Compare short-term cash solutions

Need something to bridge the gap until your next payday?

We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. But we may receive compensation when you click links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners.

Our top pick: CashUSA

Need a quick cash loan as high as $10,000? This loan connection service could help.

Min. Loan Amount: $500
Max. Loan Amount: $10,000
Loan Term: 90 days to 72 months
Turnaround Time: As early as 1 business day
Requirements: Must have a monthly income of $1,000+ after taxes and valid checking account.

Go to site
More info

A selection of short-term loans

Rates last updated October 19th, 2018

Please select your state to continue.

State of Residence

Name	Product Description	Term of Loan	Turnaround Time	Max. Loan Amount
CashUSA Installment Loans	A connection service for quick cash loans up to $10,000.	90 days to 72 months	As early as 1 business day	$10,000	Go to site More	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
OppLoans Installment Loans	Installment loans with competitive rates from a top-rated direct lender.	9 to 36 months	1 business day	$5,000	Go to site More	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
LendYou Short-term Loans	Apply online with this loan-connection company offering unrestricted short-term loans at high maximums — fast turnaround.	Varies	1 business day	$15,000	Go to site More	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Check into Cash Payday Loan	With 1,000 branches in 30 states, get $50 to $1,000 in days from this direct lender.	Varies by state	1–2 business days	$1,000	Go to site More	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
CashNetUSA Loan	Apply for a short-term loan with an easy online application and dedicated customer service.	Varies by state	1 business day	Varies by state	Go to site More	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Jora Installment Loans	Installment loans with repayment terms up to 30 months, depending on your state.	4–30 months, varies by state	1–2 days	$2,600	Go to site More	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
ACE Cash Express Payday Loans	Quick payday, installment and title loans with no prepayment penalty and a 72-hour satisfaction guarantee. Funds can be loaded on an ACE Elite™ Visa® Prepaid Debit Card.	Varies by state	Generally receive the money the next business day	Varies by state	Go to site More	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

Compare up to 4 providers

A selection of lender-connection services

Rates last updated October 19th, 2018

Please select your state to continue.

State of Residence

Name	Product Description	Term of Loan	Turnaround Time	Max. Loan Amount
BadCreditLoans.com	With straightforward, simple qualifications, these loans offer easy approval for people with poor credit.	3 to 36 months	Varies	$5,000	Go to site More	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
CashAdvance.com Payday Loans	Whether for emergencies or unexpected expenses, this provider may be able to connect you among its nationwide network of lenders.	Up to 12 months	1–2 business days	$1,000	Go to site More	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
LendYou Short-term Loans	Apply online with this loan-connection company offering unrestricted short-term loans at high maximums — fast turnaround.	Varies	1 business day	$15,000	Go to site More	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Slam Dunk Loans	Potentially get approved for a short-term loan through this lender-connection service, even with poor credit history.	Varies by lender	As soon as next business day	$2,500	Go to site More	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
LoanSolo.com Payday Loans	Potentially get connected with a legit lender offering convenient payday loans and quickly get funds.	Varies by lender	As soon as one business day	$1,000	Go to site More	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
TriangleCash Payday Loans	If you have bad credit or no credit history, apply to be connected to a network of lenders for funding at rates that vary by state.	Varies based on lender	As soon as next business day	$1,000	Go to site More	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

Compare up to 4 providers

What do you want to learn about first?

Jump to…

Payday loan basics
How to find and compare lenders
Payday loans costs

How to apply step-by-step
Payday loan repayment
Payday loan alternatives

Learn how payday loans work

Have unexpected bills or car repairs caught you off guard? Has your budget been stretched too tight this month? If your current finances won’t see you through to your next payday, a short-term payday loan could help bridge the gap. You can conveniently apply for these loans online to receive your funds either by check, direct deposit or cash pickup in a store. The application process typically takes minutes, and you can see your funds quickly if you’re approved — in as little as 15 minutes with some lenders. Learn whether you’re eligible for a payday loan in our guide below and see how you can apply.

What exactly is a payday loan?

A payday loan is a short-term form of credit that can get you cash quickly, even if you have bad credit or a low income. Traditionally, these loans had to be repaid in one lump sum on the borrower’s next payday. Now, you can also find lenders hawking “payday loans” with terms as long as six months.

Because of their speed and lax requirements, payday loans typically have a higher APR than other personal loans or credit cards. And because they are regulated at a state level, you’ll find that payday loan interest rates, terms and laws vary, depending on where you live.
How do payday loans actually work?

Compare important features of top short-term loan providers

Lender	Best for	Maximum loan amount	Loan term
LendUp Read our review	Borrowing online	$250	7–30 days
Check into Cash Read our review	In-person customer service	$1,000	Varies by state	Go to site More info
CashNetUSA Loan Read our review	Fast funding	Varies by state	Varies by state	Go to site More info
Cash Central Read our review	Repeat borrowing	$5,000	1–2 business days
Check ‘n Go	Borrowing without a full-time job	$1,500	Varies upon state

How are payday loans different from other types of credit?

Shorter loan term. Payday loans are designed to be short-term solutions to financial shortfalls. You generally won’t find a loan that extends beyond six months, although terms differ by state.
Accepts low credit. Payday lenders often do not conduct a credit check, though you need to provide proof that you can repay the loan — say with a steady income, a bank account in good standing.
Higher rates and fees. Due to their short-term nature and accessibility, payday loans across the board come with a much higher APRs than other forms of credit. Most states regulate how high these APRs can be, but some are still very steep when compared with other types of credit. Be sure to take into account the full cost before you apply.
Smaller loan amounts. Again, how much you can borrow depends on the state you’re in, but you can typically borrow between $100 and $1,000.

Are payday loans legal? It depends.

The legislation for payday loans differs between states. Some states, like New York, prohibit payday loans altogether. Others restrict how much payday lenders can charge or impose other regulations to protect borrowers. Many states allow payday lending without heavy regulations. Learn more about the payday loan regulations in your state or go to our payday loan cities directory to find loan options where you live.

Are payday loans actually available in my state?

How do I find a legit payday loan online?

Ask yourself these questions before deciding on a payday lender. If you answer no to any, you might want to consider borrowing from someone else — or at least do a little more research.

Is the lender reputable? Try finding independent third-party customer reviews online or see how easily the lender can be contacted. You should also compare the loan products to other providers to see if they are competitive.
Is the lender operating legally? Some payday lenders use online lending as a way to get around state restrictions, so ensure they are acting legally to the best of your ability. Take a look at our state pages to learn about the laws that apply where you live. You might want to check if it has physical locations in your area.
Does the lender display the loan’s APR? Lenders are required to display APR on their sites, even if the loan terms aren’t longer than a year. This is one of the best ideas to tell how much their loans will cost you and helps you compare it to other credit products with the same term length.
Does the lender ask for money upfront? If a lender asks you to put down money before you get your funds, it could be a scam.
Is the lender pushing insurance? Some lenders use insurance policies to get around state APR regulations, since they can count insurance separately. Not only does the insurance protect them — not you — in the event of an accident, it also allows them to rope you into paying a lot more for a loan than you thought you would be.

Some of the online short-term loan providers we compare

Looking for a specific amount?

Up to $100

Sometimes all you need is access to $100 for your short-term needs.

Up to $500

If you have bad credit, don’t despair. You could borrow up to $500 if you meet specific criteria.

Up to $1,000

If you need $1,000 today, there are lenders you can apply with online — even if you have bad credit.

What can I use my payday loan for?

Though payday loans can be used for a wide range of purposes, they’re generally designed to cover unexpected expenses. Common uses for payday loans include forgotten bills, car repairs, medical expenses or any other sudden event. You shouldn’t use payday loans to fix long-term issues in affording your credit, for day-to-day expenses or for a big-ticket item like a car or house.

You need…	Could a payday loan help?
$350 for a doctor’s appointment	Yes
$250 for mechanical car repairs	Yes
$220 for an overdue phone bill	Yes
$575 for a broken water pipe repair	Yes
$900 for a traffic ticket	Yes
$6,300 for a secondhand car	No
$4,000 for a family vacation	No
$2,000 for a rental deposit	No

Lauren takes out a loan

woman_smartwatch_shutterstock_450-150x150 (1)

It’s two weeks before her next paycheck and the worst happens: Lauren’s car breaks down. She relies on her car to get to work and can’t afford to take time off. She finds out that the repairs will cost $300, but she doesn’t have that amount available in her bank account.

Lauren has a credit card, but it doesn’t have enough available credit to cover the whole amount. And she doesn’t like her chances of being approved for another one with her credit score. She looks at her payday options and finds a lender that she can apply for online.

She learns that with a payday loan, she’d pay higher fees than she would by using her credit card. She would need to repay $345, due on her next payday. But after working out a budget, she discovers that she can afford it. She applies for the loan, and the money is transferred into her checking account the next business day.

Can I get a payday loan if I don’t have a bank account?

Yes, some lenders offer loans without requiring a bank account. The two main options available are prepaid debit card loans and in-store loans.You can apply in-person or online for an in-store loan and receive your money fairly quickly by picking it up at the store.

Lenders offering prepaid debit card loans issue a card and then load the approved amount onto the card for you to use as you please. Some may even be able to load money onto an existing prepaid debit card. They often come with fees, however, so make sure to read the terms and conditions before you swipe.

How much do payday loans cost?

What will I definitely have to pay?

A fixed fee based on the amount you borrow. These fees vary depending on state regulations but can be anywhere from $10 to $30 for every $100 borrowed.

Won’t I have to pay interest?

Probably not. Since payday loans have such short loan terms — sometimes as little as a few weeks — there’s not enough time for interest to add up to a profit. Lenders tend to charge flat fees instead.

You might have heard that payday loans come with a high APR, but that isn’t because of a high interest rate. APR is an expression of the loan’s total cost as a percentage — both interest and fees. When it comes to payday loans, a high APR is a reflection of the loan’s high fees, not a high interest rate.

What might I have to pay?

Rollover fees. If you “roll over” your loan or take out an additional loan with the same lender it’ll tack on a fee that you need to pay on top of everything else you owe.
Fees for prepaid debit cards. Many lenders offer prepaid debit cards as a means of disbursing your loan. But be aware that many lenders charge application fees, monthly fees and payment fees for these cards. Research the total costs associated with the card before you sign up.
Late payment fees. If you’re late on a payment, you may be charged a fee by your lender. These fees are regulated by state law.
Returned check or nonsufficient funds (NSF) fees. Also regulated by state law, lenders often charge you a fee if your check doesn’t clear or they unsuccessfully attempt to withdraw money from your bank account.
Fees charged by your bank. If the lender attempts to withdraw money from your account and there is insufficient funds, your bank may authorize the payment but charge you an overdraft fee. Make sure that you have enough money to cover your repayments on the day they are due.

Did you know?

Many payday lenders have the option of paying a fee to lengthen your loan term, which they call renewing or “rolling over.” The fee usually isn’t what you have to worry about, however: It’s the mounting interest over a longer term that can make your loan impossibly unaffordable.

Loan renewal and rollover fees are where many borrowers fall into a cycle of debt, and they’re illegal in many states. Try to avoid it as much as possible.

Why do I hear that payday lenders charge more interest than they state in their fees?

When you apply for a payday loan, you’ll typically see the amount you want to borrow and the amount you need to repay — which could be anywhere from $10 to $30 for every $100 you borrow. So the lender may advertise that their fees are around 15% to 30%.

The lender is also required to clearly display the loan’s APR online so that you’re able to compare it to other types of credit that have repayment terms of a year or longer. Because payday loans come with such short repayment terms — usually between two weeks and a month — it can bring the APR up quite a bit.

For example, if you take out a loan of $100, pay a $15 fee and your repayment terms are two weeks, that results in an APR of around 390%.

Can a payday loan affect my credit score?

Payday lenders generally do not send your information to the main credit reporting agencies — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. However, they may send information on your loans and repayments to smaller credit reporting agencies that can be accessed by mainstream lenders when you are applying for credit.

The main danger to your credit scores is repayments. If you’re late on or miss repayments, your credit score could be negatively affected. Your lender may choose to take legal action to bring in unpaid loans or pass your loan on to a debt collection agency, which will affect your score.

In short: It probably won’t help your credit, but it could hurt.

If you’re worried about your credit score and want to take steps to repair it, consider calling the Credit Pros: Legal Credit Repair at 877-208-6484.

More types of short-term loans

Auto title loans

Get a loan using your car as collateral.

Debit card loans

Receive your loan funds on a prepaid debit card.

Installments

Get cash with a little more time to pay it back.

Direct lenders

Get a loan directly from a lender — not a broker.

For bad credit

Poor credit — or no credit at all? These lenders can help.

Cash advances

Apply online before your next paycheck.

Positives and negatives of online payday loans

Convenient online application. You no longer need to visit a lender in person to deal with complicated applications for a payday loan. Complete your paperwork online and sign the documents electronically.
Quick turnaround time. Applications usually take minutes, and you can find out if you’re approved soon after. Depending on how you receive your funds, you may be able to receive your money within a day.
Receive an account deposit or pick up cash. Many payday lenders offer both online and brick-and-mortar storefronts. You may have the option of applying online and then receiving your funds into your checking account, as a check, on a prepaid debit card or even as an in-store cash pickup.
No collateral required. Short-term loans are usually unsecured, so you don’t have to worry about putting up any asset to secure the loan.

High costs. Payday loans are notorious for their high APRs — 300% or more, depending on how much you borrow and your repayment terms. Make sure you understand the costs associated with the loan you take on.
Nonreputable lenders. Some payday lenders operate online to get around state regulations put in place to protect consumers. Make sure the lender you’re applying with is trustworthy, and verify with your state banking regulator or attorney general that they’re operating legally.
Easy to fall into debt. Make sure you don’t take on a loan you can’t afford. With payday loans, you often need to repay the entire loan amount on your next payday. Confirm that you’ll have sufficient funds left over to budget for the rest of that pay period.

How do I apply for a payday loan?

Payday loans differ from other lenders in their application process and criteria. You typically can apply for a payday loan online and get a response quickly. To be approved for a payday loan, you’ll need meet the lender’s eligibility criteria and provide documentation.

Eligibility criteria

You are at least 18 years old and reside in a state where payday loans are available.
You earn a minimum income — around $350 a week is typically required.
You have a job with steady income (or benefits).
You get paid by bank deposit (not in cash) daily, weekly or monthly.
You receive less than half of your income from benefits.
You are not self-employed (though some lenders may make an exception).
If you have bad credit, you can prove that your current financial situation is stable and reliable.

Meeting these eligibility requirements does not guarantee that you’ll be approved for the loan.

Application checklist

Though required documents differ by lender, you’ll generally need to provide:

Government-issued ID and a Social Security number, alien registration number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Personal contact information, such as your address and phone number.
Evidence of your income.
Details of your checking account.
Your bank’s routing number — a nine-digit number at the bottom of your checks.

Five questions to increase your chances of approval

There’s not sure-fire way to guarantee that your application will be accepted. Asking yourself these questions can help you find a lender that’s right for you and give yourself the best chance of getting approved.

Am I eligible? There’s no point in applying for a loan if you don’t at least meet the lender’s minimum eligibility — like age, residency, having an active bank account and being employed.
Are payday loans legal in my state? Confirm that you can legally take out a payday loan in your state before applying.
What are the credit requirements? Lenders have various standards when it comes to your credit score — some don’t do credit checks, while others simply accept borrowers with poor credit. Find out the lender’s requirements before applying.
How much do I make? Many payday lenders ask for your monthly income and are less willing to lend to someone who doesn’t have a steady income of at least $1,000 a month.

Can I get a payday loan if I’m on welfare?

Avoid these mistakes when applying for a payday loan

Taking out a loan you can’t afford. If you don’t think you’ll be able to pay back the loan by the due date, you may not want to take it out in the first place. It could end up costing you more in the form of non-sufficient funds fees or late payment fees.
Lying on your application. Writing inaccurate information on your payday loan application is a surefire way of getting rejected.
Quickly skimming the contract. All lenders are required to provide you with a contract that outlines the total costs of your loan. Read it carefully so you know exactly what you’ll have to pay, and if you don’t like it, you are under no obligation to sign.
Refinancing another loan. While this is illegal in some states, others will allow you to refinance a loan in order to extend the payment deadline. Be careful if you choose to do this. You’ll have to repay the original loan in full and the second loan you take out.
Agreeing to continuous payment authority (CPA). Also known as a recurring payment, this allows payday lenders to charge a payment to your debit or credit card based on how much they believe you owe, whether you’re able to afford that payment or not.

How do I repay my payday loan?

How you repay your loan depends on the lender you apply with. Generally, you need to provide an ACH authorization for the lender to take the repayment amount from your checking account on the due date. If the lender also has a physical loan office, you may be able to write a personal check to make your repayments.

Make sure you understand your repayment terms before signing the contract. Some lenders may only set up renewal or roll over fees on the day your loan is due, meaning you can extend your loan term instead of paying it off at that time. In some cases, you may get three months or more to repay your payday loan.

What happens if I can’t pay back my payday loan?

It’s not uncommon to have trouble paying off a payday loan. But sometimes it’s unclear what your lender can and can’t do to get the money you owe.If you default, your payday lender will likely turn your debt over to a collection agency.

Debt collectors sometimes take extreme measures to get their money, some even going as far as (illegally) threatening you with jail time. While you can’t face criminal charges for defaulting on your payday loan, your lender can sue you for assets to cover what you owe.
Find out more about what happens when you default on a payday loan

What payday loan alternatives are there?

When money is tight, the last thing you need is pressure to divert your hard-earned cash into paying excessive fees and services. Before you take out a payday loan, consider your alternatives.

Overdraft line of credit. See if you can sign up for an overdraft line of credit on your checking account. You’ll likely be able to withdraw as much money as you need to cover your bills or other small expenses without having to pay rates nearly as high as some payday lenders charge.
Credit builder loans. Some local banks and credit unions offer short-term small-dollar loans that are designed to help borrowers improve their credit score. Interest rates are typically not as high as payday loans and your lender reports all on-time repayments to the three main credit bureaus.
Contact your creditors. If you need a payday loan to cover bills that you owe, get in touch with your creditors or loan servicer to ask for more time. They may be willing to work with you to extend your due date or pay off your debt in installments.
Consider a credit union. You may be able to take out a small loan with a credit union, which typically has more lax credit requirements than banks.
Check with your local government. Depending on factors like income, credit score and what you need a loan for, your local government might be able to provide financial assistance to cover unexpected expenses.
Talk to your employer. Some companies have programs to give employees in good standing interest-free loans to cover sudden expenses — such as medical bills, vehicle repairs or family emergencies.
Get help from a community assistance program or nonprofit. These resources can not only help you develop a budget but also may be able to offer no- or low-cost credit counseling — even financial advances, if you meet specific eligibility.
Consider your credit cards or a pawn loan. Your credit card fees and terms may be better than what you can find with a payday loan. As may a pawn loan, which allows you to use something of value for collateral until you can pay back what you’ve borrowed.
Talk to your friends and family. By explaining the situation, your loved ones may be willing to advance what you need quickly without having to take out a formal loan.
Start an emergency fund. Start putting aside some money each time you’re paid — no matter how small — to make sure you have a fallback for future financial crises.
Payday Alternative loans PALs are a type of lending product offered by select federal credit unions to help members borrow small amounts of money without the high fees of a traditional payday loan.

Remember: A payday loan is a high-cost financial product. If possible, exhaust all of your other options before you apply for one.
Find a payday loan alternative in your state

A warning about payday loans

Payday loans are banned in more than a dozen states — and heavily regulated in even more — often with good reason: Payday lending is one of the single most predatory forms of financing available and can easily ruin your finances when you’re already in a pinch.

When APRs reach over 1,200%, it’s glaringly clear that these seemingly quick fix-it loans are anything but. State regulations are put in place in order to protect consumers. Racketeering laws, criminal usury statutes and even a state constitution are used to cap loan rates.

When a state is willing to amend its constitution, it may be a not-so-subtle hint that these loans aren’t strictly on the level. All of the legislation introduced is to help borrowers avoid a debt spiral that payday lenders set them up for.

Before you dive into a product marketed as a one-stop financial Band-Aid, consider your alternatives. Though they aren’t significantly better, installment loans can come with slightly less egregious terms and more manageable payments. While it may requires a level of humility and openness, asking to borrow from friends or family could be another possibility. Better damaged pride than ruined finances.

You can also look into alternatives to borrowing. Social services may be available in your area to those in need. Even if you aren’t sure whether you qualify, it’s worth researching local assistance programs for food, housing and other necessities. These services may also be able to help you identify and address any structural issues that can keep you in debt, such as a lack of a budget or overspending.

Though you may not have a lot of extra time, a side gig could too be an option. Ideas include driving with a ride-share service like Uber, walking dogs, participating in research studies or even taking online surveys to earn more cash. If you find yourself regularly needing small amounts of money to last you through the week, consider exploring ongoing freelance opportunities in your area of expertise — Upwork and Fiverr are a few places to start.

Payday loans have both a high rate of default and repeat borrowing, which could trap you in a debt cycle and even more financial distress than when you started. By researching your many options, you may be able to avoid getting caught in dangerous lending while still getting the money you need.

Payday loan glossary

Definitions

A to H

Auto title loan. A short-term loan secured that uses your car as collateral, usually up to 50% of your car’s value. You hand the car title either to your lender or a third party. If you aren’t able to repay it, your lender gets your car.

Balloon payment. A large payment at the end of a loan, common on short-term loans with interest-only repayments.

Bounced check. A check that was written for more than the amount available in the account it’s associated with.

Cash or check advance loan. A type of payday loan that requires you to repay it in full once you receive your next paycheck.

Check fraud. When someone writes a check they know is going to bounce. Payday lenders can sue you for fraud if you provide them with a postdated check that bounces.

Deferred deposit. Also, post-dated check. A check that’s dated sometime in the future, usually when your loan is due.

Collection agency. A company hired by lenders to get borrowers to pay what they owe on an unsecured loan that they are either delinquent on or have defaulted on.

Credit check. When a lender reviews your credit score and history to evaluate your track record on repaying debts. Many payday lenders don’t run a credit check.

Default. When a borrower misses several loan repayments or has given up on attempting to repay a loan.

Electronic transfer. When funds are moved directly from one bank account to another. Also referred to as an ACH transfer.

Finance charge. A fixed fee that you pay in exchange for being able to borrow a payday loan.

I to P

Loan fees. Charges added to your loan on top of interest, including application fees, origination fees and money transfer fees. Your loan’s APR is an expression of your loan’s interest and fees in a percentage.

Loan shark. An illegal lender who typically charges high interest rates.

Maturity date. Also, due date. The day you’re required to completely repay your loan, in addition to interest and fees.

Military consumer protection. Active members of the military and veterans have additional consumer protections when it comes to payday loans. Laws vary by state and can include caps on payday loan APRs, maximum loan amounts and restrictions on borrowing before deployment.

Post-dated check. A check with a date written sometime in the future, sometimes used as collateral for a payday loan.

Q to Z

Risk-based pricing. When a lender adjusts (usually raises) the interest, fees or loan amount because a borrower is seen as likely to have trouble repaying a loan.

Sent to collections. When a lender transfers a loan with overdue payments to a collection agency to recover the amount owed.

Subprime lender. A lender willing to work with borrowers that have poor credit, typically charging high interest and fees.

Unsecured loan. A loan that isn’t backed by collateral, meaning that the creditors can’t come after your house, car or any valuables if you can’t repay your loan.

Usury laws. Local laws that cap the APR on certain loans.

Wage garnishment. When a lender is allowed to take money directly from a borrower’s paycheck after a court order. Typically after a borrower is sued by a lender for defaulting on an unsecured loan.

Common questions asked about payday loans

First, make sure the lender is approved to loan money to borrowers in your state and complying with state regulations regarding payday loans. Also take a look at third-party customer reviews online to learn other people’s experiences with them. How easily can you contact them with questions, and can you find real information about their loans? This is also a good way to check their reputability.
You’ll sign an ACH authorization to give the payday lender permission to withdraw the repayment amount from your checking or savings account. Unless the lender allows you make repayments by check, you will need to sign this authorization. Before you sign the authorization, make sure you know how much will be debited and on what dates, whether this amount will repay your loan or simply renew it, and also how to revoke the authorization (federal law requires lenders to state this).
Payday lenders generally do not report to the three main credit reporting bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, so taking out one of these loans is unlikely to positively or negatively affect your credit score unless you have trouble with your repayments. Keeping that in mind, sometimes payday lenders send your repayment information to smaller credit reporting agencies, so that information can still be accessed by mainstream banks and lenders.
A lender or debt collector can only garnish your wages if it has obtained a court judgment. A court judgment could be the result of you failing to repay the loan and then disputing the lender or collector after you’ve been sued to collect the losses. If someone is threatening to garnish your wages and you’re unsure if they can, seek the advice of a lawyer or nonprofit credit counselor.

Payday Loan Basics in 60 seconds

Frequently asked questions

What is a payday loan?

A payday loan is a short-term cash loan that you can get: – as soon as today or tomorrow – even if you have bad credit or are on a lower income – and pay back when you receive your next paycheck (or a little longer) They typically have a much higher annual percentage rate (APR) than you’ll find for other personal loans or credit cards. Because they are regulated at a state level, you’ll find that various payday loan interest rates, terms and laws apply depending on where you live.

Are they legal in my state?

Payday loan regulations vary by state. In some states they are legal, in others illegal, and in some they may be legal but heavily regulated. Be sure to check the map on this page to find out if loans are offered in your state. States where payday loans are illegal: – Arizona – Arkansas – Connecticut – Georgia – Maryland – Massachusetts – New Jersey – New York – North Carolina – Pennsylvania – Vermont – West Virginia – Washington DC

How are payday loans different from regular loans?

Payday loans are for smaller amounts – usually no more than $2,000 or less. Lenders usually accept applicants with lower credit scores and lower incomes as well. Most likely, your credit score won’t be checked. However, the payback terms are short — hence the name —and you will probably need to pay the loan back in 2-4 weeks or a little more. Because the loans are easy to get and have short terms, the interest rates can be very high, sometimes around 100-300%.

How to get approved

Getting approved is fairly easy, provided that payday loans are legal in your state. You also will need an active checking account and regular income.

Apply for a payday loan online

Compare lenders in our table to find out who offers payday loans online. Make sure you understand the APR and check that the lender can operate in your state. If you apply online, the funds can be deposited into your bank account, but many of these options have cash pickup if there’s a location near you.

Ask an Expert

Click here to cancel reply.

Display Name

Your Email (will not be published)

Your Question

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Privacy and Cookies Policy and Terms of Use.

10 Responses

SarondaJuly 22, 2018

Can I receive a cash advance loan from a lender who accepts award letters from SSDI BUT I have no job, bank accounts unemployed, horrible credit, no collateral and no job history ? Can my award letter get me a cash loan within a hour to pay due bills immediately while waiting for award checks from SSDI.

Reply
- finder Customer Care
  
  JoshuaAugust 5, 2018Staff
  
  Hi Saronda,
  
  Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
  
  Some lenders do consider Social Security Disability Insurance as a form of income. However, please note that you might have fewer options. You can find some of your options on this page. On that page, there’s a table that compares your options. You will also learn more how to get a loan when you’re in welfare through that page.
  
  I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
  
  Have a wonderful day!
  
  Cheers,
  Joshua
  
  Reply
SheilaOctober 10, 2017

Can i pawn my car to get cash from u guys

Reply
- finder Customer Care
  
  JudithOctober 10, 2017Staff
  
  Hi Sheila,
  
  Thanks for your reaching out.
  
  Please note that finder is a comparison website and general information service. While we do not represent any company we feature on our pages, we can offer you general advice.
  
  You may check the list of options on the page you are viewing. Simply click on “Go to site” and “More” for you to have a comparison of the lenders and for you to choose the best one that would best suit your needs.
  
  Please be reminded to check if payday loans are available in your state by scrolling down on the page then hover your mouse to the state where you live to see the result.
  
  I hope this helps.
  
  Best regards,
  Judith
  
  Reply
EarmaAugust 1, 2017

Can i borrowed some money today I need

Reply
- DanielleAugust 1, 2017
  
  Hi Earma,
  
  Thank you for contacting finder. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.
  
  You may refer to this page for options that may suit your needs. You may review and compare the offers available on the table. Once you have selected one, you may proceed by clicking the green “Go to Site” button.
  
  I hope this helps.
  
  Cheers,
  Danielle
  
  Reply
HildaJuly 25, 2017

Could I borrow $100,000. for few days and how much would it be the interest? I repay in few days.

Reply
- MarlouJuly 25, 2017
  
  Hello Hilda,
  
  Thank you for reaching out.
  
  Short term loans are usually for smaller amount of loans. If you would be borrowing $100,000, you may compare your personal loan options through this page. Please review the criteria, details of the loan product you’ve chosen and contact the lender directly to discuss your eligibility. Once you’ve chosen a loan and you think you are eligible, you may click on the ‘Go to site’ button to be redirected to the lender’s main website and apply from there.
  
  Hope this helps.
  
  Cheers,
  Marlou
  
  Reply
DeedeeApril 4, 2017

I have plied for oak phone and all that and they’re up to $1000 I don’t need $1000 I need two thousand dollar loan and I can’t find it

Reply
- finder Customer Care
  
  HaroldJuly 10, 2017Staff
  
  Hi Deedee,
  
  Thank you for your inquiry.
  
  Lenders offer loans of up to $2,000, you may want to consider the loan options here.
  
  I hope this information has helped.
  
  Cheers,
  Harold
  
  Reply

Compare short-term cash solutions

Need something to bridge the gap until your next payday?

Our top pick: CashUSA

Compare short-term loans

A selection of short-term loans

Personalize your loan options

Compare up to 4 providers

A selection of lender-connection services

Personalize your loan options

Compare up to 4 providers

What do you want to learn about first?

Learn how payday loans work

What exactly is a payday loan?

Compare important features of top short-term loan providers

How are payday loans different from other types of credit?

Are payday loans actually available in my state?

How do I find a legit payday loan online?

Some of the online short-term loan providers we compare

Looking for a specific amount?

Up to $100

Up to $500

Up to $1,000

What can I use my payday loan for?

You need…

Could a payday loan help?

Lauren takes out a loan

Can I get a payday loan if I don’t have a bank account?

How much do payday loans cost?

What will I definitely have to pay?

Won’t I have to pay interest?

What might I have to pay?

Did you know?

Why do I hear that payday lenders charge more interest than they state in their fees?

Can a payday loan affect my credit score?

More types of short-term loans

Auto title loans

Debit card loans

Installments

Direct lenders

For bad credit

Cash advances

Positives and negatives of online payday loans

How do I apply for a payday loan?

Eligibility criteria

Application checklist

Five questions to increase your chances of approval

Avoid these mistakes when applying for a payday loan

How do I repay my payday loan?

What happens if I can’t pay back my payday loan?

What payday loan alternatives are there?

A warning about payday loans

Payday loan glossary

Definitions

A to H

I to P

Q to Z

Common questions asked about payday loans

How can I apply for a payday loan?

How do I make sure the lender I'm applying with is safe?

I don't have a bank account. Can I still get a payday loan?

Will a payday lender check my credit score?

Do I have to fax documents or visit the lender if I apply online?

Why do lenders ask for my bank account details?

What is an ACH authorization — and do I need to sign one?

Is there such a thing as a guaranteed loan?

How long will I have to repay my loan?

I have an emergency — can I use a payday loan?

Can taking out a payday loan damage or improve my credit score?

What do I do if I'm having trouble repaying my loan?

Can my payday lender garnish my wages?

Why won't lenders in my state consider me for a loan?

Can I rollover my payday loan?

How often can I get a payday loan (or cash advance)?

Can I get a loan if I'm on welfare?

Can I still get a direct deposit advance from my bank?

I share my car with my partner. Can I get an auto title loan on it?

I received a phone call from a payday lender asking for money. What should I do?

Payday Loan Basics in 60 seconds

Frequently asked questions

Related Posts