Compare $800 loans in Canada with fast decisions

Installment vs. payday loans–what's the right $800 loan for you?

When you need $800 quickly, two common options are installment loans and payday loans. While both offer fast access to cash, payday loans should only be considered as a last resort due to their high costs and short repayment terms. Let’s dive into the options available to you.

Compare $800 installment loans

Installment loans allow you to repay the $800 over time through scheduled payments, making them a more manageable and cost-effective option than payday loans.

1 - 7 of 7
Name Product CAFPL Ratings APR Range Loan Amount Loan Term Broker Compliance Requirements
SkyCap Installment Loan
Finder Score:
★★★★★
Customer Survey:
★★★★★
12.99% - 39.99%
$500 - $10,000
12 - 60 months
Requirements: min. income $1,666.67/month, full time employment/pension, min. credit score 575, no bankruptcy
Fat Cat Loans Personal Loan
Finder Score:
★★★★★
4.84% - 35.99%
$300 - $50,000
3 - 84 months
Requirements: min. income $1,000/month, min. credit score 300
Spring Financial Installment Loan
Finder Score:
★★★★★
Customer Survey:
★★★★★
9.99% - 46.99%
$500 - $35,000
6 - 60 months
Requirements: min. income $2,000/month, 3+ months employed, min. credit score 550
Loans Canada Installment Loan
Finder Score:
★★★★★
Customer Survey:
★★★★★
9.90% - 46.96%
$500 - $50,000
3 - 60 months
Loans Canada is a loan search platform with access to multiple lenders. Applicants will be matched with a suitable lender based on credit history and borrowing requirements.
Requirements: min. credit score 300
LoanConnect Installment Loan
Finder Score:
★★★★★
Customer Survey:
★★★★★
8.99% - 46.96%
$500 - $2,500
3 - 6 months
LoanConnect is a loan search platform with access to multiple lenders. Applicants will be matched with a suitable lender based on credit history and borrowing requirements.
Requirements: min. credit score 300
Mogo Installment Loan
Finder Score:
★★★★★
Customer Survey:
★★★★★
9.90% - 46.96%
$200 - $35,000
6 - 60 months
Requirements: min. income $35,000/year, min. credit score 600
100-day money-back guarantee. If you're not happy with your loan, pay back the principal and get your 100 days of paid interest and fees back.
LoansLoans.ca Installment Loan
Finder Score:
★★★★★
28.00% - 32.00% + broker fee
$500 - $1,000
3 - 12 months
Requirements: min. income $1,200, 2+ months employed. No credit check required.

Note: You may be charged a broker fee up to $300.
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⚠️ Warning: Be cautious with payday loans
High-cost payday loans are unsustainable for borrowing over a continued period of time and are expensive as a means of longer-term borrowing. If you're experiencing financial hardship call Credit Counselling Canada for free financial counselling (Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm at +1 866-398-5999). You may also want to consider payday loan alternatives. Maximum borrowing costs will vary by province. Review the maximum borrowing cost for your province before entering into a loan agreement.

Compare $800 payday loans

Payday loans are quick but come with higher costs and shorter repayment periods, often making them a riskier choice.

1 - 6 of 6
Name Product CAFSL Loan Amount Loan Term APR Speed Serviced Provinces Offer Table description
GoDay Payday Loan
$100 - $1,500
Up to 62 days
Varies by province
As little as 2 minutes with Interac e-Transfer
AB, BC, MB, NB, NS, ON, PEI, SK
To apply, you'll need to be a Canadian resident over the age of 18 with a valid email address, phone number and an open bank account with a Canadian bank or credit union.
Cashco Financial Payday Loans
$100 - $1,500
Up to 62 days
Varies by province
Same day approval
AB, BC, ON, SK
Get quick access to funds based on your income. Active bank account required. All income types accepted.
More Info
iCash Payday Loan
$100 - $1,500
7 - 62 days
Varies by province
As little as 2 minutes with Interac e-Transfer
AB, BC, MB, NB, NS, ON, PEI
24/7 instant approval and e-Transfer funding.
Same day cash up to $1,500 for car payments, rent, mortgage, home & appliance repair, and more. Income of at least $800/month required.
Wagepay Wage Advance Loan
$100 - $1,500
Up to 62 days
Varies by province
As little as 2 minutes with Interac e-Transfer
BC, ON
Lower and transparent fees. No late or NSF fees.
Get early access to a portion of your pay. Sign up in less than 3 minutes and receive funds via e-Transfer 24/7.
Money Mart Payday Loan
$120 - $1,500
1 - 62 days
Varies by province
As little as 1 hour after getting approved
AB, BC, MB, NS, NT, ON, SK, YT
To be eligible, you’ll need to be at least 18 years of age with a steady source of income and a chequing account. No credit check required.
More Info
Cash Money Payday Loan
$100 - $1,500
5 - 40 days
Varies by province
As little as 15 minutes with INTERAC e-Transfer
BC, MB, NL, NS, ON, SK
Instant decision and e-Transfer funding. Income of at least $1,000/month required.
More Info
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Can I get a $800 loan with bad credit?

Yes. There are lenders that provide $800 loans to those with bad credit. Payday loans, such as iCash, and installment loans, like those from Spring Financial, often have more lenient eligibility requirements, making them accessible to borrowers with poor credit. However, these loans typically come with higher interest rates and fees, so it’s essential to review the terms carefully before applying.

Can I get an $800 loan with no credit check?

Yes. Some lenders offer $800 loans with no credit check, making them accessible to those with poor credit or limited credit history. For example, Wagepay provides payday loans without a credit check, while Loans Canada connects borrowers to installment loan options that may not require a credit check. However, like loans for those with bad credit, these loans often come with higher interest rates or stricter income verification requirements, so it’s important to review the terms carefully.

How to get an $800 loan today

  • Check eligibility requirements. Ensure you meet the lender’s criteria, such as proof of income, an active bank account, and government-issued ID.
  • Compare lenders. Use comparison tools to find the best rates, fees, and terms for your needs. Compare $800 loans now.
  • Apply online. Visit the lender’s website and complete the application form.
  • Get an instant decision. Most lenders provide approvals within minutes.
  • Review and sign your contract. Carefully read the loan agreement before signing.
  • Receive your funds. For faster access, choose e-Transfer funding, which is quicker than direct deposit.
  • Plan for repayment. Ensure you have a strategy for repaying the loan on time to avoid late fees or additional interest charges.

Tips to succeed

  • Avoid NSF (non-sufficient funds) transactions. Try to maintain a clean banking history for the past three to six months.
  • Ensure your income is deposited regularly. Lenders prefer stable income streams deposited directly into your bank account.
  • Be ready to verify your income and identity. Instant bank verification and documents like recent pay stubs or bank statements may be required.
  • Aim for a low debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Ideally, keep your DTI under 40%. Some alternative lenders may accept DTIs as high as 55%–60%.
  • Build a positive banking history. Avoid overdrafts and maintain a steady account balance to increase your chances of approval.
  • Choose the right lender. Focus on lenders that specialize in small loans or bad credit options if necessary.
  • Limit your existing debt. Paying down current obligations can improve your DTI and overall eligibility.

$800 payday loans vs $800 installment loans: Which one for you?

Feature$800 payday loan$800 installment loan
Cost$14 to $17 for every $100 borrowed18% - 47% and a broker fee may apply depending on the lender
Loan termup to 62 daysTypically less than 12 months
RepaymentsTypically one payment in full on your next paydayBroken up in installments that coincide with the days you get paid
Instant decisionAvailableAvailable
Ease of approvalEasier than installment loansHarder than payday loans
No credit check optionsAvailableAvailable

Example: Alex Needs needs an $800 loan in Ontario

Alex, a full-time retail employee in Ontario, needs $800 to cover unexpected car repairs. Alex doesn’t have enough savings to pay the repair bill upfront and needs the funds quickly to get her car back on the road for their daily commute. Alex has three potential loan options to consider:

Option 1: Payday loan

Alex could opt for a payday loan, which offers quick approval and funding. The total repayment amount would be $920 after 14 days, with an APR of 391%. While the process is straightforward, the high cost and short repayment period could strain Alex’s budget.

Option 2: Installment loan from a broker

Another option is an installment loan from a broker. Over three months, Alex would pay $1,059.35, including a 20% interest rate and a $225 broker fee. Although more expensive than the payday loan, spreading out the payments over time may make it easier for Alex to manage.

Option 3: Installment Loan from a local credit union

A local credit union offers Alex an installment loan at a 20% interest rate with no additional fees. Over three months, the total repayment amount would be $826.81, making this the most affordable option. However, credit union loans may have stricter membership requirements, so Alex would need to qualify first.

Option 1 (payday loan)Option 2 (installment loan from a broker)Option 3 (installment loan from a local credit union)
Loan amount$800$800$800
Interest rate$15 for every $100 borrowed = $12020% + $225 broker fee20%, zero fees
Loan term14 days3 months3 months
Total repayment amount$920$1,059.35$826.81
APR391%185.65%20%

If Alex needs the funds immediately and has no other options, the payday loan might work, though it comes with a steep cost. The broker’s installment loan offers longer repayment terms but adds significant fees. The credit union loan is the most affordable and offers manageable repayment terms, making it the best option if Alex qualifies.

Bottom line

When comparing $800 loans in Canada, it’s important to prioritize affordability and manageable repayment terms. Payday loans may seem convenient, but their high costs and short repayment periods make them a risky option for most borrowers. Installment loans, particularly those from credit unions or reputable lenders, are generally more budget-friendly and flexible. Carefully review interest rates, fees, and loan terms to choose the option that aligns with your financial situation and repayment capacity. Borrow responsibly to avoid unnecessary financial stress.

Frequently asked questions

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

Writer

Gabriel Vito is a freelance personal finance writer for Finder. With over four years of experience, he has crafted helpful guides and articles covering various personal finance topics, including credit cards, investing and banking. Gabriel's work has been featured on Yahoo Finance, NASDAQ, GoBankingRates, and more. He has a Bachelor's Degree in English and is passionate about helping others navigate their financial journey. See full bio

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