For Canadian workplaces
When a surprise bill hits before payday, your employees can borrow $100–$1,500 from Buffer at a fair rate — privately. You pay nothing, risk nothing, and see nothing.
Decision · Approved
You’re approved.
You can borrow up to
$1,500CAD
For employers
For employees
How it works
Choose who you are to see the steps that matter to you.
About 90 minutes of your time, start to finish. No legal review needed.
Buffer writes the emails, runs onboarding, and answers employee questions.
They apply directly to Buffer. You aren’t involved and aren’t told.
Loans of up to $1,500 come from Buffer, not from you or your payroll.
Buffer is the lender. You’re never asked to fund, approve, or collect a loan.
If it does, you can apply anytime. Using it is always your choice.
We look at your job, income, and bank history — not just your credit score. Checking won’t hurt your score.
If approved, you’ll see your exact rate, total cost, and payment dates before you accept anything.
Pay back over 1–6 months. Repay in full within 29 days and pay no interest at all.
Buffer is the lender — not your employer. Your employer doesn’t approve your loan or see your details.
Want Buffer enabled for your company? Enter your HR or manager’s email and we’ll send them the package — saying that one of your employees requested Buffer to be enabled for your company.
What a loan costs
No hidden fees, no surprises. Move the slider to see your monthly payment and exactly what you’d pay back.
How many months to pay it back?
Example yearly rate (APR)
Pay it all back within 29 days and pay no interest. One-time option for eligible employees.
You’d pay
$500.00
in one payment — within the 29-day no-interest window
You repay exactly what you borrowed — the first month is interest-free.
An example only, not a loan offer. Assumes equal monthly payments and no other charges. Your actual rate and terms are in your loan agreement.
Why employers choose Buffer
Real help in a stressful moment — without changing pay, policy, or your benefits budget.
When an emergency is handled privately, people can concentrate on their work.
No setup, no integration, no payroll work. One HR contact and one email to staff. We do the rest.
A real moment
Rent, groceries, a vet bill, a repair — emergencies don’t wait for payday. Here’s what changes with Buffer.
Payday loans, maxed-out cards, asking family, or choosing which bill to skip.
A fair loan in minutes, a clear payment plan, and nobody at work needs to know.
From the blog
Research and practical reads for People, HR, and payroll teams supporting frontline and hourly employees.
Visit the blogFAQ
What we hear from People and HR teams, payroll, unions, and employees. If yours isn’t here, ask on the call.
Book a 20-min callBuffer is a Canadian financial wellness employee benefit that helps workers access responsible short-term emergency loans, credit monitoring, and credit-building support.
It is designed to help employees manage unexpected expenses without relying on payday loans, overdrafts, high-interest credit cards, retirement withdrawals, or borrowing from HR, managers, coworkers, family, or friends.
There are no setup, subscription, or per-employee fees. The employer does not fund employee loans. Employees who borrow remain responsible for repayment and any interest under their loan agreement.
No. Your business does not fund loans, make underwriting or credit decisions, or carry credit risk. Buffer assesses applications. Approval is not guaranteed.
No. The employer is not responsible for employee loan repayment or collections. Buffer can provide the specific repayment arrangements directly.
Book a 20-minute call. We’ll walk through your workforce, the rollout, employee communications, and any requirements, and confirm whether Buffer is a fit for your team.
Buffer’s personal loans are typically $100–$1,500, with repayment terms of 1–6 months. The amount and terms available to you depend on eligibility and approval. Borrow only after reviewing your offer and repayment obligations.
Buffer’s annual percentage rate (APR) is 12%–18%. Your total interest depends on your rate, loan amount, repayment term, and repayment behaviour. The calculator is an illustration, not a loan quote. The eligible 29-day option has its own conditions.
No. Underwriting considers employment, income, and bank transaction history—not only traditional credit scores. This does not guarantee approval or a particular credit-score outcome.
No interest is charged if an eligible employee repays the loan in full within the one-time 29-day repayment period. Eligibility and terms apply. Ask Buffer what costs and repayment obligations apply if the balance is not repaid in full within that period.
Buffer does not charge late fees or penalties. You remain responsible for repaying your loan and any applicable interest under your agreement. Contact Buffer directly with questions about your payments.
No. Loans are subject to eligibility and underwriting. Buffer is an affordable, structured credit option—not free money, a payday loan, a wage advance, or an employer-funded loan. Buffer can explain the eligibility criteria and how applicant information is handled.
20 minutes, no deck. We’ll see if you’re a fit, walk you through the rollout, and answer anything.
Book a 20-min call
