Best Payday Loans
42 Companies
500 Real Customer Reviews
2.4 Average User Rating
- Same Day Approval Time
- Funds Received Next Day
- In Business Since 2002
Sonic Cash
- Same Day Approval Time
- Funds Received Next Day
- In Business Since 2002
a year ago
- APRs: Unknown
- 1 Hour Approval Time
- Funds Received Next Business Day
100DayLoans.com
- APRs: Unknown
- 1 Hour Approval Time
- Funds Received Next Business Day
- APRs: 35.87-204.94%
- Approval Within Minutes
- Funds Received the Same or Next Day
CashCall
- APRs: 35.87-204.94%
- Approval Within Minutes
- Funds Received the Same or Next Day
- 90 Second Approval Time
- Funds Received Next Business Day
- In Business Since 2004
NetLoanUSA
- 90 Second Approval Time
- Funds Received Next Business Day
- In Business Since 2004
9 months ago
- APRs: Undisclosed
- Coverage: 50 States
- Time in Business: 2013
- Not a Direct Lender
- Network of Payday Companies
- Numerous Lawsuits
Money Mutual
- Not a Direct Lender
- Network of Payday Companies
- Numerous Lawsuits
5 months ago
- Immediate Approval Time
- Funds Received Next Business Day
- In Business Since 2010
Personal Cash Advance
- Immediate Approval Time
- Funds Received Next Business Day
- In Business Since 2010
- 2 Minute Approval Time
- Funds Received Next Day
- In Business Since 2010
QuickerCash.com
- 2 Minute Approval Time
- Funds Received Next Day
- In Business Since 2010
- APRs: Undisclosed
- Coverage: 35 States
- Time in Business: 2013
- Instant Approval Time
- Funds Received Next Day
- In Business Since Unknown
GADCapital
- Instant Approval Time
- Funds Received Next Day
- In Business Since Unknown
Important Things to Know Before Choosing a Payday Loan Company
Payday loans are meant to be short-term, unsecured loans. They are based on a pre-set automatic withdrawal from your bank account or a check held by the loan company for future deposit on a specific date. Borrowers either write a check to the lender or promise to pay back the amount borrowed, plus interest and any fees. Some companies will allow in-store payday loan customers to repay in cash at the store, in exchange for their post-dated check.
The amount is meant to be covered by your next paycheck from your employer, hence “payday” loans. The general loan term is two to four weeks.
Payday loans have high interest rates and are generally structured to be paid in one lump sum, rather than small installments over a period of time.
Loan amounts
Loan amounts depend on minimum and maximum amounts allowed by your state, but vary between $100 to $1,000. A common maximum limit is $500. You loan amount also depends on each lender’s policies and how much you are approved for.
Interest and fees
Loans typically have very high interest rates. We commonly see a $15 charge per each $100 borrowed. This is is a 400 percent APR.
Generally, you are charged $10 to $30 for every $100 borrowed. In some states, lenders are allowed to charge additional fees, like loan origination fees.
Legal regulations
Laws regulating payday loans vary by state. Most states limit loan amounts, term lengths, interest charges, and other fees.
The following jurisdictions have prohibited payday loans: Arizona, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Georgia, New Mexico, North Carolina.
To see if your needs would be met by a payday loan, check out your state’s rules via the National Conference of State Legislatures website.
Applying for a payday loan
In general, payday loan applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid ID, an active checking account, verifiable proof of income, and a valid phone number. Sometimes, lenders will request to call your employer to verify your employment. Applicants with poor credit can be accepted.
Payday Loans Frequently Asked Questions
Will a payday loan affect my credit score?
In general, these loans are not reported to the traditional major credit bureaus, so they cannot help to rebuild your credit. They also can’t hurt it. However, each company has its own policies and standards, and if you fail to repay or are sent to collections, it can hurt your credit score.
How long does it take to get a payday loan?
With most payday loan providers, you can be approved within minutes and have your money within one business day. Depending on the company and how easy it is to verify your eligibility, it can take longer.
What is the difference between a payday loan and an installment loan?
Interest
Installment loans have high interest rates, but payday loans have higher rates.
Payment
Payday loans are meant to be repaid in one lump sum, but installment loans are to be paid back in pre-set installments, for the duration of the term.
Term
They are both short-term options, but payday loans are due in a matter of weeks whereas installment loans are due in a matter of months.
Amount
Generally, installment loans are for larger amounts, whereas most states cap payday loans at $500-$1,000.
Do all payday lenders operate storefronts?
No. Some lenders operate storefronts and online services, but some offer online only services. It also depends on your area. Some loan companies offer different services in-store than online. Some operate stores in one state, but only offer online loans in another.
What if I am in the military?
If you are in the military, payday loan interest rates for you and your dependents are limited by the law. The APR on payday loans cannot exceed 36 percent.
What happens if I don’t pay off my payday loan on time?
Consequences and options depend on your state and your lender. Sometimes, you are given the option to renew or roll over your loan. This is paying an extra fee to delay repaying your loan.
You can also ask your lender to see if an extended repayment plan is available. Depending on your state and the loan company, you may be able to use an extended repayment plan to pay back the loan in smaller pieces over an extended period with additional fees.
How do I choose a payday loan company?
When choosing a payday lender to work with, you should look at what the interest rate and fees will be, how soon you would be required to repay, and what your options would be if you can’t pay on time. Consult payday loan ratings and reviews to compare policies and requirements.
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