iCash vs Fairstone Financial
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 | iCash | Fairstone Financial |
|---|---|---|
| Loan Amounts | Up to $1,500 | $500 – $60,000 |
| Interest Rates | $14 per $100 borrowed (where applicable) | 19.99% – 34.99% APR |
| Loan Terms | Up to 62 days | 6 – 120 months |
| Credit Required | No minimum credit score | Fair to good credit preferred |
| Funding Speed | Same day (Interac e-Transfer) | 1 – 3 business days |
| Headquarters | Montreal, Quebec | Montreal, Quebec |
| Founded | 2006 | 1923 |
| Best For | Emergency borrowers who need small amounts fast with any credit score | Homeowners who want larger secured loans with longer terms |
Loan Amounts
iCash
Up to $1,500
Fairstone Financial
$500 – $60,000
Interest Rates
iCash
$14 per $100 borrowed (where applicable)
Fairstone Financial
19.99% – 34.99% APR
Loan Terms
iCash
Up to 62 days
Fairstone Financial
6 – 120 months
Credit Required
iCash
No minimum credit score
Fairstone Financial
Fair to good credit preferred
Funding Speed
iCash
Same day (Interac e-Transfer)
Fairstone Financial
1 – 3 business days
Headquarters
iCash
Montreal, Quebec
Fairstone Financial
Montreal, Quebec
Founded
iCash
2006
Fairstone Financial
1923
Best For
iCash
Emergency borrowers who need small amounts fast with any credit score
Fairstone Financial
Homeowners who want larger secured loans with longer terms
Pros & Cons
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)
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
Which Lender Should You Choose?
Choose iCash if you're looking for a lender that specializes in emergency borrowers who need small amounts fast with any credit score. They offer loan amounts of Up to $1,500 with funding as fast as same day (interac e-transfer).
Choose Fairstone Financial if you're better described as homeowners who want larger secured loans with longer terms. They offer $500 – $60,000 with fair to good credit preferred 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 iCash or Fairstone Financial better?
It depends on your needs. iCash is rated 3.5/5 and is best for emergency borrowers who need small amounts fast with any credit score. Fairstone Financial is rated 4.0/5 and is best for homeowners who want larger secured loans with longer terms.
Which has lower interest rates?
iCash charges $14 per $100 borrowed (where applicable), while Fairstone Financial charges 19.99% – 34.99% APR. Your actual rate depends on your credit profile.
Which lender funds faster?
iCash: Same day (Interac e-Transfer). Fairstone Financial: 1 – 3 business days.
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