Need a loan but don't have a traditional job? Don't worry - you've still got options in Canada.
Most lenders want to see some form of income before approving a loan. While they might not need employment verification specifically, they'll typically want to see bank statements or use instant bank verification (IBV) to confirm you have money coming in regularly.
If you're between jobs, receive government benefits, or have non-traditional income sources, you can still access financing - you just need to know where to look.
Is it possible to get a loan without employment verification?
Yes, absolutely. Canadian lenders offer loans without employment verification, but you'll need to show alternative income like:
Employment Insurance (EI)
Government assistance
Pension payments
Child benefits
Lenders look at your overall financial picture - not just employment. They'll check your debt levels and financial stability to make lending decisions.
1. KOHO
KOHO offers Cover, a zero-interest cash advance up to $250, depending on eligibility. All you have to do is sign up for a KOHO account. Then, subscribe to Cover starting as low as $2 a month for the monthly subscription fee, and you can easily access your cash advance funds right away in-app or withdraw them from an ATM.
Plus, the more you make use of KOHO for everyday spending and repay your monthly Cover fees on time, the more likely you'll be able to increase your Cover limit.
Need more than what Cover provides? KOHO's line of credit gives you access to $1,000-$15,000, provided by Fora. It's a good option when traditional banks aren't available.
2. Nyble
Nyble allows users to access up to $250 for their balance protection insurance.
Cost Structure: Paid Membership
Cost: $11.99/month
Payment due date: 31 days following drawdown
3. iCash
Users can get loans up to $1,500.
Cost Structure: Flat Fee
Cost: $14 per $100 borrowed
Payment due date: Next payday or up to the maximum 62-day period
4. PAY2DAY
PAY2DAY provides payday loans of up to $1,500.
Cost Structure: Flat Fee
Cost: $14 per $100 borrowed
Payment due date: Next payday
5. Woveo
Users can access a cash advance of up to $250 with a premium plan.
Cost Structure: Paid Membership
Cost: $10/month per user
Payment due date: Monthly payments over 12 months
Personal installment loans
These are your best bet compared to payday loans. They offer:
Lower interest rates (typically 9.99% to 35%)
Higher loan amounts ($300 to $35,000+)
Longer repayment terms
More manageable monthly payments
How to qualify when you're unemployed
ID Requirements
You'll need to provide government-issued photo ID such as:
Canadian passport
Driver's license
Permanent resident card
Health card with photo
Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) may also be required.
Proving Your Income
Without employment, you'll need to show income from other sources like:
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
Old Age Security (OAS)
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
Social assistance programs
Banking requirements
An active Canadian bank account is essential for two reasons:
To set up automatic loan repayments
To verify your income
Lenders typically verify your banking information through:
PDF bank statements you provide from your online banking
Secure instant verification platforms like Flinks or Plaid that give lenders a simplified view of your transaction history
With these alternatives, being unemployed doesn't have to mean you can't access credit when needed - just be prepared to show your alternative income sources.
Disclaimer: Pricing and terms are based on publicly available information as of July 2nd, 2025 and are provided for comparison only. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

About the author
Quan works as a Junior SEO Specialist, helping websites grow through organic search. He loves the world of finance and investing. When he’s not working, he stays active at the gym, trains Muay Thai, plays soccer, and goes swimming.
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