Loans

Are you thinking of going in for a payday loan to meet an unexpected expense? If so, look into these five things before you finalize one. This checklist can help you make smarter choices. You might even end up saving some serious cash!

# First thing to consider — do you really need that cash advance? Sure, you need cash right away, but have you looked at other options? The fact is, a payday loan is an extremely expensive source of funds, with Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) ranging from 300% to 1000%. So before you take one, see if you can arrange money by taking an advance from your employer or from your credit union.

You could also consider borrowing money from friends or family. Depending on your situation, credit card funding might be an option too, because it’s usually cheaper than a payday loan.

# Ask yourself how much you can really repay when the next payday rolls around. Work out an exact number you can commit to. Take a cash advance only for the amount you can repay, considering all charges as well. Obtain funds from other sources for any additional requirements you may have.

Here’s why. If you choose to roll over all or part of the payday loan, you end up paying much more — additional charges, late fees, etc. Your APRs start climbing rapidly and you may even find yourself trapped in a vicious cycle of payday loan debt. Stay clear of this trap.

# Apply only for one payday loan at a time. Your application gets reported to a consumer tracking database used by payday lenders and banks. If you apply for multiple loans, the lenders may see the multiple applications and you might end up being rejected by all of them.

# Go through the lender’s approval criteria very carefully. Apply only to one where you can qualify. If you apply to a company that has stringent criteria and get rejected, that can actually hurt your chances of getting approved by another company with more relaxed criteria.

# If you’re applying online, ask yourself if the lender’s website seems professional and well-organized. Do they have clear information and guidelines on the site? A comprehensive FAQ?

Most important — do they have an SSL certificate on the application page? This indicates data is being transmitted securely. Secure pages have web addresses that begin with “https:” instead of “http:” and in addition, you’ll see a lock symbol displayed in your browser. If a lender is using a non-secure page to collect information about you, find another lender!

Acting on the above points will help you make better choices about payday loans. The best solution is, of course, to get your personal finances into excellent shape so that you never need to borrow in an emergency.

About the Author

Prakash Menon is a financial expert and writer specializing in managing personal debt and providing wealth building solutions. He has written on alternatives to payday loans, personal debt management and other topics.

Cash advances have become quicker to process with online payday loan applications. In as little as a minute, you can be approved for a cash advance and have the money in your checking account the next day. Cash advances can save you from life’s sudden financial emergencies.

Payday Loans Or Cash Advances

Payday loans go by several names including ? cash advance, check loan, or post-dated loan. These are all the same type of short-term loan for amounts between $100 and $1000 depending on your financial situation.

Payday loans are for small financial emergencies. You can save money on late charges or bounced checks by securing a cash advance against your next payday. You usually have thirty days to pay back the loan, although with additional fees you can take longer to pay back the loan.

Easy Application Process

Applying for a cash advance can be completed anytime from your home. Through an online website, you enter your contact information and employment history. Most payday lenders require you to be at least 18 years old and employed for at least the past 90 days. Within five minutes, your application will be reviewed and you will receive notice if you are approved.

Quick Cash Advance

With an approved application, you will need to supply your lender with your checking account routing number so they can deposit your money. Through a wire transfer your money will typically be available by the next day.

No Fuss Payments

Payments for your loan are also handled online. Most payday companies offer at least three payment options you can choose from. On your due date, you can choose to pay only financing charges, the whole loan amount, or a portion of it. You can also change your payment plan, but you will pay more fees the longer you take to pay back your loan.

Convenient Help

Payday loan companies can be contacted through a variety of means. Typically lenders can be reached through phone or email. Increasingly, payday lenders are also using fax and instant messaging to answer questions. Payday websites will also post general information, including their rates, payment options, and answers to generally asked questions.

To view our list of recommended sources for payday or cash advance loans online, visit this page: Recommended Payday or Cash Advance Loan Sources.

Carrie Reeder is the owner of ABC Loan Guide, an informational website about various types of loans.