loan, keep in mind that depending on how your interest is being calculated, this may not save you any money. 

Loan Safety

Getting approved for a loan, regardless of your credit or financial past is easier than ever. We have more options, more lenders, and more ways to apply. And while these advancements are great, unfortunately, now more than ever we need to be wary of the scams and fraudulent lenders that threaten our financial security. 

Upfront Payment Loan Scams

The number one most common loan scam currently plaguing Canadian consumers is the upfront payment or loan insurance scam. An individual pretending to be a legitimate lender or even pretending to work for a well-established lender, calls up an unsuspecting consumer and tells them they have been approved for a loan. But, the one catch is that they require an upfront payment, that acts as loan insurance before the money can be deposited into the consumer’s bank account. Typically, the loan insurance payment needs to be provided via a gift card (Steam, Amazon, Visa, etc.) but also they may ask for direct access to your online banking.

No legitimate lender will ever ask a Canadian consumer for an upfront payment of any kind. This is a scam. If you give this person any form of money, they will take it and you will never hear from them again. It’s also important to note that it is almost impossible to catch this type of scammer and you will likely never get your money back. 

Legitimate Lender vs. Scammer

Legitimate LenderScammer
Requires time to assess eligibility and go over your applicationPromises guaranteed approval
Asks for bank statementsAsks for access to online banking
Does not ask for any form of upfront paymentAsks for upfront payment in the form of loan insurance
Provides you with loan offer and contract to go over, answers any questions you haveBullies you into accepting an offer
Has a legitimate business email addressHas a Gmail (for another email provider) email address

How to Protect Yourself From Loan Scams

  • Before you apply for a loan on any site, make sure that the site has all of the following:
    • Educational information in the form of blog posts, videos, tools, etc.
    • Detailed information about the loans and services they offer
    • A physical address
  • Look for online reviews for any lender you want to apply with
  • Keep track of the lenders you apply with, staying organized will help prevent any confusion if you’re contacted by a company you don’t know
  • Do not accept any unsolicited loan offers, even if you were thinking about applying for a loan in the near future
  • Don’t provide personal information over the phone that you already provided in the loan application
Learn More About Dealing With Loan Scams

Check Out These Reputable Lenders In Canada

Fairstone Learn More
LendDirect Learn More
Mogo Learn More
EasyfinancialLearn More
MoneyMartLearn More
Cash4YouLearn More

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a loan with bad credit?

Yes, Canadians with bad credit can still qualify for a loan. Unsecured bad credit loans may be paired with higher interest rates, but consumers can still opt for a secured loan such as a car title loan to gain access to lower rates. 

Can I apply for a loan with my Canada Child Tax Benefit?

If you’re a parent and receive the Canada Child Tax Benefit, it’s considered a type of income. This means you can use it as a means to qualify for a loan. However, you’ll need to find a lender that accepts this type of income. You will likely need to work with an alternative lender.

Will applying for a loan hurt my credit score?

If the lender performs a hard pull of your credit, yes your credit score will go down a few points. But it will recover over time. The most important thing is to make sure you don’t have too many hard pulls within a short period of time. Click here to learn more about having your credit checked.  

Why was my loan application rejected?

There are a variety of reasons why your application may have been rejected. For a detailed look at these reasons, check out this article. Fortunately, there are also a variety of ways to improve your chances of approval, including getting a cosigner.

Can I pay off my loan early?

Yes, some lenders will allow you to settle your account early. Just keep in mind that you may be charged a prepayment penalty, which is typically a percentage of your remaining loan balance. Before you sign a loan contract make sure you understand the terms of your loan.

What happens if I miss a payment?

Missing a loan payment will affect your finances in two ways. A missed payment will be reported to the credit bureaus and negatively impact your credit score. And your lender could potentially charge you a late fee. If you know you won’t be able to make a loan payment on time, make sure you speak with your lender. 

What is the difference between a secured and an unsecured loan?

A secured loan is backed by some form of collateral, typically an asset like a vehicle or piece of property. If a borrower defaults on a secured loan, the asset could be seized. An unsecured loan does not require collateral. The heightened risk of an unsecured loan may result in a higher interest rate, although this is usually a function of the applicant’s credit history.

How to tell if a lender is legitimate?

Choosing a legitimate lender can seem like a daunting task, but there are a few key factors to watch out for. For example, a legitimate lender will never ask for any form of upfront payment and should have many independent reviews you can look at online. For a more detailed look at finding a legitimate lender, click here. To find reviews about your lender, click here.

Can I transfer my loan to someone else?

Certain loans, for example, a car loan, can be transferred to someone else. But, a personal loan cannot be transferred.
Caitlin Wood Priyanka Correia Lisa Rennie Bryan Daly Cris Ravazzano Margaret Johnson Kale Havervold Liz Enriquez Sean Cooper Veronica Ott Corrina Murdoch Chrissy Kapralos

A Team of Experts

Get expert tips and guidance from a community of renown personal finance experts right here at Loans Canada. We're here to help you stay informed so you can make the best financial decisions.

Trusted by 4,000,000+ Happy Applicants

More From Our Experts

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/woveo.png
Woveo Review

By Lisa Rennie
Published on June 18, 2024

Check out Woveo, a community based savings program that also provides access to a interest free line of credit which can help you build credit.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Home-equity-loans-for-seniors.png
Home Equity Loans For Seniors

By Lisa Rennie

As a senior, getting a loan can be more difficult due to lower income and age restrictions. Thankfully, there are many home equity loans for seniors i...

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Debt-Consolidation-Loan-Application-Rejection.png
Debt Consolidation Loan Rejection: Reasons And What Can You Do?

By Bryan Daly

You applied for a debt consolidation loan to finally start tackling your debt but then you got denied. Now what?

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/loan_payment-1.png
What Happens When I Can’t Make My Loan Payments?

By Caitlin Wood, BA

Are you missing loan payments? What happens If you can't pay your loan? Finf out what happens and what you can do.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/High-Cost-Credit-Legislation-in-Canada-1.png
Borrower Rights: High-Interest Loan Legislation In Canada

By Mark Gregorski

To better protect vulnerable borrowers, provinces have enacted legislation that sets boundaries on what alternative lenders can and can’t do.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/I-need-my-money-now.png
Need Money Today? Find Out Where You Can Get It

By Jessica Martel

Do you find yourself saying "I need my money today" often? Here are some simple and quick ways to get money quickly.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Best-Bad-Credit-Loans.png
Best Bad Credit Loans in Canada 2024

By Bryan Daly

These are the best bad credit loan options in Canada right now. An easy list to make an easy choice. Here is everything you need to know!

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/KOHO-Line-of-Credit.png
How Does a Line of Credit Work?

By KOHO

A line of credit is a less rigid credit option. You only pay interest on what you use. That means flexibility. Read this article to get the

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