Non-urgent government operations are closed December 24 to January 1, reopening January 2. See the list of services available during this time.
Overview
A Payday Lender:
- offers, arranges or provides a payday loan to a borrower in Alberta
- operates from business premises or on the Internet
A Payday Loan means:
- any advancement of money with a principal of $1,500 or less and a term of 62 days or less made in exchange for a post-dated cheque, a pre-authorized debit or a future payment of a similar nature, but not for any guarantee, suretyship, overdraft protection or security on property and not through a margin loan, pawnbrokering, a line of credit or a credit card
If your business does not require this licence, you do not need to proceed further.
How to apply
You will need to provide:
- information on your business
- a criminal record check or police information check
- a security
- a copy of a standard loan agreement
- payment of a licensing fee
To get started, follow the instructions below to save and open the application form.
Fillable PDF forms may not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. For help opening the forms, contact PDF form technical support.
Application form
Application for a Payday Loan Business Licence
Your responsibilities
Licence holders must notify Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction in writing within 15 days of a change in:
- business address
- partners of the business if the licence is issued to a partnership
- officers or directors of the corporation if the licence is issued to a corporation
Licence holders must notify Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction in writing within 15 days of ceasing to carry on the activities for which the licence was issued.
It is your responsibility to ensure your licence is in force as long as you continue to do business. Once your licence is issued, note the expiry date and ensure your licence is renewed prior to this date.
Effective January 1, 2019, payday lenders must ensure they meet standards as set by the director.
A business must have a licence and must prominently display a copy of the licence in each location named to which the licence pertains.
If a business operates on the Internet, a copy of the licence must be displayed prominently at or near the top of the introductory page of the website for Alberta borrowers.
Licensees must be able to provide confirmation of licensing on request. This can be done by providing a copy of the licence or by providing other confirmation that the business is properly licensed. This can include providing a link to the Find a Licensed Business search tool.
Compliance
Note: applicant, directors, officers and partners are required to read the Consumer Protection Act and its regulations associated with this licence and understand that certain sections are of significance, including but not limited to the specific sections noted below.
Payday Loan Business Compliance Standards – Read and understand
- Section 124.2 regarding prohibited practices
- Section 124.21 regarding tied selling prohibited
- Section 124.3 regarding instalment payments
- Section 124.61 regarding maximum allowable cost of borrowing
- Section 124.8 regarding signs and notices
Cost of Credit Disclosure Regulation
An Act to End Predatory Lending
Designation of Trades and Businesses Regulation
General Licensing and Security Regulation
Copies of legislation can be obtained from the Alberta King’s Printer.
Contact
Connect with the Consumer Contact Centre:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-4088
Toll free: 1-877-427-4088 (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]
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