Archive for the ‘Pay Day Loans’ Category

Why Should You Apply for a Payday Loan?

Friday, February 22nd, 2008

While it may be true that payday loans sometimes get a bad rap, they also serve as a much-needed backup plan for people who need cash fast. For the folks relying on payday loans to help with unexpected expenses, these cash advances are often the only thing that keeps their heads above water until the next payday. There are many reasons why people apply for payday loans; following is a list of the most common factors behind the decision to obtain a cash advance.

Emergency money is needed – Unexpected expenses are a huge reason why people apply for payday loans. Sudden car trouble, medical expenses, vacations, home repairs…these are just some of the examples of things that can happen where people need a large amount of money and they need it fast. Many people just don’t have the money saved up to help them during times like this, and that’s why they turn to payday loans. Though payday loans will cost you (usually between $15 and $30 for every $100 borrowed), you can get the money quickly and often with no credit check.

The money is easy and quick to get – Payday loans provide an easy way to get the cash you need, and fast. You have the option of either going to a loan office or applying for the cash advance online. Many lenders don’t run credit checks, as long as you meet certain requirements. For instance, most places require you to be at least 18 years old with a checking account and a steady job. They’ll likely want information from your pay stubs and bank statements, in addition to your social security number. Applications are processed quickly, and many places have a 24-hour turnaround from the point your request is approved to the time you get your money.

You have bad credit – Bad credit can stop most people from getting credit cards and other loans, but not payday loans. Cash advance lenders often don’t care if you have bad credit, and will advance you the money anyway. Though you may be faced with higher fees, you will likely be approved for a loan.

It’s a short-term solution with no long-term commitment – Payday loans offer a quick fix for people who need money ASAP. Loan terms most often come with a repayment schedule of two weeks to one month, and lenders generally want to be paid when you receive your next paycheck. As long as you pay off your cash advance, there’s no long-term commitment involved. If for some reason you can’t meet the repayment schedule, you can request an extension on your loan, which many lenders are willing to grant.

It’s better than bouncing a check – When a check doesn’t clear your bank account due to lack of funds, it costs you, and it costs you big. There’s usually a returned check fee from both your bank and whoever you wrote the check to. And if you’re using your checking account for multiple purchases, then this will add up quickly. Many times you’ll spend less money on a payday loan than you will with bounced checks.

As you can see, there are many reasons people opt for cash advances to get the money they need. Payday loans come with many advantages, and when used responsibly and paid back promptly, they can provide a solid backup plan for the times when you’re strapped for cash.

What You Need To Bring To Get Your Payday Loan

Friday, February 22nd, 2008

If you find yourself in a little bit of a crunch every now and again, a payday loan may be just the solution to help you through. You need to remember that payday loans are supposed to be used for the short term only, and you need to repay the loan as soon as you can to keep from accruing more interest or fees than necessary.

What are the requirements to apply for a payday loan? If you live in the United States, it is required that you be a U.S. citizen, that you are at least 18 years of age, that you have a steady job, that you have a checking account, and that you make at least $1,000 per month. Some payday loan businesses may require that your checking account be in force for at least three or four months, and that you have been employed for that same amount of time. If you are self-employed, you will need to show the business your bank statements for the most recent months. If you don’t happen to have a checking account, often a savings account will suffice.

You will need to bring with you documentation verifying your age, pay stubs verifying your job status, and bank statements or your bank account information verifying your relationship with the bank. You will also need to provide the payday loan business with your social security number. In most cases, the payday loan company will not run a “standard” credit check. Instead, they will verify the information you have given them through a number of resources available to them for that very reason.

If you have bad credit and are worried about the payday loan business running a credit check on you, there are types of payday loans available that will guarantee you they won’t do that. These are called Bad Credit Payday Loans and No Credit Check Payday Loans. If you have bad credit, or have had bad credit in the past, chances are you won’t be able to successfully apply for a loan at a regular bank, and the payday loan companies will be your only hope.

There are payday loan services that you can apply to online. In this case, you will fill out an application on the lender’s web site. Some online lenders will require written confirmation that you meet all the qualifications to be a successful borrower.

After you have successfully submitted the information required, the payday loan lender will contact you, either through email or via the telephone, and discussions regarding a repayment time frame and fees involved will ensue. You will also be told when you can expect the loan to arrive in your checking account. After the money arrives in your account, normally it will require 3-5 days longer before the bank makes the money accessible to you. Some payday lenders can optimize the time frame of your loan if you need the money faster; some can even ensure you receive the money the same day you are approved for the loan, with an extra fee for this speedier service.

As long as you can provide the pertinent information required by the payday lender, your loan will soon be on its way to you.

What To Look Out For In A Cash Advance Lender

Friday, February 22nd, 2008

Payday loans are a great, short term way to get cash into your hands that otherwise you wouldn’t have access to. However, there are things you should know before you sign up with a payday loan company. Some payday loan companies or cash advance lenders are not always honest and upfront about the fees and interest rates charged to borrow money. You need to investigate and make sure you read all the fine print of the loan agreement before you commit to it.

You must share personal information with the cash advance lender; therefore, you need to be especially careful when choosing an online lender and filling out an online application. Choose a company and a site that ensures the safety and security of the information passing from you to them. Many web browsers offer site reviews and reviews security checkpoints for each web site. Pay attention to the information your web browser gives you regarding a cash advance lender site before you complete sensitive information on the site and submit it.

Make sure the cash advance lender you choose is licensed. It is always better to deal with a company that has had to fulfill requirements and meet standards to get a license to operate their business than one who has no license. Also, look for the amount of time the business has been in operation (i.e., when it was established). If a business concern has been around for a number of years, chances are it has built a reputation and has operated in good faith. It has also most likely proven itself to be a knowledgeable and experienced organization.

Look for a cash advance lender who does not require any documentation to be faxed to them and who have quick and easy loan choices to select. These companies are preferable because they are not going to ask for, and retain for some other purposes, your personal and sensitive documentation in hard copy form.

Always, always, always read the loan agreement in full before committing to the loan and signing the agreement. Scrutinize the document and read the fine print so that you will know what you are getting yourself into before accepting the cash advance. The agreement may be long and this may deter you from reading it. That is exactly what unscrupulous companies are looking for. Don’t give in to that temptation; read the document in full. By reading all the various clauses and portions of the agreement, it will also help give you a better understanding of the lender and the agreement itself. Understanding all the “ins” and “outs” of receiving a cash advance will help you have more confidence in the company you are working with and will also help you grasp the importance of repaying the loan.

Rest assured that most reputable cash advance lenders want to answer your concerns and your questions. They want you to feel comfortable in receiving a loan from them. They want you to have a successful experience and for you to repay your loan in good time. Cash advance lenders know that chances are you might need to use their services again in the future. They want you to be satisfied in your experience with them so you will come back to them for any future needs.

The Basics of Payday Loans

Friday, February 22nd, 2008

Payday loans, also called cash advances, provide people with quick cash as they need it between paychecks. People who have bad credit or are faced with unexpected expenses often rely on these loans to help get them through until they receive their next paycheck. Here is some basic information about payday loans and how they can help you:

What is a payday loan? A payday loan is basically an advance on your paycheck from an outside source. These short-term loans give you the cash you need to help you make it until your next payday. Oftentimes, people apply for payday loans because of unexpected expenses, like sudden car trouble or home repairs.

How do payday loans work? A payday loan works just like any other loan – a lender loans you a certain amount of money, and you’re required to pay it back by a certain time for a pre-determined fee.

How much do payday loans cost? The costs of obtaining payday loans vary from lender to lender, but most typically run between $15 and $30 per $100 loaned. There are instances when the fee will be less or more depending on the type of payday loan you apply for.

How can you apply for a payday loan? Applying for a payday loan is easy – all you have to do is go to loan office or get online to find a lender on the web. In either case, you’ll have to fill out an application and be prepared to provide some personal and financial information. Most lenders require that you be at least 18 years old, and have a checking account, a steady job, and a minimum monthly income of at least $1,000. They’ll probably also want your social security number and copies of pay stubs and bank statements. After you’ve applied, you simply wait for your request to be approved. Once approved, you can access your money in as little as 24 hours, and even the same day in some cases.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of payday loans? Payday loans provide an excellent means for cash-strapped people to get the money they need, and fast. With little or no hassle, people can have several hundred dollars at their disposal in a small amount of time with a payday loan. Cash advances also come without the long-term commitment that you’ll find with traditional bank loans – as long as you are responsible and pay the lenders back promptly. Another advantage to payday loans is that they very rarely exceed more than $2,500, meaning that people won’t be as tempted to borrow more than they need. Finally, payday loans can also be less expensive than bounced checks, and can actually end up saving you money in the end. The primary disadvantage of a payday loan is that they come with relatively high fees, with APRs translating between 390% to 780%.

Now that you have this information about payday loans, you can decide if this is an option you’d like to pursue when you find yourself in need of quick cash. With responsible borrowing, payday loans can prove to be a reliable backup plan for those moments when you don’t have the cash you need.

Payday Loan Types

Friday, February 22nd, 2008

You may have already heard about payday loans and how they can provide you with the cash you need in between paychecks, but did you know that there are different types of cash advances? In fact, you have several options to choose from when you decide to apply for a payday loan, each with its own advantages. Here’s a list of loan types to help you decide which loan will work best for you and your unique situation:

* Online payday loan – An online payday loan is a convenient, no-hassle way to get the cash you need fast. You simply fill out an application from an online lender, provide the necessary information, and wait to see if your request is approved. Online lenders typically do not run credit checks if you are a U.S. citizen at least 18 years of age and have a checking account and minimum monthly income of $1,000. If your application is approved, you can usually expect money with 24 hours. Repayment terms are usually based on a two-week timeframe, and at the time of repayment, the lender will simply withdraw the borrowed amount plus the fee charged for the loan.

* Bad credit payday loan – Bad credit payday loans work just like other cash advances, only these lenders do not run a credit check. So even if you do have bad credit, you can still get the money you need between paychecks. The only real difference between a bad credit payday loan and other cash advances is that you may be charged a slightly higher fee for your loan. Be sure to find out exactly what this fee will be before you accept the loan terms.

* Low fee payday loan – Low fee payday loans work exactly as they sound. These cash advances come with a lower fee than other types of payday loans, but they may have stricter requirements for their borrowers. In all other respects, however, these loans are very similar to their counterparts, with the same loan amounts and repayment terms.

* 30 day payday loan – These payday loans work best for people who receive their paychecks monthly. Thirty day cash advance lenders have adjusted their repayment schedules from the more common 14-day term to work with people who don’t get paid bi-weekly.

* Instant payday loan – Lenders of instant payday loans promise you fast cash. If your application is approved, you can have the money you need in a very short time frame. Applications are usually done online, with a representative emailing or calling you to complete the process. Once the loan is approved, you can withdraw your money the next business day, or as an even faster alternative, you can have it wired directly to your account for an extra fee.

Now that you know more about the types of cash advances available, you only have to decide which payday loan will work best for you. Consider the pros and cons of each loan type, and determine how it will fit in with your financial situation. You can also talk to a lender for more information and guidance on which loan will be your best option.

How To Use Your Payday Loan Responsibly

Friday, February 22nd, 2008

Are your bills piling up? Do you need a little room to breathe this month? Do you have a special event or celebration coming up soon that’s not in your budget and you need help with a little extra cash? Payday loans are here to help you, but they are best used for the short term only.

Payday loans can be a great way to “save the day” in emergency situations or when you need a little extra cash on hand but to utilize payday loans responsibly, you need to recognize that they are not a long term or continuing remedy. You need to repay your loan as soon as you can to avoid accruing excess interest or fees. Payday loans are only meant to help in the short term. People get into problems with payday loans when they put off repaying the loan and the loan amount continues to grow and accumulate.

You need to be very cautious about the payday loan organization you choose to do business with as well. There are some unscrupulous payday loan businesses that will prey on unsuspecting borrowers. Investigate and choose the organization you are doing to do business with before you sign up with them.

There is a law governing payday loans that is called the Truth in Lending Act. This regulation stipulates that the company offering the payday loan must inform you as to the APR (annual percentage rate) of the loan; in other words, the amount of interest you will be paying to borrow the money on a short-term basis. Some businesses don’t fully relate the fees and APR that will be applied to your payday loan.

An honest payday loan business is going to tell you all the exact information up front and make sure you know the specifics before borrowing the money. Payday loans come with a fee; some businesses charge higher fees than others. Be sure you know all you need to know before you accept the payday loan. Make sure the business spells out everything in detail and make sure you understand it.

Also, don’t extend the life of your loan (which you can do) for weeks or months. Do not let it go that long without repaying the loan because the amount could grow beyond your means to sufficiently handle it. Your goal is not to create more debt, just to make it easier to handle your expenses in the short term.

Payday loans typically range between $200 and $500, making them relatively easy to repay, as opposed to a much larger amount. Most lenders won’t exceed $1,500 in one loan. Operating this way, the chances should be better of you repaying the loan without accumulating any unnecessary fees.

The object for you is to repay the loan as quickly as you can. Using a payday loan in this manner can be extremely helpful in emergency situations. Also, if you have a bad credit rating, you will be hard-pressed to receive a loan from a regular bank. If you don’t have enough money in the bank to write a check you need to write and mail by a certain due date, a payday loan is a better option than bouncing that check and having to pay the bank fees. Payday loan options can especially be a saving grace in these situations.

How Do Payday Loans Work?

Friday, February 22nd, 2008

Payday loans can be especially helpful if you find yourself in need of some short term cash. Payday loans are not meant to be a long term solution, only a short term and quick fix. The sooner you repay the loan, the better off your financial picture will look.

Everyone has emergencies or crises that come up. Maybe you have had a medical problem or a health condition that has caused you to run short of funds. Payday loans can work for you.

You can opt to fill out an online application for a payday loan or you can visit a payday loan office. The internet has made pretty much everything more convenient and accessible for those with an opportunity to use a computer.

You must meet certain requirements. In the United States, you must be a U.S. citizen; you must be at least 18 years of age; you must be currently employed; and you must have either a checking or savings account. You will need to provide this information to your payday loan lender before they can approve your loan application.

Most payday loans average between $200 and $500. Some companies can offer up to $2,500, but remember the more you borrow, the more you must repay. Most payday loan companies expect you to repay the loan within 14 days, or the next time you get paid (30 days if you get paid once a month). If you don’t repay your loan in that timeframe, you can extend your loan but more fees will be added on and more interest will accrue.

After you have been approved for your payday loan, your lender will deposit the loan amount requested into your checking account. Typically, it may be between three to five days before the bank will actually let you access the cash from that deposit. Different arrangements can be made for a shorter turn-around time, or you can even get the loan the same day, but another fee or surcharge will be tacked on to the repayment amount of your loan.

Payday loan businesses can also give you the option of writing them a check and postdating it 14 days ahead, and they will deposit your check at that time for repayment. In this instance, you will need to add the fee(s) for the loan in with the actual loan amount the check is written for. In some cases, payday lenders can either give you cash right then and there, or they will write you a check you can take to your bank to cash that same day. Payday loan organizations will usually require that you show them a form of ID, such as a driver’s license, or give them your social security number. In addition, they may require proof that you are currently employed, such as a recent pay stub. They may even ask to see a copy of your recent bank statement.

In today’s age of current information at the snap of your fingers, a payday loan institution can usually check the information you give them to verify that it is accurate within minutes. This technology makes payday loans faster and easier than ever before to apply for, and receive, the needed funds.

Common Questions About Payday Loans

Friday, February 22nd, 2008

Everyone’s heard the old saying about living “paycheck to paycheck,” and in fact, this is a way of life for most people. But for some folks, however, these paychecks don’t always cover what life throws their way in between paydays. Car troubles, sick children, unexpected home repairs – expenses like these can really hurt when you don’t have the funds to pay for them. Fortunately, payday loans are available that can help get you through the tough times in between paychecks. Following are some common questions that people have about these cash advances:

What is a payday loan? A payday loan, also known as a cash advance, is a short-term loan that gives you the cash you need to cover expenses until your next paycheck. Most people who apply for payday loans are hard-working people who suddenly find themselves faced with unexpected expenses that they can’t cover until their next payday. Payday loans usually have a term of one or two weeks, as this “emergency money” is used just to get them through until the next payday.

How do I apply for a payday loan? You can apply for a payday loan either by going to an actual loan office or store, or you can find an online lender. Most places will require the following: you must be a U.S. citizen at least 18 years of age with a valid social security number; you must have a steady job with the pay stubs to prove it; you must have either a checking or savings account and be willing to provide statements from the last few months; and you must also make a minimum monthly income of $1,000. Some lenders may also request a proof of residency. You will be asked for this information during your application process, so be prepared with the paperwork on hand.

How much money will I get? The amount of money lent to you will depend upon your income. Most lenders provide cash up to $200 for a first-time borrower; for future cash advances, your loan amount can increase if you’ve shown to be a reliable borrower with prompt payments.

How much is it going to cost me? The fees associated with payday loans can vary, but most lenders charge between $15 and $30 per $100 borrowed.

When do I repay my loan? The maximum time allowed for a loan is 30 days; however, most lenders will want to be repaid at the time you receive your next paycheck. If for some reason you don’t have the funds available on your next payday, you can request an extension of the loan, but this will cost you more money.

If you’ve found yourself in a financial bind and you need money fast, then a payday loan offers a great way for you to cover your expenses until you get paid. Even though you will be paying extra for the cash you get, payday loans provide an excellent means for you to get the cash you need fast.

Understanding Payday Loans

Thursday, February 21st, 2008

Payday loans are a way to get money today at a high rate of interest. They are quick and easy to get, but are costly.

Payday loans are often offered to borrowers who have no other means of getting credit. Perhaps you’ve experienced a bankruptcy or are in a time of financial hardship. If you’re considering a payday loan, chances are your credit score is low and you are in a tough situation. This article will educate you as to the ins and outs of how a payday loan actually works so you can make sure not to get trapped by the potential pitfalls of using one of these loans.

Getting a payday loan goes something like this: You visit a lender and write a personal check for a certain amount of money. This is the amount you want to borrow plus whatever interest rate or fee they are going to charge you for borrowing the money. Usually these rates are very high – like 20%.

For this example, let’s say you need $500, so you write the check to the lender for $600 (the $500 you need to borrow, plus the 20% fee they charge you to borrow the $500.) The lender hands you $500 in cash. You are free to use that money as you please.

In two weeks (thus the term “payday” – since most people are paid every two weeks – the idea being that you needed an advance to hold you over until your next payday) you owe the lender the $600. If you have the money (which remember, is more than you borrowed in the first place), you pay up and everything is good.

But what if you don’t have the $600? Then you need another loan. The lender will usually roll over the loan for another fee (of course, you can only do this so many times before they will insist you pay up) – maybe another 10% on top of what you owed (this amount is not unusual.) Now you owe $650 on the $500 you borrowed! If you extend the loan again, the lender may roll the loan over once more for another fee. By the time you pay the loan off, you may pay anywhere from a 20%-40% interest rate on that loan!

Unfortunately, it’s only those who already have a bad credit situation who get taken in by these kinds of loans. If you are in a desperate situation, make sure you do not get caught up in the cycle of having to roll the loan over repeatedly. A payday loan is an expensive way to get credit, and while it can help you in a pinch or an emergency, it isn’t a wise way to get credit on a regular basis. If you do accept a payday loan, make sure you use the borrowed money wisely and can pay back the entire loan – plus the fee – on time so you don’t get penalized with a humongous fee.

Understanding Payday Loans

Thursday, February 21st, 2008

Payday loans are a way to get money today at a high rate of interest. They are quick and easy to get, but are costly.

Payday loans are often offered to borrowers who have no other means of getting credit. Perhaps you’ve experienced a bankruptcy or are in a time of financial hardship. If you’re considering a payday loan, chances are your credit score is low and you are in a tough situation. This article will educate you as to the ins and outs of how a payday loan actually works so you can make sure not to get trapped by the potential pitfalls of using one of these loans.

Getting a payday loan goes something like this: You visit a lender and write a personal check for a certain amount of money. This is the amount you want to borrow plus whatever interest rate or fee they are going to charge you for borrowing the money. Usually these rates are very high – like 20%.

For this example, let’s say you need $500, so you write the check to the lender for $600 (the $500 you need to borrow, plus the 20% fee they charge you to borrow the $500.) The lender hands you $500 in cash. You are free to use that money as you please.

In two weeks (thus the term “payday” – since most people are paid every two weeks – the idea being that you needed an advance to hold you over until your next payday) you owe the lender the $600. If you have the money (which remember, is more than you borrowed in the first place), you pay up and everything is good.

But what if you don’t have the $600? Then you need another loan. The lender will usually roll over the loan for another fee (of course, you can only do this so many times before they will insist you pay up) – maybe another 10% on top of what you owed (this amount is not unusual.) Now you owe $650 on the $500 you borrowed! If you extend the loan again, the lender may roll the loan over once more for another fee. By the time you pay the loan off, you may pay anywhere from a 20%-40% interest rate on that loan!

Unfortunately, it’s only those who already have a bad credit situation who get taken in by these kinds of loans. If you are in a desperate situation, make sure you do not get caught up in the cycle of having to roll the loan over repeatedly. A payday loan is an expensive way to get credit, and while it can help you in a pinch or an emergency, it isn’t a wise way to get credit on a regular basis. If you do accept a payday loan, make sure you use the borrowed money wisely and can pay back the entire loan – plus the fee – on time so you don’t get penalized with a humongous fee.