Compare e-Transfer payday loans in Nova Scotia

Quick facts about payday loans in Nova Scotia

• Maximum loan amount: $1,500
• Maximum loan term: Up to 62 days
• Maximum cost: $15 for every $100 borrowed

Can I get payday loans in Nova Scotia?

Yes, you can. Payday loans are legal in Nova Scotia. Each province has its own rules and regulations for licensed payday lenders. In Nova Scotia, the sector is regulated by the Consumer Protection Act and Payday Lenders Regulations. Here are the key rules in place for payday loans in Nova Scotia:

Online e-Transfer payday loans in Nova Scotia 24/7

Payday loans are readily available online, so Nova Scotians don’t have to head to a storefront to apply for a loan.

How to apply for online payday loans in Nova Scotia

If you prefer securing an online e-Transfer payday loan, simply head to your chosen lender’s website, and navigate to the application page. Most lenders set up quick, easy-to-follow applications that can be completed in 10 minutes or less. Once you’ve submitted your application, you should receive a quick decision on your loan request.

Payday loan regulations for online lenders

Bear in mind that online and in-store payday loans are subject to identical regulations. For reference, check the list above for key rules that payday lenders and their customers must adhere to according to the Consumer Protection Act and Payday Lenders Regulations.

Funding options

Successful applicants can typically receive Interac e-Transfer payday loans in Nova Scotia 24/7 by electronic transfer or direct deposit. Lenders may issue your funds via money transfer sent to your email address. On the other hand, direct deposits are automatically deposited straight into your bank account with the account information provided on your application (chequing account number, routing number and institution number). Usually, e-Transfers are faster than direct deposits.

Compare e-Transfer payday loans in Nova Scotia

How much do payday loans in Nova Scotia cost?

In Nova Scotia, lenders can charge up to $15 for every $100 borrowed. To help you see how expensive payday loans are compared to other types of debt, we’ve outlined the fees you could pay for a payday loan versus a credit card cash advance.

What do I need to apply?

If you’re interested in applying for a payday loan in Nova Scotia, you’ll need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be at least 19 years old.
• Provide proof of income.
• Give proof of address, for example, they can ask to see a utility bill.
• Have an active chequing account.

To complete your application successfully, prepare to submit some basic information:

• Personal details, such as your name, date of birth, Social Insurance Number and a valid form of ID.
• Contact details, such as your residential address, email address and phone number.
• Details about your employment and income.

Can I get a no credit check payday loan in Nova Scotia?

That depends on the lender. Most payday lenders in Nova Scotia will run a credit check, while others don’t. Instead of a perfect credit score, payday lenders are typically more interested in you having the following criteria:

• An active chequing account
• A permanent address (and proof of it)
• 3 months of continuous employment (and proof of it)
• A minimum monthly net income to service loan repayments

This lenient criteria can be easy to meet, with the added bonus of not having to prove you’re a responsible borrower. However, some lenders who don’t do credit checks might be predatory and illegitimate. This is why it’s important to do your research and use a reputable lender, whether they do a credit check or not.

8 questions to consider before applying for e-Transfer payday loans in Nova Scotia

Payday loans have very high APRs and quick repayment terms and should really only be used as a last resort. But with so many lenders on the market, it can be hard to pick the right one for your needs. Here’s what to keep in mind before signing up for a payday loan in Nova Scotia.

1. Can I repay this loan on time?

First and foremost, think carefully about whether you have the means to repay the loan by your next payday without ending up in the red. With steep interest rates and additional penalties for not repaying your loan on time, payday loans can snowball your debt if you don’t have a clear exit strategy.

2. How long does it take to process the loan?

If time is of the essence, zero in on payday lenders that can fulfill your loan request and issue funds within the day, if not faster. You could go to a storefront to receive cash on the spot or apply online and request an Interac e-Transfer.

3. How do you want your funds issued to you?

If you need cold hard cash, you may be better off working with a payday lender with physical store locations in Nova Scotia, so you can have funds issued in person. Other borrowers may find it easier to receive a direct deposit or Interac e-Transfer with funds sent directly to their bank accounts.

4. Are you aware of all the fees?

While some of the best payday loans in Nova Scotia provide quick access to funds, take the time to find out just how much you’ll have to pay in the form of fees. Interest, fees and excess charges drive up the true cost of your loan, so make sure to factor those charges into your decision.

5. What forms of income does this payday lender accept?

If you don’t have employment income and rely solely on government benefits, you’ll have to do your research and choose from payday lenders in Nova Scotia that accept alternative sources of income.

6. Is there a minimum credit score?

If you’re looking for the best bad credit payday loan, consider that most lenders accept applications from people with bad credit. Still, if your credit score is in less-than-perfect shape, you’ll need to find lenders with minimum credit score requirements you can qualify for.

7. Is there another way to secure funding?

Personal loans, credit cards, installment loans and lines of credit are all cheaper options to borrow cash instead of a payday loan. Here’s a look at payday loan alternatives.

8. Is the lender legitimate?

The payday loans industry is rife with predatory lenders. Your job is to check on the lender’s credibility, whether its lending licence is prominently displayed and if it’s adhering to provincial lending regulations.

How can I tell if a payday loan lender in Nova Scotia is legitimate?

The best way to make sure a payday loan provider is legitimate is to check its credentials on the Government of Nova Scotia website. Look for the following signs to ensure you’re working with a reputable business:

• The lender displays a Nova Scotia licence number. A licence is required to be displayed in-shop by the lender. You can check licenced lenders on the Government of Nova Scotia website.
• The lender displays fees. Lenders must have posters showing the rates they charge. Signs must be posted in both official languages and must be visible to borrowers.
• Rollovers aren’t allowed. Nova Scotia law doesn’t allow payday lenders to give out multiple loans or let borrowers use a second payday loan to pay off the first one.
• The lender follows rate and fee regulations. Stay away from lenders who charge more than $15 for every $100 borrowed.

Watch out for unlicensed lenders in Nova Scotia

Getting an online loan can be a fast and convenient way to deal with short-term financial difficulties, but it comes with its own share of risk. Online lenders aren’t usually regulated by the government of Nova Scotia. When applying online for a payday loan, watch out for the following:

• Illegally high interest rates or fees. Payday lenders charging fees above $15 for every $100 borrowed are operating illegally, meaning you’ll pay higher than the legal maximum to get your hands on fast cash.
• Identity theft. Scammy online lenders might misuse your personal information, putting you at risk of identity theft or a hacked bank account.
• Funds taken from your bank account without permission. Unlicensed lenders might illegally withdraw money from customers’ bank accounts to help cover the cost of loan repayments.

Online lenders often operate outside of the province or even the country, making it difficult to track their movements or prosecute them if they do something illegal. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your lender is licensed to operate in Nova Scotia before you borrow money.

How to file a complaint against a payday loan lender in Nova Scotia

You can contact the Department of Service Nova Scotia to discuss your options for filing a complaint. The department may conduct an investigation if it believes that a payday loan company has breached Nova Scotia’s consumer protection laws.

Payday loan alternatives in Nova Scotia

Consider your options carefully before borrowing from a payday lender. Here are some alternatives to payday loans:

Nova Scotia assistance programs

Nova Scotia has a number of programs that can provide some much-needed relief for residents and newcomers who are struggling to make ends meet.

• The Income Assistance (IA) program helps people in financial need with basic necessities such as food, rent, utilities and clothing.
• The Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit provides subsidized rental housing to low-income individuals and families who can’t afford other housing options.
• Employment Support Services (ESS) offers career counselling advice and assistance to people who are struggling to find or maintain employment.
• The Disability Support Program (DSP) gives support to individuals with intellectual/physical disabilities or long term mental illness.

Local financial institutions

Some credit unions and local banks have low-interest, short-term loan programs with flexible repayment options for those who need a bit of quick financial help. Certain institutions even offer credit builder programs which provide small loans that can help build up your credit score and ultimately land you better rates on personal loans.

Credit counselling

If you have an overwhelming amount of debt and aren’t sure how to reign in your finances, you might like to register for a credit counselling program. These programs can help you with budgeting and consolidating your debts.

Bottom line

If you need some fast cash in the short-term, consider your alternatives before taking out a payday loan. If you don’t have another viable option, be sure to shop around for e-Transfer payday loans in Nova Scotia with competitive terms from lenders that abide by provincial regulations. Be wary of unlicensed lenders, and pay back your loan on time to avoid additional charges.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the maximum number of outstanding payday loans I can have in Nova Scotia?

  You can only take out one payday loan at a time for a maximum of $1,500.

• Do payday loan regulations in Nova Scotia permit rollovers?

  Rollover loans are not allowed in Nova Scotia. This means you can't roll over existing payday loan debt into a second payday loan. Before getting a new loan, you must fully pay off your first one.

• Who can I contact if I have a complaint about my payday loan?

  You can file a complaint with the Department of Service Nova Scotia, which will act on your behalf to conduct an investigation into the payday loan business in question.

• Can I pay off my payday loan early?

  Yes. In Nova Scotia, payday lenders must let you pay off your loan early without any penalties.

• Are 'guaranteed' and 'instant' loans legitimate?

  There is no such a thing as a guaranteed loan because legitimate lenders need to review your finances before approving. On the other hand, instant loans do exist in the form of payday loans and early pay advances.

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Stacie Hurst as part of our fact-checking process.

Written by

Carmen Chai

Writer

Carmen Chai is a freelance writer at Finder, specializing in financial products. She is an award-winning Canadian journalist who has lived and reported from major cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, London and Paris. She has reported on personal finance, mortgages, and banking products for nearly a decade. See full bio