Fairstone Financial vs iCash
A detailed side-by-side comparison of two popular Canadian lenders. See how they stack up on rates, loan amounts, eligibility, and overall experience.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Fairstone Financial | iCash |
|---|---|---|
| Loan Amounts | $500 – $60,000 | Up to $1,500 |
| Interest Rates | 19.99% – 34.99% APR | $14 per $100 borrowed (where applicable) |
| Loan Terms | 6 – 120 months | Up to 62 days |
| Credit Required | Fair to good credit preferred | No minimum credit score |
| Funding Speed | 1 – 3 business days | Same day (Interac e-Transfer) |
| Headquarters | Montreal, Quebec | Montreal, Quebec |
| Founded | 1923 | 2006 |
| Best For | Homeowners who want larger secured loans with longer terms | Emergency borrowers who need small amounts fast with any credit score |
Loan Amounts
Fairstone Financial
$500 – $60,000
iCash
Up to $1,500
Interest Rates
Fairstone Financial
19.99% – 34.99% APR
iCash
$14 per $100 borrowed (where applicable)
Loan Terms
Fairstone Financial
6 – 120 months
iCash
Up to 62 days
Credit Required
Fairstone Financial
Fair to good credit preferred
iCash
No minimum credit score
Funding Speed
Fairstone Financial
1 – 3 business days
iCash
Same day (Interac e-Transfer)
Headquarters
Fairstone Financial
Montreal, Quebec
iCash
Montreal, Quebec
Founded
Fairstone Financial
1923
iCash
2006
Best For
Fairstone Financial
Homeowners who want larger secured loans with longer terms
iCash
Emergency borrowers who need small amounts fast with any credit score
Pros & Cons
Fairstone Financial
Pros
- Over 100 years of lending experience in Canada
- Both unsecured and secured loan options
- Large loan amounts up to $60,000 for homeowners
- 200+ physical branch locations across Canada
Cons
- Minimum interest rate of 19.99% is higher than bank alternatives
- Secured loans require home equity as collateral
- Branch visit may be required to finalize some loans
iCash
Pros
- No minimum credit score requirement
- Same-day funding via Interac e-Transfer
- Simple online application — no documents needed upfront
- Trust Rating System rewards returning borrowers with higher limits
Cons
- Maximum loan amount is only $1,500
- High cost of borrowing compared to traditional loans
- Short repayment terms (up to 62 days)
Which Lender Should You Choose?
Choose Fairstone Financial if you're looking for a lender that specializes in homeowners who want larger secured loans with longer terms. They offer loan amounts of $500 – $60,000 with funding as fast as 1 – 3 business days.
Choose iCash if you're better described as emergency borrowers who need small amounts fast with any credit score. They offer Up to $1,500 with no minimum credit score credit requirements.
Still unsure? Apply through 365 Loans to compare offers from both lenders and more — with no impact on your credit score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairstone Financial or iCash better?
It depends on your needs. Fairstone Financial is rated 4.0/5 and is best for homeowners who want larger secured loans with longer terms. iCash is rated 3.5/5 and is best for emergency borrowers who need small amounts fast with any credit score.
Which has lower interest rates?
Fairstone Financial charges 19.99% – 34.99% APR, while iCash charges $14 per $100 borrowed (where applicable). Your actual rate depends on your credit profile.
Which lender funds faster?
Fairstone Financial: 1 – 3 business days. iCash: Same day (Interac e-Transfer).
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