Getting a payday loan can be a blessing or it can be your worst nightmare. If it is going to be a blessing, you must know as much as you can about a payday loan. The following tips will ensure that you make the payday lending choice that produces the best results.
Research various payday loan companies before settling on one. There are many different companies out there. Some of which can charge you serious premiums, and fees compared to other alternatives. In fact, some may have short term specials, that really make a difference in the total cost. Do your diligence, and make sure you are getting the best deal possible.
Understand what APR means before agreeing to a payday loan. APR, or annual percentage rate, is the amount of interest that the company charges on the loan while you are paying it back. Even though payday loans are quick and convenient, compare their APRs with the APR charged by a bank or your credit card company. Most likely, the payday loan’s APR will be much higher. Ask what the payday loan’s interest rate is first, before you make a decision to borrow any money.
Go to BBB.org to see what the Better Business Bureau has to say about the payday lender you are considering. There are many predatory lenders out there, and if you do not do your research, you may easily fall victim to a scheme. Find out if the company you plan to deal with is legitimate.
Before using a payday loan, look at all your other options. You will be better off borrowing money from family, or getting a loan with a bank. A credit card may even be something that would benefit you more. All of these options expose your to far fewer fees and less financial risk than a payday loan does.
Consider how much you honestly need the money that you are considering borrowing. If it is something that could wait until you have the money to buy, put it off. You will likely find that payday loans are not an affordable option to buy a big TV for a football game. Limit your borrowing through these lenders to emergency situations.
Read the fine print in any payday loan you are considering. Often, these lenders prey upon people who are already financially strapped. They make their money by giving loans to poor borrowers that have a small chance of repaying on time. You are going to routinely find that for each assurance these lenders offer you, there is a disclaimer in the fine print that lets them escape responsibility.
Because lenders have made it so easy to get a payday loan, many people use them when they are not in a crisis or emergency situation. This can cause people to become comfortable paying the high interest rates and when a crisis arises, they are in a horrible position because they are already overextended.
Use payday/cash advance loans minimally. Think about seeing a credit counselor to get your finances under control if you’re having financial problems. Payday loans that are not paid on time add up quickly and can lead to bankruptcy. Prevent this from happening and stay away from these types of risky loans.
Make sure to stay updated with any rule changes with regards to your payday loan lender. Legislation is always being passed that changes how lenders are allowed to operate so make sure you understand any rule changes and how they affect you and your loan before signing a contract.
Always read the fine print for a payday loan. Some companies charge fees or a penalty if you pay the loan back early. Others charge a fee if you have to roll the loan over to your next pay period. These are the most common, but they may charge other hidden fees or even increase the interest rate if you do not pay on time.
Whenever you are filling out an application for a payday loan, you should always look for some sort of writing that says your information will not be sold or shared with anyone. Some payday lending sites will give important information away such as your address, social security number, etc. so make sure you avoid these companies.
For those who have evaluated all of their options and have decided that they must use an emergency payday loan, be a wise consumer. Do some research and choose a payday lender which offers the lowest interest rates and fees. If at all possible, only borrow what you can afford to pay back with your next paycheck.
Learn about the default payment plan for the lender you are considering. You may find yourself without the money you need to repay it when it is due. The lender may give you the option to pay only the interest amount. This will roll over your borrowed amount for the next two weeks. You will be responsible to pay another interest fee the following paycheck as well as the debt owed.
Payday loans are not federally regulated. Therefore, the rules, fees and interest rates vary from state to state. New York, Arizona and other states have outlawed payday loans so you need to make sure one of these loans is even an option for you. You also need to calculate the amount you will need to repay before accepting a payday loan.
As already stated, there are good and bad consequences of payday loans. If you are well-educated in this subject, getting a loan will more than likely turn out positive for you. The tips mentioned earlier will do wonders in educating you about payday loans.
