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Lenders’ right to offset clauses — explained

Why you might want to think twice before borrowing from your local bank or credit union.

Borrowing from your bank or credit union can get you lower rates and speed up the application process. But most borrowers don’t know that these same financial institutions can seize money from your accounts if you miss a payment. Luckily, there are restrictions on what types of funds it can seize — and easy ways to avoid signing a contract with a right to offset clause.

What’s a right to offset clause?

A right to offset clause means a bank or credit union can take money from your accounts held at that same institution to cover missed loan repayments. It’s also known as a right to set off (or right of set-off) clause.

It’s a clause in a loan contract, but only if you currently have a deposit account at that same bank or credit union — like a chequing or savings account. Generally, lenders include a right to offset clause in contracts when they think there’s a risk you’ll default on the loan.

How does it work?

If your loan becomes delinquent — which may happen around 30 days after missing a payment (policies may vary between institutions) — a bank or credit union withdraws the amount you owe from another account that it holds. Typically, it doesn’t have to give any notice or get your permission.

In Canada, there aren’t many limits to lenders’ right to offset. However, the following rules apply:

  • To be enforceable, the right to offset must be present in the contract to which both parties agree.
  • The law is not perfectly clear on whether the right to offset can be enforced when a borrower is insolvent and doesn’t have enough money to cover all of his or her debts. However, there is some indication that courts may make exceptions to the right to offset in certain cases.

If you find yourself behind on a loan payment from your bank or credit union, speak to a lawyer near you to find out more about how the right to offset applies to your circumstances. Check out the Government of Canada website to read more about how the right of offset works.

Finder survey: How old are people who rate repayment flexibility as an important factor when applying for a personal loan?

ResponseGen ZGen YGen XBaby Boomers
Repayment flexibility30.96%38.29%36.4%31.01%
Source: Finder survey by Pollfish of 1001 Canadians, January 2024

How can it affect me?

A right to offset can make a bad financial situation worse. If you have a financial emergency and can’t afford your monthly bills, the right to offset makes sure that your loan gets paid off no matter what.

This means you might not have money to cover the basics, like gas, utilities, rent or groceries. In the most extreme cases, you could end up having to take out an expensive short-term loan just to get by. This can trigger a cycle of debt, especially if you need extra money each month.

How do I avoid a right to offset?

There are a few ways to avoid a right to offset:

  • Don’t borrow from your bank. Setoff clauses only apply to accounts in the same financial institution. If you borrow outside of your bank or credit union, it isn’t a risk.
  • Review your contract. You still might be safe if there’s no right to offset or setoff clause in your loan contract. Ask about it before you apply, and read everything thoroughly before you sign your loan documents.
  • Switch bank accounts. Set up a new bank account with another institution after taking out your loan to protect those funds.
  • Consolidate. Already have a loan with a right to offset clause? You can get out of it by paying it off with a loan from another provider. This also gives you the chance to consolidate your debt for a longer term to lower your monthly cost. Learn more about the best debt consolidation loans.
  • Reach out before you default. Talk to your lender as soon as you think you might miss a payment. It might be willing to change your payment due date or extend your term to lower your cost.

What can I do if a lender withdrew funds from my account?

Take these steps if you find your lender took money from your bank account to cover your loan payment:

  1. Make sure it’s legal. Check with a legal professional if you’re insolvent or owe debt to multiple lenders and can’t pay it all. Make sure your lender isn’t withdrawing funds when it’s not allowed.
  2. Contact your bank or credit union. Explain your financial situation and see if you can come to a new agreement that makes your repayments easier to handle in the short term.
  3. Ask for a refund. If your lender took funds it wasn’t supposed to withdraw, reach out to customer service and ask about getting a refund.

Bottom line

Banks and credit unions usually only use the right to offset clause as a last resort. But it can set you up to fall into even more debt when you’re already struggling with repayments. Find out more about how loans work — and compare lenders that aren’t your bank — by reading our guide to personal loans.

Frequently asked questions

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Editor

Anna Serio was a lead editor at Finder, specializing in consumer and business financing. A trusted lending expert and former certified commercial loan officer, Anna's written and edited more than 1,000 articles on Finder to help Americans strengthen their financial literacy. Her expertise and analysis on personal, student, business and car loans has been featured in publications like Business Insider, CNBC and Nasdaq, and has appeared on NBC and KADN. Anna holds an MA in Middle Eastern studies from the American University of Beirut and a BA in Creative Writing from Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College, CUNY. See full bio

Anna's expertise
Anna has written 61 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Personal, business, student and car loans
  • Building credit
  • Paying off debt
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Associate editor

Stacie Hurst is an editor at Finder, specializing in loans, banking, investing and money transfers. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Writing, and she has completed FP Canada Institute's Financial Management Course. Before working in the publishing industry, Stacie completed one year of law school in the United States. When not working, she can usually be found watching K-dramas or playing games with her friends and family. See full bio

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