Caisses Desjardins du Québec and Caisses populaires de l'Ontario [Change site]

HomeMoney tipsAll about credit >  The main sources of credit

The main sources of credit

You can borrow from a variety of people or institutions, but not always with the same advantages. Here's proof.

Friends and family
At first glance, the advantages can seem appealing: you can negotiate the interest rate and payment terms with them directly. But a word of caution: if you have trouble repaying them, your relationship could be damaged forever.
Financial institutions
Financial institutions are among the best sources of credit, especially when it comes to personal loans, student loans, mortgages, personal lines of credit, overdraft protection and credit cards.
Retail stores
Many stores offer their own credit cards. Some also offer financing plans that allow you to pay for your purchases over time or even at a later date. Be careful: if you don't pay your balance in full on the due date, you'll be charged much higher interest rates than a regular credit card.
Loan companies
Some companies specialize in giving out loans, often to people are turned down by other lenders. Since the risk is higher for the lender, the interest rates paid by borrowers are also higher.
Yourself
Some people can lend themselves funds from their own investments, insurance policies or other sources. For example, the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) allows you borrow from your RRSP to purchase your first home.

The next step

Find out everything you need to know about the HBP.

Cheque cashing centres
These are not highly recommended because they charge high fees for cashing your cheques on the spot.

Use the financing product selector to help you choose the financing product that is best for you.

Pour plus de renseignements
At the caisse At the caisse
Make an appointment with a caisse advisor:

Money question

Do you think you use credit well?

 Yes     No