Bank alternatives

Desjardins business loan alternatives: when the bank says no, or not yet.

Desjardins Group is the largest cooperative financial group in North America, with caisses across Quebec and Ontario.

✓ Checking what you qualify for does not affect your credit score.

What can a business do when Desjardins says no or not yet?

Short answer: Ask whether your caisse or a business centre made the decision and how your membership history counted, then ask whether a cooperative or regional fund could share the risk. If the need cannot wait, a deposit-based advance can be reviewed in days on your business bank statements.

Key facts

Founded in 1900 in Lévis, Quebec
North America's largest cooperative financial group
Local caisses have a voice in lending decisions
Regional and cooperative funds can share risk

About Desjardins

Desjardins Group is the largest cooperative financial group in North America, with caisses across Quebec and Ontario. As a cooperative, members are owners, and local caisses play a role in community lending.

It offers business accounts, credit and financing, along with business advisory services, especially for Quebec businesses.

Founded in 1900 in Lévis, Quebec, by Alphonse Desjardins, the group operates as a federation of caisses owned by their members. Its cooperative structure gives local caisses a voice in lending decisions, which can be an advantage for businesses rooted in their communities.

Questions to ask your Desjardins banker

Does my caisse or a business centre make the decision?
How does my membership history affect the review?
Could a cooperative or regional fund share the risk?

How bank business lending usually works

Credit decisions involve your local caisse and Desjardins business centres, depending on size.
Members are assessed on financial history, the business plan and personal credit.
Hypothecs under Quebec law, or security under Ontario's PPSA, are common for term financing.
Being a member with a history at the caisse helps.
Regional development and cooperative programs sometimes complement Desjardins financing.

Where owners run into friction

Businesses outside Desjardins' core regions.
New businesses without a track record.
Urgent needs.
Industries outside a caisse's appetite.

When deposit-based funding fits

When a caisse cannot lend quickly or at all, a deposit-based review uses recent bank statements and can fund in days. It costs more than cooperative credit and fits short-term needs.

Quebec files use Quebec's register for any security rights.

Using your bank and an advance together

Many owners keep their Desjardins membership and accounts for daily banking and use an advance for a defined, short gap.

Source and date

Information about Desjardins is based on its public website, www.desjardins.com, as of October 2026. Product availability and criteria change. Merchant Fund Express is not affiliated with Desjardins.

Where Canadian files usually start

Monthly revenueTypically from around $20,000 a month in deposits for Canadian files. The exact line varies by funder and by file.

Time in businessTypically about 12 months. Newer businesses can be reviewed, but the options narrow.

Account healthLimited low-balance or negative days. Funders read the last few months of bank statements for this.

CreditScores from 500 are considered. A score of 600 or higher opens more options and better offers.

DocumentsA signed application and recent business bank statements, typically the last four months.

Existing advancesFiles with an existing advance can be reviewed, including second position.

How do Quebec and Ontario owners combine Desjardins with other funding?

Many members keep their operating account, payroll and long-term loans at their caisse and use outside funding only for short, specific needs, such as stocking up before a busy season. Disclosing that funding to the caisse keeps the relationship clear.

Regional development funds and cooperative financing can sometimes add a layer of support that a caisse alone cannot. Ask your advisor which ones apply to your region and sector.

Common questions

Is Desjardins a bank?

It is a cooperative financial group with caisses rather than a chartered bank.

Can Quebec businesses get deposit-based funding?

Yes, reviewed in English.

Will my caisse object?

Check your credit agreements and be open with your advisor.