A payday loan in Louisiana is a short-term, high-interest loan designed to help people cover their expenses until their next payday. These loans typically have a repayment period of two weeks to one month and are often used by people who need quick cash to cover unexpected expenses or emergencies.
In Louisiana, payday loans are legal and regulated by state law. The maximum amount you can borrow is $350, and lenders can charge up to 16.75% interest and a $45 finance charge for a 14-day loan. Lenders are also required to provide borrowers with a written agreement that includes all loan terms and conditions, including fees and interest rates.
What is the Payday Loan Limit in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the maximum amount you can borrow through a payday loan is $350. However, it's important to keep in mind that payday loans often come with high-interest rates and fees, which can make them a costly way to borrow money.
In addition to the loan limit, Louisiana law also places restrictions on the fees and interest rates that payday lenders can charge. Lenders can charge a maximum interest rate of 16.75% on payday loans, and they can also charge a finance charge of up to $45 for a 14-day loan. Lenders are required to provide borrowers with a written agreement that clearly outlines all loan terms, including fees and interest rates.
How To Borrow a Payday Loan Limit Louisiana?
- Find a reputable lender. Look for a licensed payday lender in Louisiana that has a good reputation. You can check with the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions to verify that the lender is licensed.
- Fill out an application. Most lenders will require you to fill out an application that includes your personal information, employment information, and bank account information. You'll also need to provide proof of income, such as a pay stub or bank statement.
- Receive loan offer. If you're approved for a payday loan, the lender will provide you with a loan offer that includes the loan amount, fees, and interest rate. Carefully review the loan agreement to make sure you understand the terms.
- Accept loan offer. If you agree to the loan terms, you'll need to sign the loan agreement and provide the lender with a post-dated check or authorization to withdraw funds from your bank account on the loan's due date.
- Receive funds. Once you've signed the loan agreement, the lender will typically deposit the loan funds directly into your bank account.
- Repay loan. On the loan's due date, the lender will automatically withdraw the loan amount plus fees and interest from your bank account. If you're unable to repay the loan, you may be able to extend the repayment period, but this will typically come with additional fees and interest.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old. You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a payday loan in Louisiana.
- Have a steady income. You'll need to provide proof of income, such as a pay stub or bank statement, to show that you have a steady source of income.
- Have an active bank account. Most payday lenders in Louisiana require you to have an active bank account so they can deposit the loan funds and withdraw the repayment on the due date.
- Be a Louisiana resident. You must be a resident of Louisiana to apply for a payday loan in the state.
- Provide identification. You'll need to provide a government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport, to verify your identity.
Rates
In Louisiana, payday lenders can charge up to 16.75% interest on a payday loan. Additionally, lenders can charge a finance charge of up to $45 for a 14-day loan. These fees and interest rates can make payday loans in Louisiana very expensive to repay.
For example, if you borrow $100 for a 14-day period, the maximum finance charge allowed by Louisiana law is $45. This means you'll have to repay $145 at the end of the loan period. If you're unable to repay the loan on time, the lender may charge additional fees and interest or roll over the loan, which can lead to a cycle of debt.
Online Lenders
- CashNetUSA is a popular online lender that offers payday loans, installment loans, and lines of credit. They offer loans up to $350 with repayment terms ranging from 8 to 31 days.
- Check Into Cash is a national payday lender that offers loans in Louisiana. They offer loans up to $350 with repayment terms ranging from 7 to 31 days.
Non-online Lenders
- Cash Cow has multiple locations throughout Louisiana and offers payday loans up to $300 with repayment terms ranging from 8 to 31 days.
- Advance America has multiple locations throughout Louisiana and offers payday loans up to $350 with repayment terms ranging from 14 to 30 days.
- ACE Cash Express has multiple locations throughout Louisiana and offers payday loans up to $300 with repayment terms ranging from 8 to 31 days.
Alternatives
- Personal loans. These are unsecured loans that are typically offered by banks, credit unions, and online lenders. They often have lower interest rates and longer repayment terms than payday loans. Personal loans can be a good option if you need to borrow a larger amount of money or if you need more time to repay the loan.
- Credit cards. They can be a good alternative to payday loans if you need to cover unexpected expenses. Many credit cards offer 0% APR introductory periods, which can allow you to borrow money without accruing interest for a certain period of time. Be sure to pay off the balance before the introductory period ends to avoid high-interest rates.
- Installment loans. These are similar to payday loans but have longer repayment terms and lower interest rates. Some lenders offer installment loans in Louisiana with repayment terms of up to 12 months.
- Payment plans. If you're unable to pay a bill or cover an unexpected expense, consider contacting the creditor or service provider to set up a payment plan. Many companies are willing to work with you to set up a payment plan that fits your budget.
- Side hustles. Consider earning extra income through a side hustle, such as freelancing, dog walking, or driving for a ride-sharing service. This can help you earn the money you need without taking on debt.
Payday Loans Legal Regulations in Louisiana
Payday loans are legal in Louisiana, but they are regulated by the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions. Here are some of the key regulations that apply to payday loans in Louisiana:
- Loan limit. The maximum amount you can borrow through a payday loan in Louisiana is $350.
- Repayment term. Payday loans in Louisiana have a repayment term of 8 to 31 days.
- Interest rate. Louisiana law allows payday lenders to charge up to 16.75% interest on a payday loan.
- Finance charge. Louisiana law allows payday lenders to charge a finance charge of up to $45 for a 14-day loan.
- Cooling-off period. After you've had five consecutive loans, you must wait 45 days before you can take out another payday loan.
- Database. Louisiana law requires payday lenders to check a statewide database before making a loan to ensure that borrowers don't have outstanding payday loans with other lenders.
- Borrower protection. Louisiana law prohibits payday lenders from engaging in certain practices, such as threatening criminal prosecution or using a post-dated check as collateral.
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.
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