Responsible Lending — Our Non-Negotiable Standard
Responsible lending isn't a policy we follow because we have to — it's the foundation of everything CCFD does. Every lender in our network is held to standards that go beyond the legal minimum.
What Responsible Lending Means at CCFD
Education Before Application
We require that every borrower has access to complete information about payday loan costs, terms, and risks before submitting an application — not buried in footnotes, but prominently and clearly.
Full Fee Disclosure
All fees and the Annual Percentage Rate must be displayed in your offer before you accept. We do not work with lenders who obscure costs or introduce charges after agreement.
Provincial Compliance
All CCFD lenders must hold a valid provincial payday lending licence and comply with provincial maximum fee caps, cooling-off period rules, and other consumer protection regulations.
No Predatory Rollover
We do not work with lenders who pressure borrowers into rolling over loans or taking new loans to pay old ones. This practice creates debt cycles — we actively work to prevent it.
Right to Rescind
Borrowers have the right to rescind (cancel) their loan agreement within the cooling-off period specified in their province — typically by the end of the next business day after signing.
Affordability Consideration
Lenders are expected to consider whether a requested loan amount is affordable relative to your income — not simply whether you meet the minimum qualification threshold.
Resources for Financial Difficulty
If you find yourself in financial difficulty — whether or not a payday loan is involved — these free Canadian resources can help.
Credit Counselling Society
Canada's largest non-profit credit counselling service. Free, confidential advice on debt management, budgeting, and financial recovery. 1-888-527-8999 · nomoredebts.org
Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC)
Federal regulator offering free financial literacy tools, budget calculators, and your rights as a borrower. fcac-acfc.gc.ca
211 Canada
A free, confidential service connecting Canadians with local social services, including emergency financial assistance. Dial 211 or visit 211.ca