Weekend payday loans in Canada: Who’s open?

If you find yourself short on cash, there are services you can turn to even on the weekend. These lenders often have quick and simple processes, and some don’t even require any credit checks. However, watch out for very high interest rates.

Keep reading to find out where to get and how to apply for weekend payday loans in Canada.

Weekend payday loans in Canada

Alternatives to payday loans: Cash advance apps

Cash advance apps are also another way to borrow money on a weekend. Like payday loans, these have automated processes that can provide instant approval and funding no matter which day of the week. They have lower loan amounts than payday loans, but they can also be cheaper.

Finder Score for personal loans

To make comparing even easier, we came up with the Finder Score. Interest rates, fees and features across 110+ personal loans are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score the better the loan—simple.

Read the full methodology

Related: Cash advance apps in Canada

Can I get a payday loan on the weekend in Canada?

Yes, there are lenders in Canada that give approval and funding for payday loans on weekends. You can visit a store that’s open on weekends, get approved on the spot and walk out with your funds.

You can also apply online with a payday lender that operates on a weekend. If you’re applying online, check that there’s an option to receive your funds via Interac e-Transfer as e-Transfers can be sent and received 24/7 even if your bank is closed or it’s outside business hours.

What do I need to get a weekend payday loan in Canada?

Basic requirements for online payday loan applications include the following:

• Be at least 18 years old or the age of majority in your province.
• Be a Canadian citizen or resident.
• Provide government-issued ID.
• Provide proof of recurring income.
• Have a valid bank account (make sure you have e-Transfer set up).

These are the basic requirements for in-store applications:

• Be at least 18 years old or the age of majority in your province.
• Be a Canadian citizen or resident.
• Provide government-issued ID.
• Provide proof of recurring income.
• Have a working phone number.

How quickly can I receive a weekend payday loan in Canada?

We’ve rounded up a list of lenders offering weekend payday loans in Canada and information on their availability.

Provider	Availability	Serviced provinces
iCash	Online 24/7	AB, BC, MB, NB, NS, ON, PEI
GoDay	Online 24/7	AB, BC, MB, NB, NS, ON, PEI, SK
My Canada Payday	Online 24/7	AB, BC, MB, NS, ON, SK
Cash 4 You	9am -5pm Sat (closed Sun)	Ontario and British Columbia
PAY2DAY	Online 24/7 Typically 9am-9pm Sat Typically 10am-6pm Sun	ON, BC, NS
Cash Money	Online 24/7 Typically 9am-9pm Sat Typically 10am-6pm Sun	BC, MB, NL, NS, ON, SK

How to compare weekend payday loans in Canada

While many weekend payday lenders offer the same features, there are some differences to watch out for, which can help narrow down your options of loans to apply for. These features include the following:

• Turnaround time. One of the fastest ways to get weekend payday loans in Canada is from online lenders who have fully automated application and approval processes. Many lenders operate online 24/7 and offer e-Transfer within minutes of getting approved.
• Reputation. Make sure you choose a legitimate payday lender that abides by provincial regulations and properly assesses your ability to repay a payday loan. Also, read reviews from people who have taken out a loan from them.
• Application. Lenders’ applications differ too. They may ask for online banking verification or a photo of yourself. They might give an instant decision or take an hour or 2 to respond. Watch out for lenders like Speedy Cash, for example, that advertise 24/7 online applications over the weekend but won’t deposit loan funds until the next business day.
• In-store network. If getting a weekend payday loan at a store is important to you, check whether the lender has any convenient locations.

How much do payday loans cost in Canada?

Since payday loans are provincially regulated in Canada, the overall cost of a weekend payday loan will vary based on where you live. Here’s a breakdown of how much a $500 payday loan would cost:

Province	Cost per $100	Total fee	Total repayment amount
Alberta	$14	$70	$570
British Columbia	$14	$70	$570
Manitoba	$14	$70	$570
New Brunswick	$15	$70	$570
Newfoundland and Labrador	$14	$70	$570
Nova Scotia	$14	$70	$570
Ontario	$14	$70	$570
Prince Edward Island	$14	$70	$570
Saskatchewan	$14	$70	$570

Payday loans are one of the most expensive types of personal financing on the market. For example, a payday loan taken out over a 2 week period will be more expensive than a credit card cash advance in that instance. Check out our full guide to payday loan alternatives to learn more about cheaper options.

Pros and cons of weekend payday loans

Pros

• You’ll get your money anytime from anywhere. Some payday loan providers let you borrow funds any day of the week, day or night. Since they offer loans online, you can apply for one anywhere or anytime.
• You’ll be able to use the funds for any purpose. Payday loan providers don’t place restrictions on how you use the money you receive as long as it’s for legitimate purposes.
• A bad credit score is OK. Unlike traditional lenders, payday lenders accept applications from individuals who have a poor credit score or bad credit history. What’s important is demonstrating an ability to repay the money you borrow.
• No credit checks. Some lenders offer no credit check loans.

Cons

• You’ll pay a higher APR. One of the biggest drawbacks of weekend payday loans in Canada is the high fees. Make sure you’re aware of how much you’ll be expected to repay.
• The loans are only short-term. No matter how much money you borrow, expect to repay the entire amount on your next payday. Payday loans are not a solution for larger amounts of debt.
• Predatory lenders. When you need money now, it’s easy to go with the first lender you find, but be sure to check if they are a reputable and trustworthy lender before signing a loan contract. This saves you time and money in the long run.

When should you avoid weekend payday loans?

• Avoid a loan you can’t repay. If you think you’ll have trouble repaying your loan, don’t take it out. Late or missed payments could lead to extra charges, costing you more money and sending you into a vicious cycle of debt.
• Avoid skimming quickly over your loan offer document. Before you accept the weekend payday loan, take time to go through the terms and conditions carefully. This should give you a clear picture of the fees and charges you might be expected to pay under various circumstances.

Bottom line

Many online lenders offer weekend payday loans in Canada. You can always visit a local payday store location to apply for the loan in person, if there are any open near you on the weekend. However, it’s becoming more common to apply for payday loans online and receive your loan funds anytime day or night – even on the weekends. Compare and apply with an online weekend payday lender here.

Frequently asked questions

• Will a weekend payday loan affect my credit score?

  No, weekend payday loans don't affect your credit score in Canada. Payday loan lenders don't report your payment history to major credit bureaus. The only way your score could go down is if you don't make your repayments. If this happens, then the lender will likely report the missed payments to the credit bureaus and your credit score will go down.

• What is the maximum amount I can borrow with weekend payday loans?

  You can borrow up to $1,500, but some provinces limit the amount to a percentage of your income. In Ontario, for example, you can only borrow up to 50% of your net income.

• What eligibility criteria do I have to meet to apply for a weekend payday loan?

  You should be the age of majority in your province or territory, which is usually 18 years old, have a steady source of income and have the ability to repay the amount borrowed. You will also need to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Each lender will have a range of income requirements and other lenders may require you to be employed.

• If I'm unemployed, can I still get a weekend payday loan in Canada?

  You may still be eligible for a weekend payday loan if you're unemployed as long as you have some form of income that proves you can repay the loan. Payday loan lenders are less interested in your credit history and employment and are more interested in your ability to pay back what you borrow.

  Acceptable forms of income could include government unemployment benefits, welfare payments, self-employment income and investment income. Learn more about unemployment loans.

• Why haven't I been transferred my payday loan funds?

  There are a number of reasons your weekend payday loan hasn't been deposited into your bank account yet. This could be due to your bank, the lender you applied with or the fact that you haven't been approved. Check with the company you applied with first before seeking another loan.

• Can I get weekend payday loans in Canada without a credit check?

  Yes, some lenders of payday loans and cash advances do not require any credit checks.