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Navigating bad credit loans in Canada 

Whether you need $10,000 or $50,000 – Alpine Credits is the best alternative bad credit loans in Canada

Lenders discussing application with clients.

Canadians normally turn to the bank when they need additional financial support, but to get a loan from them, a high credit score is required. When that’s the case, alternative lending can be the solution to urgent funding.  

Understanding how to secure bad credit loans in Canada can help borrowers make informed decisions and use the loan for the best results.  

What are bad credit loans?

A bad credit loan isn’t a type of loan. Canadians often use it to refer to loans that borrowers with low or bad credit scores can access. For example, Alpine Credits enables homeowners to obtain a loan for different purposes using the equity they have built up in their home, regardless of their credit score. 

To understand bad credit loans, you need to understand what low or bad credit is. In Canada, credit score is measured using a points system from 300 to 900. With higher scores, banks and lenders will recognize you as a reliable borrower. If an individual’s credit score drops below 660, their score would be considered low. 

Those who have a credit score under 660 may still need funding for a variety of reasons like sudden events or for loan consolidation. However, traditional financial institutions are more hesitant to lend to individuals with lower credit scores.   An option to consider is alternative lenders who offer secured loans to Canadians with low credit scores. 

How do bad credit loans work in Canada? 

Canada has two types of loans: secured and unsecured. If a loan is secured, it means that an asset serves as collateral and backs the loan. Vehicles and properties are the most common items for collateral assets. Credit scores may play a small role in the approval process with secured loans. Unsecured loans are not backed by any collateral so they could have higher interests and more stringent qualification criteria.   

Often, a low credit score may be due to recently moving to Canada as an immigrant, which means you haven’t had the opportunity to build your credit score. It can also come from delayed or missed payments, especially with multiple bills and other obligatory payments. Other reasons that are less common and can have a more detrimental impact on credit scores include defaulting on loans or filing for bankruptcy. Such events are rather rare since lenders will always try to find a way to make it work with the borrower.

Effects of a bad credit score 

With a low credit score, approvals for loans, credit cards, and even rentals may be a challenge. If loans are offered, they’ll normally come at higher interest rates. On top of that, a low credit score can have a negative effect on a person’s mental well-being as well.

Where to get loans with a bad credit score 

You can obtain loans with a low credit score at multiple establishments, each with their unique offers.

Traditional financial institutions

In some cases, banks can provide loans to borrowers with bad credit scores, but credit scores play an important role in loan approval at the bank. For those who are successful, the loan may come with higher interest rates, and the application process may take longer and require meeting additional requirements.

Credit unions

An alternative option to the banks is through credit unions. The criteria may be more flexible, but the process may also take some time. Credit unions are not like other lenders and are focused more on serving the members within the union.  

If you aren’t already a member, you’ll first have to apply to be part of one, which may include an analysis of your financial history. Even within the union, the basic requirements to get a loan include verifying your employment status, income, and credit history. 

Alternative lenders

Compared to other options, alternative lenders are most likely to give more accommodating options. An example of an alternative lender is Alpine Credits, and they lend based on the equity you have in your home, regardless of your credit score.  

You can calculate your equity by subtracting your outstanding mortgage from the appraised value of your house.

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Applying for loans with a bad credit score

Each lender will have unique requirements, but the processes are similar to each other.

Consider alternative lenders like Alpine Credits. They have helped thousands of Canadians, including newcomers, access loans to meet their financial obligations.

It’s helpful to inquire further and to ask questions about their services.

Lenders’ websites will usually have their application forms ready for you to fill out. For Alpine Credits, you can begin the application process immediately. The money should be given to you within a few days to a week.

Bad credit loan alternatives 

Counterintuitively, the alternatives to bad credit loans aren’t a different kind of loan. They are more like strategies that you can try to implement before applying for another loan with a bad credit score.  

  • Pay off credit card balances— you can improve your credit score by paying off the credit cards that have small balances. Afterwards, you can determine if you still need that credit card or not. Taking a consolidation loan can be a way to quickly pay down your existing credit card balances that have high interest rates. 
  • Make extra income— one good strategy is to have a part-time job and budget accordingly. You can use the part-time money towards your recreational spending. 
  • Get a home equity loan— homeowners with significant equity in their property may be able to get one. If at least 25% of the mortgage has been paid, applicants may be eligible for a loan based on their home equity. 

Conclusion: monetary support with home equity loans

Canadians and newcomers to Canada need monetary support for various reasons, but the support may not be available from the banks because of their credit score.  

You can obtain a home equity loan at Alpine Credits. They don’t require a credit check like banks as the loans are issued based on the equity you have in your house. Contact someone on the Financial Solutions Specialists team to find out more on home equity loans and the application process.

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Frequently asked questions

Interest rates vary depending on the lender. Most offer a starting interest rate at about 20% and can go all the way to 45% for an unsecured loan. The interest rate will fall within that spectrum depending on your collateral or financial history Secured loans (like home equity loans) typically have interest rates ranging from 8% up to 15%.

You can be vigilant by only contacting reliable lenders like Alpine Credits. Legitimate lenders will always want to work with you to find a financial solution that fits your needs. 

It depends on the lender. Depending on the equity you have in your home, you may qualify for a higher amount.