11 alternatives to expensive payday loans

When you are strapped for cash, the promise of a hassle-free quick cash payday loan may seem like an attractive option. But is it your only one?

The Center for Responsible Lending calls payday loans “predatory” – for good reason. The ease with which borrowers can get their hands on funds to float them until their next paycheck often takes a heavy financial toll. According to the CRL, the average annual rate for a payday loan is 391%.

Payday loans are problematic due to their high interest rates, but renewals pose an even greater danger. If you are unable to repay the loan on its due date, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau warns that many states allow renewal of payday loans. In this case, you would only pay the fees due on the loan, while the due date is extended. You will then be charged a renewal or renewal fee, plus any late fees, and you will still owe the original amount. This is what leads to an expensive debt cycle.

The good news is that payday advances are not your only option if you are in financial difficulty. Here are 11 alternatives to consider.

For example, if an impending credit card or other loan payment compromises your ability to pay basic expenses, see if you can come to a deal. Many card issuers offer hardship programs that allow you to temporarily reduce or suspend payments in the event that you are unable to pay. Alternatively, your issuer may agree to lower your interest rate to help make your payments more manageable.

If you’ve been a good customer in the past, your lender will be more likely to respond to your request. Either way, it’s best to be upfront about your situation.

While banks have a reputation for red tape and slow processes, you shouldn’t pass up your local financial institution when you’re in a rush. If you need money for a specific purpose, a personal loan from a bank or credit union could be a much cheaper alternative to a payday loan.

“It’s more of a traditional loan deal, structured so that you get a sum of money to fund something that you need to buy or refinance, and you’ll have a repayment schedule,” says Andy. Laino. , a financial planner at Prudential.

But you’re not limited to brick and mortar institutions. Online lenders such as SoFi and Earnest allow you to see what rates and terms you qualify for without performing a thorough credit check. While these options don’t offer same-day funds like payday loans might, some personal loan options can fund your bank account within days if you are approved.

“Personal loans are best used for debt consolidation, for people who have significant medical expenses or who know they will have home repairs at a fixed price,” Laino explains. “When you have more defined expenses or more defined projects, go for the personal loan.”

Homeowners may be eligible for a low-interest, tax-deductible line of credit, says Howard Dvorkin, personal finance expert and president of Debt.com. “For those with a stable income, this can be a great way to access money quickly,” he says. Average HELOC interest rates hover around 5%.

However, be extremely careful when leveraging your home for quick cash. “For those who have financial problems, tapping into their home equity puts their home at risk if they can’t pay off their debt,” Dvorkin said.

Some credit unions offer alternative payday loans. These are short term loans intended to prevent borrowers from opting for high interest payday loans.

These loans are available for amounts of $ 200 to $ 1,000, with terms of one to six months. The issuing credit union can charge a processing fee of up to $ 20 only, according to MyCreditUnion.gov. You must be a member of the credit union to purchase a PAL, and you must have been a member for at least one month to be eligible.

Keep in mind, however, that alternative payday loans can still carry fairly high interest rates. Fortunately, PAL interest rates are capped at 28% by law.

Relying on a credit card cash advance is never a cheap option, although it is probably better than a payday loan. Most issuers will charge a percentage of the advance as a fee, typically around 5%, with a minimum of $ 5-10. The average APR on cash advances is also around 25%.

The key is to repay the advance immediately, before the interest on the balance gets out of hand. Unlike purchases or balance transfers, interest immediately begins accruing on credit card cash advances. If you let the balance linger month after month, your short-term loan could escalate into a long-term debt problem.

An advance on your salary could be the answer to your short-term cash flow problem. Not all companies offer these types of loans, and terms vary. It is essential that you understand that the advance is in fact a real loan that you have to pay back on the agreed schedule.

If you don’t want to involve your business in your financial situation and have a stable salary, you can use an app instead. Companies like Earnin and Brigit will pay you a portion of your next paycheck without any interest. Fees are limited, although some apps allow you to tip voluntarily.

It’s possible to tap into another resource in the workplace besides your paycheck: your 401 (k). While traditional advice requires you to run for the hills before withdrawing money from your retirement account, a 401 (k) loan is a valid option if you are really stuck.

Borrowing on your 401 (k) is tax-free, as long as you follow all the rules. This means paying off the loan on schedule or in full if you leave your employer for another business. It also doesn’t require a credit check and you pay interest on your own account. As long as you pay off the loan within about a year, the impact on your long-term earnings should be minimal. Just keep in mind that your employer may not allow you to reassess your 401 (k) while you are paying off a loan. This could slow down your progress in growing a retirement nest egg.

Pawn shops offer secured loans with no credit check or lengthy application process. You can receive money on the spot by placing an asset as collateral. Once you have paid off the loan and all fees by the agreed due date, you get your collateral back. If you cannot repay the loan on time, you lose any assets that you have pledged.

Keep in mind that the cost of borrowing from a pawnshop varies widely. Interest rates range from 12% to 240%, depending on state law. Storage and insurance costs may also be included in the loan. The upside is that if you can’t pay it back, you can opt out without incurring new charges or a blow to your credit.

Peer-to-peer loans can also help you get cash quickly by connecting you with an investor through a lending platform like LendingClub or Prosper. Investors on these platforms can review the available loans and select the one they want to fund. In return, the investor charges interest. You may also have to pay a small loan origination fee.

The interest rates on P2P loans can be quite low, especially if you have good credit. At LendingClub, the range is 10.68% to 35.89% APR. The application process is usually much less complex than at a bank. P2P loans also offer other advantages. “A peer investor can be nicer than a traditional bank,” says Dvorkin.

Finally, if getting into more debt due to fees and high interest rates is a real concern, consider turning to a trusted family member or friend for financial help.

This option can be difficult to navigate, but could be a good choice if it allows you to avoid the exorbitant interest and fees of a payday loan. Keep in mind, however, that borrowing money from a friend turns a personal relationship into a business relationship. You need to be comfortable with being beholden to that person, and the relationship could turn sour if you don’t stick to your end of the bargain. Your loved ones should only lend what they can afford to lose.