Payday loans are high-cost, short-term loans, typically for $1000 or less, that are designed to bridge the gap between paychecks.
They are tailored to people who have bad or nonexistent credit and our advice is to treat them as a last resort cash option due to their high costs and short repayment terms.
In this article we share how to get a payday loan online, 5 of the best offers on the market and what to watch out for when evaluating options.
What do I need to get a payday loan? Qualifying made easy
Payday loans are based on your income and the principal is generally equal to a part of your upcoming paycheck.
To be eligible, you typically need to meet the following criteria:
Age: You must be at least 18 years old (19 in some states).
Income: You need to have a regular source of income. This can be from employment or other verifiable sources.
Bank Account: An active checking account is necessary for the lender to deposit your funds and collect repayment.
Identification: A valid government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or passport is required.
Contact Information: A valid phone number and email address for communication purposes.
Residency: You must live in a State where payday loans are allowed.
Beware, lenders are not required to verify your repayment ability. Practice caution and make sure you will be able to repay your debt on time.
State regulations
Payday loan regulations vary by state and at the federal level.
It is not possible to get a payday loan if you live in: Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Vermont, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Other states have their own payday loan regulations, which may include:
Interest rate caps: Some states limit the amount of interest a lender can charge on a payday loan.
Loan amount limits: Certain states cap the maximum amount that can be borrowed through a payday loan.
Rollover restrictions: Some states limit the number of times a borrower can roll over their payday loan, which can help prevent debt traps.
We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the payday loan regulations in your state.
This can help you understand your rights as a borrower and protect you from potential scams or predatory lending practices.
Step-by-step: How to get a payday loan online in 24 hours
Here are 7 concrete steps to help you get a payday loan online in 24 hours.
Remember, payday loans should be used responsibly.
Do not borrow more than you need.
Determine how much you need
Payday loans typically range from $100 to $1,000. Decide on the amount you need and only borrow what you can afford to repay on your next payday.
Compare offers
Not all payday loans are created equal.
Compare offers and ensure you’re getting the best deal. Look at factors like interest rates, fees, and the reputation of the lender.
Take advantage of our filtered list of best payday loans for December 2024 and compare options for free.
Check eligibility
To qualify for a payday loan, you generally need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid government-issued ID, proof of income, an active bank account, and a working phone number.
This said, some lenders may have additional requirements, so be sure to check with your chosen lender.
Apply for a loan
During the application process, you will need to provide some personal details like name, phone number, email, address, etc.
You may also need to share a proof of income, for which you can use a copy of your work pay stubs.
Review the terms
The approval process for payday loans is typically quick, often within 15 minutes.
Once you receive your offer, carefully read the terms. Make sure you understand all conditions, including the interest rate and any fees. If you have any questions, consult your lender.
Do not sign any documents until everything is clear.
Accept the offer and get your funds
When you accept the offer, the lender will transfer the funds to your bank account.
This could happen as soon as the same day or the next business day.
Repay your loan
The final step is to repay your loan. This is typically done through an automatic withdrawal from your bank account on your next payday.
Financer.com’s top 5 picks for payday loan offers
Our team researches, analyzes, and compares available lending options daily so that you can save time and get access to high-quality information easily.
Here is a list of our top 5 picks based on terms and conditions, funding time, and customer satisfaction.
| Lender | Best for | Loan amount | Est. APR | Loan term | Where to apply? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BadCreditLoans.com | 24/7 service | $500 – $10,000 | 5.99% to 35.99% | 3 months – 6 years | Apply here |
| LowCreditFinance.com | 60-minute funding | $100 – $50,000 | 5.99% to 35.99% | Minimum 61 days | Apply here |
| Wizzay.com | Getting offers from wide net of lenders | $200 – $5,000 | 5.99% to 35.99% | 90 days – 24 months | Apply here |
| VivaPaydayLoans.com | Short repayment | $100 – $5,000 | 5.99% to 35.99% | 2 months – 24 months | Apply here |
| 5kfunds.com | Flexible repayment periods | $500 – $35,000 | 5.99% to 35.99% | 61 days – 72 months | Apply here |
Remember, it is crucial to compare offers from multiple lenders to find the best terms and rates for yourself.
When comparing payday loan offers, be sure to consider factors such as:
The Annual Percentage Rate (APR). The APR includes both the interest rate and any additional fees, and gives a more comprehensive view of the total loan cost. Payday loans often have APRs exceeding 300%, sometimes even reaching upwards of 400% or 500%.
The speed of funding. Some lenders might provide funds the same or next day. This could be a key factor for you if you are in an urgent need for financing.
The lender’s reputation. Payday loans could be tricky, choose a reliable lender with positive customer reviews. The company reviews on Financer.com include clients’ ratings so that you get the full picture.
Other related fees. The interest rates on payday loans are quite high. If your lender charges any additional fees, use our free loan calculator and verify the total cost of your loan.
Understanding interest rates
Payday lenders set high APRs to cover the potential risks associated with the loans.
While nearly 20 states cap the interest rates of payday loans, it is not uncommon for non-capped payday lenders to charge annual percentage rates up to 500%.
For example, a fee of $15 per $100 is common, equating to an APR of almost 400% for a two-week loan.
This means that if you borrow $500 with a fee of $15 for every $100, it will cost you $575 to pay it back.
Beware of any extra fees
In addition to high interest rates, payday loans can also come with various fees.
For instance, if you’re unable to repay the loan by the due date and your state law permits rollovers, the lender may allow you to pay only the fees due and then extend the due date of your loan for an additional fee.
On top of that, there could be a fee for late payment that will depend on the lender.
The hidden dangers of payday loans
While payday loans can provide quick relief for financial emergencies, they also come with significant risks that as a borrower, you should be aware of:
| Danger | Description | Potential consequences |
|---|---|---|
| High Interest Rates | Payday loans have some of the highest APRs in the lending industry. | The high cost of borrowing can make it difficult to repay the loan, leading to a cycle of debt. |
| Short Repayment Terms | Most payday loans are due on the borrower’s next payday, typically within two to four weeks. | The short repayment window can make it challenging to gather the necessary funds, increasing the risk of default or the need to “roll over” the loan. |
| Debt Cycle | If a borrower is unable to repay the loan on time, they may be forced to take out another loan to cover the original balance, leading to a cycle of debt. | According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 80% of payday loans are rolled over or followed by another loan within 14 days. |
| Bank Overdrafts | If a borrower’s bank account lacks sufficient funds when the lender attempts to withdraw payment, it can trigger overdraft fees. | Overdraft fees can add to the overall cost of the loan and further financial strain. |
| Aggressive Collection Practices | Some payday lenders may use aggressive collection tactics, such as threatening phone calls or legal action, to ensure repayment. | These practices can cause significant stress and damage to the borrower’s credit score. |
Consider these potential dangers and carefully evaluate your financial situation.
On our website you can explore alternative options such as credit cards, cash advance apps, credit union loans and personal loans.
How to save $619.00 on your loan
The price difference for a $500.00 loan in 90 days is $619.00.
How to recognize common scams
As the demand for payday loans grows, so does the number of scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting borrowers.
Some common payday loan scams include:
Upfront fee scams: Legitimate lenders will never ask for an upfront fee before disbursing your loan. If a lender demands payment before providing funds, it’s likely a scam.
Fake lenders: Scammers often pose as legitimate lenders, and use similar names and websites to trick borrowers. Always verify a lender’s credentials and read reviews before applying.
Unsolicited loan offers: If you receive an unsolicited loan offer via email or phone, use a scam website checker to determine if the lender is legitimate. Legitimate lenders typically don’t reach out to potential borrowers unsolicited.
Pressure to act quickly: Scammers often try to pressure borrowers into making quick decisions. They may claim that the offer is time-sensitive and provide additional incentives. Take your time and research thoroughly before committing to a loan.
Requests for sensitive information: Be wary of lenders who ask for sensitive information, such as your Social Security number or bank account details, before you’ve agreed to the loan terms.
To protect yourself from payday loan scams, always research lenders thoroughly, read reviews, and verify their licenses and credentials.
Do not share sensitive information or pay upfront fees before receiving your loan.
How to repay a payday loan: best practices
When it comes to repaying your loan, here is what you need to know:
First and foremost, you typically must either provide a personal check to the lender or an ACH (Automated Clearing House) authorization to electronically withdraw money from your bank, credit union, or prepaid card account.
It’s important to carefully read your loan documents so you know exactly how repayment works.
Tip:
Know how your ACH payment is set up. If you gave a payday lender permission to take money directly from your checking account, it is important to know exactly how much your lender will withdraw and when.
Second, make sure from the beginning that you know the total cost of the loan and that when the due date comes, you will have the necessary funds to cover your repayment.
How To Get A Payday Loan FAQs
Can I get a payday loan online?
Yes, you can get a payday loan online. Many payday loan providers offer online applications and can send funds electronically to your bank account the same or next day.
Some services can connect you to direct payday lenders or bad credit personal loan providers, regardless of your credit rating.
What Is the maximum amount I can borrow with a payday loan?
The maximum amount you can borrow with a payday loan typically depends on your income and the specific regulations of your state.
Generally, payday loans are for small amounts, often around $500. However, some states may allow payday loans up to $1,000 or like the case of Virginia, up to $2,500.
How quickly can I get a payday loan online?
For online transactions, the lender will send funds electronically to your bank account the same or next business day.
Can I get a payday loan with bad credit?
Yes, you can get a payday loan with bad credit.
Payday loans require only proof of identification, income, and a bank account, and are often made to people who have bad or nonexistent credit.
However, the high fees and interest rates make them a risky option, especially if you have a track record of mismanaging finances.
What are the risks of getting a payday loan?
Payday loans often lead to a cycle of debt due to their high costs.
If you are unable to repay the loan on time, you may incur high fees and your debt can quickly accumulate. Furthermore, defaulting on a payday loan can impact your credit score.
Can I get a payday loan without a bank account?
Yes, it is possible to get a payday loan without a bank account. However, you will be significantly reducing your options and likely going for extremely expensive choices.
What happens if I can’t repay my payday loan on time?
If you can’t repay a payday loan on time, the lender may make multiple attempts to withdraw funds from your account, which could result in bank fees.
You might also be offered a rollover or renewal, which allows you to delay repayment for an additional fee. If you still can’t repay, the lender could initiate collection efforts, report the delinquent account to credit bureaus, or even sue you.
Can I get a payday loan if I am self-employed?
Yes, self-employed individuals can get a payday loan. Some lenders may require proof of regular income, which can be provided through bank statements.
How To Get a Payday Loan Quiz
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Sources
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureauaccessed on February 28, 2023
