Payday Loans for Bad Credit

Yes, you can get a payday loan with bad credit. In fact, payday loans are a viable option for people with all types of credit quality. Unlike most loan products, payday loans for bad credit don’t solely rely on your credit score. Let’s dive deeper into payday loan options for people with bad credit or poor credit and what you can expect if you pursue them and how to get one online.

What is a payday loan for bad credit?

With a payday loan for bad credit, you can receive extra cash to hold you over until you get paid next. In fact, a payday loan for bad credit may be a great way to quickly cover an emergency expense, like a car repair or medical bill.

How do payday loans for bad credit work?

If you take out a payday loan for bad credit, you may receive a couple hundred dollars upfront. Then, you’ll repay what you borrow the next time your employer pays you, typically within two to four weeks. Many payday lenders have less strict credit score requirements and will consider factors in addition to your credit score, like income and employment history. This means you can get approved for a payday loan easily and won’t have to worry about needing good credit.

Can I get a payday loan for bad credit online?

Many lenders offer payday loans for bad credit online. These lenders welcome all types of borrowers to apply, regardless of their incomes or credit scores. Once you fill out a short online application form, you can get approved and receive your funds either immediately or very quickly.

How quickly can you get a payday loan with bad credit?

Payday loans offer quick funding, making them a great option when you need cash immediately. Even if you have bad credit or poor credit, you can apply for a payday loan with Advance America online and get your approved money within 24 hours. If you submit your application before 10:30 AM EST, you may be able to enjoy an instant decision and same-day funding.

How much does a payday loan for bad credit cost?

If you take out a payday loan, you’ll pay a $15 to $20 fee per every $100 you borrow. The state you live in will determine the exact limit of this fee. You’ll also be responsible for interest and fees for any late or missed payments.

Even though a payday loan does cost money, it’s an affordable alternative to overdraft charges, credit card late fees, and bounced checks, especially when you can repay the loan as scheduled.

Benefits of payday loans for bad credit

Here are some benefits of getting a payday loan with bad credit to cover expenses:

Easy Application

Payday loans often come with an easy application process that borrowers can complete online. You may be able to apply in just a few minutes from the comfort of your home.

Quick Approval

Once you apply for a payday loan, you may receive an instant or quick decision from the lender. If approved, the lender may give you the funds as soon as the same day you apply or within 24 hours.

Good Credit Not Needed

You don’t need good credit to apply for a payday loan. Many payday lenders will consider factors in addition to your credit score, like your income and employment history, when deciding whether to approve you. This means people can still get approved even if they have bad credit.

How to Apply for a Payday Loan with Bad Credit

Small payday loans online, even with bad credit, are a breeze to apply for. Here’s what you’ll need to do if you’d like to take one out.

Gather relevant information

Before you begin the application process, make sure you have the following information on hand:

  • Valid Social Security number
  • Valid and active email address
  • Active checking account
  • Source of income (such as a paystub)

Complete the online application for a payday loan with bad credit

Go to the application form and complete these steps to get a payday loan with bad credit:

  1. Share your personal contact information.
  2. Provide your employment information.
  3. Provide banking details. (You’ll need both your checking number and ABA routing number. Prepaid cards are not accepted.)
  4. Sign and submit your payday loan application.

Apply for a payday loan with bad credit in-person (if you prefer)

Advance America also accepts in-person applications for payday loans for people with all credit types – good, poor or bad credit. If you prefer an in-person application process, visit a local Advance America location and a knowledgeable loan specialist will assist you. Be sure to bring the following documents with you:

  • Government issued photo ID
  • Proof of active checking account
  • Most recent proof of income, such as a recent pay stub
  • Verification of SSN
  • Check (requirement varies by state)

Wait for funding and repay your loan

Upon approval for a payday loan with bad credit, you should get the money that same-day or within 24 hours. Once you receive the funds, you’ll need to repay your payday loan. This will likely be when you get your next paycheck, within two to four weeks.

You can make payment on your loan over the phone, online or in-person at an Advance America location.

How to improve your credit

The better your credit is, the more favorable payday loan rates and terms you’ll qualify for. Therefore, it’s a good idea to improve your credit as much as possible. Before you do so, visit AnnualCreditReport.com to check your credit report. Once you know where you stand, follow these tips to increase your score.

Pay your bills on time

Even one late payment can ding your credit. People should pay their mortgage, rent, utilities, car loans, and other bills on time, every time. Enroll in automatic payments or set calendar reminders on your phone so you don’t forget and miss a payment.

Keep your credit accounts open

Your length of credit history will have a direct effect on your credit score. Generally speaking, the longer you’ve had your credit accounts open and in good standing, the higher your score will be. If you can, try to keep your old accounts open, even if you want to avoid using them or have a zero balance.

Reduce your credit utilization ratio

The amount of debt you have divided by the amount of credit available to you is known as your credit utilization ratio. Since most lenders prefer a ratio of less than 30%, it’s important for people to reduce their ratio by paying off their balances early and spending less.

What can a payday loan for bad credit be used for?

Payday loans for consumers with good, bad or poor credit are small-dollar, short-term financing options that can be used for a variety of emergency expenses such as:

Car expenses

If your car suddenly breaks down and you need new tires or another repair that only costs a few hundred bucks, a payday loan for bad credit can help you out. Without it, you might not have reliable transportation to work, school, and other important places.

Groceries

In the event you’re low on cash flow and can’t cover your next grocery bill, you can use a payday loan for bad credit. It can help you feed yourself and your family until you get your next paycheck.

Rent/Mortgage

A couple hundred dollars short on your rent or mortgage payment? A payday loan  for bad credit may give you the extra funds you need to take care of it. Just make sure you don’t depend on it for every rent or mortgage payment.

Other loan options for bad-credit borrowers

While payday loans for bad credit are a good option for many borrowers, they may not be right for everyone. If you need fast cash but don’t want to pursue a payday loan, consider these alternatives:

Installment loans

Installment loans for bad credit give you a lump sum of money upfront. You’ll pay them back over time (anywhere from a few months to several years) via fixed monthly payments, or installments. These loans might make sense if you need a lot of cash at once.

Title loans

Car title loans for bad credit are secured loans that use your car as collateral. Upon approval, you’ll give the lender your title in exchange for a lump sum of cash, based on the value of your vehicle. You’ll be able to drive your car as you repay your loan. If you own your car and are willing to use your title as collateral, a title loan might make sense.

Lines of credit

While lines of credit are similar to credit cards, they usually offer lower interest rates and larger amounts. You can withdraw money whenever you’d like up to a set credit limit, and you’ll only pay interest on the amount you borrow. Lines of credit should be on your radar if you’d like a flexible loan.

The Advance America advantage

Since 1997, Advance America has helped millions of hardworking people with a variety of financial solutions including Payday Loans, Online Loans, Installment Loans, Title Loans and Personal Lines of Credit.
157+ million
loans issued
800+ stores
and online loans
25+ years
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