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Payday loans in Thunder Bay: licensed lenders, costs and local help

Thunder Bay lenders must hold an Ontario payday loan licence. The cap is $14 per $100, and no lender can issue a new payday loan until your current one is fully repaid. If you miss a payment, overdue interest can't exceed 2.5% a month. $400 costs $56.

Last reviewed November 7, 2026

Max cost
$14 per $100
Max loan
$1,500
Max term
62 days
Cancel within
2 business days
Regulator
Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement (Consumer Protection Ontario)

Payday loan rules are set by each province and can change. Figures on this page were last checked on November 7, 2026 against Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement (Consumer Protection Ontario). Always confirm with the lender’s contract and your regulator.

Apply from here

$500
Most a payday loan can cost
$70
You’d pay back
$570

Based on the $14 per $100 legal maximum. Lenders can charge less, never more.

About 3 minutes. Koke is not a lender; we may be paid when you apply. No SIN or banking login asked.

Who lends payday loans here?

Applications go through our partner Loans Canada, which may match you with this or other lenders. Koke may be paid for referrals. Lenders decide approval, cost and terms.

Cash Money

5.0/5

Cost per $100
$14.00
Borrow up to
$1,500
Funding
Next business day
Apply
Online and in-store

Licence verified AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, ON, SK

Apply now Read review

iCash

5.0/5

Cost per $100
$14.00
Borrow up to
$1,500
Funding
Same day
Apply
Online

Licence verified AB, BC, MB, NB, NS, ON, PE

Apply now Read review

Loan Express

5.0/5

Cost per $100
$14.00
Borrow up to
$1,500
Funding
Same day
Apply
Online

Licence verified AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, ON, SK

Apply now Read review

Money Mart

5.0/5

Cost per $100
$14.00
Borrow up to
$1,500
Funding
Same day
Apply
Online and in-store

Licence verified AB, BC, MB, NS, ON, SK

Apply now Read review

Mr. Payday

5.0/5

Cost per $100
$14.00
Borrow up to
$1,500
Funding
Same day
Apply
Online

Licence verified AB, BC, ON

Apply now Read review

Pay2Day

5.0/5

Cost per $100
$14.00
Borrow up to
$1,500
Funding
Same day
Apply
Online and in-store

Licence verified AB, BC, NS, ON

Apply now Read review

Speedy Cash

5.0/5

Cost per $100
$14.00
Borrow up to
$1,500
Funding
Same day
Apply
Online and in-store

Licence verified AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, ON, SK

Apply now Read review

Spring Financial

5.0/5

Instalment loan
Cost per $100
$14.00
Borrow up to
$35,000
Funding
Same day
Apply
Online

Licence verified AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, ON, PE, SK

Apply now Read review

Wagepay

5.0/5

Cost per $100
$14.00
Borrow up to
$1,500
Funding
Same day
Apply
Online

Licence verified AB, BC, ON

Apply now Read review

No storefronts confirmed in the last 90 days. Lenders listed above serve Thunder Bay online.

Thunder Bay is a long way from everywhere else, and prices show it. Groceries, fuel and heating cost more, and a trip south for a specialist appointment is a real expense. The city's jobs are in health care, education at Lakehead University and Confederation College, the port, forestry and mining services. Many households also support family in remote northern communities, which can stretch a paycheque further than it looks on paper.

What if I need to travel for medical care?

Don’t borrow for it until you’ve checked the Northern Health Travel Grant. It helps Northern Ontario residents with travel costs when they have to go a long way for specialist care. Apply with your referral, and keep your receipts.

How do northern prices affect payday borrowing?

When everyday costs run higher, the 50% limit on each loan comes up faster, and repaying a loan out of the next cheque can leave you short again. Borrow the smallest amount you can, and if you’re borrowing to cover groceries, the Regional Food Distribution Association of Northwestern Ontario supplies food banks and programs across the city.

Where else can I get help?

Lakehead and Confederation College students can ask about emergency bursaries. 211 Ontario can point you to rent and utility help in Thunder Bay. Non-profit credit counsellors, including the Credit Counselling Society, serve Thunder Bay by phone and video, so distance isn’t a barrier.

Under Ontario rules, you can cancel a payday loan within two business days for free, and a lender can’t contact you more than three times a week about a missed payment.

What if I’m borrowing to help family up north?

Sending money to relatives in remote communities, or paying for their travel into the city, is a common reason people borrow in Thunder Bay. If someone is travelling for medical care, check whether their travel is covered first: First Nations members may have travel covered through Non-Insured Health Benefits, and others may qualify for the Northern Health Travel Grant.

A worked example: $400 borrowed for a family member’s travel costs up to $56. If the trip qualifies for a grant or benefit, the cost to you could be nothing.

Is there somewhere cheaper to try first?

Regional Food Distribution Association of Northwestern Ontario

Supplies food banks and programs across Thunder Bay and the region.

Northern Health Travel Grant

Helps Northern Ontario residents with travel costs for specialist medical care far from home.

Visit website

Credit Counselling Society

Non-profit credit counselling by phone, video or in person. Advice is free, and they can set up one affordable repayment plan with the people you owe.

Visit website

211 Ontario

Free, confidential referrals to help with rent, food, utilities and emergencies. Dial 2-1-1 any time.

211

Visit website

What will it cost?

Pre-filled with your province’s legal maximum. Lower it if your lender charges less.

Fee
—
Total to repay
—
Due date
—
Annual rate (APR)
—

Same amount on a credit card cash advance (assuming 22.99% APR plus a $5 fee): —

Payday loans are one of the most expensive ways to borrow. These figures are estimates. Your lender’s contract shows the real cost and must follow your province’s rules.

Results are estimates for illustration only. Your actual cost, due date and terms are in your loan agreement.

Common questions

Do online payday lenders lend in Thunder Bay?

Yes, if they hold an Ontario licence. Check the lender on Ontario's public licence search before you apply.

Can I get help with travel costs for medical care?

Yes. The Northern Health Travel Grant helps with travel to specialist care far from home. Apply before borrowing.

What does a $400 payday loan cost in Thunder Bay?

Up to $56 at the $14 per $100 maximum.

Nearby

Thunder Bay neighbourhoods

Ready to apply from Thunder Bay?

One application, about three minutes. Our matching partner shows you the offer that fits your answers, from a lender that works in Ontario. Read the cost before you sign.

Reviewed by Trust Pilot, Accredited Financial Counsellor Canada® on November 7, 2026. Our editorial standards

Sources

Update log

  • — Page published; provincial rules and local help checked.