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Loan in Canada; Understanding Every Types of Loans in Canada.

Loan in Canada is a financial tool that offers individuals the opportunity to borrow funds for various personal needs. Whether for consolidating debt, financing a large purchase, or covering unexpected expenses, Canadian loans come with competitive interest rates and flexible terms. With options ranging from secured to unsecured, and even credit-building loans, there’s a solution for nearly every financial situation. The process is straightforward, with most lenders requiring regular payments over a set term.

Key takeaways:

  • Personal loans are borrowed funds for various needs, repayable over 2-7 years, with amounts typically between $1,000 and $50,000.
  • Personal loans are available from banks, credit unions, and online lenders, with options varying by interest rates, fees, and terms.
  • Loan costs includes borrowed amount plus interest (capped at 60% annually) and fees.
  • Student loans are financial aids for students in need, covering up to 60% of assessed need, with a lifetime limit.
  • Student grants are on-repayable financial aids for eligible full-time, part-time, and disabled students.

What Is a Personal Loan in Canada?

Personal loan in Canada is a money borrowed from a bank, or a credit union to use for a variety of purposes. For instance, you may use a personal loan in Canada to consolidate debt, pay for home renovations, or plan a dream wedding. It is a fixed amount of money that you pay back within a certain amount of time. Sometimes lenders use them as long-term financing plans, installment loans, and consumer loans. Lenders ordinarily offer $1000 to $50,000 with repayment terms of two to seven years. 

Which Information I Must Provide to My Lender?

Typically, the lender asks you the proof that you have the following:

  • Regular income
  • Bank account 
  • Permanent address

They also may ask you for a credit check. Your credit report helps them assess your ability to pay back. 

Costs of Personal Loans

Borrowing money with a personal loan In Canada may cost a lot of money. Make sure to consider the interest rate, fees, and term of the loan.

The total cost of the loan includes:

  1. the amount of the loan
  2. the interest on the loan
  3. any other applicable fees

Comparing Loan Options

Make sure you understand the total cost of a loan in Canada before making a decision. Multiply the payment amount by the number of payments in your term. Here is an example of the total cost of personal loans with different terms:

example of the total cost of personal loans with different terms
Different loans with various payment amount and multiple options are available in Canada based on your needs.

What Are the Interest Rates?

The interest rate on a personal loan in Canada impacts the overall cost of the loan. By law, lenders may not charge more than 60% interest annually. This includes all fees, costs, and interest that you’ll pay to get the loan. Here we explain the interest rate on a personal loan:

interest rate on a personal loan
There are different interest rates and payments based on the type of loan you have

This example shows that a higher interest rate may significantly increase the total cost of your loan.

Where Can I Find Personal Loans?

You might start your search for personal loans at your existing bank or credit union. Your banker can guide you on the types of personal loans accessible and the borrowing choices that align with your eligibility. Lenders of online personal loans may be banks and other financial institutions, payday loan companies, or peer-to-peer lending platforms. Each of these lenders will offer different interest rates based on the rate type chosen, (i.e. variable or fixed) your credit score and history, and your income level.

Personal loans are also available on the internet. Many lenders provide personal loans online. You can submit your application electronically, receive a quick decision, and in certain instances, access funds within 24 to 48 hours following loan approval.

When comparing personal loans online or offline, pay close attention to the details. Specifically, consider the following:

  • Interest rate
  • Fees
  • Repayment terms
  • Burrowing limits (maximum and minimum)
  • Collateral requirements

Do Personal Loans Have Fees?

A personal loan in Canada may encompass various fees like origination fees, which are included in the overall loan cost. Additional fees could consist of documentation fees or late fees. Each lender has distinct fee structures, so it’s essential to comprehend the specific fees charged by your lender.

What Can I Use a Personal Loan For?

Personal loans can be used for almost any purpose including:

  • Debt consolidation
  • Home improvement projects
  • Medical bills
  • Emergencies
  • Refinancing an existing loan
  • Weddings
  • Vacations

What Is a Student Loan in Canada?

A program run by the government of Canada giving student financial assistance to Canadians is the Canada student loans program. Its purpose was to make access to postsecondary education easier for students with financial needs. The federal government also comes up with non-repayable funding in the form of grants through the Canada Students Grants program.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Student Loan in Canada?

Canada Student Loans are accessible for both full-time and part-time studies at approved institutions, which may include select postsecondary schools outside of Canada. Here we mentioned requirements for getting student loan in Canada:

  • be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada, or a designated protected person;
  • be a resident of a province or territory that participates in the Canada Student Loans Program
    demonstrate financial need;
  • be enrolled in at least 60% of a full course load if a full-time student (40% for students with permanent disabilities), or 20-59% of a full course load if a part-time student (20-39% for students with permanent disabilities);
  • be enrolled in a degree, diploma, or certificate program with a duration of at least 12 weeks (within a period of 15 consecutive weeks) at a designated postsecondary institution;
  • pass a credit check if you are 22 years of age or older and applying for the first time;
    must not have already exceeded the maximum lifetime limit of financial assistance (in most cases the limit is 340 weeks, including interest-free status, and up to 400 weeks for doctoral students); and
  • maintain a satisfactory academic standard to keep receiving financial aid.

The funding provided by the Canada Student Loans Program is determined by the assessed financial need, which is calculated as the variance between eligible educational expenses and the expected contribution based on available financial means.

Assessed Need = Allowable Costs – Resources

Full-time students can receive 60% of their assessed financial need through the Canada Student Loans Program, up to $210 per week of study, with the remaining 40% potentially covered by the provincial student loans program. Students can access Canada Student Loans for the duration of their academic program, plus an additional year if necessary to finish. There is a maximum lifetime assistance limit of 340 weeks for full-time students (extended by an extra 60 weeks for doctoral students).

Part-time students can receive up to $10,000 (in combined principal and interest) in Canada Student Loans over the period of studies. There is no maximum time limit for assistance for part-time students.

Application Process

The federal and provincial governments collaborate to offer loans to students demonstrating financial need. To apply, you need to submit your application through the student financial assistance office in your province or territory of permanent residence. A single application will be used to assess your eligibility for provincial student loans, Canada Student Loans, and most Canada Student Grants. It is essential to apply annually to secure funding. Additionally, remember to explore your provincial financial aid program for potential additional forms of assistance that may necessitate a separate application.

It is recommended to apply online to expedite the evaluation process. However, if you prefer a paper application, you can obtain the forms from your provincial student financial assistance office or your school.

Consult your provincial student financial assistance office for information on deadline dates and processing times. The processing duration for the application of loan in Canada can range from a few business days to several weeks, depending on factors such as your application method (online or paper), the time of year, and your province. Delays can occur due to incomplete documentation. Applying early is advisable to expedite the assessment and funding process.

What Is a Canada Student Grants Program?

The Canada Student Grants program is a way through which the federal government gives financial assistance to postsecondary education. Grants are provided based on financial need and do not require repayment, unlike student loans. The program offers seven grants for full-time, part-time, and students with permanent disabilities at approved postsecondary institutions. These grants are accessible to students across Canada, excluding provinces and territories with their financial aid programs.

Can You Get a Loan in Canada as an Immigrant?

Immigrants encounter difficulties accessing credit due to the lack of transferability of credit history and scores across countries. Upon arriving in Canada, immigrants need to establish their credit history from the beginning.

The positive aspect is that initiating the process of establishing credit from the beginning is typically simpler than repairing poor credit. Additionally, as a permanent resident of Canada, there are numerous loan and credit choices made to Canadian immigrants.

Types of Loans for Immigrants in Canada

There are a few government loans for immigrants in Canada. Some are to help newcomers migrate to Canada, while others are to help them settle in Canada.

What Is the Windmill Micro Lending?

Windmill Microlending, a Canadian charity, offers cost-effective loans to skilled immigrants and refugees. Since 2005, this organization has assisted numerous newcomers in Canada with funding for promotion and career advancement.

Newcomers to Canada with specialized skills, training, and education may face challenges in progressing their careers due to financial obstacles. Windmill Microlending’s low-interest microloans enable underemployed immigrants to access credit more easily, even with limited income or no credit history in Canada.

Immigration Loans Program (ILP)

The Canadian federal government provides loans to immigrants through the Immigration Loans Program (ILP), which offers three types of loans to immigrants:

Transportation Loans for Immigrants in Canada

this loan’s purpose is to cover the costs of transportation for the immigrants from their home countries to Canada. The travel must be booked with the assistance of the International Organization for Migration for the newcomer to be qualified for this loan. The loan can help you cover eligible expenses such as the:

  • Cost of accommodation and food before departure
  • Cost of travel to Canada
  • Transportation tax
  • Any IOM (Internation Organization for Migration) service fees

Do note, that certain expenses cannot be covered under the transportation loan in Canada. Costs such as:

  • Baggage fees if immigrant exceeds baggage allowance,
  • Cost of shipping personal or household items
  • Transporting animals

Assistance Loans for Immigrants in Canada

The assistance loan aims to support immigrants in covering the expenses associated with their initial resettlement, including basic needs and employment costs. It can assist with essentials like rent, utilities, food, clothing, household items, and employment-related expenses such as:

  • Items needed for employment – especially if you’re a contract worker.
  • Certification or license fees to practice a profession
  • Child care if you are working

Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) Loans

The RPRF loan is designed to help immigrants with the expenses related to the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) when applying for permanent residence for themselves or their families. For further details on RPRF loans, please refer to the Canadian government’s RPRF webpage. To apply for an ILP, access the Canadian government’s ILP application form.

What Are the Best Places to Get an Online Personal Loan?

According to research, based on a sample of 82 popular lenders, Forbes Advisor Canada has found that BMO, Fusion Credit Union, Desjardins, Eastern Loans, and easyfinancial are the best five places to get online loans at this time.

Conclusion:

A personal loan in Canada is a money borrowed from a bank, or a credit union to use for a variety of purposes. Sometimes lenders use them as long-term financing plans, installment loans, and consumer loans. Make sure you understand the total cost of a loan before making a decision. Multiply the payment amount by the number of payments in your term.

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