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Payday Loans vs. Personal Loans: What's the Difference?

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When unexpected expenses arise or financial emergencies strike, many people find themselves in need of quick cash. In such situations, two common options are payday loans and personal loans. While both can provide the funds you need, they differ greatly in terms of their terms, costs, and overall impact on your financial well-being. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the key differences between payday loans and personal loans, helping you make an informed decision when you need to borrow money.

Payday Loans vs. Personal Loans: An Overview

Payday loans and personal loans serve the same fundamental purpose: they enable you to borrow money that you'll need to repay over time, usually with interest. However, the ways in which they function and the terms they offer are vastly different.

Payday loans are typically small, short-term loans designed to tide you over until your next paycheck. They often come with very high interest rates and fees, making them an expensive way to borrow money. Personal loans, on the other hand, are generally larger, longer-term loans with lower interest rates and more favorable terms. They can be used for a variety of purposes and offer a more sustainable way to borrow money.

Parameter Personal Loans Payday Loans
Loan Amounts Typically $1,000 to $100,000 Typically $100 to $1,000
Loan Length Generally 1 to 5 years Generally about two weeks
Annual Percentage Rate (APR) Typically 6% to 36% APR Typically around 400% APR
Credit Check Yes No

Key Takeaways

  • Payday loans are short-term, high-cost loans typically due on your next payday.
  • Personal loans are longer-term, lower-cost loans that can be paid back over several months or years.
  • Payday loans are easier to qualify for but can trap borrowers in a cycle of debt due to their high costs and short repayment terms.
  • Personal loans require a more thorough application process but offer more affordable and manageable repayment terms.
  • Personal loans can help build credit when paid on time, while payday loans generally don't impact credit scores unless the borrower defaults.

Personal loans vs. payday loans: At a glance

Let's take a closer look at some of the key differences between personal loans and payday loans:

Loan amounts

  • Personal loans: Typically range from $1,000 to $100,000, depending on the lender and the borrower's qualifications.
  • Payday loans: Usually capped at around $500, although some states allow higher amounts.

Loan terms

  • Personal loans: Generally have repayment terms ranging from 1 to 5 years, allowing borrowers to spread out their payments over a manageable period.
  • Payday loans: Typically due within about two weeks, or on the borrower's next payday, leaving little time to come up with the full repayment amount.

Interest rates

  • Personal loans: Typically have annual percentage rates (APRs) ranging from 6% to 36%, depending on the lender and the borrower's creditworthiness.
  • Payday loans: Often carry APRs around 400%, which can translate to fees of $15 to $30 per $100 borrowed.

Ability to build credit

  • Personal loans: Are reported to the three main credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—so making on-time payments can help improve your credit score over time.
  • Payday loans: Most payday lenders don't report to the credit bureaus, so paying off a payday loan generally won't impact your credit score. However, if you default on a payday loan and your debt is sent to collections, that collection account could damage your credit.

Loan applications

  • Personal loans: Require a thorough application process that typically involves a credit check, income verification, and other documentation to assess your ability to repay the loan.
  • Payday loans: Have minimal application requirements and rarely involve a credit check. Borrowers usually only need to provide proof of income, a bank account, and valid identification.

Loan repayments

  • Personal loans: Are repaid in fixed monthly installments over the life of the loan, making budgeting and planning more manageable.
  • Payday loans: Are usually due in one lump sum on the borrower's next payday, which can be challenging to manage without careful planning.

The payday loan debt cycle

  • Payday loans: Can easily trap borrowers in a cycle of debt due to their short repayment terms and high interest rates. Many borrowers find themselves needing to take out new payday loans to cover the costs of their previous ones, leading to mounting debt over time.
  • Personal loans: Have longer repayment terms and lower interest rates, making them less likely to lead to a debt cycle when managed responsibly.

How Payday Loans Work

Payday loans are designed to be a quick, easy solution when you need cash fast. However, their convenience comes at a high cost.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Payday Loans

Advantages Disadvantages
No Credit Check Needed: Payday loans typically don't require a credit check, as they are secured by your upcoming paycheck. Very High Interest Rates: Payday loan APRs often surpass 100%, resulting in extremely high borrowing costs.
Rapid Funding: Due to minimal vetting, payday loans provide quick access to funds, often faster than traditional loans. Short Repayment Period: Borrowers are usually required to repay the loan by their next paycheck, often within two weeks, which can be difficult to manage.
Flexible Use: The funds from payday loans can be used for nearly any purpose, including urgent bills and expenses. Debt Cycle Risk: The need to rollover payday loans can lead to an escalating debt cycle, making repayment increasingly challenging.

Easy to Obtain

One of the main appeals of payday loans is how easy they are to get. Payday lenders often have very minimal requirements for approval, and most don't conduct a thorough credit check. Typically, all you need to qualify is:

  • A bank account
  • Proof of income (such as a pay stub)
  • Valid identification

This makes payday loans accessible to people with bad credit or limited credit histories who might not qualify for other types of loans.

Short Repayment Term

As the name suggests, payday loans are typically due on your next payday. This means you'll usually have about two weeks to come up with the full repayment amount, which includes the principal (the amount you borrowed) plus interest and fees.

Some payday lenders offer slightly longer repayment terms, such as 30 days, but payday loans are nearly always short-term loans. This short repayment window can make it challenging to come up with the necessary funds on time, especially if you're already struggling financially.

Expensive to Borrow

One of the biggest drawbacks of payday loans is how expensive they are. Payday loans come with notoriously high APRs, often around 400%. To put that in perspective, that's more than 10 times higher than the average credit card APR.

For example, let's say you take out a $500 payday loan with a two-week term and a 400% APR. Over that two-week period, you'd accrue $150 in interest and fees. That means, in just two weeks, you'd owe $650 — the $500 you borrowed, plus $150 in interest and fees.

The payday loan cycle

The combination of short repayment terms and high interest rates makes payday loans difficult for many people to pay back on time. If you can't repay your payday loan when it's due, you might find yourself needing to take out another payday loan to cover the cost of the first one. This can lead to a cycle of debt where you're constantly taking out new payday loans to cover the costs of your previous ones.

Over time, this debt cycle can become very difficult to escape, leading to mounting debt, stress, and financial instability. This is why many experts consider payday loans to be a form of predatory lending. In fact, payday loans are either banned or heavily regulated in many states due to their potential to trap borrowers in debt.

How Personal Loans Work

Personal loans function more like traditional loans you might get from a bank or credit union. They come with stricter requirements than payday loans but offer more favorable terms and a more sustainable way to borrow money.

Parameter Details
Loan Amounts $10,000
Credit Score 720-759
Annual Percentage Rate (APR) 16%
Repayment Period 60 months
Monthly Payment $243.18
Total Interest Paid $4,590.83

Example Personal Loan Details

Advantages and Disadvantages of Personal Loans

Advantages Disadvantages
Flexible Usage: Funds from personal loans can be utilized for a variety of purposes, such as medical expenses, home renovations, or wedding costs. Potentially High Interest Rates: If your credit score is poor, the APR on personal loans can be high, increasing the total cost of borrowing.
Consistent Payments: Fixed monthly payments make it easier to budget and avoid unexpected increases. Repayment Risks: Failing to repay the loan can harm your credit score, and if the loan is secured, you may lose the collateral.
No Collateral Needed: You may obtain a personal loan without needing to provide an asset as security. Additional Fees: Many lenders impose origination fees and late payment charges, which can raise the overall cost of the loan.

Complete an Application

To get a personal loan, you'll need to complete a loan application. This typically involves providing detailed information about your financial situation, including:

  • Your income
  • Your debts
  • Your assets
  • Your employment status
  • Your credit history

Lenders will use this information to assess your ability to repay the loan and determine what interest rate and terms to offer you.

Secured or Unsecured Loans

Personal loans can be either secured or unsecured.

Secured personal loans require collateral—an asset that the lender can seize if you fail to repay the loan. Common forms of collateral include vehicles, savings accounts, and investment accounts. Because secured loans are less risky for lenders, they often come with lower interest rates compared to unsecured loans.

Unsecured personal loans, on the other hand, don't require collateral. If you default on an unsecured loan, the lender can't immediately seize your assets. However, they can send your debt to collections and sue you for repayment, which can lead to wage garnishment or a lien on your property if they win a court judgment against you. Because unsecured loans pose more risk to lenders, they typically come with higher interest rates compared to secured loans.

Requirements

Compared to payday loans, personal loans have more stringent requirements. Most personal loan lenders have minimum credit score and income requirements that borrowers must meet to qualify.

While exact requirements vary from lender to lender, here are some general guidelines:

  • Credit score: Many lenders require a minimum credit score of 600 to 660. Some lenders specialize in loans for borrowers with bad credit, but these loans often come with higher interest rates.
  • Income: Lenders want to see that you have a steady income that's high enough to comfortably afford your monthly loan payments. Many lenders have minimum income requirements, often in the range of $20,000 to $40,000 per year.
  • Debt-to-income ratio: This is the amount of debt you have compared to your income. Lenders prefer to see a debt-to-income ratio below 36%, although some will accept up to 50%.
  • Collateral: For secured personal loans, you'll need to have an asset to serve as collateral. The value of your collateral will typically need to be equal to or greater than the amount you're borrowing.

How Do People Use Personal Loans?

One of the advantages of personal loans is their versatility. People use personal loans for many different reasons, including:

  • Debt consolidation: Combining multiple high-interest debts, such as credit card balances, into a single, lower-interest personal loan.
  • Home improvements: Financing renovations or repairs to their home.
  • Major purchases: Buying a car, boat, RV, or other large purchase.
  • Medical expenses: Paying for costly medical procedures or treatments.
  • Weddings: Covering the costs of a wedding ceremony and reception.
  • Moving costs: Paying for expenses related to a move, such as hiring movers or renting a moving truck.
  • Business expenses: Financing small business startup costs or expansions.

In a 2023 Investopedia survey, the most common uses for personal loans were:

  1. Debt consolidation
  2. Home improvement
  3. Major purchases
  4. Medical expenses
  5. Moving costs

Key Differences

Let's recap some of the most significant differences between payday loans and personal loans:

  • Cost: Payday loans have significantly higher interest rates and fees compared to personal loans. A typical payday loan has an APR around 400%, while personal loan APRs generally range from 6% to 36%.
  • Accessibility: Payday loans are much easier to qualify for than personal loans. Payday lenders often don't check credit and have very minimal application requirements. Personal loans require a more thorough application and underwriting process.
  • Repayment Terms: Payday loans have extremely short repayment terms, usually around two weeks to a month. Personal loans have much longer terms, typically ranging from one to five years. Longer terms mean lower monthly payments, making personal loans easier to budget for.
  • Loan Amounts: Payday loans are typically for small amounts, often $500 or less. Personal loans can be for much larger amounts, with some lenders offering up to $100,000.
  • Credit Reporting: Personal loan lenders typically report your loan and payment history to the credit bureaus. This means paying your personal loan on time can help you build credit. Payday lenders generally don't report to the credit bureaus, so payday loans can't help you build credit.
  • Regulation: Payday loans are regulated at the state level and are even banned in some states due to their high costs and potential for abuse. Personal loans are generally regulated at both the state and federal level through laws like the Truth in Lending Act.

Do Payday Loans Help Your Credit?

In most cases, payday loans do not help your credit even if you pay them off on time. Most payday lenders do not report your loan information to the credit bureaus, so your credit score won't increase even if you make all your payments on time.

The only time a payday loan might impact your credit is if you fail to pay it back. If you default on a payday loan and your debt is sent to collections, the collection agency may report that information to the credit bureaus. A collection account like this could significantly damage your credit score.

In contrast, personal loan lenders typically do report your loan and payment information to the credit bureaus. This means paying a personal loan on time can help you build or improve your credit over time.

Are Payday Loans Hard or Easy to Pay Back?

Payday loans are often very difficult to pay back, largely due to their short repayment terms and high interest rates. Many payday loan borrowers find themselves unable to repay their loan in full when it's due and must roll their loan over into a new loan, incurring additional fees and interest.

This can easily lead to a cycle of debt where the borrower is continually taking out new payday loans to cover the cost of their previous ones. According to data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, over 80% of payday loans are rolled over or followed by another loan within 14 days.

In contrast, personal loans are generally much easier to repay. Their longer repayment terms mean lower monthly payments, and their lower interest rates mean less overall cost to the borrower. While personal loans still require careful budgeting and financial planning to repay successfully, they don't pose the same risk of a debt cycle that payday loans do.

Is a Personal Loan a Good Alternative to a Payday Loan?

In most situations, a personal loan is a much better choice than a payday loan. Personal loans offer several significant advantages:

  • Lower cost: Personal loans have much lower interest rates than payday loans, meaning you'll pay less to borrow the money you need.
  • Longer repayment terms: Personal loans give you much more time to repay your loan, typically one to five years. This means lower monthly payments that are easier to fit into your budget.
  • Larger loan amounts: Personal loans can be for much larger amounts than payday loans, giving you more flexibility to cover larger expenses.
  • Credit building: Paying a personal loan on time can help you build or improve your credit score over time.

However, it's important to note that personal loans aren't always accessible to everyone. If you have very poor credit or a low income, you may struggle to qualify for a personal loan. Additionally, even personal loans can become a financial burden if you take on more debt than you can comfortably afford to repay.

Before taking out a personal loan, it's important to carefully consider your financial situation and ensure you can afford the monthly payments. Borrowing only what you need and creating a budget to stay on top of your payments can help you use personal loans responsibly.

The Bottom Line

When faced with a financial emergency or unexpected expense, payday loans can seem like a quick and easy solution. However, their high costs, short repayment terms, and potential for causing a cycle of debt make them a very risky choice for most borrowers.

Personal loans, on the other hand, offer a safer and more affordable way to borrow money. With lower interest rates, longer repayment terms, and the potential to help build credit, personal loans are a much better choice for most people.

Before choosing a payday loan, it's crucial to explore all your other options. Consider alternatives such as:

  • Personal loans from banks, credit unions, or online lenders
  • Credit cards, particularly ones with promotional 0% APR offers
  • Borrowing from friends or family
  • Negotiating with creditors for more time to pay or a payment plan
  • Seeking assistance from a non-profit credit counseling agency

If you decide a personal loan is right for you, be sure to compare offers from multiple lenders to find the best rates and terms. And remember, borrowing money is a serious responsibility. Only borrow what you need and what you're confident you can repay to keep your finances healthy and stable.

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Written by
Carlos Aispuro
Lender Relationship Director

With thirty years of experience in banking, debt collections, compliance, audit, and governance, I have supported strategic plans and improved customer experiences. I possess hands-on knowledge in crucial C-Suite areas, including developing new policies and procedures, optimizing their models, and exploring new tools to help institutions achieve their goals more effectively.

  • Banking, debt collections, compliance, audit, and governance expert
  • Crucial C-Suite areas expert

FAQ

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Are payday loans ever a good idea?

In most cases, payday loans are not a good idea due to their high costs and potential to trap borrowers in a cycle of debt. Payday loans should only be considered as an absolute last resort when you have exhausted all other options and are certain you can repay the loan in full on your next payday. Even then, it's crucial to understand the risks and potential consequences before proceeding.

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Can I get a personal loan with bad credit?

Yes, it is possible to get a personal loan with bad credit, although your options may be more limited and the loan may come with a higher interest rate. Some lenders specialize in personal loans for borrowers with bad credit. However, it's important to be cautious and read the terms carefully, as these loans can still be expensive. Before applying for a bad credit personal loan, consider working on improving your credit score or exploring alternative options like secured credit cards or credit-builder loans.

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How can I tell if a payday lender is legitimate?

To determine if a payday lender is legitimate, look for the following signs:

  • They are licensed to operate in your state (check with your state's financial regulation office)
  • They clearly disclose all fees and interest rates
  • They don't require upfront payment for the loan
  • They have a physical address and contact information readily available
  • They ask for standard information on your loan application, such as your income and bank account details

Be wary of lenders who guarantee approval without a credit check, pressure you to borrow more than you need, or require payment via unusual methods like wire transfer or gift cards.

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What happens if I can't pay back a payday loan?

If you can't pay back a payday loan, the consequences can be severe:

  • The lender will likely charge you late fees and additional interest, increasing your debt
  • The lender may attempt to withdraw money from your bank account, potentially causing overdraft fees
  • Your debt may be sold to a collection agency, who will attempt to recover the money and may sue you
  • Your credit score will likely be damaged, making it harder to borrow in the future

If you're struggling to repay a payday loan, contact the lender immediately to discuss your options. You may be able to work out a payment plan or extension. You can also seek help from a non-profit credit counseling agency or consider filing a complaint with your state's financial regulation office if you believe the lender has violated the law.

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How do I choose the right personal loan for me?

To choose the right personal loan, follow these steps:

  1. Check your credit score to see what types of loans you may qualify for
  2. Determine how much you need to borrow and for how long
  3. Compare offers from multiple lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders; look at interest rates, fees, loan terms, and borrower requirements
  4. Use a personal loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments and total cost of borrowing
  5. Read reviews and check the lender's reputation with the Better Business Bureau and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
  6. Choose the loan with the lowest cost and most favorable terms for your situation
  7. Carefully read and understand all loan documents before signing

Remember, the best personal loan is one that you can comfortably afford to repay and that helps you achieve your financial goals without excessive cost or risk.

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