Get the Facts about Payday Loans
Cash advance loans can be an effective financial management tool for someone facing a temporary shortage of cash. Before you decide if it’s the right choice for you, make sure you understand all the facts.
Research Your Lending Choices
You are probably familiar with payday lender storefronts in your area; most large cities have businesses offering these services. Payday lenders also offer their services online. With just a quick Internet search, you can find dozens of lenders offering paycheck advance loans.
What to Expect When You Apply
When you apply at a storefront location, you can expect to fill out an application asking for your name, address, phone number, social security number, and other relevant information, including how much money you want to borrow. You will also be asked to provide pay stubs as proof of employment, as well as recent bank account statements.
If you apply online, you will also be asked to complete an application, and provide your employer’s phone number, as well as your bank account number. The lender can verify your information with these numbers and either approve or deny your application. Some storefront locations are also adopting this more streamlined application process.
You can usually be approved and have money in your account within two business days.
How They Work
If your application is accepted, the lender will provide you with the amount of cash you were approved for. If you borrow from a storefront location, you will either receive a check, have the money deposited directly into your bank account, or be issued a prepaid debit card loaded with the approved amount.
If you are approved for a loan online, the money will be deposited directly into your bank account.
Repayment Options
When you are approved for a loan, your contract will state the terms of the repayment process and schedule. If you apply with an online vendor, the amount of your loan payment will be withdrawn from your bank account on the scheduled day of your next paycheck.
If you apply at a storefront location, you may also be able to repay by a direct deposit from your bank account. Some lenders may ask for a post-dated check, and still others may ask you to return to the store on the day your loan is due.
Things to Consider
When applying for a payday loan, remember to read through your contract carefully, and make sure you understand the terms of your loan. Important things to consider are the finance charges of the loan, the repayment schedule, and the repayment method, as well as any late fees or other fees that might be attached to the loan.