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Best Bad Credit Personal Loans in Canada 2023

If your credit score has tanked and fallen into the bad or poor category, getting approved for a personal loan will be tough.

A bad credit score impacts your financial life more than you can imagine. Banks avoid you like the plague, and payday lenders throw interest rates as high as 600% your way, making it nearly impossible for you to break free from the vicious grip of debt.

If you are wondering how to get a loan with bad credit, read on. In this post, I list a few of the lenders in Canada who provide loans at competitive rates (i.e. compared to payday loans) to people with bad or poor credit.

Bad Credit Loans in Canada

Loans Canada

Loans Canada is a loan comparison platform for all kinds of personal loans, car loans, debt consolidation loans, and bad credit loans. It has partnerships with some of Canada’s largest lenders and offers free access to your Equifax credit score.

Interest rate: 1.99% to 46.96%.

Loan term: 4-60 months.

Maximum loan amount: Up to $50,000.

A bad credit score is a credit score below 560. If you have recently declared bankruptcy, defaulted on multiple loans, or have gone through collections, it is likely that your credit score is now considered ‘bad’ or ‘poor.’

In this case, most banks will not approve you for a loan or a credit card.

Not sure what your credit score is? Check it out for free.

If your credit score falls in the 550-650 range, an alternative lender is your best chance at obtaining a personal loan. If your credit score is in the 660+ range, it is considered ‘fair’, and some traditional lenders, i.e. banks, may approve you for loans.

Alternative lenders charge higher interest rates on bad credit loans. This is because they are faced with higher risks of loan defaults.

Bad Credit Loans Canada

Best Online Personal Loans For People With Bad Credit

  • Loans Canada: Borrow up to $50,000 for 4 months to 5 years and 2.99% to 46.96% APR.
  • Loan Connect: Borrow up to $50,000 for 3-120 months and 6.99% to 46.96% APR.
  • Loanz: Borrow up to $15,000 for 12 months to 5 years and 29.9% to 46.9% APR.

Unsecured Personal Loans With Bad Credit

An unsecured loan means that you are not required to provide any collateral or security for the loan. They can be used to pay off credit card debt, as a car loan, or for debt consolidation.

1. Loans Canada

Loans Canada

Loans Canada is a loan comparison platform for all kinds of personal loans, car loans, debt consolidation loans, and bad credit loans. This company holds an A+ accreditation with the Better Business Bureau and features multiple lenders on its website.

Interest rate: 1.99% to 46.96%

Loan term: 3-60 months.

Maximum loan amount: Up to $50,000.

Eligibility: Resident of Canada and employed for at least 3 months with proof of income.

loans canada logo

On Loans Canada’s website

  • Loan comparison platform that offers personal, debt consolidation, bad credit, guarantor, unemployed, no credit check, and no bank or employment verification loans.
  • Flexible terms and interest rates from 1.99% to 46.96% APR and 3-60 month term lengths.
  • Fill out one application and get access to hundreds of loan options without hurting your credit score.
  • Those with poor, average, or excellent credit scores can apply.
  • Compare multiple lenders for the best loan amounts, interest rates, and term lengths.
  • Complete your entire application online with no face-to-face interaction.
  • Apply in about 5 minutes with basic personal information and required documents.

Compare multiple lenders in one place

Fast and easy application process

Many different types of loans available

Interest rates can be as high as 46.96%

Some bad credit loans can incur early repayment penalties

Loan origination fee charged by some lenders

Loans Canada is one of the top loan comparison platforms in Canada that offers many types of personal loans from various lenders. You can easily compare and apply on their website, as well as view user reviews for each lender.

Loans Canada is a loan comparison platform for unsecured and secured personal loans. They are connected to a large network of lenders who extend loans to individuals with poor or bad credit.

You can borrow up to $50,000 for 4 to 6 months, and interest rates range from 1.99% to 46.96%.

If you do not qualify for an unsecured loan, Loans Canada can help you find alternative lending options, including secured personal loans.

2. LoanConnect

LoanConnect

LoanConnect is a search engine for finding personal loans online from various lenders. You can use it to find a loan that works for your situation regardless of your credit score.

Interest rate: 6.99% to 46.9%.

Loan term: 3-120 months.

Maximum loan amount: Up to $50,000.

Eligibility: Resident of Canada and the age of the majority in your province or territory.

loanconnect logo

On LoanConnect’s website

  • No matter their credit score, Canadians can apply for a loan and are likely to be approved for a secured or unsecured loan from many different lenders.
  • Unsecured personal loans and installment loans are offered.
  • Types of loans include debt consolidation, home improvement, emergency, business, and medical expense loans.
  • Easily apply by filling out one form with the loan amount, purpose, personal, and employment details.

Get loans up to $50,000

No minimum credit score required

Searches through multiple lenders to find the best providers

Interest rates can be as high as 46.96% APR

LoanConnect is one of our top choices as they search through different lenders to find the best loan options for you based on the loan amount, purpose, employment information, and credit profile. The application process is straightforward, so you can get multiple loan offers in under a minute.

LoanConnect is Canada’s popular search engine for personal loans. Their portal links borrowers with multiple lenders who cater to individuals with bad to excellent credit scores.

The maximum loan available via the platform is $50,000. Loan terms range from 3 months to 120 months, and the rates vary from 6.99% to 46.96% APR.

Many of their lenders offer instant approval, and you can have funds transferred to your bank account in as little as one day.

To apply for loans using LoanConnect, you must be the age of the majority in your province and a permanent resident or Canadian citizen.

Read our detailed LoanConnect Review.

3. Loanz

Loanz

Owned by LendingArch Financial, Loanz offers personal loans for those with poor to fair credit. You can be approved instantly and receive your funds in under 24 hours. Loanz offers high approval rates and flexible repayment options.

Interest rate: 29.9% or 46.9%.

Loan term: 12-60 months.

Maximum loan amount: Up to $15,000.

Eligibility: Resident of Canada, the age of the majority in your province or territory, have a chequing account and steady income stream, and not in bankruptcy or collections.

Loanz

On Loanz’s website

  • Get approved for a $1,000 to $15,000 loan in as little as 3 minutes and receive funds in 15 minutes.
  • Complete an easy online application and know if you’re approved instantly.
  • After approval, choose the delivery method for your funds and get it in just 15 minutes.
  • Payments are reported to the credit bureaus. If you make your payments on time, your credit score will improve.
  • Connect your bank account for faster approval.
  • Receive your funds in as little as 15 minutes after approval and reviewing your options.
  • Interest rates and payments will remain the same for the duration of your term.

Easy application process and fast approval

Receive funds in under 24 hours

High approval rates and flexible repayment options

High APR of 29.9% or 46.9%

No mobile app for signup

Loanz offers personal loans up to $15,000 with an easy application process and instant approval. Those with bad or average credit can apply and are likely to be approved if they have steady employment. You can receive funds in as little as 15 minutes, making it very convenient when you need money fast.

Loanz is a Canadian loan rate comparison site. It caters to approximately 15,000 Canadians every month and is one of the top platforms for bad credit loans in Canada.

You can borrow up to $15,000 on the site, with terms ranging from 12 to 60 months and interest rates from 29.9% to 46.9%.

To get started, complete the short online application form. Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to qualify:

  • Live in BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, NL, NS, NB, or PEI
  • Have a minimum income of $1,200 per month
  • Not have filed for bankruptcy
  • Be of legal age (18 or 19 years, depending on your province)

4. Mogo

Mogo

Along with its other products, Mogo offers flexible personal loans from Lendful and MogoLiquid powered by easyfinancial. You can get a no-obligation pre-approval loan in just 3 minutes and a personalized dashboard and payment plan.

Interest rate: 9.9% to 46.96%.

Loan term: 9 months to 5 years.

Maximum loan amount: Up to $35,000.

Eligibility: Resident of Canada and the age of the majority in your province or territory; minimum income requirements, identity verification, and other conditions may apply.

mogo logo

On Mogo’s website

  • Mogo offers two personal loans with terms ranging from 9 months to 5 years:
  • Lendful personal loans from $5,000 to $30,000 with an APR of 9.9% to 21.5%. It is available to residents in BC, AB, ON, NB, MB, NL & NS.
  • MogoLiquid Personal Loan powered by easyfinancial – from $500 to $15,000 with interest rates ranging from 29.99% to 46.96%. It is available in BC, AB, MB, ON, NB, PE, NL & NS.
  • Get pre-approved in just 3 minutes for either loan.
  • MogoMoney pre-approval loans do not impact your credit score and are transparent.
  • When you make payments on time, you can get lower interest rates or higher loan amounts.
  • Access a personalized dashboard where you can see your payment progress, the amount remaining, and more.
  • The MogoLiquid loan has a fixed term, saving you money on interest.
  • Most Mogo loans include a 100-day test drive. If you don’t like your loan experience, pay back the principal, and they will refund you the interest and fees you’ve already paid.
  • Get a free MogoCard and monitor your credit score for no extra cost.
  • Loans can be paid off in full at any time with no penalties.

Low interest rates for Lendful personal loans

Pay off loans in full at any time with no penalties

100-day test drive and free MogoCard

Loans are not available in all provinces

There can be additional loan fees not disclosed on the website

$20 to $50 NSF fees if you can’t make payments on time

Mogo personal loans are available to most Canadian residents with lower interest rates and fixed-term payment schedules, designed to help you incur lower fees and interest. You can pay off the loan in full at any time with no penalties, and you get access to a free MogoCard and credit check.

Mogo is a Canadian fintech company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and Nasdaq. The company offers personal loans, credit scores, identity protection, mortgages, and cryptocurrency trading (Bitcoin).

Mogo’s online installment loan (MogoLiquid) offers borrowers up to $35,000 for up to a 5-year term. The interest rate on the loan is from 9.9% to 46.96% APR. 

In addition to their MogoLiquid loan product, Mogo also offers free credit scores and identity fraud protection.

Read our Mogo review.

5. Spring Financial

Spring Financial offers several credit products, including personal loans and mortgages.

You can apply for this loan online and borrow up to $15,000. Funds are sent via Interac e-Transfer to your bank account.

To qualify for a loan, you need a minimum annual income of $28,000 and must be at least 21 years old. The loan interest rate ranges between 19% and 46.96%.

Spring Financial personal loans are available across Canada except for Saskatchewan, Quebec, and New Brunswick.

6. Borrowell

Borrowell is an online Canadian lender that also provides free credit scores. As of 2023, over 1.5 million Canadians have obtained their credit scores through Borrowell.

They offer personal loans up to $35,000 with loan terms of up to 5 years and a fixed interest rate of up to 46.96% APR. Your application is completed online, and approval may take less than two days.

To qualify for a Borrowell Personal Loan, you must:

  • Have a credit score above 660
  • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • Have a bank account in Canada
  • Not have filed bankruptcy or a consumer proposal
  • Debt service ratio of less than 48% and a credit utilization of less than 80%
  • At least 12 months of credit history

You can read our Borrowell review.

Best Car Loan Rates For Good or Bad Credit

Getting the best car loan rates for your financial circumstances can be tough if you have to go shopping around at several banks. The challenge with this is that it is time-consuming, and you may end up hurting your credit score due to several hard inquiries hitting your credit file.

A rate comparison site like Car Loans Canada allows you to make one free application that is distributed to over 300 lenders at the same time. Excellent, good, or bad credit? They will send the best rate available your way.

7. Cars Fast Loans

Cars Fast

Cars Fast is a popular destination for getting a car loan regardless of your credit score. The platform has partnerships with top loan providers, including TD, Scotiabank, RBC, HSBC, and others.

Interest rate: Varies.

Loan term: 12-96 months.

Maximum loan amount: $75,000.

Eligibility: Earn at least $20,000/yr, reside in ON, BC, or AB; and be employed for 3 months+.

Cars Fast is owned by Consumer Genius Inc., a loan comparison firm that also owns Loanz.ca and LendingArch.

The platform has partnerships with over 350 dealerships across Canada and can be used to obtain car loans of up to $75,000.

Loan terms vary from 12 months to 96 months.

8. Car Loans Canada

Car Loans Canada is one of Canada’s online platforms for finding the best auto finance rates, irrespective of your credit profile. Applying for a quote via their website takes about 3 minutes, and the entire approval process from application to getting your car can be completed in a few days.

Loan rates range from 0% to 29.99%, and you can borrow for up to an 8-year term. Car Loans Canada operates in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.

Checking your rate is free. To be eligible, you must:

  • Earn at least $1,800 per month in gross income (including employment income, pension benefits, disability and other payments)
  • Be a permanent resident of Canada
  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Have a valid Canadian address
  • Provide a void cheque from a Canadian bank

Related: Best Car Loans for Bad Credit.

Secured Personal Loans With Bad Credit

If you cannot qualify for an unsecured loan, a secured loan is your other option. Secured loans require you to put up collateral such as a personal asset like your car, home, jewelry, etc. In some cases, all you need is a guarantor.

One benefit of these loans is that they also report to credit rating agencies (TransUnion and Equifax), which means you can use them to rebuild your credit score.

On the flip side, a downside of secured loans is that you can lose your collateral if you cannot repay your loan.

9. Refresh Financial

Refresh Financial offers a Cash Builder Loan. This loan is held for you in a savings account, and your payments are reported to the credit bureaus. The funds are made available to you at the end of your loan term.

Approval for the Refresh cash secured loan is usually guaranteed (97% approval rate), and there is no credit check.

The maximum amount you can borrow is $25,000, and the interest rate is 19.99% APR. Loan terms vary from 36-60 months.

Want more information, read my Refresh Financial Review.

10. LendingMate

*Not accepting new applications** LendingMate is one of Canada’s most popular guaranteed personal loan services. Whether you have bad credit or no credit, you can apply for a $2,000 to $10,000 personal loan and become approved within 24 hours.

Their loan terms vary from 12-60 months, and the APR for a LendingMate loan is 43%.

To be approved for a loan, you must provide an eligible guarantor willing to sign a guarantee that you will repay the loan. Approval rates are high at 95%.

Personal Loan Payoff Calculator

How To Fix Your Bad Credit

If you work on your credit rating and it improves, it will have a significant positive impact on your life. You can access credit at much better rates and save money in the long run.

Before you can improve your credit score, you need to understand how it became bad in the first place. Some of the reasons for your bad credit rating may include:

  • Late payments
  • No payments
  • Defaulting on a loan
  • Filing for bankruptcy
  • Collections or consumer proposals
  • Identity theft or fraud

To improve or rebuild your credit score, you need to:

  • Make loan or credit card payments on time
  • Keep your credit utilization low
  • Correct any inaccuracies on your credit report
  • Keep old credit cards alive
  • Vary your credit types
  • Consolidate your debt
  • Monitor your credit
  • Not apply for too much credit

Related Posts

For more strategies to improve your credit score, read my article on eight ways to raise your credit score fast.

Top Loan Offers this month

Compare the best loans for good and bad credit in Canada

Get the best loan rates from lenders regardless of credit score.

Quick online application from the comfort of your home.

Borrow up to $50,000 for 3 months to 60 months.

Loans for any reason with rates from 2.99% to 46.96%.

Check your credit score for free online in 3 minutes or less

Get access to your Equifax credit score for free.

It takes only a few minutes online, and no credit card is required.

Includes your credit report updated weekly.

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Author

Gravatar for Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)
Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)

Enoch Omololu is a personal finance expert and a veterinarian. He has a master’s degree in Finance and Investment Management from the University of Aberdeen Business School (Scotland) and has completed several courses and certificates in finance, including the Canadian Securities Course. He also has an MSc. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Manitoba and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Ibadan. Enoch is passionate about helping others win with their finances and has been writing about money matters for over a decade. He has been featured or quoted in Forbes, The Globe and Mail, Winnipeg Free Press, Wealthsimple, CBC News, Financial Post, Toronto Star, CTV News, Canadian Securities Exchange, Credit Canada, National Post, and many other personal finance publications. You can learn more about him on the About Page.

His top investment tools include Wealthsimple and Questrade. He earns cash back on purchases using KOHO, monitors his credit score for free using Borrowell, and earns interest on savings through EQ Bank.

2 thoughts on “Best Bad Credit Personal Loans in Canada 2023”

  1. Gravatar for Susan

    I am trying not to declare bankcrupty i am not the best candidate for a personal loan. I have been struggling to make ends meet .however i know i can make a small monthly payment. I have been trying forever to get on my feet and manage but i need help .Seem like no one wants to give me a chance to prove myself. Trying to get rid of several debts including a consumer proposal that i did not know what it was. So if anyone can help me i appreciate it.

  2. Gravatar for Cashin24

    I found some good information here and thanks for sharing this useful article.

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