Jessica’s House

Responsible lending: our standards and your checklist before you borrow

A payday loan is expensive credit. We think the people who arrange them should say so plainly, hold lenders to a clear standard, and point you to free help when a loan isn’t the answer. This page is how we do that.

Reviewed November 2026 by the Jessica’s House editorial team against federal and provincial lending rules. About 4 minutes to read.

Short answer

Jessica’s House only introduces borrowers to lenders licensed in their province who disclose the full cost upfront, charge no fees before funding, honour cancellation rights and follow provincial collection rules. Before you borrow, ask yourself five questions, and if the loan is for rent, bills or another loan, talk to a free non-profit credit counsellor first.

The five-question check before you borrow

  1. Is this a one-off? A broken part, a tow or a prescription is a one-off. Rent and groceries come back every month.
  2. Can I repay it all from my next paycheque and still cover the next two weeks? If not, a payday loan will likely turn into two.
  3. Have I asked the company I owe for more time? Utilities, landlords and carriers often say yes.
  4. Is there a cheaper option? An employer advance, an overdraft or a credit union loan. See the options compared.
  5. Am I borrowing the smallest amount that solves the problem? Every $100 you borrow is $114 less next payday.

If you answered no to the first two, a payday loan may make things harder. Read on for free help.

What every lender we work with must do

  • Hold a payday lending licence in your province
  • Show the total cost in dollars and as an APR before you sign
  • Charge no fee to apply and nothing before funding
  • Honour your cooling-off period in full
  • Never roll a payday loan into a new one
  • Follow provincial limits on collection contact
  • Protect your data and never sell it to marketing lists

Free, non-profit help across Canada

  • Non-profit credit counselling. Look for an agency accredited by Credit Counselling Canada. Counsellors can review your budget, negotiate with creditors and set up a debt management plan, often with reduced or no interest.
  • 211. Dial or text 211 in most provinces to find food banks, rent banks, utility help and emergency financial programs nearby.
  • Provincial emergency assistance. Ontario Works, BC hardship assistance, Alberta Supports and similar programs can help with urgent costs if your income is low.
  • Utility programs. In Ontario, LEAP helps with overdue electricity and gas bills, and OESP gives a monthly credit. Other provinces have similar programs through their utilities.
  • Licensed Insolvency Trustees. If your debt is beyond what you can repay, a trustee can explain a consumer proposal or bankruptcy. The first consultation is free.

Signs it’s time to get help

  • You’ve taken three or more payday loans in the last two months
  • You’re borrowing to repay another loan
  • Collection calls are affecting your work or sleep
  • You’re using credit for rent or groceries every month

None of these mean you’ve failed. They mean the problem is bigger than a short-term loan can fix, and there are people whose job, paid for by non-profits and governments, is to help you fix it.

How we keep our own content responsible

  • We show the maximum cost of borrowing before we ask for any personal information.
  • We never say “guaranteed approval”, “no refusal” or anything a licensed lender couldn’t back up.
  • We publish the cheaper alternatives, even though they mean fewer applications for us.
  • We review every guide against the current law and show the review date on the page.

If something on our site doesn’t meet this standard, tell us. We’ll correct it.

Questions people ask

Does Jessica’s House encourage repeat borrowing?

No. We don’t send repeat-loan offers, we link to free counselling on every page, and our lending partners must follow provincial rules against rollovers.

Is credit counselling really free?

Counselling sessions at non-profit agencies are free. If you join a debt management plan, some agencies charge a small monthly fee, which is regulated in some provinces, and they should explain it up front.