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What is a payday loan?

Payday loans are small loans, usually under $1,000, meant for emergencies. Unlike other loans, lenders don’t require you to have good credit — and many won’t check your credit score with the big three credit bureaus.
Since payday loans are repaid within a week to 31 days, they have a high annual percentage rate (APR). In many cases, your APR can be 300% or higher. But some of the best payday lenders have more reasonable fees.
The application can be done online from a mobile device or computer, although some lenders also allow you to apply over the phone or by visiting a store.
To repay your loan, you will either need to provide your lender with access to your bank account for an automatic transfer or sign a post-dated check.

Are payday loans legal?

It depends on where you live. Some states prohibit payday loans by enforcing a cap on interest rates. Other states restrict how much payday lenders can charge or impose other regulations to protect borrowers.
Unfortunately, many states allow payday lending without enforcing heavy regulations. This can put borrowers at a disadvantage and allows lenders to charge fees that lead to APRs of 700% or higher.

Payday loan matching services can save time

A loan connection service works to pair borrowers like you with a suitable lender. They don’t provide loans. Instead, they compare your application against a network of lenders and show you which best fits your needs and situation.
Most loan matching services don’t charge a fee for their services. Their money comes from generating leads or referring you to direct lenders, similar to a commission. Some also function as a lender subscription service.
A payday loan matching service is a solid solution if you’re short on time and need a little help with comparing your offers. By submitting a single application, you’re able to compare offers without the labor of finding a series of reputable lenders.

How much do payday loans cost?

Payday loans generally have fixed fees from $10 to $30 for every $100 borrowed. However, it varies based on your state laws and the amount you borrow.
On average, the APR works out to around 400%. Typical ranges are from about 390% to 780%. For credit cards and personal loans with standard banks, the APR is a lot lower. For example, the national average APR for credit cards is around 15%.
To give you an example of how APR works with short-term loans, take a $200 loan amount with a loan fee of $30. If you have a repayment term of 12 days, your APR would come out to 456.25%.
Your loan agreement should outline the total cost of your loan as well as any additional fees. If you don’t understand the costs, speak with a customer service representative before signing.

What options do I have for short-term lenders?

If you’re looking to apply for a short-term loan, you have a few options when it comes to choosing a lender:

Option	Description
Online short-term lenders.	Applying for a loan online is quick and easy, and the whole process can be handled without visiting a physical location. Find lenders that don’t require you to fax any documents and can directly debit your loan to you within a few hours of approving you.
Direct short-term lenders.	These lenders can have both online and physical locations, and you apply directly with them for a loan. If you apply online, you still might have the option to pick up your approved loan in-store. Find direct short-term lender availability.
Loan matching services.	If you’re unsure which lender to apply with, send your application to a loan matching service. These work with a panel of lenders and match you with a lender that can offer you a loan.
Storefront short-term lenders.	Some lenders have extensive branch networks, and if there’s one located nearby, you can apply in store. But bring along the required documentation and you could have your approved loan within the hour.

When should I consider a payday loan?

A payday loan is designed to help you in an emergency. They might be useful if you:

• Have bad credit and need money fast. If you have bad credit, most options available to you on short notice are expensive. In this situation, a payday loan might be the least-expensive option out there.
• Need less than $500 and need money fast. Loans under $500 on short notice can also be difficult to come by, regardless of your credit score. Payday loans are one of your few options.
• Need money today. Payday loans are one of the few financing options available the same day — especially if you don’t have perfect credit, a car to use for collateral or need money on the weekend.
• Don’t have a bank account. You need a checking or savings account to qualify for most types of loans. However, some payday lenders don’t require you to have a bank account and instead offer the funds in cash or on a debit card.
• Don’t have a salary. A payday loan might be one of the few options out there if you rely on alternative sources of income, such as government benefits, a pension or alimony.

Payday loans vs. overdrafting your account

Overdrafting your account can be the closest alternative to taking out a payday loan — it’s fast, you don’t need good credit and you can get the money instantly. But it could actually cost more.
Most payday loans come with a $10 to $15 fee per $100 borrowed, depending on where you live and the lender. The average overdraft fee is $30, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). In this case, an overdraft fee might only be cheaper if you borrow more than $200 or $300.

When should I avoid payday loans?

Generally, you might want to stay away from payday loans if you:

• Live in a state where payday loans are illegal. Payday loans aren’t legal in all states. Check your state’s laws to avoid borrowing from an illegitimate lender.
• Have time to qualify for a less-expensive alternative. The main advantage of payday loans is that they’re fast and available to borrowers with less-than-perfect credit. But there are payday loan alternatives that are significantly cheaper and come with fewer risks.
• Have ongoing financial problems. A payday loan is a short-term solution to temporary problems. If you have ongoing financial difficulty, consider talking to a credit counselor who can walk you through your other options instead.
• Already have a payday loan. Rolling over your payday loan can get you trapped in a cycle of debt and cost you three or four times the amount you borrowed in fees. If you’re struggling to repay a payday loan, also consider credit counseling.
• Need more than $500. Most states cap payday loans at around $500. If you need to borrow more, this isn’t the right type of loan for you.
• Don’t think you can pay it back. Many states require payday lenders to make sure you have enough income to repay your loan. But even if yours doesn’t, borrowing money you’re unable to repay will land you in an even worse financial situation.

What is the Community Financial Services Association of America?

The CFSA is a trade organization built to protect short-term lenders by lobbying for the right to provide small-dollar, short-term and payday loans to Americans. Though it exists to protect the interests of the industry, it also holds its members to a series of best practices designed to keep short-term borrowers informed through transparent disclosures, truthful advertising and the dangers of taking on too much debt.
But keep in mind that it’s still run by lenders, meaning some of its policies may conflict with consumers’ financial interests.

Which lenders are members of the CFSA?

That’s a long list. Which lenders should I look at first?

We’ve put together a short list of CFSA members we’ve reviewed below.

• Advance America. A founding member of the CFSA, Advance America offers payday loans, installment loans and auto title loans.
• Check ‘n Go. Apply for a loan online or in person if you live in an eligible state.
• Check City. Offers services that depend on your state of residence, but you can count on it being licensed to operate in every state it conducts business in.
• Check Into Cash. Offers payday loans, auto title loans, installment loans and lines of credit for its online and in-store applicants.
• MoneyKey. Also a member of the Online Lenders Alliance, MoneyKey operates in less than a dozen states while abiding by laws protecting consumers from predatory lending practices.
• Speedy Cash. Apply in person or online for a payday loan, installment loan, auto title loan or line of credit with the option to load your approved funds onto a prepaid debit card.

Looking for a specific amount?

Payday loans are meant to cover small expenses — as low as $50.

$50	From pay advance apps to payday loans, you have options.	Get a $50 loan
$100	Sometimes all you need is access to $100 for your short-term needs.	Get a $100 loan
$500	Borrow this amount as a payday loan or an installment loan with longer terms.	Get a $500 loan
$1,000	Apply for a $1,000 loan online today, even if you have bad credit.	Get a $1,000 loan

5 steps to take before applying

Payday loans can be risky. Before you apply, make sure this choice is right for you and know your state laws.

Step 1: Consider your other options.

A payday loan — or any short-term loan — can be very expensive and get you caught in a cycle of debt. Before you borrow, consider the alternatives to a payday loan. When you’ve exhausted those options and believe a payday loan is your best bet, follow these steps to ensure you get a good deal.

Step 2: Understand your state laws.

Every state has different payday loan laws. Some have banned them entirely, while others place restrictions on lenders to help borrowers avoid high interest rates.
Research the laws of your state to learn more about what a lender can charge, how much you can borrow and what the turnaround will look like. This will help you spot any discrepancies between government regulations and your lender, helping you to avoid a scam and find a legit payday loan.

Step 3: Choose the right type of loan.

If you need to cover an emergency expense under $500, then a payday loan may be appropriate. Otherwise, you should look at your other short-term loan options.

• Payday loans. Payday loans are typically between $100 and $500, though some lenders offer loans up to $1,000. These have a quick turnaround — generally between two and four weeks — and may have an APR well over 300%.
• Installment loans. Installment loans come in larger amounts than payday loans, sometimes up to $5,000. You repay your loan in installments over six to 18 months. While the APR is typically lower than a payday loan, it can cost more overall — the longer your loan term, the more you’ll pay in interest.
• Auto title loans. Auto title loans use your car’s title as collateral. This results in larger loan amounts and a lower APR, but you risk losing your car if you default. And because terms are similar to payday loans, it can be difficult to repay without extending your term and paying more in fees.

Step 4: Compare lenders.

Not all payday loans were created equal. Different terms, rates and loan amounts will affect the way your loan works. By shopping around, you can eliminate lenders that offer lower amounts than you need or don’t operate in your state. And once that’s done, you can compare multiple payday loan providers to find a lender that fits your needs.

Step 5: Check the lender’s requirements.

Once you’ve found a lender, check its requirements before submitting an application. While eligibility criteria vary by lender, most ask that you meet the following minimum requirements:

• Proof of income, such as a pay stub or benefits letter
• Valid bank account
• Government-issued ID
• Social Security number
• Age of majority in your state
• US citizen or permanent resident

How to apply for a payday loan in 4 steps

A payday loan application shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes to complete, but you’ll want to make sure all the information you submit is accurate to increase your chances of approval.

Step 1: Gather your personal information.

When you apply, have information about yourself, your employer and your finances ready. This will help make the application process quick, and you’re less likely to submit incorrect information — saving you from rejection.

Step 2: Go to the lender’s website or visit a storefront.

Most lenders have online applications you can fill out on their websites. But if you aren’t comfortable submitting your information online — or need your funds the same day — then visiting a storefront might be the way to go.

Step 3: Complete the application.

Completing a payday loan application should only take a few minutes if you have the information you need on hand. Lenders typically ask for your personal details — including your Social Security number and bank account numbers. Once you submit your application, it may take a few minutes to receive an answer.

Step 4: Review your loan agreement and sign it.

If you’ve been approved, your lender will supply you with a loan agreement. This should include a clear warning on the cost of short-term loans as well as your loan term, APR and the fees you’ll have to pay. Read this carefully and note the full cost of your loan before you sign the contract. If you think the repayments will be more than you can afford, you’re under no obligation to accept the loan agreement.

5 common eligibility requirements

Like the application process, the specific requirements you need to meet will vary by lender. However, most lenders have similar criteria:

1. Open checking account
2. Employed or receiving regular benefits
3. Regular source of income
4. US citizen or permanent resident
5. At least 18 years old

And while payday loans are intended for poor credit, meeting these eligibility requirements doesn’t guarantee that you will be approved for a loan. If a lender offers guaranteed approval, you should steer clear — it’s likely a scam.
You may also be approved if you’re self-employed. To increase your chances of approval, you’ll need to show evidence of a regular income, which you need to do by supplying bank statements.
Some lenders won’t consider self-employed applicants regardless, but others will. Check the eligibility criteria before you apply.

Can I get a payday loan without a bank account?

Some lenders don’t require a bank account to apply for a payday loan. But many require you to have a bank account even if you choose to pick up your loan at a store.
Alternatively, some lenders offer prepaid debit cards that won’t need to be connected to a bank account.

Students may also qualify

Most students don’t have steady enough income to get approved for a standard loan. Short-term loans, on the other hand allow students to access emergency funds they can repay when they get income from other sources.
Most lenders require students to provide their identification details and show they can repay their loans by providing 90 days’ worth of bank statements. The online application and approval process removes the need for any paperwork or face-to-face meetings, allowing you to possibly get your money faster.
Remember that you may be required to pay for the loan in less than a month, depending on the terms of your particular loan and that the interest rates are a lot higher than what you’d normally find in a personal loan.

Instant options available, even on the weekend

A lender may be able to fund your loan as soon as you’re approved if you visit a store — potentially even on a Sunday, depending on the lender’s hours. Some online providers and lenders that offer debit cards may also be able to fund your short-term loan instantly.
You may face higher fees if you go for an instant option. Depending on your state, there may be limits to these charges — check your local APR regulations before you apply.

What happens after I apply for a payday loan?

Most lenders will notify you of a decision a few minutes after you submit your application. If you’re applying online, lenders can typically deposit the funds into your bank account within one to two business days. If you apply in-store, you may be able to receive your funds before you leave via cash or check.
When it comes time to repay, your lender will deduct the principal amount and any fees you owe from your bank account — or cash the check you left. Make sure you have enough money in your bank account on your due date. Otherwise, you could face steep nonsufficient funds (NSF) fees and overdraft fees from your bank.

Reasons why you might have been rejected

While your lender should provide a reason you weren’t approved for a payday loan, four of the most likely reasons could be if you:

1. Aren’t employed or your income is too low.
2. Already have a payday loan or recently borrowed one.
3. Have too many current debts.
4. Had errors on your application.

Common payday loan fees

These are the most common fees when you borrow a payday loan — but the exact fees will depend on your lender and your state.

• Financing fee. The amount you pay to borrow a loan.
• Rollover fees. An additional fee if you choose to pay off your payday loan with a new loan.
• Late payment fees. A fee charged if you are unable to make a payment.
• Returned check or nonsufficient funds (NSF) fees. A fee if your check doesn’t clear or a lender is unable to withdraw your payment from your bank account.

Will I have to pay interest?

Not usually. Payday loans have a high APR, but it isn’t because of a high interest rate. APR is an expression of the loan’s total cost as a percentage, which includes both interest and fees.
Since payday loans have such short terms — sometimes as little as seven days — there’s not enough time for interest to add up to a profit. When it comes to payday loans, a high APR is a reflection of the loan’s high fees, not its high interest rate.

Where payday loans fall short

Payday loans have some of the shortest terms and highest fees, which make them one of the most expensive forms of credit.

• Smaller loan amounts. How much you can borrow depends on the state you’re in, but most lenders offer loans between $100 to $1,000.
• High fees. Payday loans have much higher APRs than other forms of credit. Most states regulate how much a lender can charge, but this may still result in an APR over 300% — and sometimes over 1,000%.
• Short loan terms. Because payday loans are designed to be short-term solutions, you generally won’t find a loan that extends beyond six months, although terms differ by state.

What is a no-Teletrack payday loan?

Part of a company called CoreLogic, Teletrack is a consumer credit reporting service that gives lenders credit history of potential borrowers. It serves to both protect lenders from fraudulent borrowers and assess borrowers’ loan behavior. Many of Teletrack’s clients are services that give payday loans to people with poor or no credit.
No-Teletrack loans are simply short-term loans that don’t check your history on past loans. So any bad credit or unpaid loans that you may have in your history shouldn’t affect your creditworthiness. A no-Teletrack loan is typically approved even if you’ve defaulted on payday loans in the past.

How does Teletrack work?

For many years, the three main credit bureaus, Experian, TransUnion and Equifax, didn’t keep track of payday and similar short-term loans. With Teletrack, potential lenders can access information beyond your traditional credit history, including your payment history for things like rent and utilities.
Teletrack instantly determines creditworthiness through two products available to lenders:

• CyberScore. A system that discovers your history of online applications for loans and credit cards.

• Decision Manager. A score that combines data on your credit score, payment frequency, earnings and employment history.

Low-cost alternatives to payday loans

Payday loans are one of the most expensive ways to cover an emergency cost. If you can, consider one of these alternatives:

• Pay advance apps. Mobile apps that allow you to get a cash advance for a small fee or optional tip.
• Payday alternative loans (PAL). Some federal credit unions offer PALs between $200 and $1,000 to all credit types. APRs are capped at 28% and terms range from one to six months. But you need to be a member of the credit union for at least a month to qualify.
• Lending circles. You can take part in a rotating savings club to get a hand up and help someone else out when you’re able.
• Employer paycheck advance. Some companies offer paycheck advances or short-term loans to employees — regardless of your credit history — often at a lower cost than a payday loan.
• Government resources. If you’re experiencing a long-term financial setback, look into government resources available to residents of your state to help you cut down on living expenses.

Compare even more alternatives to payday loans

More short-term loan options

In addition to payday loans, many lenders offer installment loans. These allow you to borrow a larger amount — usually between $1,000 to $5,000 — for up to 18 months. But because you have more time to pay, there’s also more time for interest and fees to add up. You also may look into flex loans, these still have extremely high rates, but offer more of a flexible line of credit to borrowers who have a hard time qualifying for a traditional type of loan.
While title loans are less expensive than payday loans, they’re still a pricey option. And if you default, your car could get repossessed.
Be cautious when considering tribal loans. State governments have no jurisdiction over them, which means you could pay extremely high fees when you borrow.
Finally, connection services allow you to browse multiple lenders. However, these aren’t regulated — and some may direct you to tribal lenders or other connection services.
And while they can be expensive, pawn loans let you put up valuables you may have around the house as collateral. But you won’t have access to what you use again until after you pay back the loan in full — plus any fees.

Frequently asked questions

Will borrowing a payday loan impact my credit?
Most payday lenders won’t 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, like Teletrack or LexisNexis.
The main danger to your credit score is payments. If you’re late on or miss repayments, your credit score could be negatively affected.
Your lender may also choose to take legal action to bring in unpaid loans or pass your loan on to a debt collection agency, which will affect your credit score.
What happens if I can’t repay my loan?
Like most things about payday loans, it ultimately depends on your state laws. If you default, your lender will likely turn your debt over to a collection agency.
Debt collectors sometimes take extreme measures to ensure you repay what you owe, some even going as far as — illegally — threatening you with jail time. But according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), you can’t be arrested for defaulting on a payday loan.
While you can’t face criminal charges for defaulting on a payday loan, your lender can sue to cover what you owe. A lender or debt collector can only garnish your wages if it has obtained a court judgment.
How do I know the lender I’m applying with is safe?
Check the lender’s state licenses, online reviews and contact information. If you can easily find out how to get in touch with a representative and find its license to operate in your state, then your lender will likely be legitimate.
However, it still pays to be careful. Some scams have been known to adopt the logo and website design of popular lenders.
Always confirm that the lender you choose is the real thing before submitting any personal information online or over the phone. Read more about payday loan scams with our guide.
What is an ACH authorization?
An ACH authorization gives permission to withdraw money from your checking or savings account. Unless you can make payments by check, you will need to sign an ACH authorization.
Before you do, make sure you know how much will be debited and on what dates — and how to revoke the authorization.