Payday Loans: Pros, Cons, and Alternatives

Financial worry is an invisible stressor many people carry—one that suddenly becomes vividly urgent in the face of an unexpected expense. Money-related emergencies have a way of turning a manageable situation into an overwhelming one almost instantly.

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It’s no coincidence, then, that for many Americans living paycheck to paycheck, payday loans can seem like the best way to bridge the gap. But this fast-cash option isn’t the only solution on the market. In fact, a variety of financial services—including cash advances, personal loans, and earned wage access (EWA)—exist for people in a financial pinch. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of payday loans and look at how they stack up against other alternatives.

Payday loans

Payday loans are short-term, small-dollar loans for borrowers who need immediate funds. Often sought to cover unexpected expenses, these loans are typically designed to be repaid by the borrower’s next paycheck. And while they provide quick access to cash, payday loans do come with some important financial risks to consider.

How do payday loans work?

The main reason people seek out payday loans is that they can provide immediate financial relief. The main reason financial experts caution people against these loans, however, is because they charge high fees and interest rates. 

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Here’s the typical lifecycle of a payday loan. First, a borrower applies—in person or online—requesting a loan. Some basic personal information is required in this application, but in general, these small loans range from just $100 to $1,500 and aren’t tough to qualify for. Approvals are often granted in just minutes. 

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Getting the loan is the easy part. What gets tough for many is paying that loan back by the due date—usually within two to four weeks—along with all fees and accrued interest. 

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If the borrower cannot repay the loan on time, some lenders allow rollovers or renewals. That means the loan is extended—but for additional fees. Because these fees and interest can add up fast, getting a payday loan can start a cycle of debt that’s difficult to escape.

Who typically uses payday loans?

Payday loans are most commonly used by individuals who share two key traits: an urgent need for immediate cash and limited ways of getting that cash.

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First and foremost, they typically need money on the immediate, often due to an unexpected event like a trip to the emergency room, a sudden spike in medication costs, or a car breakdown. These are issues that have to be dealt with right away, regardless of whether you’re financially prepared. 

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Second, they don’t have a lot of options for getting that money. Often, people who opt for payday loans are among the 57% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck. They don’t have personal savings or credit card allowances to fall back on, and aren’t eligible for traditional loans or lines of credit due to their income level or credit history. Others may simply not have options other than payday loans because they live in rural communities where financial services are limited.

Pros of payday loans

1. Immediate approval process: Getting payday loans online or in person is usually a simple and fast application process, providing immediate access to funds, usually on the same day.
2. No credit checks: Payday lenders generally do not perform a credit check, making them accessible to individuals with poor credit scores.

Cons of payday loans

1. High interest rates and fees: Payday loans come with exorbitant interest rates and fees, potentially trapping borrowers in a cycle of debt. A report from the Center For Responsible Lending showed that in California, the average annual interest rate for a $400 loan was around 460% and up to 662% in Texas.
2. Short repayment term: The short repayment period, typically around 2 weeks, can lead to difficulties in repaying the loan on time, resulting in additional fees and charges.

Payday loan alternatives

Although getting payday loans online might seem like a quick and easy fix in the midst of a financial emergency, they’re not the only option. And often, they aren’t the smartest choice. Instead, a range of alternatives that come at lower costs are on offer for many people. 

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These options vary quite a bit in terms of how easily and quickly you can access funds and what you need to pay for the service. To pick wisely, you need to know your choices well before making a decision. Let’s look at some of these alternatives more closely.

Cash Advances

Cash advances are short-term loans offered by banks, credit card issuers, or alternative lenders. They allow you to borrow money against your credit card’s available balance or credit limit.

Pros of Cash Advances  

1. Quick access to funds: You can get cash immediately by simply going to an ATM and using your credit card through which the cash advance is provided.
2. No collateral required: Cash advances do not typically require collateral, reducing the risk associated with borrowing.

Cons of Cash Advances:

1. Pre-approval needed: To be eligible for cash advances, you first need to apply for a credit card which would require you to submit your social security and get your credit score pulled. This would determine what dollar limit you would be eligible for on your credit card and cash advance balance.
2. High interest rates: Cash advances carry significantly higher interest rates than regular credit card transactions, typically ranging from 99% to 29.99%, increasing the overall cost of borrowing.
3. Additional fees: Lenders may impose additional fees, such as cash advance fees or transaction fees, making cash advances more expensive.
4. Negative impact on credit score: Frequent use of cash advances or failure to repay them promptly can negatively affect your credit score.

Personal Loans

Personal loans are traditional loans provided by banks, credit unions, or online lenders. They involve borrowing a specific amount of money for a fixed term and paying it back in regular installments, including interest. Personal loans can be secured (requiring collateral) or unsecured (based on creditworthiness). They offer more flexibility than cash advances, but their availability and terms depend on your credit history and income.

Pros of Personal Loans

1. Lower interest rates: Personal loans often come with lower interest rates than cash advances, making them a more affordable option in the long run. According to a Bankrate study, the average personal loan interest rate is 27% as of July 26, 2023.
2. Longer repayment terms: The lender usually provides various repayment terms, typically ranging from 1 to 5 years repayments, which may suit your financial situation, enabling better budgeting and planning.
3. Larger loan amounts: Personal loans generally provide access to larger sums of money than cash advances, typically starting at around $10K and often up to $100K, making them suitable for major expenses like home renovations or needed surgeries.

Cons of Personal Loans

1. Credit check requirement: Lenders typically perform a credit check when assessing personal loan applications, which can impact individuals with poor credit scores.
2. Longer approval process: Compared to cash advances, personal loans often involve a more extensive application and approval process, resulting in longer wait times.

Earned Wage Access (EWA)

Earned wage access, also known as on-demand pay or early wage access, is a financial service that enables employees to access a portion of their earned wages before their scheduled payday. EWA platforms partner with employers to offer this benefit, allowing workers to bridge the gap between pay periods. Unlike traditional loans, EWA is not a loan or credit product, as it simply provides access to already earned wages.

Pros of Earned Wage Access:

1. Immediate access to earned wages: EWA allows employees to access a portion of their already earned wages, eliminating the need for loans or credit.
2. No interest or credit checks: Since EWA is not a loan, it does not involve interest charges nor requires a credit check, making it accessible to individuals with varying credit scores and preventing individuals from falling into a debt cycle.
3. Budgeting assistance: Earned wage access apps and platforms often provide financial management tools, helping individuals better manage their income and expenses.
4. Simple process: Not only do earned wage access apps offer an alternative to loans, they allow employees to access paychecks early with just a few taps on a smartphone or other device.

Cons of Earned Wage Access:

1. Employer-based availability: Though direct-to-consumer EWA options do exist, EWA is most often a benefit provided by the employer to their employees. This means the employee cannot sign up for an employer-sponsored EWA service without the employer being set up first with the EWA provider.
2. Potential lack of clarity: Since EWA is money coming from work already performed, the employee’s usual paycheck will have the EWA amount deducted from it. Unfortunately, some EWA providers don’t clearly note this deduction on paystubs, which can cause confusion as to what earned wage access is costing them. Employers need to be sure that the EWA provider they choose makes all deductions clear and transparent.

Choosing the Right Option:

When deciding which option to use—payday loans online, cash advances, personal loans, or earned wage access—it is essential to evaluate your specific circumstances and needs. Consider the urgency of your situation, the amount of funds required, your credit history, and the associated costs. Here’s a comparison chart of the four options: