Fairstone Financial vs LendDirect
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 | LendDirect |
|---|---|---|
| Loan Amounts | $500 – $60,000 | $200 – $1,500 |
| Interest Rates | 19.99% – 34.99% APR | $15 per $100 borrowed (where applicable) |
| Loan Terms | 6 – 120 months | Up to next payday or installments 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 | Victoria, British Columbia |
| Founded | 1923 | 2013 |
| Best For | Homeowners who want larger secured loans with longer terms | Emergency borrowers who need fast access to small amounts before payday |
Loan Amounts
Fairstone Financial
$500 – $60,000
LendDirect
$200 – $1,500
Interest Rates
Fairstone Financial
19.99% – 34.99% APR
LendDirect
$15 per $100 borrowed (where applicable)
Loan Terms
Fairstone Financial
6 – 120 months
LendDirect
Up to next payday or installments up to 62 days
Credit Required
Fairstone Financial
Fair to good credit preferred
LendDirect
No minimum credit score
Funding Speed
Fairstone Financial
1 – 3 business days
LendDirect
Same day (Interac e-Transfer)
Headquarters
Fairstone Financial
Montreal, Quebec
LendDirect
Victoria, British Columbia
Founded
Fairstone Financial
1923
LendDirect
2013
Best For
Fairstone Financial
Homeowners who want larger secured loans with longer terms
LendDirect
Emergency borrowers who need fast access to small amounts before payday
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
LendDirect
Pros
- No minimum credit score required
- Same-day funding via Interac e-Transfer
- Simple online application — no paperwork required
- Licensed and regulated in multiple provinces
Cons
- Maximum loan amount of $1,500
- High cost of borrowing compared to personal loans
- Short repayment period (up to next payday)
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 LendDirect if you're better described as emergency borrowers who need fast access to small amounts before payday. They offer $200 – $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 LendDirect better?
Fairstone Financial is best suited to homeowners who want larger secured loans with longer terms, while LendDirect is best suited to emergency borrowers who need fast access to small amounts before payday. The better option depends on your credit profile and borrowing needs.
What are the interest rates for Fairstone Financial vs LendDirect?
Fairstone Financial charges 19.99% – 34.99% APR, while LendDirect charges $15 per $100 borrowed (where applicable). Your actual rate will depend on your credit profile and the specific loan product you qualify for.
Which lender has faster funding — Fairstone Financial or LendDirect?
Fairstone Financial offers funding in 1 – 3 business days, while LendDirect provides funds in same day (interac e-transfer).
Other Lender Comparisons
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