You Could Save Money With A Payday Loan Alternative

Borrowers with past credit issues or those in need of cash fast may be tempted to use a payday loan. Often marketed as emergency loans, these products may seem convenient, but they’re a form of predatory lending. Their exorbitant interest rates often trap borrowers in a cycle of debt for years. You should always explore safer, less expensive payday loan alternatives before turning to these products.

Payday loan alternatives worth trying

Even borrowers with bad credit have options that are safer and easier to repay and still deposit funds into your account the same or next day. However, as with any debt product, there are still going to be drawbacks to consider. Take a look at your situation and weigh your options before choosing what financial product to use.

1. Take out a personal loan

Best for those with good credit (or a cosigner) and a stable income.

Personal loans can be used for almost anything, including buying groceries or paying bills if you’re in a financial pinch. A credit score of about 700 should qualify you for an annual percentage rate of around 12 percent. You can take out a personal loan with bad credit, but you will likely receive a much higher rate — up to 36 percent — on an unsecured loan.

Unlike with a payday loan, you will have at least a year to repay what you borrowed. However, you’ll have to watch out for origination fees, which (if your lender charges one) can reduce how much cash you actually receive. Consider the pros and cons of personal loans carefully before deciding if this is the right option for you.

The Bankrate team has reviewed a number of personal loan lenders, including those with very flexible eligibility requirements and those that offer loan terms of seven years. Keep in mind that the lowest interest rate loans go to excellent credit borrowers.

2. Consider a Payday Alternative Loan (PAL)

Best for credit union members who need to borrow a small amount.

Payday Alternative Loans (PALs) are small loans some federal credit unions offer. They typically amount to under $2,000 and are repaid over the course of a few weeks to a few months, depending on the credit union’s PAL details. These unsecured loans aim to provide credit union members with a lower-cost alternative to predatory payday and emergency loans.

Payday loans are notoriously expensive because of their high finance charges. It’s not uncommon to pay the equivalent of 400 percent APR or higher on a payday loan. You could be subject to additional fees if you choose to roll over your loan to the next pay period.

There are two types of PAL loans:

• PAL I: It comes with a maximum APR of 28 percent, and you must be a credit union member to qualify. Borrowing amounts are between $200 and $1,000 and must be repaid in one to six months.
• PAL II: The maximum APR is also capped at 28 percent, but credit union membership is required for at least one month before you’re eligible for a loan. However, the maximum borrowing amount is $2,000, and you have between one and 12 months to repay it.

3. If you can’t qualify for a standard personal loan, consider a bad-credit alternative

Best for bad-credit borrowers who need funds fast.

Borrowers who don’t quite qualify for standard personal loans may have better luck with a lender that caters directly to bad-credit borrowers. This type of direct deposit loan still comes with triple-digit APRs, but they’re often less than what you’d pay for a payday loan.

The best part is that repayment terms are typically measured in months, not weeks. This removes the pressure of paying off the loan by your next payday and gives you more time to work out your finances.

These products often don’t require a minimum credit score and are approved based on your income and banking history, much like payday loans. Funds are usually delivered to your bank account within one business day of approval.

Most lenders that offer these types of loans don’t charge prepayment penalties, which means you can pay your high-rate balance off faster without an additional fee. Some of bad-credit lenders Bankrate has reviewed offer loans under $500, which makes them good for smaller emergency costs — especially if you can pay them off ahead of schedule.

4. Get an advance on a paycheck or use an early payday app

Best for those who need money immediately and don’t have the best credit.

Salary advances are types of loans that directly deposit part of your paycheck into your account. They typically apply to direct-deposited checks, and you might find them at banks and credit unions. It’s also common for employers to offer them to employees. Interest rates are often variable, and you pay interest on the amount you use. An employer might not charge interest or fees.

If you only need to borrow a small amount, there are also a number of early payday apps you can use. These apps allow you to have a portion of your paycheck direct deposited before your next period, and you pay it back when you get your paycheck.

Some apps even allow you to borrow up to $750 in between paychecks, nearly three times more than the average payday lender allows in some states. But you may be subject to cash delivery or subscription fees.

5. Apply for a 0 percent APR credit card

Best for those who have good credit and are confident they’ll pay off the balance before the introductory period ends.

With good or excellent credit, you may qualify for a 0 percent APR credit card. These cards offer an introductory period where no interest is charged on transferred balances and/or new purchases. That makes them great for debt consolidation or emergency purchases that you believe you can pay down within the promotional period.

Keep in mind that the interest on these cards tends to be high once the introductory period ends. Only use this method if you are certain you can repay your debt before interest starts accruing on your unpaid balance.

Don’t charge additional expenses on your balance transfer card while you are paying off your debt. Once your debts are paid in full, keep your card and use it for small purchases that you can pay off quickly. Closing your card could lower your credit score, while keeping it open will add to your available credit and credit mix.

6. Get a cash advance from your credit card

Best for those who already have a credit card and only need to pay for a small emergency expense.

If you have a credit card and only need to borrow a small amount, a cash advance could be a good option. These advances allow you to borrow against your credit limit on your card for situations where you have to pay with cash instead of your card.

While convenient, cash advance costs can be expensive. Cash advance interest rates are higher than your standard rate, and there’s typically no grace period before interest starts accumulating. Many credit card issuers charge an additional fee of 3 percent to 5 percent on cash advances, meaning that a $700 credit card cash advance could cost you between $21 and $35 plus interest.

Despite the cost, a cash advance is safer, cheaper and more practical than a payday loan. They also offer a longer repayment option.

7. Borrow from your 401(k)

Best for those who aren’t retiring soon, have money in a 401(k) account to borrow and have a low credit score.

401(k) loans technically aren’t loans in the traditional sense. You won’t undergo a credit check and won’t work with a lender to obtain the money. Rather, 401(k) loans allow you to borrow from the funds you’ve built up in a 401(k) retirement account. Whether you can borrow from this account depends on your employer and the retirement plan they have set up.

The maximum amount you can withdraw is currently $50,000 or 50 percent of your balance, whichever is less, and you’ll have up to five years to repay the balance. If you use your 401(k) to buy a house, there’s a chance that you could have a longer repayment term — up to 25 years. However, if you leave your employer while in repayment, you’ll have just until the due date of your federal income tax return to repay the loan.

Before borrowing, use our 401(k) calculator to evaluate whether dipping into retirement is recoverable and won’t hurt your future finances.

Why it’s best to avoid payday loans

Payday loans are one of the fastest ways to access cash, but they are also one of the most expensive and dangerous ways to borrow. Typically, you receive your money upfront and write your lender a postdated check. On your next payday, your lender will cash your check for the entire loan amount plus interest and fees.

With triple-digit interest rates that can exceed 600 percent, many borrowers find themselves unable to pay, becoming stuck in a cycle of borrowing. Payday loans are predatory lending, and in fact, this type of lending is illegal in 25 states.

Bottom line

Payday loans are convenient ways to access fast cash. However, they should only be used as a last resort, as both generally have steep borrowing costs. Instead, explore more affordable payday loan alternatives. Exhaust all other options to avoid becoming entrapped in a vicious debt cycle.