Want to compare multiple short-term loan offers in one place? Let a broker handle it for you.
Financial obligations don’t always come at the most convenient times, and when they pile up, it can be difficult to find the time to do necessary things — like compare your loan options. A broker or a loan-matching service may be able to simplify the process for you, even if your credit is less-than-perfect.
Payday loan brokers allow you to compare several offers at once with one convenient application. Here we explore how brokers work, compare them to direct lenders and show you how to find a legit one.
How do payday loan brokers work?
Think of a loan broker as a matchmaker for you and a lender.
Brokers don’t provide loans. Instead, they compare your application against a network of lenders to see which can best fit your needs and situation.
Most brokers don’t charge a fee for their services. Their money comes from generating leads or referring you to direct lenders, similar to a commission. Some also function as a lender subscription service. Lenders pay the broker to be a part of their network, and the broker then chooses one or more to show you based on what criteria you meet.
All of this boils down to you being able to submit one application and potentially get more than one offer. A broker could cut down on comparison time and save you the frustration of sorting through different lenders that you may not qualify for.
Once you’re matched, learn more about how direct short-term lenders work
Compare top online payday loan brokers
Payday loan brokers vs. direct lenders
Loan Brokers
- Ease of application. You’ll have one application for several lenders. The total time to apply is about 10 minutes.
- Fees. There is usually no fee for working with a loan broker.
- Security. Legit brokers have secure websites but may share your contact information for marketing purposes (read the broker’s privacy policy to learn more).
- Eligibility requirements. Brokers have minimal blanket eligibility criteria to screen applicants, but they do accept people with a wide range of circumstances to see if they match with any lenders in the network
Direct Lenders
- Ease of application. You’ll have to fill out one application per lender. The total time to apply is about 10 minutes.
- Fees. Every lender will charge a financing fee and interest based on the laws of your state of residence.
- Security. Legit lenders have secure websites and typically don’t share your information with third parties.
- Eligibility requirements. It varies by lender, but you must live in a state where the lender operates and show proof of regular income.
Why should I consider a payday loan broker?
A payday loan broker is a solid solution if you’re short on time and need a little help with comparing your offers. By submitting just one application, you’re able to compare offers without the labor of finding a series of reputable lenders.
Lodging deposit due
Peter is a senior at the local university. He and his friends are planning to visit Norway this winter, but Peter doesn’t have time to take extra hours at his job to save up enough money for the lodging deposit due at the end of the week. He goes online and finds a reputable broker who can help him get a loan for young people with little to no credit history. It takes a few days, but he doesn’t need to submit multiple applications or visit a store. The broker shows him his options from various lenders, and Peter selects one that will pay for his lodging deposit, about $350. It had a relatively low APR, and since the loan terms give him 30 days to pay it back, Peter knows he can make up the extra time without harming his credit.
How do I find a legitimate broker?
Here are a few easy ways to find a short-term loan broker with a good reputation and avoid scams.
- Look for contact information. If you can’t find contact information anywhere on the website, that may be a red flag. You should be able to easily consult with a broker agent at any point in the process.
- Find the privacy policy. Look for the security and privacy policies. If they’re not easily accessible, the broker may be out to collect your information and sell it.
- Check the Better Business Bureau. A BBB rating is a decent indicator of a broker’s trustworthiness. Look for a B+ or higher.
- Avoid approval guarantees. There’s no such thing as a guaranteed loan so you’ll want to avoid brokers that guarantee they’ll match you with a lender. You need to meet certain eligibility criteria to qualify for a loan, even if it’s as simple as being 18 years old and having an open bank account.
What to watch out for
Since payday loans can be an easy market to prey on people in need of money, you may find disreputable brokers. Avoiding brokers that don’t publish contact information and security or privacy policies can help you dodge a scam.
Without transparency on privacy policies, brokers can hide their practices. For instance, some brokers allow lenders in their network to distribute your contact information to marketers. Before you fill out an application, confirm your broker is legit. In addition, don’t sign a contract with a lender you don’t think you can trust. It’s better to be safe than in a spiral of bad debt.
Make sure your lender is legit by reading these steps.
Bottom line
A loan-matching service could save you time and frustration in finding a payday loan that suits your needs, but they come with risks that are important to evaluate.
As with any loan, be sure confirm and understand all of the terms and conditions before you sign a contract. You’re not obligated to accept it, whether it’s through a broker or from a direct lender. You can contact a customer service representative or explore other payday loan options until you feel comfortable with an offer.
Are payday loans available in my state?
Compare short term loans in your state
Frequently asked questions
What can a broker do with my information?
What a broker can do with your information depends on the specific broker’s privacy policy. Carefully read over this information to ensure the safety of your information.
How will I repay my loan if I use a broker?
To repay your loan through a broker, you’ll typically set up a repayment plan with the lender you get matched with and pay them directly. Though less common, you may be able to set up the plan with the lender and pay through the broker you worked with.
What are the basic requirements to get a short- term loan?
Requirements vary between lenders, but a few are standard for most loans. For example, you must be at least 18 years old, an American citizen or permanent resident and live in a state where payday lending is legal.
What do I do if short-term loans aren’t legal in my state?
When you’re looking for alternatives, it could help to look outside of traditional lending platforms. Asking friends and family for a small loan or asking for an advance from your employer may be viable alternatives. You may also find social services available to help you through your cash shortage if you’re in a tight pinch.
What is the difference between a loan broker and a loan officer?
A loan broker is a separate company that has a network of lenders it works with in order to provide the best options for you and the lender. This avoids the arduous task of sorting through lenders and helps you get a loan that works for you. A loan officer from the lending company will be appointed once you are approved. This is the person who will work with you to determine payment schedules and other important factors.
Will I be rejected if I have bad credit?
No. Payday loan brokers are there to connect you with lenders despite your credit history. You don’t have to worry about having bad credit because the broker will match you with a lender that can work with you. As long as you have a steady source of income and meet other basic eligibility criteria, you will still qualify for a loan.
