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happy couple learning about advance america loans and services on an ipad

Frequently asked questions

How much can I borrow with a Cash Advance from Advance America?

The maximum amount you can borrow with a Cash Advance is regulated by state law. Your current income will also determine how much you qualify for within that range.

Discover the loan amounts available in your state.

Are Personal Loans safe?

Surprises are nice, but not when you're borrowing money. Explore our rates before you even apply

Personal Loans are safe as long as you work with a reputable lender. Before applying for any loan online, ensure the lender is well established, has mostly positive reviews, and uses a secure website. You can verify website security by looking for the padlock icon in the URL address bar.

Advance America has over 25 years of experience and countless positive reviews on Google and Trustpilot. Any information you submit for your Personal Loan application is sent through our secure server and kept in an encrypted database. For more details, see our Privacy Policy.

How many Lines of Credit should I have?

The number of credit lines you need depends on your financial situation and budget. Opening multiple Lines of Credit can demonstrate financial responsibility and the ability to manage debt, which can help when you’re trying to qualify for a mortgage or loans with better interest rates – but you should never borrow more than you can afford to repay.

How to get approved for an Online Loan

Here are the steps borrowers can take to get approved for an online loan from Advance America:

  1. Gather all necessary documents: Once you’ve found an online loan with rates and terms that work for you, collect all documents you’ll need to apply. Advance America will require you to provide information like a government issued ID, bank account number, and Social Security Number.
  2. Fill out an application: Fill out your online Advance America loan application from the comfort of home, providing all necessary personal and financial details.
  3. Submit your application: After you’ve double-checked to make sure all information on your application is accurate, you can submit the application and wait for approval. We offer an instant approval decision, so borrowers don’t have to wait long to see whether they can get the funds they need.
  4. Receive your funds: If approved for an Advance America loan, you can get your funds as soon as the same day you applied.

Are Personal Loans safe?

Surprises are nice, but not when you're borrowing money. Explore our rates before you even apply

Personal Loans are safe as long as you work with a reputable lender. Before applying for any loan online, ensure the lender is well established, has mostly positive reviews, and uses a secure website. You can verify website security by looking for the padlock icon in the URL address bar.

Advance America has over 25 years of experience and countless positive reviews on Google and Trustpilot. Any information you submit for your Personal Loan application is sent through our secure server and kept in an encrypted database. For more details, see our Privacy Policy.

Do Cash Advances (Payday Loans) have unreasonably high interest rates?

Depending on your loan type and state, a Cash Advance charges a flat fee and does not have interest accruing fees. The typical fee for a Cash Advance is $15 per $100 borrowed — a set price for a short-term transaction. This makes a Cash Advance often less expensive than bouncing a check, missing a credit card payment or neglecting a bill.

The Federal Truth in Lending Act (TILA) requires all financial institutions to disclose loan fees as Annual Percentage Rates (APR). To comply with TILA, Advance America reports the implied APR of a cash advance — the amount you would pay if you renewed your advance every two weeks for a full year. However, the average loan term is only two to four weeks. APR is a more appropriate measure of costs associated with loans that last for at least a year, such as a mortgage loan or a car loan. However, even using APR as a measure of the cost of various options for short-term loans, Payday Loans and Cash Advances are still the least costly option compared to bank overdraft, bounced check, late payment and utility reconnection fees.

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APR of payday loans vs. average overdraft fee comparison bar graph

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Cash Advance Fee vs. Alternatives Bar Graph

Payday advance fee vs alternatives

Sources: CFSAA.com; Stephens, Inc. 2011; Moebs Services 2010 Fee Revenue Study; Bankrate.com; Readex Research National Data on Short-Term Credit Alternatives 2006; Moebs Services 2010 Financial Pricing Survey

Could Advance America charge a smaller APR?

Some of our critics have proposed capping interest rates for Payday Loans or a Cash Advance, but doing so would greatly impede our ability to operate. If we charged lower fees, we would not generate enough income to pay for basic business expenses, such as rent, utilities and wages. If we were to charge an APR of 36 percent, as some of our critics have suggested, that would mean customers pay a fee of $1.38 per $100 borrowed. No business — not a credit union, not a bank — can lend money for 10 cents a day for a two-week loan term without being subsidized. Such rate-cap models overlook the significant cost of operating a regulated business, and would be an effective ban on Cash Advances. Our customers recognize that the price of the one-time fee is appropriate for a short-term loan, relative to other options.

What is the average interest rate on a Title Loan?

Rates and terms will vary depending on your approved borrowing limit and state regulations. For more information, see if our Flex Line of Credit is available in your state.

Why should I choose an Online Loan through Advance America?

When you need money, online Cash Advance, Installment Loans, and Line of Credit Loans through Advance America are simple, quick, and provide the convenience of applying the privacy of your home in as little as 10 minutes, you may be eligible to have funds directly deposited into your checking account the same day.*

There are so many reasons to feel confident about turning to Advance America:

  • We‘re a state-licensed company which means we follow all applicable state and federal laws.

  • All rates, terms and fees are explicitly outlined in the agreement with no unexpected charges or no hidden costs when borrowing.

  • We use simple, straight-forward language to ensure our fees and payment terms are clearly understood, so you know exactly what and how you’re paying.

  • We‘re committed to providing a safe, secure and private transaction.

*Online approvals before 10:30 AM ET (M-F) are typically funded to your bank account by 5 PM ET same-day. Approvals after 10:30 AM ET are typically funded in the morning the next banking day.

What should I look for in a Payday Loan company?

For the best Payday Loans, choose a lender with:

  • An easy application process and knowledgeable staff. Whether you’re applying in-store or online, we can help you find the best Payday Loan to meet your needs.
  • A secure website. The address bar should display a padlock icon in front of the URL. The symbol indicates that the website is encrypted and secure. Check out our Privacy Policy for more information.
  • Transparent fees, rates, and terms. At Advance America, we’re always upfront with your Payday Loan details. Learn more about your state’s loan rates and terms by clicking here.

How much can I borrow with a Cash Advance from Advance America?

The maximum amount you can borrow with a Cash Advance is regulated by state law. Your current income will also determine how much you qualify for within that range.

Discover the loan amounts available in your state.

How do I apply for a Cash Advance online?

Applying for an online Cash Advance from Advance America is simple, but know that online Cash Advances are only available in certain states. Click here to find out if in store or online Cash Advances are in your state. Then, click Apply Now to get started on your Cash Advance application to start an online application. There are a few simple steps that take only a couple minutes of your time. You can expect to receive your approval notice same day*.

Why get Installment Loans from Advance America?

Installment Loans allow you to pay back your loan the way that fits your needs, with longer-term repayment options. This means you have the ability to repay with multiple payments over time.

We're a state licensed company, which means we follow all applicable state and federal laws.

All Installment Loan rates, terms, and fees are explicitly outlined in the agreement with no unexpected charges or hidden costs when borrowing.

What is the interest rate on Advance America's Line of Credit?

Rates and terms will vary depending on your approved borrowing limit and state regulations. For more information, see if our Flex Line of Credit is available in your state.

Still have questions?

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