You may need quick cash to cover an unexpected expense, but you don’t want to resort to high-interest credit cards that will burden you with debt for months.
A payday loan may be able to give you the money you need fast and without a credit check, but it can also set you up for major problems if you don’t use it wisely.
Here are some of the pros and cons of payday loans that you need to consider before taking one out.
Pros: Quick access to cash
Payday loans can be a great help when you find yourself in an emergency situation. You may not be able to wait the two weeks it takes for your next paycheck and need cash as soon as possible.
With a payday loan, the funds are available quickly, usually within 24 hours or less.
This makes it perfect if you need money because of an unexpected expense such as car repairs.
They also make it easy by allowing you to apply online so you don’t have to go into a physical location. There are no credit checks involved which means that anyone with an income can get one.
Cons: High interest rates
Payday loans typically come with monthly interest rates that can be as high as 400%. The average annual percentage rate (APR) of a payday loan is 391%.
If you take out a $500 payday loan, the total cost of your repayment will be $675 because the APR adds an additional $175 in interest charges.
On top of this, there are also fees associated with applying for the loan which can add up to an additional 10% or more on top of what was borrowed.
Long-term debt: Payday loans are short-term solutions, but they still involve accumulating debt.
One way to avoid the exorbitant interest rates and fees associated with these types of loans is by finding other ways to generate quick cash such as taking on side jobs, borrowing money from family members, selling items online or pawning jewelry.
All of these options have their own risks involved so it’s important to explore all possibilities before making any commitments.
Pros: Flexible repayment options
A major pro of payday loans is that they offer flexible repayment options. For example, many people are able to repay the entire amount within two weeks.
Also, if someone can’t afford full payment up front, he or she may be able to pay with payments over a longer period of time.
Some people even get these types of loans without credit checks so long as they have an open bank account.
Cons: High interest rates:
One disadvantage is that these types of loans have high interest rates.
Although this might not matter for people who plan on paying off the balance quickly, it could make things difficult for others who end up having to renew the loan in order to pay it off.
The downside to using a payday loan is that it only covers short-term needs, making it more costly than other methods of borrowing money.
Another drawback is that most lenders require borrowers to either live at least 100 miles away from their place of employment or show proof that they’ve been living at their residence for at least 90 days before granting them a loan.
Cons: Risk of late payments
If you’re considering taking out a payday loan, make sure that the money will be there in your account when it’s time to pay back the debt.
For example, if you need cash because of an emergency but have overdrawn your bank account, this is not an option.
Payday loans are typically only for people who can afford to pay them off with their next paycheck.
The fees associated with these loans can be costly, so make sure you know how much interest you’ll have to pay on top of what you borrowed before deciding whether or not to take one out.
They also require a checking account and employment verification, which could be challenging if you don’t have either of those things.
And while they may seem appealing at first glance, they can quickly turn into something more difficult than anticipated; so proceed with caution!
Payday loans can be convenient for some circumstances, like covering unexpected expenses or paying for a major purchase in installments.
But if you think about all the pros and cons before committing, you might find other solutions that better suit your needs.
Pros: Can help improve credit score
One of the benefits of obtaining a payday loan is that it can improve your credit score.
The better your credit score, the lower your interest rate will be on other things like car loans or mortgages.
Payday loans can help you establish your credit history by taking out a small loan and then paying it back promptly.
The downside to this is that if you don’t pay it off quickly enough, your credit score could take a hit. Interest rates.
As with any type of financing, there are always going to be fees associated with these types of loans.
Most people find these fees affordable but they should keep an eye on their budget as they may see a sudden jump in their finances due to all the interest they have accumulated over time.
If you can make sure that the extra money goes into savings, though, you may never have to borrow again.
Emergency funds: These types of loans are perfect when emergencies happen.
If someone is fired from their job unexpectedly and doesn’t get another one soon after or has some other emergency situation arise.
They might need some cash until they receive payment from unemployment insurance or disability payments.
Cons: Can lead to debt cycle
Payday loans are often advertised as an easy solution when you need fast cash, but they can also have some negative consequences.
Payday loans usually come with high interest rates, so if you’re unable to pay off your loan on time, it will only lead to more debt.
If the costs of getting another loan outweighs the benefits of getting one in the first place, then it’s best not to get one at all.
Conclusion
The most important thing is to be aware of the risks involved before applying for a payday loan.
It’s crucial to research different companies and compare prices before taking out a loan.
It’s also important to know that lenders typically want applicants to have steady income that shows no signs of stopping.
