ATVing is one of the best ways to explore a new landscape, navigate difficult terrain or just have some good old-fashioned summer fun. But with price tags for ATV and side-by-sides in the thousands, it’s an expensive hobby.
There are several ways to finance an ATV in Canada, including ATV manufacturers and dealers, banks, credit unions and online lenders. Keep reading to explore your ATV financing options and find out how to get funded.
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Where can I get ATV financing in Canada?
There are four ways to finance an ATV or side-by-side in Canada:
- Get ATV financing through a loan search platform
- Get ATV financing through the dealer
- Get an ATV loan directly from a bank or credit union
- Get a personal loan
1. Get ATV financing through a loan search platform
How it works
Loan search platforms like Loans Canada and My Auto Approval make it easy to compare loan offers from a network of lenders. Once you fill out an online application with your details and borrowing needs, you can compare offers.
These platforms can connect you with lenders who work with good and bad credit borrowers, and there’s a wide range of loan amounts and terms available. Loan search platforms are also typically free to use, and if you get an offer that matches your needs, you can then apply directly with the lender you choose.
Pros of getting ATV financing through a loan search platform
- Fill out a single application to compare multiple offers
- Easy to compare lenders and shop around
- All types of credit accepted
- Free to use
What to watch out for
- High rates if you have bad credit
- You may find a better offer from outside the network of lenders
- Platforms are not direct lenders
2. Get ATV financing through the dealer
How it works
Getting a loan through your ATV dealer or manufacturer is another way to finance an ATV in Canada. It’s also one of the most convenient and straightforward options, but you’ll still need to shop around to make sure you’re getting the best rate.
ATV dealers may either provide in-house financing or partner with a third-party lender, such as a bank or alternative lender, to finance your ATV loan. The minimum credit score requirement will vary based on who is providing the financing, but you’ll often find special financing promo offers—potentially as low as 0%—to help sweeten the deal for ATV buyers.
Some ATV manufacturers also offer financing through a third-party lender like a bank, and they can offer promotions like cash rebates or a low interest rate for a limited period of time.
Pros of getting ATV financing through a dealer
- Convenient ATV financing option
- You can take advantage of promo offers such as 0% financing
- Fast access to funds
- Easy to apply through the dealership
What to watch out for
- Make sure you compare other loan offers first
- High rates for bad credit
- Don’t get pressured into applying for dealer financing
Popular dealers and manufacturers who finance ATVs in Canada
Here are some popular ATV brands and dealers across Canada who have their own financing programs:
- Can-Am
- CFMOTO Canada
- Honda
- J&R Cycle
- Kawasaki
- Polaris
- Powersports Canada
- Suzuki
- Westshore Marine & Leisure
- Yamaha
3. Get an ATV loan directly from a bank or credit union
How it works
Some banks and credit unions offer ATV financing loans, which are often referred to as “powersport” or “leisure vehicle” loans. This is a solid option if you have good to excellent credit above 660, and these traditional lenders offer competitive interest rates.
The loan may be unsecured or secured. If the loan is secured, then your ATV will act as collateral, and the lender can repossess it if you do not make your repayments. If it’s unsecured, the loan has no collateral but will typically have a higher interest rate. Terms of up to seven years may be available.
But if you have bad credit, you’ll probably need to consider alternative ATV, side-by-side and quad financing options.
Pros of getting ATV financing from a bank or credit union
- Competitive rates if you have strong credit
- Deal with a trusted lender
- No prepayment penalties
What to watch out for
- You won’t get approved if you have bad credit
- Slower approval process
4. Get a personal loan
How it works
The next option is to use a personal loan to buy an ATV. Personal loan funds can be used for any legitimate purpose, with loans of up to $50,000 commonly available and terms of up to five or seven years. The loan can be secured or unsecured, and you often have the choice of a fixed or variable rate.
If you have good to excellent credit, you’ll be eligible for more competitive rates as low as 6.99%.
If you have fair or bad credit, you will have a better chance of getting approved by online lenders than banks or credit unions. Keep an eye on interest rates if you have bad credit, since they can get as high 35% for unsecured loans. Because lenders view bad credit borrowers as higher risk, they charge higher rates.
Pros of personal loans from financial institutions or alternative lenders
- Lenient eligibility criteria
- Easy to apply online
- Get funded fast
- Plenty of options available
What to watch out for
- High rates if you have bad credit
- Illegitimate lenders
- Loan fees
Eligibility requirements for ATV loans
Eligibility varies among lenders, but you typically need to meet the following criteria to finance an ATV:
- Regular income. Steady, stable income from employment is preferred over irregular, seasonal or self-employment income.
- Age of majority. The minimum age to take out a loan is either 18 or 19, depending on where you live.
- Canadian resident. Most lenders require that you be a resident of Canada with a valid, permanent Canadian address.
- Credit score requirement. You’ll typically need a credit score of 660 or higher to finance an ATV through a bank or credit union, but online and alternative lenders may accept borrowers with lower credit scores.
How to compare ATV and side-by-side financing options
Keep the following factors in mind when searching for ATV financing in Canada.
Interest rates
Compare loan interest rates to find the most affordable options. But be aware that many dealers and finance providers only advertise the lowest possible rate on their websites, which only the most creditworthy borrowers actually qualify for.
Many dealers, manufacturers and online lenders allow you to pre-qualify for financing. This gives you an estimate of the rates and loan amounts you are eligible for without impacting your credit or requiring you to submit a full loan application.
Fees
Check the loan agreement for details of any fees that may apply, such as admin or origination fees. Remember to look at the APR (annual percentage rate) when comparing loans—this takes into account the interest rate as well as financing fees to show you the true cost of a loan.
Loan amount
Find out how much the lender will allow you to borrow. Maximum loan amounts of up to $50,000 are commonly available, and depending on your financial situation, you may be able to take out a loan with a $0 down payment.
Loan term
Maximum loan terms typically range from five to seven years. Choosing a longer loan term will allow you to make a smaller monthly payment, but it’ll mean you’ll pay more interest over the life of the loan.
Repayment flexibility
Choose a repayment plan that suits your income—weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. Also, check if you can make extra repayments towards your loan, and even pay off the entire loan amount early, without being charged prepayment fees.
What to watch out for with ATV loans
Want to make sure your lender is legit? Watch out for these red flags when looking for ATV financing in Canada:
- Guarantees. No lender can guarantee that you’ll be approved for a loan. If you come across one that does, there’s a chance it’s a scam.
- No credit check loans. Often these loans come with even higher rates compared to loans that require a credit check.
- Upfront payments. Any lender asking for money before you get your funds could be running a scam, especially if they’re in the form of gift cards or money orders.
- Fees. Before signing, check the loan agreement closely for full details of any fees that apply.
How much does it cost to finance an ATV?
The cost of ATV loans depends on the loan amount, interest rate and loan term. As a rule of thumb, you want to get the shortest loan term and lowest interest rate possible so you pay less interest overall. However, make sure you can still manage the monthly payments.
Below is an example of how much an $11,000 ATV loan would cost at 5.99% APR based on varying term lengths:
36 months | 48 months | 72 months | |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly payment | $334.59 | $258.28 | $182.25 |
Total interest paid | $1,045.29 | $1,397.67 | $2,121.99 |
Total cost | $12,045.29 | $12,937.67 | $13,121.99 |
ATV financing calculator
Use this calculator to figure out your monthly payments based on loan term, APR and loan amount.
ATV financing calculator
Calculate how much you could expect to pay each month when you finance an ATV.
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What credit score do you need to finance an ATV?
You can usually find some form of ATV or side-by-side financing at nearly any credit score, but you’ll be charged a higher interest rate the lower your credit score is. The table below shows what type of APR may be offered by lenders relative to different credit scores. Note that the actual APR you’re offered may differ—this is just a representative example.
Credit type | Credit score | Possible APR |
---|---|---|
Excellent | 760 to 900 | 0% to 3% |
Very good | 725 to 759 | 3% to 5% |
Good | 660 to 724 | 5% to 8% |
Fair | 560 to 659 | 8% to 12% |
Poor | 300 to 559 | 12%+ |
Lower credit can also affect the loan terms you qualify for. Generally, you’ll need to have at least good credit to qualify for longer terms. Other factors like your debt-to-income ratio can also factor into your rate.
Representative example: Nate buys a new ATV
Nate, a resident of Ontario, wants to buy an ATV. After doing some research, he heads to a nearby dealership, where he finds a 2025 Kawasaki Brute Force 450 priced at $8,699. Nate heads to his bank to finance his ATV. Because he has a solid credit history, he is approved for an $8,699 ATV loan.
Loan amount | $8,699.00 |
Loan type | Auto loan (term loan) |
Interest rate (APR) | 6.99% |
Loan term | 60 months |
Additional fees | None |
Payment | $172.21 monthly |
Total loan cost | $10,332.58 (total interest of $1,633.58) |
Common ATV types
- Sports ATV. These quads are designed for fun. They’re faster, lighter and can absorb shock better than their counterparts. They’re typically less expensive too.
- Utility ATV. If you’re hauling cargo through rough terrain, a utility ATV is what you’re looking for. It can handle a heavier load and is typically more stable than a sports ATV.
- Youth ATV. Designed to introduce children to ATVing, youth ATVs have reduced power (starting at around 50cc) compared to sports and utility ATVs. They’re also smaller, lighter and have automatic transmissions to make them easy and safe for kids to ride.
- Three-wheeler. Also known as trikes and ATCs, three-wheelers are recreational vehicles that are less commonly available than other types of ATVs.
- Side-by-side. Also known as an SxS or UTV, this type of vehicle allows you to ride with another person or carry a heavier load. They have at least two seats and can sometimes carry four or more people.
Used vs new ATVs
Before you buy a new ATV, consider whether you want a new or used vehicle. Both come with benefits and drawbacks.
New ATVs
New ATVs can be more expensive, but don’t require as much upkeep in the beginning. They can come with lower APRs when you finance, and you don’t risk having hidden damaged parts that could set you back. However, you could end up having to pay for major repairs on an already-expensive vehicle if it’s involved in an accident.
Used ATVs
Used ATVs are generally much cheaper. Rather than paying a large sum upfront, it’s possible to find used ATVs for around $3,000. While loan interest rates might be higher, you’ll still end up paying less—or you might not even need to get a loan to cover the upfront cost.
This means that if you damage your vehicle, it’s less of a big deal. It could also be a good option for first-timers who don’t know how much they’re actually going to take their ATVs out. But there’s a chance you’ll need to replace some parts and spend some serious time in the garage.
How much do ATVs cost?
The table below shows the starting prices for a range of ATV models from popular brands to help you calculate your ATV and side-by-side financing needs.
Brand | Cost for 2025 models (starting from) | Series |
---|---|---|
Polaris | $8,889-$59,569 | Ranger, Sportsman, RZR, Xpedition, General |
Honda | $4,702-$31,277 | Rancher, Foreman, Rubicon, Sport, Pioneer 520, Pioneer 700, Pioneer 1000, Talon |
Can-Am | $3,099-$35,499 | Commander, Defender, Maverick Sport, Maverick Trail, Maverick R, Maverick X3, Outlander 500/700, Outlander 850/1000R, Outlander Pro, Renegade, Renegade EFI, DS |
Yamaha | $9,399-$36,099 | Grizzly, Kodiak 700, Kodiak 450, Wolverine RMAX4, Wolverine RMAX2, Wolverine X2, Wolverine X4, Viking |
Kawasaki | $2,999-$48,699 | KFX, Brute Force, Mule, Ridge, Teryx |
Suzuki | $3,149-$14,499 | QuadSport, KingQuad |
*Prices last verified in February 2025
Bottom line
From in-house financing to specialist powersport loans and personal loans from a bank, credit union or online lender, there are several ways to finance an ATV or side-by-side. If you have good credit, you may want to check with a bank or credit union first. If you need bad credit ATV financing, online lenders or dealer financing may be your best option.
Frequently asked questions about ATV financing
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