Finding Affordable Payday Loans


There is usually a negative connotation associated with payday loans. Most people believe these loans have something to do with loan sharks or some other scam. Quite the contrary, payday loans today are totally legitimate and are actually very helpful to individuals in need of some extra cash.

A few years ago, there was a considerable number of dubious companies running payday loan businesses, but since the government stepped in and enforced laws on this practice, there has been a sharp decline in their number. Today, there are strict interest rate limits that prevent lending companies from taking advantage of desperate borrowers.

Despite these measures, though, many people are still reluctant to use payday loans, precisely because of the inherently suspicious nature of the business. Most people are probably wondering if legitimate and affordable payday loans really do exist or are just marketing ploys used by some lending companies.

If you are still doubting the existence of affordable payday loans, you can stop now. These loans do exist. All you have to do now is find them. It would be a good idea to know where to start.

1. Retail lenders

The most common concern that people have with borrowing from retail lenders is the normally exorbitant interest rates that they charge. However, this is not true for all cases. For one thing, the government-imposed limit on interest rates is an excellent protective measure for borrowers. To further ease your mind, make sure that you are dealing with a lender that has been duly accredited by the appropriate government agencies. Not all retail lenders offer the same interest rates and perks so you would also have to be very careful in making your decision.

2. Online lenders

One of the best things about applying for payday loans over the Internet is the high chance of being approved for the loan even if your credit rating is poor. Another perk of doing business with online lenders is the speed and convenience. Without even having to leave your desk, you can be approved for a good payday loan. With this option, you no longer have to send any faxes or stand in line for hours waiting to get approval. There are probably more online lenders out there than most people believe. Before you make a choice, you have to be sure that you understand what you are getting yourself into. Use your negotiation skills to convince the lending company to reduce your interest rates or monthly payments.

Once you have found the payday loan that you wish to apply for, you should start making a plan as to how to use the loan, as well as how to pay it back. One of the most important things to remember about these loans is that they are not permanent solutions to your financial troubles. They are just stepping stones that give you a second chance to reorganize your finances and improve your credit rating.

A smart way to avoid paying high interest on your payday loans is to simply pay the full monthly balance each time. Of course, the lending company will allow you to make partial payments, but the remainder will just roll over to the following month and contribute to the interest that you would eventually have to pay.