Delancey Street

Payday loans can be a helpful financial tool for consumers who need access to fast cash, but it’s important to understand how they work before taking one out. As a financial services company, we want to provide clear, factual information so you can make an informed decision.

What is a Payday Loan?

A payday loan is a short-term, high-cost loan that is typically due on your next payday. These loans, sometimes called cash advances or check loans, are usually for $500 or less and have to be repaid in full when you get your next paycheck or income payment.Payday lenders will give you cash immediately in exchange for a post-dated check or electronic access to your bank account. The lender deposits the check or withdraws the repayment amount on the loan due date, which is usually within two to four weeks.These loans are designed to help borrowers cover short-term cash needs until their next income arrives. Common uses include:

• Emergency expenses like car repairs or medical bills
• Regular bills like rent, utilities, or credit card payments
• Other cash shortfalls like an unexpected expense

While payday loans provide fast access to cash, they come at a high cost. The fees and interest rates are much higher than other types of loans.

Payday Loan Costs and Fees

Payday lenders charge a flat fee based on the amount you borrow. This fee is typically $15 to $30 per $100 borrowed. For a typical $300 loan, you would pay $45 to $90 in fees.When you calculate the annual percentage rate (APR) – the cost of the loan expressed as a yearly rate – on payday loans, it averages nearly 400% APR. That’s significantly higher than even credit cards, which can range from 12% to 30% APR.Here’s an example to show the cost:

• Amount borrowed: $300
• Fee charged: $45
• Due in 14 days

• Fee of $45 on a $300 loan for 14 days equals a 391% APR

In addition to fees, if you are unable to repay the loan on time, you may be charged late fees, returned check fees, or insufficient fund fees from both the lender and your bank. This can quickly make a small loan very expensive.

Payday Loan Qualifications

Payday lenders have basic requirements for approving a loan, including:

• Active checking account
• Proof of income from a job or benefits like Social Security
• Minimum age of 18 in most states
• Valid identification like a driver’s license

Your credit score or report is usually not checked, and ability to repay is generally not considered. As long as you meet the basic criteria, you are likely to be approved for a payday loan.Approval can be very fast, with money deposited into your account as soon as the next business day. This makes payday loans very accessible compared to traditional loans from banks or credit unions.

Payday Loan Regulations

Payday loans are regulated at the state level. Some states ban payday lending, while others have rules about:

• Maximum loan amounts
• Number of loans you can take out at once
• How many consecutive loans are allowed
• Cooling-off periods between loans

For example, Illinois limits borrowers to one loan at a time with a maximum $1,000 amount. There is also a cooling-off period of seven days between loans.At the federal level, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau requires lenders to assess a borrower’s ability to repay before making a loan. This applies to loans requiring full repayment within 45 days.

The Payday Loan Process

If you decide to take out a payday loan, here are the typical steps in the process:

1. Find a lender – Search online or visit a retail storefront lender. Make sure they are licensed to operate in your state.
2. Apply – Complete a short application with personal details, income source, bank account info. Approval is often instant.
3. Sign agreement – The lender will provide the loan terms, fees, and repayment date. Read carefully before signing.
4. Receive funds – For an online loan, funds are deposited into your bank account, usually by the next business day. At a retail location, you receive cash immediately.
5. Repay loan – The lender will withdraw the repayment amount from your bank account on the due date, typically your next payday. If you can’t repay, some lenders allow rolling over into a new loan.

Pros and Cons of Payday Loans

Payday loans provide fast access to cash when you need it, but also come with risks. Consider the pros and cons before deciding if a payday loan is right for your situation.

Pros:

• Fast and easy approval process
• Funds available quickly, as soon as next business day
• Minimal eligibility requirements compared to traditional loans
• Accessible options from online or retail storefront lenders
• Useful for covering short-term emergency costs

Cons:

• Very high fees and interest rates
• Can create cycle of debt that is difficult to get out of
• Repayment due in full on next payday, could worsen cash shortfalls
• Insufficient funds or overdraft fees if repayment is unsuccessful
• Negative impact on your credit if loan goes to collections
• Does not solve ongoing financial issues or create long-term stability

Alternatives to Payday Loans

If you need access to cash quickly, consider alternatives to payday loans that may be more affordable:

• Borrow from family or friends – For short-term needs, they may be able to provide an interest-free loan. Always pay back as promised.
• Credit union or bank personal loan – These have much lower interest rates and longer repayment terms. You will need good credit to qualify.
• Credit card cash advance – The interest rates are still high at about 25%, but lower than payday loan costs. Only use if you can pay it back quickly.
• Payment plan with creditors – Contact your utility company, landlord, or other creditors directly to arrange a payment plan for bills.
• Local assistance programs – Check for nonprofits or government agencies that provide emergency grant programs in your area to cover basics.
• 401(k) or retirement account loan – You can borrow against your own savings and pay yourself back with interest. This should only be considered as a very last resort.

The Bottom Line on Payday Loans

Payday loans provide a quick solution when you need cash fast. However, the high fees, short repayment terms, and risk of falling into debt cycles mean they should only be used as an absolute last resort. Consider all alternatives before taking out a payday loan, and have a plan for repayment before you apply.At Delancey Street, we want to help consumers build financial stability and make informed choices about using credit. Our team is happy to discuss your options and provide guidance tailored to your personal situation. Contact us today to get started!