A payday loan can give you fast access to the cash you need in times of emergency. These loans are not designed for long-term use but can be used when other options fail. Before applying for a payday loan, consider some factors that may help you make an informed decision.

The following are factors to consider before applying for a payday loan online.

What Are Your Alternatives?

Before you apply for a payday loan, consider all of your other options. Consider things like family, friends, and charity. These are not always available, but if they are, your priority should be to try these options before taking out a payday loan. How much do you need? The amount that the lender offers may vary based on several factors including, how long you have been employed, where you work, and what type of income stream you have. A lender will be able to provide an estimate after they understand these factors about your financial situation. This amount could range from $100 up to thousands of dollars.

Can You Pay Back the Loan on Time?

A payday loan is a short-term loan. So, you should repay it quickly. Most lenders have terms that run between two weeks and a month. If you cannot pay it back by the agreed-upon date, they will roll over the loan for another fee.

Whatever payday loan you take out, make sure that you can afford to pay it back at the end of the specified period or before if possible. You will also need to show proof of identification and income source to the payday lender.

Can You Manage the Loan?

While a payday loan may be easier to get than most traditional bank loans, it is still a significant financial commitment. Don’t take out a loan if you cannot afford to repay the amount in full and on time.

How Much Interest Will Be Charged?

Payday lenders charge interest rates that can go as high as 30 percent, with some lenders charging even more. To avoid paying outrageous fees, only borrow an amount you know that you can afford to pay back quickly or before your next paycheck. Contact several different lenders for their rates and conditions of repayment timeframes.

Can You Buy Responsibly with This Money?

When taking out a payday, consider all of the things you can do with the funds. Payday loans are not designed to be used for things like rent, groceries, or utilities. That is a temporary measure that can help you get by when other options have failed. When you borrow, make sure that you pay for urgent items and services and not just something you want.

What Is Your Credit Score?

Many paydays loan options at a licensed lender will require some proof of identification to ensure the borrower’s name matches their Social Security number and perform a credit check on the applicant. Most payday lenders use automated underwriting systems that understand basic information such as age, employment status, and sources of income. Even though this may seem like an invasive process, it can help protect the borrower and lender from possible risks associated with uncollectable loans due to identity theft or bankruptcy.

Can You Afford Late or Non-Payments Fees?

One area in particular where people get into trouble is late or missed payments. Most payday loans have a grace period for the borrower to repay a loan without incurring a penalty. If you cannot pay your loan on time, contact the lender immediately and ask them to grant an extension. If they will, you can avoid paying any added fees if you pay on time.

Do Not Roll the Loan Over

While some lenders may offer to let you “roll” your loan over for an additional fee or interest rate, this is often a bad idea. Roll over extends the length of the loan and adds more costs to it. The original amount that you borrowed plus whatever else was rolled into it could accumulate quickly, so consider all other options before rolling the loan over. If this is not possible, ask about establishing automatic payments from your bank account so that you do not have to worry about making timely payments each month. Also, get in touch with your lender if financial problems prevent you from making any of these repayments.

Be Careful When Using a Payday Loan to Cover Another One

Lenders can be very aggressive in encouraging borrowers to roll their loans over and may try to pass this off as a good idea when it is not. While taking out more money can help you pay back an existing loan, they often lead to compounding fees and interest that only become more complex and harder for you to pay back later on. Even though some lenders will let you use your next paycheck as a new source of repayment, it is usually better if you get the first loan paid off before taking out the second one, so the total amount does not compound on itself.

Will Your Finances Improve?

Suppose you are having problems with your checkbook. In that case, it may indicate that your finances need improvement, which lenders will consider when reviewing your application for a cash advance or payday loan. Even though these loans can be helpful in some cases, they usually do not reduce payments once the initial term has ended, so you should look at other options first if affordable.

Summing Up If you are thinking about applying for a payday loan, be sure to consider your overall financial situation and the income that you will be receiving over the next several months before doing so. While these loans can also be beneficial when used correctly, if you cannot afford them, even the best interest rates in the world won’t make it possible for you to pay them back on time.