Why Do Payday Loans Cost So Much?

January 14, 2010

Life is unpredictable.  Situations arise that call for immediate financial attention and you may not be prepared to cover the necessary expenses. When circumstances require you to need money that you may not have on hand, one solution is to visit a get cash now lender.

Unlike typical banks and loan offices, these financial companies provide cash loans without large amounts of collateral or, in many cases, a solid credit history. Many do not even require provable savings. Establishments that allow borrowers to get cash now with no bank account provide access to cash funds without the need for electronic transfers or a personal financial review.

The term “payday loan” refers to the collateral required to lend money against an upcoming paycheck. For this reason the borrower is expected to have verifiable employment. Usually this means a current paystub and accompanying employer contact information. With verified employment, borrowers can receive a percentage, or even the entire value, of a future paycheck.

Loans may be applied for at walk-in locations or via the internet once you’ve established which lender you wish to use. Many lenders offer direct deposit of funds into a personal bank account and sometimes this results in faster access to the borrowed amount. Payment time of in-store loans is subject to the ease with which employment and other potential terms can be verified and met but are usually fast.

Like all loans there are associated costs with borrowing money. Payday loans sometimes carry higher interest rates than a typical bank loan. Borrowers must be fully aware of all fees and payment requirements. The exact terms and conditions will vary lender to lender and loan to loan. A payment schedule and deadline should be expected if the borrower is not required to pay the loan off in full by a certain date. Some lenders offer variable interest rates for early repayment. Others assess penalties for late payment. A complete understanding of the full agreement will prevent the loan from costing a borrower more than necessary.

When considering a payday loan keep in mind the associated costs tend to be higher than a traditional loan. This is due to higher risk on the part of the lender stemming from a minimal amount of collateral required to back the loan. They also provide accessibility to smaller amounts of cash that most banks will not consider lending under any repayment agreement. While generally more expensive through applied interest, payday loans are a reliable resource for emergency cash and should be considered a safe option to get cash now and pay later in times of immediate financial need.

Here is a great video about the pitfalls to avoid with payday loans.

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