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There could be numerous reasons why someone might need emergency cash. Perhaps it’s a sudden job loss, and you have bills due. Perhaps you have a sudden leaky roof. Either way, when an unexpected expense hits, waiting usually isn't an option.
Emergency payday loans in Canada, with options from lenders like iCash, bridge the gap when you're short on cash but need to handle something that can't wait.
We understand that financial emergencies don't follow a schedule, and you shouldn't have to either. We're a 100% online Canadian lender offering payday loans up to $1,500 with approvals in minutes and funds sent by e-Transfer, even on weekends and holidays. With over 1 million Canadians helped and a 93% approval rate, we're here when traditional banks aren't.
What are emergency loans?
Emergency loans are designed to help Canadians cover urgent expenses like rent, medical bills, or car repairs. With iCash, you can apply online and receive funds quickly, even if you have bad credit.
✓ True 24/7 Availability: Apply on a Sunday or Saturday afternoon, we're always operational. Our system works around the clock because emergencies don't wait for business hours.
✓ Instant Approval Decision: You can expect real-time approvals, not delayed manual reviews. Most applicants know within a few seconds whether they're approved. Fast answers when you need them most.
✓ No Branch Required: Fully digital process from start to finish. Apply from your phone, tablet, or computer. There’s no need to find open locations, wait in line, or travel anywhere.
✓ Easy-to-Use Smartphone App: Download our mobile app on either Android or iOS! You can apply directly from your smartphone, check the details of your loan and so much more!
✓ Transparent Costs: All fees are disclosed upfront with no hidden surcharges. Borrow $100-$1,500 with clear repayment terms. Our cost is $14 per $100 borrowed.
✓ Flexible Terms: Choose your repayment terms up to 62 days out (except Ontario and Nova Scotia - conditions apply).
✓ Licensed & Regulated: Fully licensed across multiple provinces and a proud member of the Canadian Consumer Finance Association. We comply with all provincial lending regulations to protect you.
✓ Secure Application: 256-bit encryption and bank-level security protect your information. Your data is safe with us, 100% of the time.
✓ Trusted by Canadians: Rated 4.7/5 on Trustpilot with over 2,900 reviews. Real customers, real experiences.
✓ Earn While You Borrow: Get up to 12% cashback on the cost of borrowing as an iCash member.
Emergency loans are exactly what they sound like: a borrowing option when you’re facing some sort of financial crisis. While there are no limitations to how you use the money if you’re approved, it’s typically not a good idea to use it for non-essential purchases like a vacation, for example. They work best when you need cash quickly and don't have other immediate options.
Common situations where emergency loans make sense:
Unexpected medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance
Car repairs preventing you from getting to work
Critical home repairs like a broken furnace in winter
Overdue rent or utilities at risk of disconnection
Short-term income gaps between paychecks
Urgent travel for family emergencies
Our streamlined 3-step process gets you from application to funding faster than traditional lenders.
Fill out our simple online form with basic personal and income details. No paperwork, no documents to scan, no bank statements required. The whole application takes just minutes from any device.
Our system reviews your application instantly. Most applicants receive a decision within 90 seconds. No waiting days for someone to manually review your file.
Once approved and you've signed your agreement electronically, money is sent by e-Transfer. Most customers receive their money within 2 minutes!
With us, you can borrow anywhere from $100 to $1,500, depending on your income, banking history, and provincial regulations where you live.
What affects your borrowing amount:
Your monthly income determines your maximum borrowing limit. First-time borrowers typically start with smaller amounts, while returning customers with good repayment history may qualify for higher amounts up to $1,500.
Funding speed:
Most approved applicants receive funds by e-Transfer within minutes of signing their agreement. Transfers are sent 24/7, even on weekends and holidays. In rare cases where e-Transfer experiences delays, it’ll typically arrive within a few hours.
Emergency loans vs traditional payday lending: Emergency loans with bad credit options, like the ones offered by us, give you more flexibility than traditional options. We provide longer repayment windows (up to 62 days in some provinces), fully digital convenience, and no in-person visits required.
Emergency loans vs credit cards: Credit cards work for emergencies if you have available credit. If your card is maxed out or you don't have a card, emergency loans provide an accessible alternative.
Emergency loans vs bank loans: Bank loans take days, or sometimes even weeks, for approval. Emergency loans for the unemployed in Canada that are online offer faster access with flexible approval criteria, making them better suited for urgent situations.
We accept various income sources, including EI, CPP, provincial disability benefits (ODSP, AISH), Child Tax Credit, self-employment income, and other government assistance.
What matters most is a consistent income of at least $800 per month for the past three months. We assess your ability to repay based on your total financial picture, not just employment status.
Your score matters, but it's not the only factor. We look at your current income, banking history, and overall situation. Many Canadians with poor credit have successfully received loans from us. Remember, taking out a loan you can't repay will worsen your credit. Make sure the loan fits your monthly budget before applying.
Be cautious of lenders advertising "guaranteed approval" or "no credit check" loans. In Canada, responsible lenders must assess your ability to repay. Any lender promising guaranteed approval without verification should be approached with caution. They may be unlicensed and operating outside regulations.
Before applying for an emergency loan, it's important to understand the costs and repayment structure so you can make an informed decision.
Know your borrowing costs: Emergency loans typically charge fees rather than “traditional” interest rates. Our cost is $14 per $100 borrowed. This will be clearly disclosed upfront before you sign anything. This means if you borrow $500, you'll repay $570.
Understand your repayment timeline: Know exactly when your payment is due and plan accordingly. We offer flexible repayment terms up to 62 days (except Ontario and Manitoba, conditions apply).
Calculate what you can afford: Review your upcoming income and expenses carefully. Only borrow what you can comfortably repay without creating additional financial stress. Smaller loans are easier to manage.
Emergency loans are short-term solutions: They bridge temporary gaps but aren't designed for ongoing challenges. If you repeatedly need emergency cash, consider speaking with a financial counselor about building an emergency fund or addressing underlying budget issues.
Don't let unexpected expenses create unnecessary stress. Apply in minutes and get the cash you need today.



Since 2016, we've helped over half a million Canadians get instant loans online.
Since 2016 we have happily served over half a million customers.
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Getting an online loan with us is fast and easy. Simply select your loan amount, repayment plan* and provide some personal details.

Our online loan application will tell you if you’re approved instantly. Once approved, all you have to do is electronically sign your contract. It’s that easy!

Once you sign your digital agreement, your cash advance will be sent by e-Transfer within 2 minutes. Fast, convenient and hassle-free. Funds are sent 24/7, no matter what.

Have more questions? Check out our full FAQ.

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