Terms of Service

1. Agreement to Terms

Welcome to RateFinder ("we," "us," "our," "the Platform"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("you," "your," "User") and RateFinder regarding your use of our loan marketplace platform and related services.

By accessing or using our Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use our services.

2. Platform Description and Disclaimers

2.1 Marketplace Service

RateFinder is a loan marketplace platform that connects borrowers with lenders. We act solely as an intermediary and facilitator between borrowers and lending institutions.

2.2 Important Disclaimers

3. Eligibility and Account Registration

3.1 Eligibility Requirements

To use our Platform, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a legal resident of Canada
• Have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts
• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Not be prohibited from using our services under applicable law

3.2 Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities under your account. You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized use.

4. Platform Services

4.1 Services Provided

• Loan rate comparison and marketplace services
• Matching borrowers with potential lenders in our network
• Facilitating communication between borrowers and lenders
• Providing educational content and loan calculators
• Platform maintenance and customer support

4.2 Services NOT Provided

• Direct lending or loan funding
• Personal financial advice or recommendations
• Guarantee of loan approval or specific terms
• Legal, tax, or investment advice
• Credit repair or improvement services

5. Fees and Compensation

5.1 Platform Fees

RateFinder's basic marketplace services are currently provided at no cost to borrowers. We may introduce fees for premium services with 30 days' advance notice.

5.2 Lender Compensation

We may receive compensation from lenders in our network through:

• Referral fees for successful loan originations
• Advertising fees for promotional placement
• Partnership agreements and revenue sharing

This compensation does not affect the rates or terms offered to you by lenders and does not constitute an endorsement of any particular lender.

6. User Responsibilities and Conduct

6.1 Information Accuracy

You agree to:

• Provide accurate, complete, and current information
• Update information promptly when it changes
• Not misrepresent your financial situation or identity
• Respond truthfully to lender inquiries

6.2 Prohibited Uses

You agree NOT to:

• Use the Platform for any illegal or unauthorized purpose
• Violate any laws, regulations, or third-party rights
• Submit false, misleading, or fraudulent information
• Attempt to circumvent security measures
• Use automated tools to access the Platform without permission
• Interfere with Platform operations or other users' access
• Transmit viruses, malware, or harmful code
• Harvest or collect user information without consent

7. Credit Checks and Financial Information

7.1 Credit Authorization

By using our Platform, you authorize us and our partner lenders to:

• Perform credit checks and obtain credit reports from credit bureaus
• Verify your income, employment, and financial information
• Share your information with potential lenders for evaluation
• Maintain records of credit inquiries and applications

7.2 Credit Impact Notice

Credit checks may be "soft" (no credit score impact) or "hard" (may affect credit score). We will clearly indicate the type of credit check before it is performed. Multiple inquiries of the same type within a short period may be treated as a single inquiry for credit scoring purposes.

8. Third-Party Lenders and Services

8.1 Independent Lender Relationships

Lenders in our network are independent third parties. Your loan application, approval, terms, and ongoing relationship will be directly with the lender, not with RateFinder.

8.2 Lender Terms and Policies

Each lender has their own:

• Lending criteria and approval requirements
• Interest rates, fees, and loan terms
• Privacy policies and data handling practices
• Customer service and dispute resolution procedures
• Regulatory licenses and compliance obligations

9. Intellectual Property

9.1 Platform Content

RateFinder owns or licenses all content on the Platform, including:

• Website design, layout, and functionality
• Software, algorithms, and technology
• Text, graphics, logos, and trademarks
• Educational content and calculators

9.2 Limited License

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use the Platform for its intended purpose. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works without written permission.

9.3 User-Generated Content

By submitting content to our Platform, you grant us a worldwide, royalty-free license to use, modify, and display such content for Platform operations and improvement.

10. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection, use, and disclosure of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. Please review our Privacy Policy to understand our data practices.

11. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

11.1 Platform Disclaimers

11.2 Liability Limitations

To the maximum extent permitted by law, RateFinder shall not be liable for:

• Indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages
• Lost profits, data, or business opportunities
• Lender decisions, terms, or performance
• Technical failures or interruptions
• Third-party actions or content
• Any damages exceeding $100 CAD

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless RateFinder from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

• Your violation of these Terms
• Your misuse of the Platform
• Inaccurate information you provide
• Your violation of applicable laws
• Infringement of third-party rights

13. Account Termination

13.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting customer support or using account closure features in your profile settings.

13.2 Termination by Us

We may suspend or terminate your account if you:

• Violate these Terms or our policies
• Provide false or misleading information
• Engage in fraudulent or illegal activities
• Fail to respond to verification requests
• Pose a security risk to the Platform

13.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, your access will cease, but these Terms will survive regarding past use. We will handle your personal information according to our Privacy Policy and data retention requirements.

14. Dispute Resolution

14.1 Internal Complaints Process

Before pursuing legal action, you agree to first contact our customer support team at info@theratefinder.ca to attempt resolution of any disputes.

14.2 Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of Ontario, Canada, and the federal laws of Canada. Any legal proceedings must be brought in the courts of Ontario, Canada.

14.3 Consumer Protection Rights

Nothing in these Terms limits your rights under applicable consumer protection laws. If any provision conflicts with consumer protection requirements, the consumer protection law will prevail.

15. Regulatory Compliance

15.1 Anti-Money Laundering (AML)

RateFinder complies with Canadian AML/ATF regulations. We may be required to verify your identity, report certain transactions, and maintain records as required by law.

15.2 Provincial Licensing

We maintain appropriate licenses and registrations required to operate our marketplace in each province where we provide services.

16. Accessibility

We are committed to making our Platform accessible to users with disabilities. If you encounter accessibility barriers, please contact us at info@theratefinder.ca for assistance.

17. Modifications to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time with 30 days' advance notice for material changes. Continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms. We will notify you of significant changes via email or prominent website notice.

18. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect. Unenforceable provisions will be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make them enforceable.

19. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us at: