For Canadian employers · 2026 pilot
Buffer gives your employees access to affordable emergency loans, funded entirely by Buffer. You pay nothing, take no credit risk, and never see employee financial data.
07 · DECISION · APPROVED
You’re approved.
YOU ARE APPROVED FOR UP TO
$1,500CAD
Your Buffer offer is ready. Review the full details before deciding whether to accept.
Won’t affect your credit score.
Your employer won’t be notified.
$0
No setup, subscription, or per-employee charge.
0%
Buffer is the lender of record. You don’t fund loans.
0
You never see who applies, who borrows, or balances.
How it works
A car repair. A shortfall on rent. An unexpected bill. Give your team access to another option—without becoming their lender.
90 minutes total. No legal review needed.
Buffer ships comms, onboarding, and support.
Private. Soft credit check. 5-minute decision.
Up to $1,500. Buffer is the lender of record.
A benefit for your team—not an employer-funded loan or a wage advance.
Check whether Buffer is available through your employer. Applying is your choice, and approval is subject to eligibility.
Employment, income, and bank transaction history help inform eligibility—not just your credit score. No hard credit inquiry.
If approved, review your rate, costs, and repayment terms before deciding. A loan creates a repayment obligation.
Your employer doesn’t approve your loan or handle repayment. Ask Buffer for specific eligibility and privacy details.
Calculator
A private, responsible way to cover an unexpected expense, without payday-loan rollovers, borrowing from family, or employer involvement.
Repayment term
Illustrative annual rate (APR)
No interest if repaid in full within the one-time 29-day period. This option is for eligible employees. Review the full terms before borrowing.
Illustrative only. Your rate, eligibility, and terms may differ.
Illustrative monthly payment
$170.85
3-month term · 15% APR
Assumes equal monthly payments on an amortizing loan with a monthly rate of APR ÷ 12. It excludes any other charges and is not a loan quote. Amounts are rounded; the final payment may differ by a few cents. Actual costs and terms are set out in your loan agreement.
Why employers choose Buffer
When employees can handle emergencies privately, they’re less likely to bring money stress into their shift.
Practical support in stressful moments, without changing pay, policy, or your benefits budget.
When urgent expenses are handled privately, employees stay focused on the workday.
No setup, integration, or payroll work. One HR owner, one employee email, and Buffer-led onboarding.
It’s Tuesday. Rent is due, groceries are running low, or an unexpected bill arrives. Payday is still a week away.
High-interest borrowing, growing debt, or difficult choices between essential expenses.
Private access to affordable emergency loans, a clear repayment plan, and no employer involvement in employees’ finances.
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
