woman smiling holding glass mug sitting beside table with MacBook

Best Bad Credit Loans

How much are you looking for?

NO OBLIGATION. FREE 100%

Any Credit is Accepted
Doesn't Affect your Credit
Rates from 9.90%
Loan up to $50,000
Apply one, get multiple options
Establish your credit record

Best Bad Credit Loans

Securing a loan with bad credit is easier than you might think, and the process is relatively simple. Additionally, obtaining a bad credit loan no longer requires visiting one of Canada's big 6 banks. You can now apply online through reputable companies and – voilà – get approved and funded in less than 24 hours. If you're in Canada and looking for a loan with bad credit, continue reading. We’ve compiled a list of trustworthy lenders who can assist you in getting the funds you need.

How Can You Qualify For A Bad Credit Loan in Canada?

Just to clarify – Is it possible to get a loan with bad credit?

The answer is: absolutely! Having bad credit doesn't mean you have no options when it comes to applying for and securing a loan.

Get a free, no-obligation personal loan quote today, with rates starting as low as 9.99%!

You can apply without affecting your credit score.

First, it's important to research the lender. However, there are several steps you can take to improve your chances of being approved for the best bad credit loan, such as:

  • Having a full-time job for several months

  • Increasing your income and saving as much as possible

  • Consolidating your existing debts to lower your debt-to-income ratio

  • Offering an asset (like a vehicle or real estate) as collateral for a secured loan

  • Finding a co-signer to support your application

  • The reality is that if you demonstrate the ability to pay your debts on time, lenders will likely offer you a better interest rate and repayment plan. Additionally, they may approve you for a larger loan amount. The less risky you appear to the lender, the more favorable the outcome.

Types of Bad Credit Loan.

Bad Credit Personal Loan

How Can You Apply For Bad Credit Loans Online?

1. Assess Your Finances and Credit Score

What Are the Costs of Bad Credit Loans?

Interest – This is the amount your lender charges for borrowing. The lower the interest rate, the less you'll pay in the long run. However, bad credit loans typically come with higher interest rates due to the increased risk lenders take on with clients who have poor credit histories.

Fees – Many borrowers overlook the various fees their lender might charge, whether on a per-payment basis or as one-time costs. These fees can include charges for loan origination, document preparation, and other administrative services.

Penalties – As long as you make your payments on time, you won't need to worry about penalties. However, late, incomplete, or missed payments can result in penalty fees.

Term – The length of your loan, along with the size and frequency of your payments, plays an important role in the total cost. A longer loan term may result in lower monthly payments, but a shorter term with higher payments will reduce the overall cost of the loan.

Loan Amount

Loan Term

Interest Rate

$500 - $10,000

12-60 months

19%-46.96%

Payday Loan

$100 -$1,000

2 weeks

$5-25$ per $100 borrowed

Vehicle Title Loan

$500 -$50,000

12-60 months

9.9%-46.96%

Credit Builder Loan

$1,250-$10,000

6-12 months

2%-19.99%

Before applying for any loan, regardless of your credit status, it's important to evaluate your financial situation and check your credit score. Doing so will give you a clearer idea of the type of loan offer you can expect to receive.

2. Compare Lenders

Different lenders may be a better fit depending on the type of loan you need and your financial situation. That's why it's crucial to compare your options. Look at factors like interest rates, loan amounts, fees, and the total cost of the loan after repayment, and be sure to check consumer reviews.

3. Collect Necessary Documents

Although application requirements may differ between lenders, ensure you have the following documents and information prepared to streamline the application process:

  • Government-issued ID

  • 3 months of bank statements

  • Proof of address

  • Proof of income/employment

4. Apply For Bad Credit Loans Online!

Once you've chosen the lender you'd like to apply with, it's time to submit your application. Most lenders specializing in bad credit offer an online application process, so you can apply from the comfort of your own home.

5. Wait for Approval of Your Bad Credit Loan

Most alternative lenders can respond within 24 hours, while others may take a few days. Be sure to check your email and answer your phone in case the lender needs additional information or has questions for you.

6. Get Funded

Once approved, you can expect to receive your loan within 24 hours. Most lenders can send funds via Interac e-Transfer or direct deposit.

Before applying for a bad credit loan, it's crucial to consider your budget and the overall expenses associated with the loan.

Example

*$1,000 personal loan with a 1-year term.

What is Bad Credit?

Bad credit can be hard to grasp, especially if you're new to using credit. Here's a basic overview of how credit works:

  • When you first use a credit card, your lender starts reporting your payment history to credit bureaus like Equifax and TransUnion, which operate in Canada.

  • Each bureau will create a slightly different credit report in your name. This document contains all your credit-related actions over the past few years.

BORROW YOU UP TO $50,000

NO OBLIGATION. IT IS FULL FREE 100%

  • You will also receive a 3-digit credit score, ranging from 300 to 900, that reflects the health of your credit. Remember, credit users typically have more than one credit score.

  • If you apply for additional credit, such as a loan, many lenders will check your credit to assess the potential risk of lending to you.

What Happens When You Have Good Credit?

If your score falls within the "good" range of 660 to 900, it typically indicates that you are a responsible borrower. As a result, lenders will view you as more likely to repay your debts on time, making it easier for you to be approved for higher credit limits, lower interest rates, and favorable payment terms.

What Happens When You Have Bad Credit?

If you’ve been neglecting your previous debts, your credit score can quickly drop into the “bad” range of 300 to 559. Lenders can review your credit history and see any missed payments from the past few years, making them view you as a higher risk. As a result, you may only qualify for a small credit limit, higher interest rates, and restrictive payment terms.

While late or missed payments are the quickest way to damage your credit score, there are other factors that can contribute to bad credit, such as:

  • Errors on your credit report (e.g., incorrect name, address, etc.)

  • Identity theft, including stolen credit card or banking information

  • Failing to update your address with your lender(s) after moving

  • Carrying too much revolving debt on your credit card or line of credit

  • Applying for credit too frequently (each credit check results in a hard inquiry, which can slightly lower your score)

Should You Consider a Secured Bad Credit Loan?
By offering an asset as collateral, you allow the lender to temporarily take ownership of it until your loan is fully paid off. If you miss too many payments and fail to work out an arrangement, the lender has the right to seize the asset and sell it to recover the debt. The added security of collateral can not only make it easier to secure a bad credit loan but may also help you qualify for lower interest rates.

Should You Add a Co-Signer to Your Bad Credit Loan?

Having a co-signer on your loan application can help you secure better rates and terms, but it comes with certain risks:
  • By co-signing, the guarantor agrees to take on the responsibility of your payments if you’re unable to make them.

  • If your co-signer ends up covering the payments but also struggles financially, they could face the same penalties and credit damage as you would if the loan were solely your responsibility.

Pros And Cons Of Bad Credit Loans

 Advantages of Bad Credit Loans
  • Easier Approval Requirements – Many lenders offering bad credit loans have more lenient approval criteria. Typically, they only require you to demonstrate the ability to repay the loan, rather than focusing heavily on your credit score.

  • Fast and Convenient – Many bad credit loans are provided by online lenders, allowing you to complete your entire application process online. The application forms are generally short and straightforward, and you can often receive your funds within hours or a few days.

  • No Credit Check – Some bad credit loan providers don’t perform credit checks, making it easier for individuals with poor credit histories to qualify.

  • Can Help Build Credit – If your loan provider reports your payments to the credit bureau, making timely payments can help you establish a positive payment history, which could gradually improve your credit score.

How much do you need?

100% FREE

Disadvantages of Bad Credit Loans
  • Higher Loan Costs – Lenders offering bad credit loans typically charge higher interest rates, fees, and penalties compared to traditional loans.

  • Lower Loan Amounts – Bad credit lenders often provide smaller loan amounts with stricter repayment terms, making it more difficult to access larger sums of money.

  • Increased Risk of Scams – Private lending companies are often less regulated, increasing the risk of encountering scams, fraud, or predatory lending practices with illegal rates.

Bad credit loans can be helpful when you're facing financial challenges and need access to funds, but they come with a range of potential drawbacks that should not be overlooked. It's important to carefully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of taking out a bad credit loan before sharing any personal information or committing to a lender. Make sure you understand the full scope of how these loans work, as well as the risks involved, so that you can make an informed decision. Consider both the positive aspects, such as quick access to funds, and the negative consequences, such as high interest rates and the potential impact on your financial future.

What Can You Use a Bad Credit Loan For?

A bad credit loan is essentially a lump sum of money that you can borrow from various lenders in Canada.

The loan is typically deposited directly into your bank account, and you repay it through scheduled installments. Unlike some traditional forms of credit, a bad credit loan can help you:

  • Get approved for credit with minimal requirements, even if you have weaker financial standing.

  • Cover your expenses during periods of unemployment or other financial emergencies.

  • Build your credit over time by making on-time, full payments.

BORROW YOU UP TO $50,000

NO OBLIGATION. IT IS FULL FREE 100%

However, despite these advantages, it’s important to research and compare multiple lenders in your area before applying for a bad credit loan. Each lender may offer different loan amounts, interest rates, repayment terms, and approval criteria.

How to Improve Bad Credit

If your borrowing needs aren't immediate, it's worth taking the time to improve your credit before applying for a loan. Doing so can increase your chances of approval and help you secure a lower interest rate.

  • Review your credit report for any errors and have them corrected.

  • Ensure all utility, cell phone, and internet bills are paid on time.

  • Consider using a secured credit card and making responsible payments.

  • Avoid applying for too many credit products in a single year.

  • Increase your credit limit and try not to carry excessive revolving debt.

  • Avoid making only minimum or partial payments, as this helps reduce interest charges.

Bad Credit Loan FAQs

Can I Get a Bad Credit Loan from a Bank?

Most banks typically don't offer bad credit loans due to their stricter lending policies, which often prevent them from approving individuals with poor credit or low income. As a result, you're more likely to need to apply with an alternative or subprime lender that specializes in offering loans to borrowers with bad credit.

Can I Get a Bad Credit Loan if I Have a Consumer Proposal on My Credit Report?


Yes, many subprime lenders are willing to offer bad credit loans even if you’ve undergone a consumer proposal, bankruptcy, or other debt relief programs. However, they may require that you be discharged from the proposal before approving your loan. It's also important to be aware of the higher costs that often come with these types of loans.

How much do you need?

100% FREE

Should I Choose a Secured or Unsecured Bad Credit Loan?

A secured loan requires you to offer an asset as collateral. The higher the value of your asset, the better your chances of approval, along with more favorable interest rates and loan terms. However, secured loans come with more risk, as failing to repay the loan could result in the loss of your collateral. If you'd rather avoid this risk or don't have any collateral to offer, an unsecured bad credit loan might be a safer option. Keep in mind, though, that unsecured loans are usually smaller, have shorter repayment terms, and tend to have higher overall costs.

Do Bad Credit Loans Get Reported to Credit Bureaus?

A Not all bad credit lenders report to Equifax or TransUnion, especially payday lenders. However, if you default on your loan, the lender may sell your debt to a collection agency, which could then appear on your credit report. If your goal is to improve your credit with a bad credit loan, be sure to confirm with your lender whether they report payments to the credit bureaus.

red and white flag on the beach during daytime
red and white flag on the beach during daytime

Why a Loan with us?

Exclusive Offers
FREE Service
Expert tips and Experience
Apply Once and Get Many Offers
Save Time and Money