Car Loans in Canada

Bad credit car loans are available from finance companies, credit unions, and banks and major banks such as the Royal Bank of Canada, Toronto-Dominion, and others. Consumers are offered old and new auto loans with variable and fixed rates and flexible amortization and repayment schedules. Some banks advertise secured options with lower interest rates. Finance companies also offer funding and advertise quick processing and approval. While banks take longer to review and process applications, finance companies advertize quick approval within 1 or 2 business days. There is an option to apply together with a cosigner, but many lenders are unwilling to approve applicants with a history of bankruptcies. Many finance companies in Canada also run a credit check.

Loan Types – Options and Differences

Secured Bad Credit Car Loans

Lenders usually offer lower interest rates compared to unsecured financing because the vehicle itself guarantees repayment. The rate can be as low as 4 percent but this depends on your credit profile. Financial institutions usually offer funding in the amount of $20,000 – $30,000, and the interest rate is usually fixed over the repayment term. Secured car loans for people with questionable credit are offered with:

• 95 – 100 percent approval rate
• No down payment required
• Or lower down payment compared to unsecured options
• Varying amounts based on the collateral

Unsecured Bad Credit Car Loans

This option is more expensive because of the lack of collateral and the higher risk involved for lenders.

• Less risky for applicants
• Higher down payment
• More difficult to find
• Interest rate of 7 – 10 percent or higher

Compared to secured options, finance companies offer smaller amounts. Even if the borrower defaults, the vehicle has not been pledged as collateral and cannot be repossessed. Besides, lenders take even more risk by offering loans to borrowers with damaged credit, and the terms are less competitive.

What Happens if You Have Bad Credit

Finding auto financing with competitive terms can be a challenge if you have poor or no credit. Some banks are willing to accept applications from borrowers with а borderline score provided that they have stable income and good debt to income ratio. If your score is low, you may want to look into non-traditional lenders because they have more lenient requirements. They will factor in the condition of the vehicle, the length of the term, amount required, down payment offered, etc. Auto loans for people with poor credit are available online as an alternative to the frustration of dealing with banks and dealerships. Some lenders offer auto financing to consumers with a history of repossessions, consumer proposals, maxed out cards, written off accounts, collections, and late or missed payments. This is one alternative for consumers with bad credit and major issues who plan to purchase a vehicle. Another option is to try and improve your credit profile and apply with your local union or bank.

What Are Bad Credit Car Loans

Basically, this is a subprime or near-prime vehicle loan with a higher interest rate compared to standard solutions. The term varies from lender to lender and is usually between 36 and 72 months. Some finance companies offer terms of up to 8 years. A longer term, however, means paying more in interest charges. The monthly payment is based on the term, APR, and other factors. When applying for a bad credit car loan in Canada, consumers must be employed to qualify.

There are two types of financing offered, new and used car loans, and the latter usually go with higher rates. Both options are available through some finance companies, regardless of your credit profile. Some non-traditional lenders even offer financing to customers with past bankruptcies but this is rather unusual.

Find a Poor Credit Car Loan in Canada

There are several options to look into, your local bank, your insurance company, bad credit lending services, and peer to peer lenders. If you are an existing customer, your local bank is your first stop because it is more likely that their loan officers treat you favorably. The same goes for your insurance company. A non-traditional lender is yet another option but make sure that you deal with an established and reputable finance company. To improve your chances of getting approved, you may want to bring some documents with you, including personal references, photo ID or driver’s license, and utility bills such as electricity, water, gas, or other bills. Make sure you bring recent pay stubs as well. If bad credit lenders are not an option for you, you can check with peer to peer lending services. What you do is create a profile on an online platform of your choice and post a listing that indicates the purpose and loan amount. There are investors that are willing to offer auto financing to consumers with a less than perfect score. The interest rate varies but if you are lucky, you can get a loan with a rate of about 7 percent. Finally, one option to improve your chances is to offer a significant down payment. You may ask your family for a loan or draw on your line of credit.

Many bad credit loan providers in Ontario, Canada offer financing to individuals with tarnished credit. They offer payday loans, home equity lines of credit, and other types of financing.

Bad Credit Lenders in Toronto and the GTA

Tribecca is a private provider that offers loans to help repair and establish credit, pay medical and unexpected expenses, and consolidate bills. Prudent Financial offers home, consumer, and car loans to customers with tarnished credit. If you are trying to find bad credit loans in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton and the rest of the GTA, Addison Credit offers financing to debtors with poor credit, newcomers to Canada, and borrowers with a history of repossessions, bankruptcies, and other negative events. If you live in Mississauga or Brampton, Dixie Auto Loans, Easy Financial, and Home Trust also provide loans for people with bad credit. To get approved, customers fill in employment and personal information such as months at employer, gross annual income, and position. Borrowers who filed for bankruptcy or are in undischarged or discharged consumer proposal often qualify.

Where to Find Bad Credit Loans in Ottawa

Customers looking to apply for a car loan in Ottawa can do so at Drive Time Ottawa, Easy Financial, and BHM Financial Group. Lenders take into account factors such as term of residency, length of employment, stable income, and income level. To apply, customers present information such as proof of vehicle ownership, proof of residency and income, and ID. References increase your chances of getting approved.

Lenders in Hamilton for Individuals with Poor Credit

Fitzgerald Motors, Prudent Value Cars, and Ezee Credit offer financing to customers. To apply, clients provide information about their income, occupation, marital status, housing cost, and address. Residents who are employed full-time usually get approved. Customers with a history of credit counseling, consumer proposals, and bankruptcies usually qualify.

Unsecured Loan Lenders in London, Windsor and South Western Ontario

Issuers such as Ezee Credit and Prime Motors of London provide loans to customers who are new divorcees, borrowers poor or no credit exposure, and bankruptcies. To apply, customers provide information such as occupation, main source of income, income before tax, SIN, and others. Companies such as DollarsDirect and Strickland’s offer loans to individuals with less than perfect credit in Windsor. Applicants with missed card payments, multiple collections, no credit, closed accounts, and missed payments are not turned down at DollarsDirect.

Who Offers Bad Credit Loans

Try Banks

Banks offer loans to customers with poor credit history but they usually qualify for secured financing such as home equity lines of credit and home equity loans. Canadian lenders offer rate quotes based on information such as the amount required, credit score, and loan purpose, for example, medical expenses, relocation and moving, car financing, home purchase, home improvement, or credit card refinancing. When applying for loans, customers provide information such as additional and individual income, date of birth, and address. Individuals with stable employment have a better chance of getting approved. Those who offer collateral are more likely to get a loan with bad credit.

Credit Unions

Credit Unions help people with bad credit and offer low-cost financing to their members. The best options are community-based and employer-affiliated unions that operate as community banks and are owned by their members. They are willing to discuss their customers’ personal and financial situation. Credit unions look at customers more personally and are more willing to work with them. They make a decision on whether to lend or not based on the borrowers’ promise to repay and their individual circumstances.

Go Online to Search for Bad Credit Lenders

Another option is to check places like the yellow pages and kijiji. Online bad credit lenders list their ads and advertise loans for bad and no credit. You will find cash advance and payday loan listings, credit and debt counseling services, and other loan providers. There is an option to sort by location and category to find providers that offer bad credit auto loans, consumer loans, and other financing options.

Use Debt Consolidation Lenders and Services

Debt consolidation is another option for individuals who are looking for financing. Lenders and services offer consolidation loans to borrowers with multiple revolving and installment debts but the rate can be higher if you have tarnished credit. There are many benefits to debt consolidation, and issuers advertise no hidden fees, no prepayment penalties, flexible payment schedules, and competitive rates. Other benefits include easier budgeting, no collection calls, and credit score improvement if payments are made on a regular basis. The loan amount varies but some providers offer up to $35,000. Issuers usually offer several consolidation options with different rates, fees, and payment terms. Some issuers offer terms of 1 to 5 years so that customers get rid of debt faster and save on interest. Lenders offer the option to consolidate loans, overdrafts, credit card accounts, and other balances. While debt consolidation companies offer loans to individuals with tarnished credit, they usually require proof of income such as pension or salary.

Try Payday Loan Lenders

Payday lenders are considered a last resort because they provide loans with short terms and extremely high rates. At the same time, this is often the only choice for people who are short of cash and face an emergency. Payday lenders offer other benefits such as quick approval, easy application, and less stringent requirements compared to brick-and-mortar banks. Just avoid controversial providers that charge broker fees. There are con artists that use fraudulent websites and request details such as credit card numbers and identification. They make unauthorized withdrawals, and customers find their account emptied. Other than that, there are reputable payday lenders that offer emergency cash. The money can be used to pay bills, utility bills, groceries, credit card balances, fees and charges, and other expenses.

Other Providers

Loan brokers and providers such as MoneyMart, Lending Tree, Prosper, Lending Club, and Citifinancial also offer bad credit personal loans in Canada. Customers with consumer proposals, history of poor credit, and loans in arrears qualify.

So You Have Bad Credit but Need to Get a Car Loan?