Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shifter?
Shifter is a Canada-wide auto financing and car-buying platform that gets you approved before you shop. Instead of guessing what you qualify for, Shifter matches you with a personal shopper and finance manager at a local dealership who shows you vehicles that actually fit your budget and credit profile.
How is Shifter different from a traditional dealership?
Traditional dealerships start with the car and hope the financing works.
Shifter flips the process:
✅ Approval first
✅ Car second
✅ No “maybe” cars
✅ No bait-and-switch pricing
You only see vehicles you can realistically get approved for.
Does getting approved mean I have to buy a car?
No.
There’s no obligation to buy. Getting approved with Shifter simply lets you:
See what you qualify for
Explore real options
Decide when — or if — you want to move forward
No pressure. No deadlines.
Will applying affect my credit?
Shifter uses a secure application process to determine your options. Yes, a hard inquiry from applying for new credit (loans, credit cards) can slightly decrease your score, but the impact is usually small and temporary, especially if it's just one or a few within a short time for the same loan type (like mortgages/auto).
Who is my “personal shopper”?
Your personal shopper is a licensed finance manager at a Shifter dealership near you.
They:
Review your approval
Explain your options
Help you find vehicles that fit your budget
Handle the financing details
You get real human support — not a call centre.
Do I have to visit a dealership?
Not right away.
You can complete your application and approval entirely online. If you decide to move forward with a vehicle, your personal shopper will coordinate the next steps — including dealership visits or delivery options where available.
What types of vehicles can I buy through Shifter?
Shifter works with dealerships across Canada, giving you access to:
New Cars (depending on partner)
Used Cars, SUVs, trucks, and more
Options beyond what a single dealership typically offers
Your available vehicles are based on what you’re approved for — not guesswork.
Can Shifter help if my credit isn’t perfect?
Yes.
Shifter works with a wide range of lenders and credit profiles, including:
New credit
Rebuilding credit
Established credit
Your approval is based on your full financial picture, not just a number.
Can I trade in my current vehicle?
Yes.
Shifter can help you:
Trade in your current vehicle
Roll over or manage existing loans
Understand your equity (positive or negative)
Your personal shopper will walk you through the numbers clearly.
Can I refinance my current car loan with Shifter?
Absolutely.
Shifter helps Canadians refinance the car they already love, potentially:
Lowering your interest rate
Reducing your monthly payment
Saving thousands over the life of the loan
You keep your vehicle — just improve the financing.
How long does the approval process take?
Most applicants receive results quickly, often the same day.
Once approved, your personal shopper will reach out to review your options and next steps.
Is Shifter available across Canada?
Yes.
Shifter works coast to coast, matching Canadians with local dealerships while giving them access to nationwide financing options. We currently do not service Newfoundland, Yukon, Northwest Territories, or Nunavut.
Why should I use Shifter instead of applying at multiple dealerships?
Shifter saves you:
Time
Repeated applications
Confusion
Pressure
One application. One approval. Real options — shown upfront.
How do I get started?
Getting started is easy:
Apply online
Get approved
Match with a personal shopper
Explore vehicles that fit your budget
👉 Apply now and find out what you qualify for.
