Frequently Asked Questions

R1 Financial represents our mission to help Canadians improve their financial health and work toward stronger credit.

The “R1” refers to the highest payment rating on a Canadian credit report for revolving credit accounts, such as credit cards. An R1 rating means your payments are made on time and your account is in good standing.

At R1 Financial, we specialize in helping people with subprime credit, particularly those with credit scores between 300 and 692, take practical steps toward rebuilding their credit. Whether you’re dealing with collections, missed payments, high debt, or simply don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.

Our services may include:

• Credit rebuilding strategies
• Debt settlement assistance
• Private lending solutions
• Budgeting and financial education
• Guidance on improving your credit profile

Our goal is to help you move from poor credit toward an R1 financial future—where healthy financial habits create more opportunities and greater financial freedom.

A good credit score can make it easier to qualify for mortgages, vehicle financing, credit cards, rental applications, and even some employment opportunities. It may also help you access lower interest rates, saving you thousands of dollars over time. A low credit score can limit your options, result in higher borrowing costs, or lead to loan applications being declined. At R1 Financial, our goal is to help you build stronger credit and unlock more financial opportunities through our A.E.I.F.G. Method™.

The A.E.I.F.G. Method™ is our five-step process:
Assess, Educate, Improve, Finance, and Graduate. We help you understand your credit, create a personalized plan, and work toward your financial goals.

Our Credit Success Program is $199 and includes a personalized credit review, debt organization, collection agency support, document preparation, and a customized action plan.

Yes. We offer responsible private lending to qualified clients. Every application is reviewed individually, and approval depends on your financial situation and ability to repay.

We contact collection agencies on your behalf and negotiate when appropriate to help reduce your outstanding balance. In some cases, clients may save a significant amount. This service is included in our Credit Success Program at no additional charge.

Yes. In most cases, once a collection account is paid or settled, it will be updated to show “Paid” or “Settled” on your credit report. While the collection record may remain on your report for a period of time, resolving it can be an important step toward rebuilding your credit. At R1 Financial, we review your situation first to determine whether paying, negotiating, or another strategy is the best option for your financial goals.

Yes, in some cases. If you qualify, borrowing to pay off a collection account may help simplify your finances and allow you to resolve outstanding debts. Before recommending this option, we’ll review your financial situation to determine whether it’s the right choice for you. Our goal is to help you improve your financial position—not create additional financial stress.

Yes. As part of our $199 Credit Success Program, we prepare and assist with dispute letters to the credit bureaus when there are legitimate errors or inaccurate information on your credit report. We’ll review your report, explain the process, and help ensure your dispute is properly documented—all at no additional charge.

You have two repayment options:

1. Interest-Only Payments – Make monthly interest-only payments throughout the loan term. At the end of the term, the full principal balance is due in one lump-sum payment.
2. Principal + Interest Payments – Repay a portion of the principal each month, along with the interest calculated on the remaining outstanding balance. Your monthly principal payment is determined by dividing the total loan amount by the number of months in your loan term.

Your repayment option will be specified in your loan agreement. If you have any questions about your payment schedule, please contact us.