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Compare short-term loans in Texas

There's no limit to how much you can borrow — see how much a payday loan will cost you.

Unlike some states, payday loans in Texas are legal and can offer fast cash when you need it. But the fees on these loans run high, with an average of $22.85 per $100 borrowed. If you had to pay that back in two weeks, the equivalent APR is a whopping 595.73%.

The good news is, Texans have more than just payday lenders to turn to when cash is tight. Here are alternatives, including personal loans and cash advance apps, that offer loans to bad credit borrowers at much lower rates, or with no interest at all.

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Name Product Filter Values Loan amount Turnaround time Requirements
Smart Advances
Not rated yet
Smart Advances
$100 to $20,000
As soon as one business day after loan closing
Have a regular income, 18+ years old, be a U.S. citizen with a valid SSN, have an open bank account, meet any additional requirements your lender may have
Smart Advances was designed to help you request the loan you need, for any reason.
EarnIn
Not rated yet
EarnIn
Get up to $100 per day or $750 per pay period.
1 to 2 business days, or in minutes with Lightning Speed.
Direct deposit sent to a checking account, a regular pay schedule, a fixed work location or an online timekeeping system at work
No mandatory fees, no interest, and no credit checks. Subject to EarnIn terms & conditions
Cleo
Not rated yet
Cleo
Up to $250
3 to 4 days standard transfer. Same day with $3.99 express fee.
Not stated
Automatically monitor your spending plus access cash advances up to $100 at a time.
Albert
Not rated yet
Albert
Up to $250
2–3 business days or instant for a fee
Checking account 2+ months old receiving direct deposit, 2+ months working for the same employer, positive account balance, most recent paycheck was on-time, funds still available in bank account 24 hours after most recent payday.
Get up to $250 overdraft protection if you sign up for Albert's banking app.
Brigit
Not rated yet
Brigit
Up to $250
1 to 3 business days or instant with a fee of $0.99 to $3.99, or a $9.99/mo. subscription with small fee, or free with $14.99/mo. subscription.
Bank account must have at least 60 days of activity, Balance must be above $0 and have an average minimum balance on pay day
Have up to $250 automatically deposited into your account — for a $9.99 membership fee.
LendYou Short-term Loans
Finder Rating: 2.5 / 5: ★★★★★
LendYou Short-term Loans
Up to $1,000 for payday loans and up to $5,000 for installment loans
1 business day
$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.
Fast5kLoans Short-term Loans Connection Service
Finder Rating: 3.5 / 5: ★★★★★
Fast5kLoans Short-term Loans Connection Service
$100 to $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.
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State laws for payday loans in Texas

While Texas has some of the most lenient payday laws in the nation, lenders must be licensed and provide clear loan terms. Texas also regulates payday loan amounts and repayment terms. But you could still pay APRs reaching up to 700% or more on a single payday loan.
Here’s how payday loans work in Texas:

  • Lender responsibility. All lenders must clearly state how much you can borrow and how long you have to pay it back before you sign your loan documents.
  • Loan limits. Loans, including fees, cannot exceed 20% of your gross monthly income. So, if you earn $1,000 per month, you can’t borrow more than $200 with fees included.
  • Repayment timeframes. Loans of $100 or less have a maximum repayment term of six months and loans over $100 have a maximum of one month per $20 borrowed repayment term.
  • Limited renewals. Payday loans can only be renewed or refinanced three times.
  • Refinancing rules. If you refinance a payday loan, 25% of the new loan needs to go toward paying off your last loan’s principal.

Keep in mind the more you borrow, the more your loan costs, which could trap you in a cycle of debt. If you must get a payday loan, learn how to budget for the high cost or choose a cheaper alternative, like a bad credit personal loan or cash advance app.

How to get a payday loan in Texas

To get a payday loan in Texas, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a US resident or permanent citizen
  • Have a government-issued ID
  • Have a regular source of income

Payday lenders typically want to see your personal information, bank account information and current employment status. You may need to provide your Social Security number and allow access to your checking account if you’re applying online.

How to find a legit Texas payday lender

If you do choose to go with a payday loan, compare your best payday loan options and help to ensure it’s legit by following these tips:

  • Check if it’s licensed. If a lender charges more than 10% APR and issues loans under $2,500, it must be licensed with the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC). You can check this by asking your lender or visiting the OCCC website.
  • Look for complaints. While you’re on the OCCC website, check if your lender has any unresolved complaints against it. You can also check for legal actions by visiting the Texas attorney general’s website or go to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) page.
  • Pay attention to fees. Make sure the lender isn’t charging any extra fees for the amount you’re borrowing. If you’re applying for your loan through a credit access business, however, you could end up paying extra fees and it’d be totally legal.

Be aware it can be hard to tell if a lender is legit when using a credit access business. As mentioned above, credit access businesses aren’t required to get licenses and can charge additional fees.

How much does a payday loan in Texas cost?

In Texas, APRs on payday loans can exceed 400% APR by law. That said, Texas law regulates how much a lender can charge on a short-term loan. Fees, and therefore APRs, vary by the amount you borrow.
Here’s how the fees break down by loan amount:
The average fee on a payday loan in Texas is $22.85 per $100 borrowed. Here’s a breakdown by amount borrowed:

Amount borrowedFees
Less than $30$1 for each $5 borrowed
$31 to $3510% of the amount borrowed and a handling charge of $3/month
$36 to $7010% of the amount borrowed and a handling charge of $3.50/month
$71 to $10010% of the amount borrowed and a handling charge of $4/month
Over $100$10 and a handling charge of $4 per $100 borrowed

Always read your contract carefully to make sure you understand the fees and repayment terms. If you can’t pay the loan in time, more fees will be tacked on, making it even more expensive to pay back.

How to file a complaint against a Texas payday lender

If you believe you’re the victim of an illegitimate payday loan, you might want to file a complaint against your lender. Texas requires you to try to resolve the issue with your lender first without involving the government. If that fails, you have two options.

File a complaint with the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC)

The first place you might want to go is the OCCC. It regulates businesses that offer payday and auto title loans and can intervene if you have a case.
To file a complaint, go to the OCCC website and complete the complaint form either online or by downloading it and mailing it in. Keep in mind that your complaint will be a part of public record and the OCCC can’t intervene if you’re involved in a lawsuit.

File a complaint with the Texas attorney general

You can also file a complaint with the Texas attorney general’s office. The process is similar to the OCCC complaint — you can either fill out a form online or mail it in. You might be required to provide documentation backing up your claim.

Payday loan alternatives in Texas

Expensive payday loans aren’t your only source for fast funding if you have bad credit and need cash. Consider these cheaper alternatives instead:

Cash advance apps

A cash advance app allows you to get a cash advance – typically from $20 to $500 – on your next paycheck. While some charge a small monthly fee, others are free to use. To qualify, you’ll need to establish regular direct deposit activity. But they can be a good tool if you need regular advances as you never pay interest on what you borrow.
While regular transfers to your bank account are free, they usually take a few business days to post. If you need cash right away, keep in mind that same day advances come with a fee. If you anticipate needing a lot of same day transfers, choose an app with low fees.

Personal loans

A bad credit personal loan can also be a source of fast cash in Texas – with some funding as soon as the next business day. Unlike payday loans, bad credit lenders like OneMain Financial and Oportun cap its APRs at 35.99%, but you’ll need to undergo a hard credit check to qualify.
If you prefer not to undergo a credit check, you could apply with an alternative bad credit lender like OppLoans, but APRs can hit 160% – but still cheaper than a payday or installment loan in Texas. OppLoans also reports your payments to the credit bureaus, which could help boost your credit score.

Payday alternative loans (PAL)

These are small, unsecured loans offered by some federal credit unions that offer PALs. PALs are for all credit types and amounts typically range between $200 and $1,000. PALs APRs are capped at 28% and terms range from one to six months. But it’s not fast: you need to be a member of the credit union for at least a month before you can qualify and get cash.

Employer paycheck advance

Before you run out to get a loan, you can also check if your employer offers a paycheck advance. Some companies offer paycheck advances or short-term loans to employees, often at lower rates than what you get on a bad credit loan.

Government resources

Texas has several assistance programs to help residents who are struggling to cover daily expenses. You can apply for these services for help with your regular bills while you work on paying down your debt.

  • North Texas Food Bank (NTFB). This program offers nutritious food to Texas residents in need, as well as food education programs.
  • Texas Medicaid and CHIP. Low-income residents can also apply for Medicaid to get access to low-cost medical care.
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). If your family just needs cash to pay the bills, this program also offers financial assistance.
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Formerly known as food stamps, this program gives struggling families financial assistance to buy groceries.

Watch out for high rates on auto title loans

While auto title loans can be a convenient way to access cash without a credit check, be aware that APRs can run excessively high. Many consumers that take out an auto title loan end up with their cars repossessed. Instead, look for a legitimate personal loan lender that offers secured loans and caps its rates at 36% APR.

Bottom line

Payday loans are a convenient way to access quick cash in Texas, but with super high APRs, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of debt. Instead, consider getting a bad credit personal loan in Texas or using a cash advance app to save on fees and interest. You can also apply for a PAL, which could take up to 30 days, or ask your employer for a paycheck advance.

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8 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    gabrielOctober 26, 2018

    Can I get a payday loan in Aaustin, TX without a bank account?

      AvatarFinder
      CharisseOctober 26, 2018Finder

      Hi Gabriel,

      Most payday lenders require borrowers to have an open or valid checking account because having one makes it easier for lenders to transfer the requested funds quickly. However, there are some lenders that don’t require a bank account although, this type of loan will likely cost you more than the average personal loan.

      Before applying, please review the lender’s eligibility criteria as well as the loan terms to see if it suits your needs.

      I hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Charisse

    Default Gravatar
    boodled1February 26, 2018

    I am a 73 year old Army veteran rated at 100% disabled for PTSD, I receive a good income but my credit score is very low and all my income is deposited to a prepaid debit card, I need a short term loan due to family emergency, where can I turn to

      Default Gravatar
      joelmarceloMarch 7, 2018

      Hi Boodled,

      Thanks for leaving a question on finder.

      If you are a pensioner, whether it’s an employer retirement benefit or Social Security, you may find your loan options limited. Some companies may have stricter criteria for pensioners like you.

      It’s important to know that there are still loan options for you. It’s even more important to know how to compare these options so you can choose the right loan. Check out our guide on pensioner loans to compare your options and find out how to apply.

      Cheers,
      Joel

    Default Gravatar
    gwenNovember 8, 2017

    company asking for upfront activation,insurance fees, is this not unusual when dealing with high risk borrowers(bad credit) ??

      Default Gravatar
      DanielleNovember 8, 2017

      Hi Gwen,

      Thank you for contacting Finder.

      Usually, lenders that offer bad credit loans, may require a collateral to secure the loan however, they do not usually ask for upfront fees.

      Generally, loans demanding “activation,” “insurance” or even “origination” fees before approval are one of the warning signs of a personal loan scam so you should be wary of them. Before applying, make sure that the lender you are dealing with is legitimate.

      I hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Danielle

    Default Gravatar
    TangledMay 19, 2017

    Is it possible to be approved for a payday loan using a bluebird greendot card as my bank account?

      AvatarFinder
      HaroldJune 27, 2017Finder

      Hi Tangled,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      With your loan options in Texas for payday loans. You must meet the following requirements to be eligible for this loan.

      – You should be at least 18 years of age
      – You should be an American citizen or a permanent resident of the US
      – You should have a regular source of income

      To complete your application successfully, prepare to submit some basic information:
      – Your name, date of birth, social security number and a valid form of ID such as your driver’s license or passport
      – Your residential address, email address and phone number
      – Details about your employment and income
      – If you’re applying online, details of your existing checking account

      I hope this information has helped.

      Cheers,
      Harold

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