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Compare your loan options in Maryland

Learn about the laws before you apply for a loan.

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By

Elizabeth Barry

Updated

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Compare multiple lenders

  • Borrow $100 to $20,000
  • All credit types
  • Fast funding

For money management tools

  • Borrow up to $250
  • No credit check required
  • No interest on cash advances

Good for fast funding

  • Borrow up to $4,000
  • Get cash as soon as same business day
  • Easy application
  • Quick approval

When you have unplanned expenses and are on a tight budget, a payday loan could be helpful. Payday loans, a type of short-term loan, give you quick access to money when you need it. Read on to find out about the laws in Maryland and everything else you should know about how payday advances work.

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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.
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Cleo
Not rated yet
Cleo
$20 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.
Go to site
OppLoans Installment Loans
Finder Rating: 4.7 / 5: ★★★★★
OppLoans Installment Loans
$500 to $4,000
As soon as the same business day.
+18 years old, Receive paychecks through 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
Brigit
Not rated yet
Brigit
$250
1 to 3 business days, or instant with a fee or Premium 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.
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Possible Finance Mobile Installment Loans
Up to $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 21 states.
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More Info
LendYou Short-term Loans
Finder Rating: 2.5 / 5: ★★★★★
LendYou Short-term Loans
$100 to $1,000
Same business day to 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.
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MoneyLion Instacash advances
$250, $1000 with RoarMoney account
Up to 5 days or instant for a fee
Bank account must have at least 60 days of activity, show recurring deposits and must have a positive balance
Fee-free, interest-free cash advances up to $250.
Go to site
More Info
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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CashNetUSA Loan
Finder Rating: 3.6 / 5: ★★★★★
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.
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Maryland may not allow payday loans, but there are other options available when you need money for an emergency or help out of a tough financial situation.

No, payday loans aren’t legal in Maryland. Maryland Law § 12-101 et seq. prohibits payday lending in all forms, including online loans. The maximum interest a small loan provider can charge is 2.75% per month or 33% per year for the first $1,000 of a $2,000 loan. On the next $1,000, a lender can charge no more than 2% per month or 24% per year.

What other options do I have if I need extra money in Maryland?

Maryland has a number of assistance programs you can utilize when you’re struggling with your finances, including:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Food Supplement Program (FSP)
  • Temporary Cash Assistance
  • Energy Assistance
  • Homelessness Prevention Program
  • Temporary Disability Assistance
  • Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program (MCHIP)
  • Maryland Medicaid
  • Energy Assistance
  • Maryland Medical Pharmacy Program
Other resources offered by the state can be found on Maryland’s page dedicated to public assistance programs for residents.

Are there any other short-term options in Maryland?

While you’re getting your finances in order, you may want to consider some of these options or browse a list of payday loan alternatives to see other ways to get emergency funds without taking out a payday loan.

  • Consolidate your debt. You may want to look into consolidating your debt by taking out one large loan to cover your smaller ones. You may even get a better interest rate to keep the costs of the loan down.
  • Ask for an advance on your paycheck. When you’re in a bad financial situation, your boss may be able to give you an advance on your next paycheck. You might be able to get the money you’ve already worked now instead of waiting for bills and having interest charges pile up.
  • Consider a credit card cash advance. If you already have a credit card and it isn’t maxed out, you can take out an advance against your line of credit. This is generally cheaper than a payday loan and you can pay back what you borrow over a longer term.

What are the typical costs of a loan in Maryland?

Maryland doesn’t technically ban small-dollar loans, but it does put a strict limit on the interest a lender can charge. For a personal loan of $2,000 or more, the maximum interest rate is 2% per month or 24% per year. However, there are several factors that impact the interest you pay, like your credit score, the amount you borrow, the lender and the loan term.
You may have to pay additional fees in different circumstances. Like interest rate, these will vary by lender. Check your loan agreement to learn the full details of what you might have to pay before you borrow.

Bottom line

While you may not be able to take out a payday loan in Maryland, there are other options that can help you make ends meet. And if you’re still looking for a short-term loan, there are some installment loans options you may want to consider if you’re facing an emergency expense.

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12 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    LisaJanuary 16, 2019

    I need to obtain a loan to retain a lawyer’s as soon as possible. What options do I have in the state of MD?

    Reply
      AvatarFinder
      JeniJanuary 20, 2019Finder

      Hi Lisa,

      Thank you for getting in touch with finder.

      You’re currently at the right page. Kindly compare your options on the comparison table on this page. You may choose the lender that would suit your needs most by checking the max loan, requirements and turnaround time columns of the table. Once you’ve decided, you may click on the green Go to site button to start your online loan application or learn more about the lender.

      Please make sure that you’ve read the relevant T&Cs or PDS of the loan products before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you.

      I hope this helps.

      Thank you and have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Jeni

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    LindaDecember 9, 2018

    I live in MD. So what type of small loan could I get here next day???

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      nikkiangcoDecember 12, 2018

      Hi Linda,

      Thanks for getting in touch!

      You can compare quick short-term loans if you need to get your money as soon as the next business day.

      Please note that you may have to pay higher interest rates with short-term loans so remember to review the terms and conditions before making a decision on whether it is right for you.

      Hope this helps!

      Best,
      Nikki

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    BrittaneyNovember 20, 2018

    I took out a payday loan and i got injured on the job and im not able to pay it back right now. Can they take my taxes state or federal if i dont pay back by tax time

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      nikkiangcoNovember 23, 2018

      Hi Brittaney,

      Thanks for reaching out and I’m sorry to hear about your situation. Hope you are recovering well. It is not your fault you got into an accident so its best to communicate with your lender and see what the next steps are in paying off your loan. Hope this was helpful. Don’t hesitate to message us back if you have more questions.

      Best,
      Nikki

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    TracyOctober 14, 2018

    I have 2 payday loans. I just found out that pay day loans are illegal in md. If I stop paying will they come after me.

    Reply
      AvatarFinder
      JoshuaOctober 18, 2018Finder

      Hi Tracy,

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

      First thing you need to check is to ensure that you are not getting charged with an illegally high-interest rate. In Maryland, the maximum interest a small loan provider can charge is 2.75% per month or 33% per year. If you have determined that the loan you applied for is really an illegal payday loan, then you need to report them to the proper authority.

      Moreover, you would need to contact your state’s consumer protection office to find out what you’re required to pay back. Generally, you might be required by law to only pay back the principal, but depending on the specific terms of the loan and whether it’s technically an actual payday loan or not, you may be required to pay back the interest and fees as well.

      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
    Default Gravatar
    JeffJanuary 29, 2018

    I live in MD, I have an account with a payday loan company. I have been using their service for several years. Apparently their loans are illegal in MD. Is there anything I can do to recoup some money? Feeling ripped off.

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      joelmarceloFebruary 6, 2018

      Hi Jeff,

      Thanks for leaving a comment on finder.

      The first thing you can do is to contact the lender to confirm whether they issue refunds and check the process on how you could do this. In case that they won’t give you a refund and you think it’s best to file a complaint against them after you’ve reconsidered the possibilities, you may get in touch with Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation directly instead.

      Hope this has helped.

      Cheers,
      Joel

      Reply
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