Choose a Cash Advance Lender in 5 Easy Steps

Despite what you’ve heard about a weak economy, dried up lines of credit, and increased obstacles to receiving a conventional loan…a cash advance loan remains a very attainable and easy-to-qualify-for financial tool. In fact, the payday loan industry is very competitive, and as the consumer, you can use that to your advantage. Remember, cash advance loan applications and approvals are designed to be fast, so even if you need cash quickly, you don’t have to be desperate. Take your time, follow our advice, and get the best deal possible.

1. Search Online

Technology has created a more equitable playing field when it comes to quick cash loans. An easy online search will reveal dozens of companies vying for your business. Take the time to read through their “small print.” While you might not be able to determine the exact fees of your loan until you apply, you should be able to get a feel for what interest charges and financing fees might apply, as well as any late or renewal fees that take affect if you can’t pay the loan back on time. You should also be able to determine what payment scheduling terms the company is willing to offer. Doing research online also allows you to read through feedback from previous customers, as well as any negative consumer reports that might appear on your search engine results.

2. Choose the Amount You Need

The golden rule of a paycheck advance loan is to only borrow the amount you need. Payday loans are usually based on your salary, and many companies will loan you as much as an entire paycheck. But just because you can, doesn’t mean you should! Repeat this to yourself: Only borrow as much as you need. Don’t tack on “extra” cash just so you have a little spending money in your pocket. Remember that everything you borrow must be repaid, and the quicker you can repay it, the lower your financing charges will be.

3. Choose a repayment plan

Do yourself a favor and consider your monthly household budget when applying for a quick cash loan. It’s easy to only focus on the here and now…and right now you just need an extra $200 to pay that winter heating bill. But what happens when you pay that with your quick cash loan, and even more bills are waiting to be paid. Be realistic. If you know you can’t meet your financial obligations as well as payback the loan with one paycheck, arrange upfront to spread your payments over two or three pay periods. You will pay more in interest fees upfront, but doing so helps you avoid more expensive late fees from the lender, or insufficient fund fees from your bank.

4. Pay on time

If you can do yourself one favor when using a paycheck advance loan, it is this—pay on time. If used correctly, a payday loan will get you through your cash emergency with no ongoing obligations attached. You pay it off quickly, and you go on with your usual financial routine. But if you don’t pay that loan off on time, your problems deepen. If you default, you will incur late fees, increased financing fees, and possibly insufficient fund fees from your bank if the lender tries to withdraw your payment and the money isn’t there. A $200 loan can quickly become a $300 loan or more. Avoid this financial trap by budgeting wisely, controlling your spending, and paying your debts on time.

5. Read the small print

Agreeing to a payday loan is like signing a contract, and you are obligated to meet the demands of that contract. To protect yourself from any hidden agendas or fees, read the small print. Before you ever agree to take money from a lender, read and understand everything in the contract that you are signing. If you have questions, ask. If you don’t get a good answer, move on to another lender until you are satisfied that all your questions have been answered and your concerns met.

Remember, you are the consumer and you have the right to seek the best deal possible. Follow these five, simple steps when applying for a cash advance loan, and you’ll easily pay your bills while avoiding any long-term financial problems.

 

A Tool for the Modern Consumer

Get Educated on How Cash Advance Loans Have Changed

You’ve probably heard of a payday loan as a way to cover the gaps between paychecks. But if you find yourself short of cash, you might be hesitant to think of it as a valid tool for your situation. If you’ve heard bad things about cash advance loans, chances are you are getting old or even false information. The truth is, quick-turnaround loans have changed a lot in recent years.

Rethinking Quick Cash Loans

Because they have sometimes been misused by consumers, and at times offered by less than reputable lending companies, payday loans have gained a bad reputation—a last chance tool of the financially desperate. But times are changing. And more and more people are realizing that quick cash loans have become an acceptable option for all modern consumers.

It’s smart to think of these short-term cash advances as personal bridge loans—because that’s essentially what they are. You are borrowing from your future self with the help of an intermediary. The lending company covers your cash shortage for a short period of time—usually until your next payday––and then you pay them back. You’ll pay a flat finance fee when you accept the loan, but this is all done up front, and if you pay on time the contract ends when you make payment. No strings attached. No tricks. No ongoing commitment.

Take Advantage of Technology

Many of the consumer protection advancements have come about because of technological changes. Online banking has helped minimize the pitfalls that consumers used to fall into. You can still apply for a loan at a storefront location, but you can also do so from your personal computer, giving you many advantages.

For one, you can comparison shop. Being online means you can quickly search for fast cash lenders, compare their rates—and most importantly—check their credentials in the lending community, such as proper state and federal licensing, Better Business Bureau endorsements, Chamber of Commerce membership, etc. Perhaps even more pertinent, you’ll be able to read reviews from other consumers. If other clients have had bad experiences, you’ll know about it.

Online lending also gives you the options of direct deposit and automatic withdrawal. If you are approved for a loan, the cash will be deposited directly into your bank account. You can withdraw it from your personal bank or any ATM. When you set up direct deposit, you can also set up an automatic withdraw. So if your loan is due on your next payday, the money can be withdrawn when it’s due, helping you avoid late fees. This also helps you avoid the mistake of spending your money on something else before you remember to pay your loan.

Be Realistic About Your Financial Needs

If you know upfront that it may take you two or three paychecks to pay back the money, let your lender know. Many of them will structure a multi-week loan so that you still have money to cover your ongoing expenses while paying back your loan. You may pay more in financing fees, but it will likely be less than paying fines for insufficient funds or late fees.

If you’re worried about the pitfalls of quick cash loans, put your worries to rest. Find a reputable lender, be honest about your ability to pay and set up a lending structure that works for each of you. Then have your payment automatically withdrawn each payday the loan is active. If you take these steps to protect yourself, a payday loan is a convenient and easy way to get through life’s emergencies.

 

Understanding Your Credit Options

As modern consumers, we all encounter situations that require us to borrow money. Fortunately, there are several financial tools at our disposal. Knowing what credit option is right for each situation is essential. That’s why it’s important to educate yourself on the pros and cons of each of these financial tools.

Credit Cards

Pros
• Easy to use
• Great for incidentals, retail shopping, one-time expenses

Cons
• Must have good credit to be approved for a card
• Many cards charge high monthly interest rates
• It’s easy to spend more than you have, since you never “see” the money.

Credit cards are an undeniably convenient consumer tool, but it’s easy to accumulate debt that you are then charged high interest on. If you use a credit card, it is important to try to pay your amount in full each month, which requires financial discipline.

Conventional Bank Loans

Pros
• Great for big purchases like cars, education tuition, or home investments
• Provide a structured payment system that can be budgeted and paid off over a longer period of time.

Cons
• Must have good credit to be approved
• Involves lots of paperwork and a lengthy application process
• Usually involves providing collateral to secure the loan

Conventional loans go by many names––personal loans, car loans, home equity loans—and more. A bank loan can be tailored to almost any need. They are a great tool for financing life’s big purchases. Unfortunately, the recent banking crisis has limited the amount of credit being extended from banks, and it’s harder and harder to qualify for this type of loan.

Cash Advance Loans

Pros
• Easy to qualify
• No credit check required
• Quick application and approval process

Cons
• High interest rates
• Defaulting on a loan can create serious debt problems

Payday loans are a great tool for emergencies and cash flow problems. They are intended to be a short-term solution for smaller loan amounts. Although they come with high interest rates, due to the short timeframe of the loan this typically is not a problem unless you default on the loan. Protect yourself by budgeting carefully and having the loan amount paid by an automatic withdraw from your account on your next payday.

A Credit Tool for All Seasons

At different times in our financial journeys, each of us might use one or all of these credit options. Knowing the right one to use for the right situation will help you become a confident and savvy consumer.

 

How to Find the Right Online Cash Advance Lender

You’ve been hearing about online payday lenders, and understand that by going online you can simplify the application process and take advantage of the competitive lending environment. But when you’re researching different online lenders, how do you know what to look for once you get to their website? Read below and take advantage of our tips.

1. Check the Lender’s Credentials

The very first thing you should do is verify the lender’s professional credibility. Check to see what state or federal regulations they abide by, and research their professional affiliations. You can usually find this in an About Us section, or in the small print details listed at the bottom of the home page. If the website has a Comment section, read through the feedback left by other consumers. In a separate window, type the lender’s business name into the search engine field. This should turn up any recent news about the company, including negative reports.

2. Verify the Loan Terms

The website should provide you with enough information to give you a basic understanding of what terms you’ll be offered. Bear in mind that terms and interest rates will vary based on the structure of the deal. Factors affecting this might be your salary, the amount you wish to borrow, and how quickly you can pay back the loan. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to call a customer service representative. A phone number should be listed prominently on the website.

3. Inquire About the Company’s Security Practices

Let’s face it. You’re providing a lot of personal information and you want to be sure it’s protected. If the website doesn’t provide it, call the customer service line and ask about:

• Their data encryption practices
• What online security measures they take to protect your stored data
• How many people will handle your information
• If they sell your personal information to other businesses

If you are not satisfied with their answers—walk away.

4. Ask Anything Else You Can Think Of!

As we pointed out earlier, the online lending business is very competitive, and each lender offers different incentives to try and win your business. If you have any questions or uncertainties about what you are being offered, don’t hesitate to ask. If you can’t find your answers on the website’s FAQ page, call the customer service line. They are there to answer your questions.

Once all your questions are answered, and you feel comfortable with the lender, go ahead and apply for the loan. You’ll find the process easy and quick—sometimes taking little more than an hour to receive approval. Once you’re approved, the money will be deposited directly to your bank account and immediately accessible for your quick cash needs.

 

Avoid Debt Problems by Knowing How to Use Your Cash Advance Loan

Have you been reading lately about the downside of getting a cash advance loan? Maybe you know someone who got deeply into debt because they kept taking out payday loans to help pay off their last payday loan?

It’s true. If misused, quick cash loans can be a source of serious financial trouble. That’s all the more reason to educate yourself on how cash advance loans work, because if used correctly, these loans can be valuable financial tools.

Use Your Loan Responsibly

The first rule to remember is that this is a loan. You will sign a contract and will be legally required to repay the loan. When you apply for the loan, keep that fact in mind, and don’t borrow more than you need. When you receive the money, spend it on its intended use––medical bills, home insurance payment, car repairs––whatever your cash emergency is. But don’t use it for a shopping spree. Your money will be gone and your bills will still be there. If you don’t have the financial discipline to do this, don’t get a paycheck advance loan. It would be better for you to work out payment systems with whomever you owe.

If you receive a loan, you must be prepared to pay it back. The best way to do this is to arrange an automatic withdrawal on your next payday. You’ll be sure the money is there, and you won’t have a chance to spend it before your loan payment is made. If you can’t set up an automatic withdrawal, you’ll be asked to either write a post-dated check that will be cashed on your next payday, or be required to return to the lender to pay off your debt on its due date. Don’t neglect to do this. Making late payments, or no payments, on your paycheck advance loan will get you into deeper debt.

Understand the Math

As mentioned elsewhere, the guarantee you put up for a payday loan is your job and your bank account. This gives the company the assurance it needs to lend you the money. Just remember: the money you borrow will automatically be withdrawn from your bank account after a certain length of time. This is unavoidable.

You get a loan for $200.00 to be paid off in two weeks. Your lender is charging you a rate of interest at 250%, which they include in your loan as a flat fee. So now your payback amount is $250.00. If you fail to pay the loan back on time, your lender will charge you a $35 late fee. If the check you wrote doesn’t clear because you don’t have enough money in your account, you’ll also be charged a $30 insufficient funds fee from the lender and a $20 overdraft fee from the bank. Plus, your interest on the loan keeps accumulating. So, your original loan for $200.00 is now $335.00 and growing.

That is how people get into trouble with payday loans.

Practice Financial Discipline

To avoid that trap, take an honest look at your budget and your spending habits. If you find yourself perpetually short of cash, try to cut out unnecessary expenses, or possibly get a part time job to help out your finances. Paycheck advance loans are not intended to be long-term solutions for ongoing financial problems. If you feel you have bigger debt problems, it would be smart to seek the advice of a financial counselor. If, however, your finances are sound, but you have an unexpected expense that you need help with, than a quick cash loan just might be the financial tool you need.

 

Discover the Advantages of Cash Advance Loans

Meet Tom
Tom is an educated, skilled professional who lost his job when his company downsized to meet the demands of the recession. During his unemployment, Tom had savings to cover his mortgage and most expenses. But he used his credit card for other expenses like groceries, Little League fees, and school clothes for his kids.

Recently Tom was rehired, is happy in his new job, and last week was sent on a business trip to meet with one of his new clients. The meeting went well––that’s the good news. The bad news? Tom’s trip happened during a bad winter snowstorm, flights were delayed, and Tom was stuck an extra day in his out-of-town location. That’s one more night in a hotel, and one more day of food on the road.

Tom gets a travel per diem from his company, and he knows he’ll be reimbursed…but not until his next paycheck, which is a week away. He needs cash now to cover household expenses for the week ahead.

What Are Tom’s Options?

Credit cards are not an option, as he maxed his out during his months of unemployment. He doesn’t want to burden his parents by asking them for the money, not to mention the possibility of inviting family gossip into his private life.

Lucky for Tom, he had recently seen an ad for a payday loan vendor. He had never considered this option before, but he thought, “What do I have to lose?” So he went online to do some research, and what he found out surprised him.

First, he found dozens of online vendors ready to give him a quick cash loan until his next paycheck. He could easily compare vendor against vendor to find better rates and payment structure.

Tom Discovers a Quick and Easy Application Process

When he decided to apply, he filled out a simple online form asking for basic facts like his name, address, phone number and social security number. He also provided proof of employment with his employer’s name and phone number, as well as his personal checking account number. An hour later the lender had already verified his information, and made arrangements to deposit the money directly into Tom’s bank account. He would have the money he needed in hand within the next business day.

Tom’s short-term cash problem had found its answer. And repaying the loan was just as easy. Tom arranged for an automatic withdraw from his bank account on his next payday––when he knew the money would be there. He didn’t have to worry about writing a check on time, or forgetting to send it, thereby incurring unnecessary late fees.

Find Out How Payday Loans Can Help You

You may have a story like Tom’s. You may have one completely different, but for different reasons ended up in the same place—a hard working business professional who needs help through a financially difficult time. Take a lesson from Tom and research the advantages of a paycheck advance loan. It may be the answer you’re looking for.

 

How to Find a Cash Advance Lender

Applying for cash advance loans is an increasingly popular method for Americans who need to come up with emergency cash quickly. If you’re looking for the best place to apply for a payday loan, you basically have two choices:

1) A local storefront lender

2) Online

A Storefront Business

You’ve probably passed a payday lender during your regular routines around town—either driving to work or running errands. Most towns will have one or more of these types of businesses. You can either stop in a random location and start asking questions, or look in your local yellow pages for the listing of payday lenders. Always look for lenders that prominently display their state licensing as well as those that might have endorsements from your local Chamber of Commerce or the Better Business Bureau.

The advantage of finding a local lender is that you will be able to speak with a representative face to face. Many people prefer doing their financial business this way, as it allows them to ask questions and possibly pick up extra reading material about the process.

If you decide to apply, you will need to bring recent paystubs, copies of your bank statement, and your Social Security number. You’ll also likely be asked to leave a post-dated check to cover your loan on your next payday.

Online Lenders

You’re other option is to apply online. The advantages here are convenience, speed and privacy.

Type “payday lenders” into your search engine, and you’ll find dozens of online businesses willing to give you a quick cash loan. Just like with your local lender, you’ll want to check out your online lender’s credentials. Even better, you can read through customer feedback on the lender’s website, or search online for any negative news about the company.

Applying is very similar to a storefront loan, but even more convenient. In lieu of paper documents, you’ll be asked to provide your employer’s name and number, as well as your bank routing number and account number. If the online lender is able to verify your information, you can be approved in less than one hour. The money is directly deposited into your bank account, and automatically withdrawn on the loan’s due date.

Do Your Research

Whether you choose to work with a local lender or online, it is vital that you check your lender’s accreditations. Always read through the entire contract—including the fine print—to make sure there are no hidden fees with your loan. As long as you do your research and take the necessary steps to protect yourself, using a cash advance lender is a great way to solve your temporary cash shortages.

 

The Advantages of Faxless Payday Loans

Your familiar with the saying, “The only sure things in life are death and taxes.” Well, you can add a third sure thing to the list—that technology will evolve faster than you can master the last new technology.

It’s sometimes mind-numbing to witness the rate of speed that technology changes—and how quickly we adapt. Digital cameras, smart-phones, Internet search engines (that make finding out about anything so easy)—all these were novel inventions to us as little as ten years ago. Now we can’t imagine a world without them.

These technological advances have affected every area of our lives, including our financial transactions…payday loans included.

Traditional Cash Advance Loans

Traditional quick cash loans involve faxing (remember when faxes were the latest and greatest technology!) a series of personal documents, including

• Your loan application with personal information (including your social security number)
• Recent paystubs
• Bank account statements

But here’s the problem with faxes. Some sources estimate that up to 30% of sent faxes don’t end up with the intended recipient, putting your personal information in the wrong hands. Even if the right person gets your information, they will have your application paperwork sitting on their desk where anyone walking by can grab or read it.

Fortunately, technology has provided a better way—the Internet.

Online Faxless Loans

Many payday lenders now offer faxless cash advances. If you apply online this will most likely be the process you use:

• Complete an online application
• Provide employment information, usually just the employer’s name and phone number
• Provide bank account information, such as your bank’s routing number and your personal checking account number

While there are still privacy risks, much of it has been minimized with the online process. For one, you’ll be sending your application directly to the email of the loan representative handling your account. It’s in their mailbox and only they will see it. When you are approved, your loan amount will be sent directly to your bank. It is worth taking the time to ensure that your lender will use high-end encryption when sending your personal information digitally. Rest assured that if your bank information is stolen, and you suffer a loss, the amount would be covered by the FDIC.

Increased Ease and Convenience

Along with the convenience of technology comes certain risks. Protect yourself by working only with licensed and accredited financial companies. Ask about their security practices before you apply. Once all your questions are answered, and you feel comfortable with the lender and what they offer, enjoy the ease and speed of a modern, faxless payday loan.

 

Emergency Cash Advance Can Help In Our Times of Need

Every day, as we live our lives we never know when the unexpected might happen. Whether it is a simple emergency such as your car breaking down or a major emergency involving tragedy with a loved one, there is always the looming financial burden around the corner. We can all use some emergency cash to help alleviate our worries. A simple payday advance for emergencies is a great way to get the money you need for anything unexpected that may come up.

If your car breaks down, then you will need the money to pay the mechanic shop. Parts and labor are very costly, especially for foreign cars or older cars for which acquiring a part can be costly. A payday advance is ideal for this very reason. You need your vehicle in order to work, pay bills, visit family, and any other reason for travel. Quick cash advances can help you pay the bill so that you do not have to worry about coming up with cash by other means to pay or waiting until your next paycheck before you can pay off the debt to the mechanic.

A more serious emergency such as a medical bill or funeral bill also requires that you have the money you need to pay for these types of services. If you have very poor credit, then some institutions are going to require you to have the necessary funds up front in order to take advantage of their services. The good news is that a quick payday loan is able to help you in this situation as well.

An approval for a payday loan is based on your income from your job as opposed to evaluation of your credit, so even people who have bad credit can get approved for the cash they need. Medical bills are very serious, but your health and the health of those you love are equally important, so getting a payday advance for cash is an immediate way to help pay the bill for the treatments you or your family need.

No matter how serious or minor your emergency may be, payday cash advances exist just for these types of situations. We all need a little help sometimes, especially when life throws us a sucker punch. Lucky for us there are payday cash loan offices everywhere online and in our community to help us in our time of need.

 

Getting a Payday Loan is Easier than You Think

How easy, you might ask? It’s as easy as getting on your home computer and supplying some basic information about yourself and your finances. If you need quick cash, there’s nothing easier.

Done from the Comfort of Your Home

There’s no need to get in your car and drive to the far side of town. You can apply for a payday loan from the comfort of your living room chair. Using your laptop or home computer, do a quick search for online cash advance lenders. You’ll find there are plenty of businesses willing to offer you a payday loan. By using your search to compare lenders, you can find the cash advance loan that offers you the best terms.

Apply Online

Once you’ve found the right cash advance lender for you, begin the application process. You’ll be asked to fill out an online application that asks for basic information, such as your name, address, phone number, and social security number. You’ll also be asked to provide the name and phone number of your employer, as well as your bank account number. With this information the lender can confirm your employment and that you have a bank account. That’s all you need. It is Safe & Secure, so there’s no need to worry if your credit score is less than perfect.

Money Deposited Directly Into Your Account

If you are approved for the payday loan, the quick cash lender will be able to deposit your loan money directly into your bank account, based on the information you provided. You will usually receive the money within the next business day and can withdraw it from your bank or any ATM, no matter where you are or what you need it for.

Schedule Your Payment

To help you avoid fines or late fees associated with late payment, arrange with your lender to have the loan payment automatically withdrawn from your next paycheck. Provide them with the date of your next payday, and schedule the payment. You’ll meet your financial obligations and won’t have to worry about accidentally spending your money on something else before you repay your loan.

Apply Again

Once you’ve established a relationship with a lender, you may be able to receive future loan approvals without having to reapply each time your short of cash. Ask your lender about pre-approval for future loans, or even pre-paid debit cards that you can reload based the amount approved from your fast cash lender.

While it’s important to never borrow more than you need, and, of course, to not spend more than you have, financial emergencies are a fact of life. If you need cash, and you need it now, consider a cash advance loan.