Getting a Payday Loan
Payday loans can provide quick financial relief; but have very predatory interest rates. They generally have a fast and easy application, but they should be used as a last-resort option.
Emergencies, accidents or merely unfortunate circumstances can all lead to the need for quick cash. Payday loans offer money after a short application, often the same or the next day. They can be used to cover an unexpected bill or living expenses when your check just doesn’t quite cover everything.
Best payday loan lenders
- LendUp
- Check’n Go
- Speedy Cash
- RISE
- CashNetUSA
LendUp
LendUp is best for money on the go. It has optimized its loan process specifically for use on mobile devices. It offers smaller payday loans, in the $100 to $300 range, and a 14-day repayment period. A 14-day loan period would come with a 664.04% rate and a finance charge of $50.94.
Check’n Go
Check’n Go only offers payday loans in 16 states, but the application takes less than five minutes to complete. In Florida, online loans between $100-$500 are available, with terms between 10 to 31 days. In Florida, Check’n Go does have a variable finance charge between $15 and $55. For a 14-day term, interest rates range between 286.79% and 391.07%.Check’n Go offers a referral program, giving borrowers the chance to win $500 for each person they refer who takes out a loan.
Speedy Cash
Loans are available online, over the phone or in person, which is best for someone who needs flexible pick up options. You can opt to apply online and pick up cash in person, have the money loaded onto a prepaid card or have the funds deposited into your bank account. Speedy Cash does offer very high-interest rates; in Alabama, the interest rate on a $100 loan is 456.25% for a 14-day loan term.
RISE
RISE is an online lender best for someone who needs a larger amount of cash. Its loans range from $500 to $5,000 and RISE offers a 5-day window to change your mind. Interest rates range from 50%-299% depending on your resident state and payment terms are anywhere from four to 26 months, again depending on your state. RISE doesn’t operate in all 50 states, so make sure it offers loans where you live.
CashNetUSA
CashNetUSA is not a lender, but instead arranges loans between borrowers and third-party lenders. In Texas, CashNetUSA works with lenders for loans of up to $1,800, for eight-35 days. This is best for people who want help navigating their loans, as CashNetUSA works with borrowers to sort out any problems with the lender itself.
Above all, with any payday loan, you should be aware of the interest rate you’ll be paying and fees that come with the loan. Interest rates are much higher on payday loans than any other type of loan, and high-interest rates can lead to being unable to pay back your debt.
What is a payday loan?
A payday loan is a short term, high-interest loan. Usually, payday loans are available in small amounts of money — typically much less than what you could borrow from a bank, credit union or online lender. They may also be called installment loans, no credit check loans or a cash-only loan. The name payday loan refers to their short term nature; they’re meant to only last you until your next paycheck.
Loans are usually $500 or less and interest rates depend on the lender but are much higher than traditional bank loans —between 100% and 300%. Usually, there is a fee for every $100 you borrow, which is between $10 and $20.
How do payday loans work?
The typical length of a loan is two weeks, but loan terms are somewhat flexible. Payday loans are attractive because besides being very fast money, there is no credit check.
Payday loans are unsecured loans, meaning you do not have to provide collateral for them. The application for a payday loan is slightly different from other types of loans. You need to provide a form of identification and a phone number you can be reached at. The lender will verify that you have a source of income and a bank account and may also ask for a post-dated check that covers the amount you’re borrowing, plus fees and interest. The lender does this to help ensure you have the means and ability to pay the loan back.
Other alternatives to payday loans
Peer-to-peer lending
This kind of lending cuts out the middle-man and allows people to borrow money straight from other people. Lenders earn money on interest rates, and borrowers can often find much lower interest rates. Peer-to-peer lending is a great option for people who want to save on interest rates.
Ask for a paycheck advance
Ask your employer if they will advance your paycheck by a week or two. This gives you cash upfront and doesn’t require you to take on any debt. This is best for someone with steady employment and who can manage their money well.
0% interest credit card
Opening a 0% interest credit card is a way to cover your immediate expenses without incurring interest for some time. This can give you breathing room to get your money together. A 0% credit card is a good option for an unusual emergency. Just keep in mind that opening up a new card will put an inquiry on your credit report.