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Compare your loan options in North Carolina

Laws may cap interest at 36%, but there are state-funded options for when you're in need of help.

Elizabeth Barry
Elizabeth Barry

Updated

Fact checked

Editor's choice: OppLoans Installment Loans

OppLoans Installment Loans logo
  • APR starting at 4.66%
  • Funding as soon as the next business day
  • Accepts fair credit
Check my rate

North Carolina doesn’t allow payday loans and some other forms of short-term lending. However, there are a few programs you should know of before you stop your search.

Are payday loans legal in North Carolina?

No, payday loans are illegal in North Carolina.

North Carolina General Statutes 53-281 and the North Carolina Consumer Finance Act N.C. Gen. Stat. 53-173 prohibit payday lending since 2001, and more recent amendments make it nearly impossible for payday lenders to squeeze in through loopholes.

All lenders in North Carolina are required to comply with the small loan interest cap of 36% APR.

Compare installment loans available in North Carolina

Confirm your lender operates in North Carolina and abides by the 36% APR cap.

Data indicated here is updated regularly
Name Product Filter Values Max. Loan Amount Turnaround time Requirements
OppLoans Installment Loans
OppLoans Installment Loans
$5,000
1 business day
Direct deposit, meet minimum income requirements, live in eligible state
Comes with the option to change your due date so you won’t fall behind on repayments.
Go to site
More Info
CreditLend connection service
CreditLend connection service
$2,500
Varies by lender
Regular source of income, checking account, not currently involved in bankruptcy or bankruptcy relief
Find a line of credit — even if you don't have a perfect score.
Go to site
More Info
Check Into Cash Installment Loans
Check Into Cash Installment Loans
$3,000
1 to 2 business days
Bank account, email address, phone number, US citizen or permanent resident, ages 21+, $3,500 minimum income in California
Borrow money with lower payments and more time to pay than a traditional payday loan.
Go to site
More Info
Fast5kLoans Short-term Loans Connection Service
Fast5kLoans Short-term Loans Connection Service
$35,000
As soon as the next business day
Regular source of income, verifiable bank account, US citizen, ages 18+
Get connected with multiple lenders you might qualify with — even if you have bad credit.
Go to site
More Info
LendYou Short-term Loans
LendYou Short-term Loans
$15,000
Same business day to 1 business days
$1,000+ monthly income, direct deposit, US citizen or permanent resident, ages 18+
Get offers from potential lenders in minutes by filling out just one online form.
Go to site
More Info
Possible Finance Mobile Installment Loans
Possible Finance Mobile Installment Loans
$500
As fast as 1 business day
Checking account with 3+ months of banking history, $750+ monthly income, live in eligible state, ages 18+
Borrow up to $500 with just a few swipes — but only for residents of 5 states.
Go to site
More Info
BadCreditLoans.com
BadCreditLoans.com
$5,000
Varies
Depending on lender requirements, people from all 50 states may not be eligible for a personal loan.
With straightforward, simple qualifications, these loans offer easy approval for people with poor credit.
Go to site
More Info
CashNetUSA Loan
CashNetUSA Loan
Varies by state
As fast as same business day
Regular source of income, bank account, US citizen or permanent resident, age of majority in your state
Sign up for its discount program to get access to coupons and deals on everything from dining out to tax services.
Go to site
More Info
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Compare up to 4 providers

What other short-term options are available in North Carolina?

North Carolina has a number of programs that can help you make your everyday bills and expenses more affordable. Here are a few that may be able to offer assistance:

  • Crisis Intervention Program (CIP)
  • Emergency Assistance Program
  • Food and Nutrition Services (FNS)
  • Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
  • Work First Cash Assistance
  • Medication Assistance Program (MAP)
  • Medicaid and NC MedAssist

You can find out more about these programs in our guide to payday loan alternatives.

What are the typical costs of a loan in North Carolina?

North Carolina law bans small-dollar lenders from offering loans with an APR higher than 36%. However, this doesn’t limit the fees you can be charged, so you’ll need to go over your loan contract carefully before you sign to be sure you can afford the total cost — principal and interest — of your loan.

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8 Responses

  1. Default Gravatar
    Ms.AdamsMarch 6, 2019

    I have been getting threatening calls about a loan from check in go about taking me to court. They are also saying the loan was more then the balance i believe i owned. I also learned that loans are illegal in my state as to the loan i received. The live in NC but got a loan from SC or VA not sure but they not giving me much info on the loan. What do i need to do and how can i resolve the matter.

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      johnbasanesMarch 7, 2019Staff

      Hi Ms. Adams,

      Thank you for reaching out to Finder.

      The first step is to get as much documentation on the loan that this loan company is saying you applied for. Once you have these, reach out to your local police department for them to be aware of this and protect your interest as much as possible. Hope this helps!

      Cheers,
      Reggie

      Reply
  2. Default Gravatar
    zachSeptember 5, 2018

    if i need a loan of 2800$ and my back olny does auto loans for 5000$ and up can i get the loan use the money and return the rest?

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JoshuaSeptember 5, 2018Staff

      Hi Zach,

      Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)

      Generally, the interest rate is charged to the total amount you borrowed and not the money you only used. For this reason, you can use the excess of your borrowed money to pay off your balance. However, you will still need to pay the interest that you incurred from the total amount of money you borrowed.

      Just in case, you might also want to check our car loans for used cars and car loans for new cars.

      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
  3. Default Gravatar
    ShellyAugust 9, 2018

    I got a bigpicture loan. I’m reading all the bad stuff about the company now. What happens if I don’t pay them back? I didn’t know it was illegal

    Reply
    • Default Gravatar
      joelmarceloAugust 9, 2018

      Hi Shelly,

      Thanks for leaving a question on finder.

      As the lender tries to collect your debt, they continue to try withdrawing from your bank account, using the information you provided. If the money isn’t there, they continue trying, sometime breaking up the loan into smaller parts. This won’t only get you into trouble with the lender, but your bank may also charge you overdraft fees every time your balance is insufficient when the lender attempts to withdraw money.

      And this is when the phone calls start. Lenders and collection representatives will use all of the information you provided — phone numbers at your job, email addresses, and even family members or friends — to contact you for payments.

      For more information about this matter, please click HERE.

      Cheers,
      Joel

      Reply
  4. Default Gravatar
    TammyJune 21, 2017

    How do I apply for a loan?

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JasonJune 21, 2017Staff

      Hi Tammy,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      Please compare your loan options above and click the name of your preferred lender to find out the details and the minimum eligibility of the lender. You may then click the green “Go to Site” button of your preferred lender or loan option to submit your loan application online.

      Please ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and requirements of the loan option or lender and make sure to read the details, as well as the relevant PDS/ T&Cs of the loan option before making a decision and consider whether the product or option is right for you.

      Kind regards,
      Jason

      Reply
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