Business

    How do I compare business loan options from 50+ Canadian lenders?

    Last updated: April 21, 2026
    Reviewed against Bank of Canada, Equifax & FCAC sources

    Canadian business loan lender categories

    CategoryExamplesBest ForRate Range
    Big 5 BanksRBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC2+ yrs, $500K+ revenue, 700+ credit4.99%–9.99%
    Crown CorporationBDC, EDCStartups, growth, exporters6.99%–14.99%
    Online lendersOnDeck, Lending Loop, Thinking Capital, Merchant Growth6 mo+, $100K+ revenue8.99%–24.99%
    Alternative/MCAClearco, Greenbox, DrivenFast capital, e-commerceFactor 1.1×–1.5×
    Credit unionsMeridian, Vancity, ServusLocal + relationship5.49%–11.99%
    CSBFP-backedAny participating bankEquipment, leaseholds, real estatePrime + 3% max

    Six things to evaluate

    1. Total cost of capital — APR for term loans, factor rate × multiplier for MCAs, all-in cost including fees
    2. Funding speed — same-day (MCA) to 4 weeks (bank term loan)
    3. Personal guarantee requirement — most loans under $250K require it
    4. Collateral requirements — equipment loans use the equipment; term loans may use general security agreement
    5. Prepayment penalties — banks usually have them; online lenders often don't
    6. Reporting requirements — banks want quarterly statements; online lenders are lighter touch

    Loan products comparison

    ProductAmountTermBest For
    Term loan$10K–$5M1–10 yearsEquipment, expansion
    Line of credit$5K–$1MRevolvingWorking capital
    Equipment financing$10K–$1M2–7 yearsVehicles, machinery
    Merchant cash advance$5K–$500K3–18 monthsFast capital, no collateral
    Invoice factoring$1K–$10MPer invoiceB2B with slow-paying clients
    CSBFP loan$50K–$1.15MUp to 15 yearsEquipment, leaseholds, RE

    Use LoanIQ's Business Loan Calculator to model payments across different rates and terms.

    Sources

    Related resources

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