A payday loan in Los Angeles is a short term high interest loan that provides immediate cash to borrowers, due on their next payday. These loans are used by people who have urgent financial needs such as unexpected expenses, medical bills or emergency repairs, to bridge the gap until their next paycheck.
According to regulations, payday loan amounts in Los Angeles can be up to $300 including the finance charge. This limit is to ensure the total value of the post dated check stays within this range, so lenders can’t exceed the amount. Many payday lenders offer loans up to $255 because it allows them to keep their finance charge structure without compromising compliance.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Building Credit. Pay on time and you can improve your bad credit.
- Less Paperwork. Application process is minimal compared to traditional loans.
- Faster Approval. Payday loan approval is faster than traditional loans.
- For Freelancers. People with irregular income like freelancers can use payday loans during off seasons.
- Avoid Overdraft Fees. Borrowers can avoid overdraft fees by using payday loans to bridge the gap.
Cons
- Unregulated. Payday loans are not regulated well, lenders can take advantage of borrowers.
- Hidden Terms. Some lenders hide terms and fees in the fine print and surprise borrowers with extra costs.
- Aggressive Collections. Lenders will be aggressive if borrowers can’t pay.
- Dependence on Loans. Borrowers may not look for long term financial solutions if they rely on payday loans.
- Loss of Assets. Defaulting on a payday loan can lead to closure of bank accounts or other assets.
Infographic
How To Borrow a Payday Loan in LA?
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Find a licensed lender. Make sure to choose a licensed lender that is authorized to operate in California. You can check with the California Department of Business Oversight to see if a lender is licensed.
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Apply for the loan. To apply for a payday loan, you will typically need to provide personal information, including your name, address, and employment details. You may also need to provide proof of income, such as a pay stub.
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Review loan terms. Before accepting a loan, review the terms and conditions carefully, including the interest rate, fees, and repayment schedule.
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Sign the loan agreement. If you decide to accept the loan, you must sign a loan agreement outlining the terms and conditions.
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Receive funds. Once you have signed the loan agreement, you should receive the funds either in cash or by direct deposit into your bank account.
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Repay the loan. Repay the loan on or before the due date, which is typically up to 31 days. Make sure you understand the repayment terms and have the funds available to repay the loan, including any fees and interest.
Requirements
Age: 18+ to apply for a payday loan.
Location: Los Angeles or surrounding areas.
Income: Employment or regular benefits.
Income: Meet minimum income requirements (varies by lender); proof of monthly income needed.
Bank Account: Active bank account to deposit loan funds and withdraw repayments.
ID: Driver's license, state ID, or passport.
Contact: Phone number and email.
Social Security: May request for verification and credit check purposes.
Credit Check: Not always, but creditworthiness assessed.
Debt-to-Income Ratio: Some lenders consider this to approve loan.
Employment Proof: Recent pay stubs or other employment documentation.
Other Debt: Financial obligations to repay loan.
No Other Payday Loans: Some lenders won't approve if you have another payday loan out.
Repayment Plan: Show a repayment plan to prove you can repay to some lenders.
ID Verification: Identity verification services to confirm you and prevent fraud.
Rates
In LA, payday loan interest is high. If you borrow $100 for 2 weeks you’d be looking at 460% annual interest and an extra $17.64 for every $100 you borrow. But there are rules that limit how much they can charge you. They can charge up to 15% for every $100 you borrow and can’t add more if you need more time to pay back. But there’s a catch. They can charge $15 if there’s not enough in your account when they try to collect.
Lenders in Los Angeles
Net Pay Advance has payday loans and financial solutions online.
CashnetUSA is in Los Angeles. Online payday loans.
Check Into Cash has payday loans and more in Los Angeles.
Advance America has stores. Payday loans.
Moneytree payday loans and more.
Speedy Cash. Payday loans.
Payday Loans Legal Regulations Los Angeles
Legislation Acts. Payday loans in Los Angeles are governed by Civil Code 1789.30 et seq. and the Financial Code 23000 et seq.
Maximum Loan Amount. Loans are capped at $300, encompassing principal and fees.
Maximum Interest Rate (APR). The APR reaches 460% for a 14-day, $100 loan.
Loan Terms. Loan terms span up to 31 days, with no minimum term specified.
Rollovers. Rollovers are strictly prohibited.
Outstanding Loans. Only one outstanding loan is allowed at a time.
Installment Option. There is no installment option available.
Cooling-off Period. No cooling-off period is mandated.
Finance Charges. Finance charges constitute 15% of the face amount of the loan check.
Collection Charges. A $15 non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee is applicable.
Criminal Action. Criminal action is prohibited.
Important
How to Choose a Lender
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Make sure to confirm whether the lender is licensed to operate in your state. You can verify this information with your state regulator or attorney general.
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Check if the lender is a member of a reputable association, such as the Community Financial Services Association of America. Membership in such organizations may provide an extra level of reliability.
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Carefully review all the terms and conditions of your payday loan contract.
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Thoroughly examine the interest rates on payday loans and ensure that your contract includes a detailed breakdown of the total cost of the loan.
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Take advantage of your right of rescission. Usually, you can rescind the loan within three days after signing the agreement. Alternatively, there is typically a "cooling-off" period, which allows you several days to thoroughly review the contract before making an informed decision to enter into a consumer loan agreement based on the terms specified by the lender.
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Choosing a payday lender is a significant decision that demands careful consideration and a good understanding of how such organizations operate.