When an unexpected expense comes up before payday, a short-term loan can feel like a quick way to bridge the gap.
In Canada, payday loans are usually small, short-term loans that need to be repaid quickly, often by your next payday. The downside is that they can be expensive, especially compared to lower cost borrowing options.
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1. KOHO (Alternative)
KOHO Cover is not a traditional payday loan. It is a cash advance designed for Canadians who need a smaller amount of money to cover short term expenses.
With KOHO Cover, you can:
Get up to $250 as an instant cash advance (amount depends on eligibility)
Pay no interest on the advance
Avoid a credit check
Repay automatically once you add money or get paid
You subscribe to the Cover bundle for a low monthly fee, and in return you get the advance feature plus extras like a credit report, financial coaching, and priority support.
2. Wagepay
With Wagepay, you can:
Borrow $100 to $1,500 as a short-term payday loan
Choose a loan term of up to 62 days
Apply with no credit check
Pay $14 per $100 borrowed
Wagepay is available in British Columbia and Ontario. To qualify, you need at least $1,600 in monthly income, and Wagepay only accepts employment income.
3. Nyble
With Nyble, you can:
Access up to $250 through an interest-free credit line
Pay 0% interest on the amount borrowed
Use a loan term of 31 days, with the option to extend
Get instant funding if you need money quickly, though a fee may apply
Apply with income from any steady source paid into your bank account
To qualify, you need an active bank account, meet income requirements, and have minimal NSF transactions on your account.
4. Bree
With Bree, you can:
Access a cash advance from $20 to $750
Pay 0% interest on the amount borrowed
Repay by your next pay cycle, with a maximum term of 90 days
Apply with no credit check
Get a cash advance with no mandatory fees if you can wait up to three business days for funding
Use recurring income from any source paid into your bank account
To qualify, you need an active chequing account, recurring income, and at least two consecutive paycheques deposited into your account.
5. Cashco Financial
With Cashco Financial, you can:
Borrow $50 to $1,500 as a payday loan
Use a loan term of up to 62 days
Apply with no credit check
Receive funds quickly by e-Transfer
Apply with different income types, including employment income, government disability, private disability, private pension, CPP, OAS, CCB, and workers’ compensation
To qualify, you need a steady source of income. The borrowing cost is listed as $14 per $100 borrowed, so make sure you understand the full repayment amount and due date before taking out the loan.
Conclusion
Payday loans can provide fast access to money, but they are one of the more expensive ways to borrow.
For Canadians who only need a smaller amount, KOHO Cover may be a better first option because it offers an interest-free cash advance with no credit check.
If you are comparing payday loan companies in Canada, focus on the total cost, repayment timing, and whether you can comfortably repay the loan on time.

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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