Payday Loans
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Payday Loans: A Sure-Fire way to Go Broke
Deferred deposit loans, commonly known as “payday loans” (also called cash advance loans, check advance loans and post-dated check loans), have become an increasingly popular method for consumers to access fast cash.
But beware: once you a payday lender gets into you, they may never let you go. And it’s not love – it’s strictly business.
How it works Bad credit? No credit? “Not a problem,” the lender will say. All a consumer needs to obtain a payday loan is a job, a phone, a utility bill, a checking account, and a driver’s license. The borrower writes a personal check payable to the lender for the amount they wish to borrow, plus a fee – typically 15% of the check. The check is usually held for two weeks, until the customer’s next payday, at which time the borrower either redeems the check by paying the face amount, or allows the check to be cashed. If the borrower can’t afford to cover the check, they may roll it over for another term by writing another check, which will result in another set of fees being added to the balance.
Those additional costs add up fast! Consumers may be misled into thinking that payday loans are a cheap and convenient way of borrowing money for the short term. However, with average annual interest rates ranging from 391% to 521%, payday loans are no bargain. Consider this example:
Loan: $200
15% fee: $30
Amount that must be repaid to lender: $230
Repayment period: 2 weeks
Paying a $30 fee on a $200 loan with a 2 week repayment period translates to an Annual Percentage Rate of 391%! For comparison, other kinds of “longer term” lenders typically charge 5-25% APR, depending on loan type and term.
Consumers often have difficulty repaying the entire loan when their payday arrives because it will leave them with little or no money for their living expenses. Result: The consumer pays another round of charges and fees and obtains no additional cash in return.
Collection tactics for payday loans can be very aggressive. Lenders may require customers to sign an “Assignment of Salary and Wages” authorizing them to go directly to the borrower’s employer to ask for the amount owed to be deducted from the borrower’s paycheck and paid to the lender.
Breaking the Payday Loan Cycle The average payday loan customer makes nine transactions a year – and maintains an endless sequence of debt. If you find yourself caught in the payday loan cycle, follow the steps below for relief:
Analyze your financial situation in its entirety:
Set reasonable and achievable financial goals.
Understand your earning potential: Can you work overtime, obtain a second job, or turn a hobby into income?
Review your expenses: Can you reduce or eliminate anything in the short or long term?
Review your debt: List everything, then set priorities. Because the interest rates on payday loans are well above other types of debt, treat it as a financial priority.
Track your spending and regularly review your budget.
Commit yourself to not using payday loans in the future.
If you are using payday loans because you inadvertently overdraw on your account, consider overdraft protection.
Develop a savings plan. Three to six months’ worth of expenses in an accessible savings account is recommended, but anything is better than nothing. A hundred dollars set aside for emergencies can save you a trip to the payday loan company – and a tremendous amount in fees.
Understand the root of the problem. Are you spending beyond your means because you’re income is insufficient to live on, or because you’re spending more than you need to on non-necessities?
Other ways to generate money Difficult financial situations do happen. It is recommended that consumers consider all available options before choosing to use a payday loan:
Ask your bank or credit union for a loan. The interest rate cap for small unsecured loans is currently 36% – significantly lower than a payday loan.
Request an extension on what you owe. If you have had a good payment history, this may be the best option. Ask about finance and late charges for delinquent payments and payment plans.
In an emergency, consider using a credit card to pay your bill.
A cash advance on your credit card is often more expensive than a credit card purchase, but still an option. Check with your credit card company to compare rates.
Borrow from a friend or family member.
Take inventory of your belongings. You may be able to sell an asset.
Some employers will give an advance on a paycheck. Check with your human resources department for specific regulations.
Laws that protect consumers Under the Truth in Lending Act, the cost of payday loans – like other types of credit – must be disclosed. Among other information, you must receive, in writing, the finance charge (a dollar amount) and the annual percentage rate or APR (the cost of credit on a yearly basis). Collectors for payday loans must comply with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Any complaint against a lender may be filed with:
Federal Trade Commission: (877) FTC-HELP or www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: (855) 411-2372 or www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint