How It Works

Our secure loan matching process shows what happens at each stage, including how soft credit checks work.

Step 1

Fill in 2-Minute Secure Form

Tell us about your borrowing need, loan amount, income, and basic details. Takes about 90 seconds. Fully encrypted.

Step 2

Soft Credit Check

Depending on the lender, an initial soft inquiry may be run. This will not affect your credit score.

Step 3

Review Matched Lender Offers

See offers from lenders in our network who match your profile. Compare rates, terms, and total repayment costs.

Step 4

Accept an Offer, or Don’t

If you find an offer that works, accept it and receive funds, often the same day. There is no obligation to accept.

Loan Options for Different Credit Situations

Personal Loans

For planned expenses, consolidation, or emergencies.

Amount: $500-$50KTypical APR: 9.99%-35%

Learn More

Bad Credit Loans

For credit scores below 650 or past financial difficulty.

Amount: $250-$50KTypical APR: 19.99%-35%

Learn More

Installment Loans

Fixed monthly payments over a set term.

Amount: $500-$35KTypical APR: 14.99%-35%

Learn More

Debt Consolidation

Combine multiple debts into one payment.

Amount: $5K-$50KTypical APR: 9.99%-35%

Learn More

Line of Credit

Revolving access to funds as needed.

Amount: $500-$15KTypical APR: 19.99%-32%

Learn More

No Credit Check Loans

Income-based assessment with no hard inquiry during comparison.

Amount: $250-$15KTypical APR: 19.99%-35%

Learn More

Who FatCat Loans Is For

Good Credit, Want the Best Rate

Compare offers from prime and near-prime lenders before committing. See multiple rates in one application instead of applying individually.

Compare Rates

Fair or Bad Credit, Been Turned Down

Alternative lenders in our network assess income and banking history, not just credit score. Options may be available even with past financial difficulty.

See Bad Credit Options

Not Sure Where to Start

Use our quick eligibility guide to understand what loan type and amount may be realistic for your situation before applying.

Help Me Find the Right Loan

Understanding Loans in Canada

Types of Lenders in Canada

Canadians can borrow from chartered banks, credit unions, online lenders, alternative lenders, and high-cost short-term lenders. Banks and credit unions may offer lower rates to borrowers with strong credit and stable income, while alternative lenders may be more flexible for applicants with fair credit, thin credit history, or past financial difficulty. Some borrowers choose an alternative lender because the process is faster, the application is online, or the lender considers income and affordability alongside credit score.

Canadian Credit Scores Explained

Canadian credit scores are commonly reported on a 300-900 scale by TransUnion and Equifax. Poor credit is often considered 300-559, fair credit 560-659, good credit 660-724, very good credit 725-759, and excellent credit 760-900. A higher score can improve access to lower APRs and larger loan amounts, while a lower score may limit available offers or increase borrowing costs.

How Loan Interest Rates Are Regulated

Canada’s criminal interest rate threshold is 35% APR for many loan products. Provincial rules may also apply, including Ontario FSRA requirements and stricter protections in Quebec. Cost of borrowing disclosure helps borrowers compare the full cost of a loan, including interest, fees, term length, and repayment schedule. Learn more from the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada.

Broker vs. Direct Lender: What Is FatCat?

FatCat Loans Canada is a loan matching service, not a direct lender. We collect your application details and connect you with third-party lenders that may match your profile. FatCat does not make lending decisions or issue funds. There is no cost to you for using the service; FatCat receives a commission from lenders when a loan is funded.

When a Loan Is and Is Not the Right Choice

A loan may help with planned expenses, emergency costs, or consolidating higher-interest debt, but it is not always the right solution. If repayments would strain your budget or increase your debt-to-income ratio, consider alternatives such as a repayment plan, budgeting support, or non-profit credit counselling through organizations like Credit Counselling Canada.

Compare Loan Types in Canada

Loan Type Best For Amount Range Term Typical APR Min Credit Score
Personal Loan Planned expenses, consolidation $500-$50K 6-84 mo 9.99%-35% 600+
Bad Credit Loan Poor or thin credit $250-$50K 3-60 mo 19.99%-35% Any
Installment Loan Fixed payments $500-$35K 3-60 mo 14.99%-35% 580+
Debt Consolidation Multiple debts $5K-$50K 12-84 mo 9.99%-35% 580+
Line of Credit Ongoing needs $500-$15K Revolving 19.99%-32% 620+
No Credit Check Income-based approval $250-$15K 3-24 mo 19.99%-35% None

APR ranges are indicative. Your actual rate depends on lender, credit profile, income, and repayment term. Always review lender-specific terms before accepting.

Loan Calculator

Estimated monthly payment: $0.00

Total amount repaid: $0.00

Total interest paid: $0.00

This is an estimate. Actual rate depends on your lender and profile.

APR means annual percentage rate. For Canadian borrowers, APR helps compare the yearly cost of borrowing, including interest and certain fees, rather than only looking at the monthly payment.

See What Rate You Actually Qualify For

Loan Calculator

Loans Available Across Canada

Lending rules, maximum interest rates, and available loan types vary by province. FatCat matches you with lenders licensed to operate in your province.

Ontario

Regulated under FSRA.

British Columbia

Regulated under BCFSA.

Alberta

Provincial consumer protection applies.

Quebec

AMF rules apply; protections may be stricter.

Manitoba

Provincial consumer protection legislation applies.

Saskatchewan

Provincial consumer protection legislation applies.

Nova Scotia

Provincial consumer protection legislation applies.

New Brunswick

Provincial consumer protection legislation applies.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Provincial consumer protection legislation applies.

Prince Edward Island

Provincial consumer protection legislation applies.

Why Choose FatCat Loans

20 lender partners

Compare multiple lender options through one application.

Operating since 2020

Serving Canadian borrowers for 6 years.

PIPEDA compliant

Your data is handled according to Canadian privacy requirements. Privacy Policy

Soft check comparison stage

Compare options without affecting your credit score.

No upfront fees

FatCat earns a commission from lenders only when a loan is funded.

Available in all 10 provinces

Matched with lenders licensed to operate in your province.

Check If You Qualify