OnlyFans Mortgage in Canada: How Content Creators Can Get Approved (A-Lender vs B-Lender Options)

OnlyFans Mortgage in Canada: How Content Creators Can Get Approved (Even Without a “Traditional” Job)

If you earn income through OnlyFans, YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, Instagram, or any other online platform, you’ve probably wondered:

Can I actually qualify for a mortgage in Canada with this kind of income?

Yes — absolutely.

I’m a mortgage broker in Calgary Alberta with 22 years experience and an MBA in Finance. I’ve helped multiple clients in the creator economy (including 3 mortgages for OnlyFans / influencer clients) get the mortgage approvals they were looking for.

Here’s the key:

OnlyFans income is treated as self-employed income, which means you’ll need to prove it differently than someone with a standard T4 job.

The good news? There are two clear paths to getting approved — and once you understand them, the process becomes much easier.


The Two Ways to Get a Mortgage With OnlyFans Income in Canada

When it comes to qualifying for a mortgage using OnlyFans income, there are really two main routes:

  1. A-Lender (Prime / Bank mortgage approval using tax documents)

  2. B-Lender / Alternative lender approval using bank statements

Let’s break them down.


Option 1: A-Lender Mortgage (Prime Bank Approval)

This is the best option if you qualify.

Why? Because A-lenders (major banks and prime lenders) offer:

  • the lowest interest rates

  • the best mortgage terms

  • more flexible long-term options

  • fewer fees

How A-Lenders Qualify OnlyFans Income

Most A-lenders will treat OnlyFans income as self-employed income and will base your qualifying income on a 2-year average.

In most cases, lenders will look directly at:

Line 15000 (Total Income) on your tax return

This is important because Line 15000 includes all income sources, such as:

  • T4 income

  • self-employment income

  • dividends

  • other reported income

So if you have a mix of creator income plus other employment or dividends, it can all help you qualify.

Documents Required for A-Lender Approval

This is the standard self-employed mortgage package:

2 years T1 Generals
2 years CRA Notices of Assessment (NOAs)
✅ If incorporated: 2 years accountant-prepared financial statements

That’s the “gold standard” for prime lender approval.

Down Payment for A-Lender Approval

If you qualify through an A-lender, you may be able to buy with as little as:

10% down payment

(depending on purchase price and overall application strength)

So if your taxes are clean and your income is strong, this is often the easiest and most affordable path.


Option 2: B-Lender / Alternative Mortgage (Bank Statement Approval)

This option is extremely common for creators, especially early on.

Why? Because a lot of OnlyFans creators (and influencers in general) can earn strong income — but their tax returns don’t always show it clearly.

Sometimes it’s because:

  • income has only been strong for the last 12 months

  • deductions reduce taxable income significantly

  • income is growing rapidly year over year

  • taxes haven’t “caught up” yet

This is where B-lenders (also called alternative lenders) can be a game-changer.

How B-Lenders Qualify OnlyFans Income

Instead of relying strictly on your tax documents, some B-lenders can approve you based on:

12 months of bank statements

showing consistent deposits and cash flow.

They’re essentially saying:

“If your bank records show stable income, we can work with that.”

Documents Required for B-Lender Approval

Alternative lenders usually require:

12 months of bank statements (sometimes more)
✅ proof of consistent deposits
✅ income verification trail (platform deposits, payout history, etc.)
✅ strong overall financial picture

Down Payment for B-Lender Approval

Here’s the big difference:

You typically need at least 20% down payment

B-lenders take on more risk, so they require a larger down payment and often charge a slightly higher interest rate.

But this option can be incredibly useful if:

  • your income is real and consistent

  • your taxes don’t reflect your full earning power yet

  • you want to buy now instead of waiting two full tax years


Which Option Is Better?

If your OnlyFans income is properly documented and reflected on your tax returns, the A-lender route is almost always the best option.

It’s cheaper, cleaner, and easier long-term.

But if your income is strong and growing quickly — and you want to buy now — the B-lender route can get you into the market sooner.

A lot of creators use a B-lender as a stepping stone, then refinance into an A-lender later once their taxes show a longer history.


What Lenders Are Really Looking For

Regardless of which route you take, lenders want to see three things:

1. Stability

They want to know your income isn’t a one-month spike.

2. Consistency

They want to see a pattern of deposits or income over time.

3. Verifiable Paper Trail

Your income must be provable and documented — not just screenshots.


A Quick Note on Taxes (Yes, They Matter)

OnlyFans income in Canada is treated as business income.

That means you’re required to report it properly, and depending on your earnings, you may also need to register for and collect GST/HST.

Many creators reduce taxable income by claiming expenses (which is completely legitimate), but that can also reduce how much mortgage you qualify for under an A-lender.

That’s why planning ahead matters.


Do You Have to Tell the Bank You’re on OnlyFans?

This is one of the biggest concerns creators have.

Here’s the honest truth:

Lenders care less what you are creating. They care about whether the income is stable and properly documented.

Your mortgage application is about:

  • income

  • credit

  • debt ratios

  • down payment

  • documentation

Not personal judgment – and we don’t judge – as all the models we have done mortgages for make WAY MORE than us!


Tips to Improve Your Chances of Approval

If you’re earning creator income and want to qualify for a mortgage, these steps help a lot:

✅ Keep clean bank records

Separate personal and business banking if possible.

✅ Report your income properly

Your NOAs and tax filings are your best friend with prime lenders.

✅ Don’t wait until the last minute

Mortgage approval is easiest when you plan 6–12 months ahead.

✅ Work with someone who understands self-employed income

This isn’t the kind of mortgage you want to “wing” at a random bank branch.


Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Buy a Home as a Content Creator

If you’re earning money through OnlyFans or any online platform, you absolutely can qualify for a mortgage in Canada.

The key is understanding the two paths:

A-Lender Approval

  • Uses tax documents (T1s + NOAs)

  • Income based on 2-year average

  • Uses Line 15000 Total Income

  • Can be approved with 10% down

B-Lender / Alternative Approval

  • Uses 12 months bank statements

  • Income verified through deposits

  • Requires at least 20% down

  • Often higher rates, but more flexibility


Want to Know What You’d Qualify For?

If you’re an OnlyFans creator, influencer, YouTuber, or online entrepreneur and you want a clear answer on what you can qualify for, I can walk you through your options privately.

No judgment. No awkward conversations. Just strategy.

If you want, I can also help you build a plan to move from a B-lender mortgage into an A-lender mortgage later, once your tax history supports it.

Send me a message and I’ll break down your numbers.

Stress Test Continues; Was Almost Abolished

Yes, the Stress Test was almost done away with but it continues.

It seems to be a good thing that all the mortgages since 2018 have been “stress tested” at 5.25%. Now that we are in the middle of 3.6 million mortgages renewing over an 18 month period we find that most everyone is able to make their new mortgage payments after renewal.

Mortgage Mark Herman, MBA  in Finance and 22 years experience as a mortgage broker in Western Canada

Nerd alert here!!

OSFI has also determined that loan-to-income (LTI) limits on each institution’s mortgage portfolio will remain in place, alongside the existing stress test.

LTI limits have been in place since each institution’s 2025 fiscal year start and are reported on a quarterly basis.
This is a limit on the volume of newly originated uninsured mortgage loans, at that financial institution, that exceed a 4.5x loan-to-income multiple. This is not a limit on each individual loan.
This measure was introduced in an effort to lessen the build-up of highly leveraged residential mortgage borrowers.

 

Background

Canada’s federal mortgage stress test began on January 1, 2018, when the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) introduced it for uninsured mortgages.

Key Details of the Stress Test

  • Introduced: January 1, 2018
  • Regulator: OSFI (Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions)
  • Applies to: Uninsured mortgages (20%+ down payment) at federally regulated lenders
  • Purpose: Ensure borrowers can afford payments at a higher qualifying rate than their contract rate

Canadian Mortgage with American Income, 2025

Yes, that headline is true!!

August 15, 2025

 

We finally have an “A lender” in the Canadian mortgage broker space that will allow a buyer’s USA/ American income to be used.

Quick summary of the details.

  • 30% down
  • 80% of USA salary to be used, income based on USA tax docs
  • Almost any standard residential property in Canada
  • “A lender,” at A rates, no lender fee, no broker fee, underwritten the same as all Canadian mortgages
  • No funny business here. This is a normal mortgage, that you would want. The same as what expect from any of the Big-6 banks in Canada.

For more data or to ask about a deal, contact Mortgage Mark Herman, on his cell phone. He usually answers his own phone; from 9 am to 9 pm MST daily.

 

Data points below summarize key criteria and parameters for an “A-lender” in the Canadian mortgage broker channel that accepts US income.


Borrower Eligibility

  • Citizenship: any (US, Canadian, or other)
  • Canadian residency: no minimum length of stay required
  • Tax history: two consecutive years of US tax filings (no CRA filings needed – its true!)

Income Documentation

  • W-2 forms (equivalent to Canadian T4 slips)
  • IRS Form 1040 (equivalent to Canadian T1 returns)
  • US Tax Return Transcripts or Notices of Assessment (NOA – Notice of Assessment)
  • All documents must cover the most recent two-year period

Income & Loan Parameters

  • Income recognized: up to 80% of gross US salary
  • Income types accepted: salary only (sorry, the bank can’t use fee-for-service, or self-employed/ BFS income)
  • Maximum loan-to-value ratio (LTV): 70%, means 30% down payment
  • Credit underwriting conforms to Canadian mortgage regulations

Property Types

  • Primary residence
  • 2nd home / Secondary or vacation home and even…
  • Rental or investment property

Notes

  • No requirement for employer size, industry, or Canadian work history
  • Simplified process: bypass CRA income filings entirely
  • Ideal for US-based clients relocating, investing, or holding dual residences

 

We used to run into a few of these deals ever year, and now we see one every month so we found a lender that can do this business for our realtor partners.

The buyers only need 30% down, and the bank will use 80% of their USA salary as the income.

Mark Herman, top Calgary Alberta and Vancouver Island mortgage broker

 

GST Rebate for 1st Time Home Buyers

We have had lots of questions about this proram.

The legislation has been tabled, but is not done yet. As of today, and it is for contracts written May 27, 2025 or later.

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2025/05/gst-relief-for-first-time-home-buyers-on-new-homes-valued-up-to-15-million.html

Updates as they come in.

We have a 4-plex buyer who is purchasing a newly constructed 4-plex in Calgary at $1,250,000. His rebate is about 60k – now that is now pretty substantial!

Mortgage Mark Herman, 1st time buyer and move up mortgage specialist in Calgary Alberta.

BMO & CIBC: Not on list of Top-11 banks in Canada

Wow hey??

Who would guess that 2 of Big-6 banks that millions of Canadians “think they have a financial relationship with” did not even make the list of the Top-11 banks in Canada.

It is surprising the amount of customers that call us looking to “beat their bank’s mortgage rate” when they should be looking at if they should even be doing mortgage business at their main personal bank. 

Mortgage Mark Herman, Calgary Alberta new home buyer and mortgage renewal specialist of 21 years.

We recommend that they also look at the T’s & C’s – Terms and Conditions – to their own bank’s mortgages to find:

  • Payout penalties that are 500% to 800% – yes, 5x to 8x the amount of payout penalties at broker banks.
  • Their renewal rates are usually always at rates higher than what Broker Banks offer – because Broker Banks know the broker that placed you there will jump at the chance to move them to a different bank, for a better/ market rate, and then we get paid again. Big-6 banks don’t have to worry about that because you are usually not aware of market rates.
  • SELF-employed mortgage holders are often “worked over by the Big-6 banks” whereas, Broker Banks are more than happy doing tons for self-employed business owners.

Here’s the full list of Canada’s best banks for 2025, according to Forbes:

  1. Tangerine
  2. Simplii Financial
  3. RBC
  4. PC Financial
  5. Vancity
  6. EQ Bank
  7. TD
  8. Scotiabank
  9. National Bank
  10. Desjardins
  11. ATB Financial

footnote: link action here https://www.narcity.com/best-banks-in-canada-forbes-2025

Summary of Mortgage Rule Changes

Key Mortgage Rule Updates

30-year amortization for insured mortgages

Starting December 15, 2024, 30-year amortizations will be available for insured mortgages. This option is open to first-time homebuyers and those purchasing newly built homes, including condos.

Higher insured mortgage limits

Applications for insured mortgages will now be accepted for properties valued under $1.5 million, giving more buyers access to high-value homes with lower down payment requirements.

Stress test simplification

In line with OSFI’s guidance, current stress test requirements will continue for insurable, uninsurable, and uninsured applications. Eligible insured transfers and switches will remain qualified at the contract rate.

 

How these changes benefit you

✔️ Reduced monthly payments

Extending amortizations to 30 years will lower monthly payments, helping clients manage affordability amidst rising living costs and fluctuating interest rates.

It usually works out to reduce your payment by 9% or lets yo buy 9% more home (increases the mortgage amount but about 9%.)

 

✔️ Expanded opportunities for buyers

Higher insured mortgage limits make it possible for more Canadians to purchase homes in competitive urban markets like Toronto and Vancouver for up to $1,500,000 with 5% down on the 1st 500k and 10% down payment on the balance.

 

This set of mortgage rule changes should make it easier for buyers to get into a home now.

More importantly, it lets buyers purchase up to $1.5M with $125k down, where before they would have topped out at $1m with $75k down payment.

  • Mortgage Mark Herman, top best Calgary mortgage broker,
  • 403,681-4376

 

New Housing Rules for 1st First-Time Buyers and New Builds

If you’re a first-time home buyer or looking to purchase a new build, this affects you.

Here’s a quick summary of the changes coming in December 2024:

What’s New?

30-Year Amortizations Now Available for First-Time Buyers and New Build Purchases

  • First-time home buyers can now access 30-year amortizations for insured mortgages.
    • This increases the amount you qualify for by about 9% or lowers your monthly payment about the same.
  • 30-Year Amortization for New Builds – Technically, this took effect on August 1, 2024, and is available to everyone, not just First-Time Homebuyers.

 

Price Cap Increase for Insured Mortgages

  • The price cap (purchase price) for insured mortgages has been raised from $999,999 to $1,499,999 million.
  • EG: if you were to purchase a home today priced at $1.1 million, your minimum down payment to qualify for a mortgage would be 20% or $220,000.  After December 15th, the minimum down payment required decreases to $85,000.
  • If that $1.1 million dollar home also has a self contained suite, you can use the rent or “potential” rent that suite will generate to help qualify for a bit more of a mortgage too.

 

The Fine Print

Down payment – Great news, minimum requirements stay the same:

  • 5% on the portion up to $500,000
  • 10% on the portion between $500,000 and $1.5 million

* Previously, the down payment on a $1.5 million home for a First-Time Home buyer was $300,000.

FTHB’s can now get into that same home with $125,000.

This will undoubtedly take some pressure off the Bank of Mom and Dad.

 

Effective Date

These changes will apply to mortgage insurance applications submitted on or after December 15, 2024. The key word here is ‘submitted.’ Your offer will need to be timed just right if you wish to take advantage of the new 30-year amortization.

 

Potential Impacts on the Housing Market:

We are in an interesting position right now. On one hand, lenders are competing for new business in what could be described as a ‘rate war.’

Additionally, with First-Time Home Buyers (FTHB) set to qualify for 30-year amortizations after December 15th, we can expect an uptick in demand.

Historically, higher demand leads to higher prices and rate decreases cause an equal and opposite increase in home prices.

 

Buy or Sell – Now or Later?

While there’s no crystal ball, consider these possibilities:

  • Buy Now: Prices are expected to rise once the new rules take effect, so purchasing before December could mean less competition and potentially lower prices.
  • Sell Later: If your home is priced between $1 million and $1.5 million, waiting until after December 15th could attract more qualified buyers and possibly higher offers.

 

More details will emerge as lenders and insurers prepare to offer the new 30-year amortization, such as how lenders will view the minimum down payment.

If you want to discuss how these changes might impact your plans to buy or sell, feel free to reach out!

Typical income documentation requirements – Canadian mortgage

Below are the typical income documentation requirements for each type of income.

  • Salaried employees & commission income

    Salaried

    Salaried and hourly employees may need to supply:

    • A job letter and a recent pay stub to show consistent salary

    If your hours aren’t guaranteed or if there is a lot of overtime, you may also be asked for a 2-year income history.

    Commissioned

    Commissioned salespeople typically need the same documents as a salaried employee except they may also need to provide:

    • 2 years of T1 Generals with corresponding NOA’s – Notice of Assessments to establish a 2-year income average.

     

  • Self-employed: Incorporated & Sole Proprietor

    Incorporated

    Self-employed clients who are incorporated and can provide traditional income verification may need to supply:

    • Most current T1 General including statements of business activities. To establish a stable income, but also so a lender can see your sources of income.
    • Confirmation of no taxes owed
    • Accountant prepared company financials supported by business bank statements. To establish your company is in good financial standing and to compare the income level being pulled out of the company is sustainable.
    • Current corporate search to confirm business ownership.

     

    Sole Proprietor

    Self-employed clients who are sole proprietors and can provide traditional income verification may need to supply:

    • Most current T1 General including statements of business activities. To establish a stable income, and so a lender can see their sources of income.
    • Confirmation no taxes owed
    • One of the following: Business license/registration, trade license, or GST registrations/returns to prove business ownership/partnership

     

    Alternative provable income & other documentation

    Alternative provable income verification

    This is a proprietary, specialized approach using gross-ups and add-backs available.

    Alternative verification of income can be provided via the following documents:

    Sole proprietor/partnership

    • Most current T1 General
    • Confirmation no taxes owed
    • Recent financial statements or statement of business activities to indicate a level of income
    • One of the following: business license/registration, trade license, or GST registrations/returns to prove business ownership/partnership

     

    Incorporated or limited company

    • Most current accountant prepared financials or corporate T2s
    • Most current T1 General and confirmation no taxes owed
    • Corporate search/articles of incorporation – for business ownership
    • Six months of bank statements

    Gross-ups and add-backs approach is considered in this instance.

    Other documentation

    There are other income sources that can help your client’s application get approved.

        • Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
        • Alimony/child support
        • Government and/or private pension
        • Rental property income
        • EI benefit for maternity leave

     

    Buying a Rental property — this is the income documentation needed.

    You can verify rental income via the following:

    • Full T1 Generals showing net rental income
    • If not reported in T1 General, market rent from an approved appraiser

    Verified Income

    • A job letter and recent paystub. If the client’s hours aren’t guaranteed, underwriter may also ask for a 2-year income history.

    Alternative Proveable Income

    Proprietary, specialized approach using gross-ups and add-backs.

    Sole Proprieter

    • Most current T1 General
    • Confirmation no taxes owed
    • Recent financial statements or statement of business activities supported by business bank statements
    • One of the following: business license/registration, trade license or GST registration/returns

    Incorporated or limited company

    • Most current accountant prepared financials or corporate T2s
    • Most current T1 Generals and confirmation no taxes owed
    • Corporate search/articles of incorporation
    • Six months bank statements

GIFTed down Payment now possible for New-to-Canada home buyers!!

For New to Canada buyers – Expanded “GIFT-ing” is now possible for close family members!

That’s right! As of now, May 23, 2024, buyers who are New to Canada – in Canada for less than 2 years – ARE now allowed to use /receive GIFTS for down payment from “close family members.”

This is a big deal because it now includes; aunts, uncles, nephews, and cousins; all were not allowed to provide a “GIFT for down payment” before.

The standard used to be only: mother, father, brother, sister, grandparent and legal guardian; and that was it.

 

From our data that we have on on our own customers, this will help about 20% of our New to Canada files to buy a home, where they would have been shut out before.

Mortgage Mark Herman, top best fantastic Calgary Alberta mortgage broker, specializing in First Time Buyers.

 

We view that the Expanded Gift-er Options ARE needed due to the average new home price being 500k+, it is super tough for newcomers to save enough to buy a home. GIFTS are relied on all the time by 1st time home buyers.

Using Business Income / Corporate Income to Qualify for a Mortgage in Canada, 2024

Are you self- employed and thinking about, or hopping to use your own business income or corporate income to help you qualify for a mortgage?

It is possible, but not very common, as it usually does not help as much as we hope it would.

Mortgage Mark Herman, best Calgary Alberta mortgage broker for self-employed buyers

 

For RESIDENTIAL Purposes:

Very few lenders (like 3 out of 40+) will consider using business income that is not on personal taxes.

  • When they will allow the business income added in, they only use between 40-60% of the net business income after dividends paid.
  • They wouldn’t allow the operating company to actually be on mortgage/title;
    • it would be in personal name or
    • Hold Co name (with full personal guarantee, for the full mortgage amount – with full recourse. Meaning they can/ do/ will sue you into bankruptcy if they need to foreclose.)

Docs Needed

They do need to review more data than usual if trying to use business financials. I addition to the regular documents needed (2 years of T1 Generals, and NOAs and T4’s if there is T4 income), add in these docs:

For the Business:

  • 2 years of professional accountant prepared financial statements
    • including a signed ‘Notice to Reader’ and
  • Need a compilation of all billing engagements for the fiscal periods

 

Catch – there are always a few:

If the property in question has a large shop – it is usually not allowed in determining the value so a higher mortgage amount is usually required.

They also have a hard time if there is any income to be derived from the property.

 

Acreage Details

Max land is limited to 4, 8, or 10 acres – depending on lender

  • Only the home, de/attached garage and 4 acres are used for valuation by lender.
  • NO value is attributed to: out-buildings, sheds, riding rings, stables, storage, nor fences
    • Many of which could be valued at 200k+, like fences and buildings.