Personal Loans · Calgary
Personal Loans in Calgary
A personal loan is a fixed amount repaid in fixed instalments, usually unsecured. In Canada most loans must stay under the 35% APR criminal interest rate. Banks and credit unions are cheapest for good credit; online and alternative lenders are faster and more flexible but cost more.
A personal loan is a fixed amount, repaid in fixed instalments over a set term. It is usually unsecured, which means nothing is pledged against it, so the rate you get depends heavily on your credit history and income.
Common reasons Calgarians borrow
- A vehicle repair or a major appliance that can't wait
- Moving costs, including a move to Calgary from another province
- Dental or other health costs not covered by a plan
- A wedding, a funeral, or travel for family
- Paying off higher-interest balances (see debt consolidation)
Where personal loans come from
Banks and credit unions tend to offer the lowest rates, mainly to borrowers with strong credit. Online lenders are often faster and more flexible on credit, but they charge more. Instalment lenders serving fair or poor credit charge more again. Every lender has to show you the annual percentage rate (APR) and total cost of borrowing before you sign, so compare those numbers rather than the monthly payment alone.
Before you apply
Check your own credit report for free with Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada. Errors are common and fixing one can change the offer you get. Applying with many lenders at once can lead to several hard credit checks in a short time, which is one reason to start with one well-matched lender instead.
Frequently asked questions
How fast can I get a personal loan?
Online lenders can sometimes fund within a day or two of approval. Banks and credit unions may take longer. Speed is worth less than the total cost, so compare both.
Can I get a personal loan with bad credit?
Sometimes. Expect a higher rate and a smaller amount. See our page on bad credit loans for what to expect and what to avoid.
Does asking through Calgary Lending affect my credit?
No. We don't pull credit. The lender will ask your permission before any credit check.
Calgary Lending is a free referral service. We are not a lender or mortgage brokerage, we do not make credit decisions or quote rates, and approval is never guaranteed. We may receive a referral fee from the lender or broker we connect you with; it is paid by them, not you. Information on this page is general and is not financial advice.