Editor's choice: OppLoans Installment Loans

- Easy online application
- Quick approval
- Fast funding
- Long repayment terms
A payday loan — also known as a cash advance, a short term loan or a cash loan — is designed to give you access to funds in a short amount of time. Some lenders even offer instant decisions, instant approval and instant processing for payday loans. But what do these terms really mean, and how long does it really take to get your loan money?
Payday lenders that advertise loans with “instant decisions” usually let you know the outcome of your application within a few minutes or a maximum of one hour after the application is submitted. These lenders use technology to speed up the online application process, allowing them to give you an outcome in an “instant.” If more details are needed, or if the application needs to be assessed by a person rather than automated, the final decision may take longer.
The time it takes for you to get the money from this type of loan is another matter altogether. If you apply at a storefront, you can get the money almost as soon as you accept the loan contract. With an online application, you’ll need to ensure all your documents have been submitted and the contract is signed. It’s only after these steps are completed that the lender will transfer your funds, usually the next business day.
A payday loan, also known as a cash advance loan, is a short-term personal loan (typically $500 or less) that usually must be repaid within two weeks to a month. The repayment date is determined by your pay schedule. Because payday loans come with steep finance charges, it is not a long-term solution, but a temporary fix to an unexpected financial situation. Rules and regulations for payday loans vary from state to state, and are even not permitted in some states.
While the majority of lenders can give you an instant decision, the turnaround time for funding is a major point of difference. Take a look at the table below to see how long it will take for your loan to be funded from these payday loan lenders.
Lender | When you will receive your loan |
---|---|
100 Day Loans | Usually 1 business day, but there can be same-day funding. |
Achieve Lending | Varies acccording to the lender you are matched with. |
Advance America | If you apply online and the application is approved before 8 p.m. EST, it’s usually funded the next banking day. If you apply in-store, the loan can be funded within 10-15 minutes. |
CashAdvance.com | Usually 1-2 business days. |
CashNetUSA | If you apply and are approved by 9 p.m. CT Monday-Thursday, you can receive your funds the next business day. If you apply and are approved between 9 p.m. CT Thursday and 7 p.m. CT Sunday, you can receive your funds on Monday (unless it’s not a banking day). |
Cash Central | Loans approved before 7:45 p.m. EST Monday-Thursday are usually deposited into your bank account the next business day. Applications submitted on Friday, Saturday and Sunday before 7:45 p.m. EST will be funded the following banking day. Applications submitted on Sunday after 7:45 p.m. will be funded on Tuesday. |
Check City | If you apply online, it takes 1 business day, and if you apply in-store it takes about 15 minutes. If you apply online and are approved on weekdays by 7 p.m. MT or by 8 p.m. on Saturdays, you can be approved on the same day. If you apply after these hours or on Sundays or holidays, your application will be processed on the next business day and you will receive your funds the day after that. |
Check Into Cash | Loan applications processed before 7 p.m. during business days are funded on the next business day. If you apply online, you can pick up your approved funds in-store. |
LendUp | If your loan is approved by 5 p.m. PT Monday-Friday (excluding holidays), you will generally receive your funds the next business day. Exact funding time depends on your bank. |
LoanMart | 1 business day |
NetLoanUSA | It varies depending on the lender you’re approved with. |
Personal Money Network | Loan processing and transfer times vary between lenders, but you can typically receive your approved funds on the next business day. |
Speedy Cash | Online loans take 1 business day to be processed. You can also visit a store to pick up your cash or have it loaded onto a prepaid debit card. |
TrustedLoanNetwork | It varies depending on the lender you’re approved with. |
USA Payday Cash | You can receive your approved funds in your account by the next business day. |
Consider the following factors to make sure you pick the right instant payday lender for your circumstances:
See how quickly you can get a payday loan
Payday loans attract unusually high fees in comparison to other types of credit, so explore all your options before you decide to apply. If you think you might have problems in paying the loan back on time, avoid taking it in the first place. Paying the loan back after its due date can lead to higher costs.
When you apply for a payday loan and are approved, make sure you go through the loan contract carefully. This step gives you a clear picture of how much you might have to pay in different circumstances. Finding out about the payday lending laws in your state ahead of time can also help protect you from unfair lending practices.
You can now calculate your payroll expenses based on gross income instead of net profit. Here’s how it works.
Here’s where to get financial help for yourself and your business if you’ve been affected by the storm in February 2021.
The White House announced new changes to PPP loans, helping the smallest businesses and opening access to people with student loan defaults or nonfraudulent felony convictions.
Small cash advances perfect for avoiding steep overdraft fees.
Small lenders continue to offer a lifeline to small businesses for First and Second Draw loans.
Lenme connects borrowers to investors through its simple app.
Get all the details on Target’s 14 Days of Beauty sale. And find some hacks on how to stretch your dollar and stack the savings.
This lender’s lack of transparency may make it more difficult to know what you’re getting into.
Residents of 13 states can find a lender quickly — if you’re willing to work with a new service.
Compare 6 lenders to find one that’s a good fit for your needs.