Best Payday Loans

It depends on the lender. There are two general ways that a payday loan can affect your credit score. 

First, does a lender do a “hard” credit check when you apply? If so, this can affect your credit score. 

Second, does a lender report your repayment, or lack thereof, to the credit bureaus? If so, then this can either help to rebuild your credit or can make it worse if you aren’t able to make debt payments on time.  

With most payday loan companies, you can be approved within minutes and have your money within one business day. Depending on loan lenders and how easy it is to verify your eligibility, it can take longer.  

Interest
Installment loans have high interest rates, but payday loans tend to 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 financial options, but payday lending requires repayment in a matter of weeks whereas installment loans are designed to be repaid in a matter of months. 

Amount
Generally, installment loans are for larger short-term cash amounts, whereas payday loans are small-dollar loans. Most states cap payday loans at $500-$1,000.

No. Some lenders operate storefronts and online payday lending services while some strictly offer only online payday loan 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 act as an online lender in another state.

If you are in the military, payday loan interest rates for you and your dependents are limited by the law. The APR (annual percentage rate) on payday loans cannot exceed 36 percent.

Consequences and options depend on your loan agreement, your state, and your lender. 

You can count on late fees. 

Sometimes, you are given the option to renew or roll over your loan. This is paying an extra fee to delay your loan repayment process.

You can also ask your lender to see if an extended repayment plan is available. Depending on your state and the lending 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.

Payday loan debt is some of the harshest and hardest to pay off in the market. This is because it can grow exponentially if you don’t pay on time. 

There are several different "hidden fees" that loan borrowers should be aware of, in addition to finance charges. These will vary depending on the payday lending company and state. Here is a quick breakdown: 

• Customer service fee
• Late payment fee
• Loan application fee
• Overdraft or non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee
• Returned check fee
• Rollover fee
• Verification fee

Check out other pitfalls to avoid when getting a payday loan.

When choosing a payday lender to work with, consumers should consider their financial situation and credit history. Next, 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 repay the loan on time. To find the best payday loans, consult payday loan ratings and reviews, and make sure to compare policies and requirements.