The Pros and Cons of Payday Loans
Friday, May 27th, 2011Payday loans are more popular than ever, with more and more businesses popping up on every corner. Because of the recession and a generally struggling economy, these businesses are operating online and on almost on every street across the nation. With online payday loans increasing in prominence, consumers have to carefully weigh their options. Payday loans can be a very beneficial thing, but if they are used incorrectly, they can cause more financial hardship than they are meant to solve. Keep the following tips in mind when you are making your own budgeting choices:
Pros
- Usually a credit check is not required for a cash advance. Those who have bad credit can still get the money they need in the form of a payday loan.
- There isn’t any collateral required for a payday loan.
- There is less paperwork to fill out with a cash advance than there is through a traditional lending facility such as a bank or credit union. This isn’t always the case, but generally it holds true.
- Payday loans are pretty easy to get. You don’t have to jump through a lot of hoops to qualify.
- Because they’re easy to obtain, payday loans are especially handy when an emergency arises or when the unexpected happens and you need quick cash.
- Cash advances are quicker than traditional loans, and the recipient can usually be approved for funds by the next day.
- Payday loans are convenient because their places of business are located close to many urban areas. If there isn’t a location near you, there is still the option to go online and receive a loan that way.
Cons
- Payday loans have a very high interest rate, and if you cannot immediately pay it off, you might be paying up to 500% in interest each year.
- Read the contract thoroughly, because some contracts include terms that are entirely in the favor of the lending operation and not in the best interest of the borrower. You might be better off taking your business elsewhere.
- Some payday loan businesses operate illegally when they attempt to collect on loans. Ask about their collection practices to make sure you will not be hounded with threatening calls if you miss a payment.
- Cash advances only give you temporary relief, so you need to think of solutions that actually solve your problem rather than putting a bandage over it.
Depending on your situation, a cash advance might work to your benefit. Make sure you do all your research on payday loans in the state so that there aren’t any surprises, and if you keep up with your payment, then you can make the system work for you.