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Compare your loan options in Massachusetts

The law prohibits payday lending, but you may still be able to borrow a small loan.

Good for overdraft protection

Chime SpotMe®


  • Overdraft protection feature
  • No interest or tip requirement
  • Deposit at least $200 in last 34 days for max protection

Good for fast funding

OppLoans Installment Loans


  • Easy online application
  • Quick approval
  • Fast funding
  • Long repayment terms

Good for payment flexibility

Brigit


  • Due date extensions available
  • Overdraft predictions
  • No interest or late fees

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 Massachusetts and everything else you should know about how payday advances work.

Name Product Filter Values Loan amount Turnaround time Requirements
Brigit
Not rated yet
Brigit
Up to $250
1 to 3 days or same-day in some circumstances
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.
OppLoans Installment Loans
Finder Rating: 4.4 / 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.
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.
LendYou Short-term Loans
Finder Rating: 2.5 / 5: ★★★★★
LendYou Short-term Loans
$100 to $2,500
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.
MoneyLion Instacash advances
$250, $1000 with RoarMoney account
3 to 5 business days to external checking account, 12 to 48 hours to RoarMoney account
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.
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.
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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Massachusetts has placed a strict cap on APR, which means you won’t be able to find a payday lender in the state. But if you’re facing a tough financial situation, there are other short- and long-term options for you to consider.

No. While payday lending itself isn’t illegal, the high APR lenders charge is — which means payday lenders don’t operate in the state. This is because of Massachusetts’ Small Loan Act, 209 Mass. Code Regs. 45:14(8). It caps interest at 23% and administrative fees at $20 for loans under $6,000. This applies to out-of-state lenders as well, so online loans are also effectively banned.

What other options do I have if I need extra money in Massachusetts

If you’re facing long-term financial issues, these public assistance programs may help you while you work to tackle your debt:

  • MassHealth
  • Prescription Drug Assistance
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)
  • Economic Assistance
  • Employment Services Program (ESP)
  • Rental assistance programs
  • Fuel Assistance
  • Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)
  • Emergency Housing Assistance Program

Are there any other short-term options in Massachusetts?

While getting a payday loan in Massachusetts isn’t possible, there are other short-term loan options, including these payday loan alternatives:

  • Negotiate with you creditors. If you’re struggling to meet a due date or can’t make a full payment, consider negotiating with your creditor for better terms. This is one of the best ways to pay down your debt.
  • Take out a credit card cash advance. If you already have a credit card that hasn’t been maxed, you can borrow an advance on the remaining line of credit. This comes with a high APR, but it’s a longer term than payday loans and can be a quick way to make it through a rough patch.
  • Ask for help from friends or family. A friend or family member may be willing to help you pay for an unexpected bill or car repair, usually without charging interest Just be sure to pay back what you owe when you can, or it could strain your relationship.

Bottom line

Payday loans aren’t available in Massachusetts, but there are other short-term options like installment loans that could help when you’re facing a crisis. Just be sure to consider your alternative options and confirm the lender is licensed before you agree to a loan.

Frequently asked questions

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