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Best Payday and Title Loan Companies

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Payday and title loans are short-term loans that give you a cash advance on your paycheck or use your car title in exchange for immediate funds. These quick loans are intended to be short-term solutions for unexpected or emergency expenses. Read our guide to research the best payday and title loan companies for you. We look at terms, fees and reputation so you know exactly what to look for when choosing a company.

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What is a quick loan?

money with phone and glasses

A quick loan comes from a company that approves you and disburses funding within a few days of completing the application. Many quick loans provide access to same-day cash, while traditional loans can take at least a week or longer to approve and fund. Quick loans are sought after by individuals facing an emergency financial hardship who need fast access to cash to cover pressing bills or expenses. There are a few different types of quick loans.

Payday loans

Payday loans are short-term, high-interest loans issued for small dollar amounts, typically less than $1,000. They are meant to be a short-term solution to help borrowers get a quick and easy cash advance that they can repay after receiving their next paycheck.

Car title loans

Title loans are secured by the borrower’s car title, so the lender has a right to take possession of the vehicle if the borrower fails to repay the loan. With a typical car title loan, borrowers pay off the entire loan, interest and any fees within a specified amount of time — usually 15 or 30 days.

Interest-only payment title loans

These loans work similarly to traditional title loans, but their repayment strategy is different. With interest-only payments, borrowers first pay off the amount of interest on the loan. They are then required to pay off the amount of the loan in full. Interest-only title loans usually last for a longer period than traditional title loans. Be careful with this type of loan — you may end up paying more than you borrowed and still not pay off the loan.

Pawnshop loans

With a pawnshop loan, you take a loan out against an asset you own outright, such as jewelry, electronics, instruments, antiques or collectibles. The pawnshop gives you cash and holds on to the item until you pay back the entirety of the loan. If you cannot pay it back within the agreed-upon terms, the pawn shop sells your item to recoup its losses. A pawnshop loan is a quick way to get a cash loan without a lengthy application process or credit check.

Personal loans

A personal loan from a bank, credit union or online lender can often take longer to be funded than other quick loan options. However, some personal loans can be funded with a quick turnaround time, sometimes with money hitting your bank account within a few days. If you qualify, many personal loans have lower interest rates and better terms than traditional quick or fast-cash loans. Typically, the higher your credit score, the better your loan terms are.

Title loans vs. payday loans: Which is right for you?

receiving money from lender

Both payday loans and car title loans offer a temporary solution to an urgent financial need. Payday loans are unsecured cash advance loans that are typically issued in amounts of $300 to $1,000. Title loans go as high as $10,000 or more and must be secured by a vehicle.

Payday and title loans have different loan terms and restrictions, and it’s essential to understand the scope of the loan for which you’re applying. When deciding between a payday loan and a title loan, keep in mind that both come with high interest rates and fees and are only recommended to cover emergencies or surprise expenses when no other options are available.

Both also come with significant consequences for failure to repay. Defaulting on a payday loan can result in a lawsuit and wage garnishment, and defaulting on a title loan can result in your vehicle being repossessed.

Use the chart below to compare payday and title loans. Interest rates for payday loans vary based on state laws, and many states have maximum rates lenders are allowed to charge.

Payday LoansCar Title Loans
Type of debtUnsecuredSecured with vehicle
Average loan amount$300 - $1000$1,000+
Fees$15 - $30 per $100 borrowedVaries by lender
Repayment timeline1 - 2 weeks15 or 30 days
Common APR (interest rate + fees)400% APR, but varies by state300% APR
Extended repayment optionsPayday loan rollover or extended payment plans in some statesNot usually available
Default consequencesAccount sold to collectors, civil lawsuit, wage garnishmentVehicle repossession

Applying for a payday loan or title loan

couple meeting with represenative

Loan qualifications

One benefit of getting a quick loan like a payday or title loan is that you don’t need to have a good credit score or a long credit history. However, there are some standard requirements you must meet to qualify for these loans, like having a steady income and proof of address.

You need proof of income and residency to qualify for a payday or title loan.

For title loan qualification, you also need to provide a clear title in your name. If you’ve ever had a lien on your vehicle, a lien release may be required with the title to process the loan.

Additional fees

Lending companies often charge additional fees for payday and title loans, which can add up quickly. It’s crucial to read the fine print before deciding which payday or title lender to use. Get multiple quotes before deciding on a lender, and ask what additional costs or fees you’re expected to pay. Some common fees include:

  • Processing and document fees: Lenders may charge fees for the paperwork required to get the title or payday loan.
  • Late fees: Expect late fees and penalties for missed or late payments. Be sure to ask how much late fees are and on what date your payment is considered late.
  • Lien fees: Many lenders charge fees for processing and placing a lien on your vehicle.
  • Finance fees: Payday loan fees typically include a finance fee, which you include on your postdated check. If you roll your loan over for an extended period, you’re charged an additional finance fee. The fee continues to grow until you pay the full amount of the loan.
  • Interest rates: Payday loan interest rates vary by state. The APR on payday loans can be more than 600%, and title loans often have an APR of 300% or more. Lenders are required to tell borrowers the exact annual percentage rate (APR) before the borrower agrees to the terms of the loan.

Maximum loan amount

Title and payday loans are a quick way to get money, but the amount of money you can access is usually very limited. Lenders often have a strict cap on the amount of money they can lend for both types of loans.

Maximum loan amounts are typically one paycheck or 50% of your car’s value.
  • Maximum title loan: The maximum title loan amount varies by state. Most title loan amounts are between 25% and 50% of the vehicle's value, or from $100 to $5,000. Some lenders offer title loans of $10,000 or higher.
  • Maximum payday loan: Payday loans can be for any amount, but they are traditionally only written in the amount of one full paycheck (or less) so borrowers have the money in their account to repay the loan when their next check is cashed. Some states have a strict dollar limit on payday loans — these limits are typically between $500 and $1000.

Length of loan

Title and payday loans are short-term loans, which means borrowers get money fast but also have to pay back the amount they owe (with finance charges) in a limited amount of time. The length of time a borrower has to pay back their loan varies from lender to lender, but there are some industry standards.

  • Payday loan terms: A payday loan usually has a term lasting from two to four weeks and a maturity date that aligns with your pay date. Some states let you enter an extended payment plan or roll over a payday loan into a new loan if you can’t repay the original loan by the due date.
  • Title loan terms: A common amount of time allowed for title loan repayment is 15 or 30 days. Some lenders will give borrowers more time to repay their title loan. Often, these repayments are structured as interest-only payments.

Payday loans questions

Can you go to jail for not paying back a payday loan?

No, you won’t go to jail for defaulting on a payday loan. Debt collection is a civil matter, not a criminal one, and it’s illegal for lenders to threaten borrowers with arrest or jail. However, if you’re sued for not paying back your loan and ignore a court order to appear, the judge can issue a warrant for your arrest.

If you can’t pay back your loan in full, work with your lender by offering to pay a percentage of what you owe to settle your debt.

Can you get payday loans online?

There are many online payday loan companies that can get you funds in less than a day. You can compare payday loan companies and read consumer reviews at the top of this page to find the best payday loans online or in person.

How much can I get for a title loan?

The amount of money you can get from a title loan depends on the value of your car and the state you live in. Most lenders won’t give you the full value of your vehicle, but you can expect to receive around 25% to 50% of your car’s value. Be aware that title loans have a short turnaround time, so only borrow what you can afford to pay back.

How do I know if a loan company is legitimate?

Here are a few ways to ensure that your loan company is legitimate and safe to do business with:

  • There’s no upfront loan payment required
  • It has positive consumer reviews
  • It’s in good standing with the Better Business Bureau
  • It’s licensed by a state regulator
  • It clearly describes fee and conditions
  • The employees do not pressure you into borrowing
What are some alternatives to payday loans?

Payday loans are not the right choice for every circumstance. We recommend exploring all options available to you before pursuing a payday loan.

There are alternatives worth considering, including credit cards and personal installment loans, which have lower interest rates. You can also look for extra streams of income, such as working overtime at your job or holding a yard sale.

If you want to learn more, we’ve compiled a full list of payday loan alternatives for you to explore.

If you find yourself regularly struggling with debt, you may want to consider getting advice from a credit counselor or certified consumer debt specialist.

Are there any guaranteed payday loans?

Some payday loan companies promise guaranteed loans for people with bad credit history, but these loans are often accompanied by high interest rates and fees. If you need cash but have less-than-ideal credit, there may be other options available.

Are payday loans illegal?

Payday loans are illegal in some states, including Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Vermont and West Virginia.

These restrictions are in place to protect consumers — loans with short terms and high-interest rates can easily get someone stuck in a cycle of debt that is difficult to get out from under.

What are the best title loans near me?

Find quality lenders based on our research and consumer reviews with these guides to local title loan companies.

Not sure how to choose?

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    Payday and title loan company reviews

    TMG Loan Processing

    Tradition Media Group provides a free online lending platform that helps consumers match with title loan companies for loans up to $50,000. It offers fast turnaround times and an easy online application so you can quickly access the cash you need.

    Read more about TMG Loan Processing
    LoanMart

    This company offers fast payday and title loans in eight states and has an average turnaround time of 24 hours. Its loans come with a Three Day Peace of Mind Guarantee — if you decide a title loan isn’t right for you, just return the loan amount to have LoanMart waive the application fee and any other associated charges.

    • Loan amounts: This company offers payday loans up to $300 and title loans from $2,600 to $50,000, depending on your eligibility.
    • Interest rates: LoanMart’s interest rates vary depending on the type of loan and your qualifications. APRs on auto title loans range from 30% to 199%, and APRs on payday loans range from 390% to 780%.
    • Availability: Its services are available in Alabama, Arizona, California, Georgia, Missouri, New Mexico, South Carolina and Utah.
    • Funds: You can choose how you want to receive your funds: electronically, with a check or by visiting your local store.
    Read 780 Reviews
    Speedy Cash

    Speedy Cash is a lender that offers payday, cash advance, installment and title loans. To apply, visit its website and fill out the online loan application. You should receive a loan decision in as few as 10 minutes.

    • Loan amounts: Speedy Cash offers online and in-store loans from $50 to $26,000, although its payday loans tend to be lower amounts. Loan amounts and availability vary by state.
    • Interest rates: Rates and APRs also vary by state. For example, Louisiana residents who want a $350 payday loan would pay a 409.69% APR on a 14-day loan term and a $10 origination fee.
    • Availability: Speedy Cash has stores and services available in 28 states, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
    • Apply online: This company deposits cash into your account in as few as 15 minutes.
    Read 1847 Reviews
    Finova Financial

    Finova offers an alternative to title loans by providing consumers with a car equity line of credit. It has repayment plans that last up to 12 months with no early repayment penalties. Find out how much you can borrow by visiting the company’s website and filling out the line of credit application.

    Read more about Finova Financial
    TitleMax

    TitleMax is a lender that offers title loans, title pawns and personal loans. Its simple process allows borrowers to apply, get approval and receive funding on the same day.

    • Loan amounts: The company offers title loans up to $10,000. Your qualifications, the value of your vehicle and state regulations all affect how much cash you receive.
    • Interest rates: Interest rates for TitleMax’s loans vary depending on the state you live in and the amount you need to borrow. Its website encourages you to apply if you want more information on interest rates and fees.
    • Availability: TitleMax has locations and services in 16 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin.
    • Funds: Once you’re approved, you can get same-day funding.
    Read 3224 Reviews
    Advance Financial

    Advance Financial is a lender specializing in short-term FLEX loans. It has an easy online application, but it also offers in-store services in 13 states.

    Read 97 Reviews
    CashNetUSA

    CashNetUSA is a payday lender that offers loans, savings programs and financial education tools. Apply for a payday loan from CashNetUSA by visiting its website and finding out how much you qualify for.

    • Loan amounts: CashNetUSA’s payday loans go up to $500. It also offers other types of loans for higher amounts.
    • Interest rates: APRs range from 163% to 439%, depending on the loan repayment term.
    • Availability: CashNetUSA has services in 29 states, including Alabama, Alaska, California, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. However, each state may have restrictions on certain loan products.
    • Funds: CashNetUSA offers same-day and next-day funding.
    Read 4126 Reviews
    MoneyLend.net

    MoneyLend researches lenders for consumers by comparing interest rates, types of lenders and fees. It works with lenders that offer short-term, installment, personal and business loans.

    • Loan amounts: Its payday loan amounts start at $100 and go up to $5,000.
    • Interest rates: MoneyLend is a lending platform, so the lender you choose works with you to determine interest rates and fees.
    • Availability: This company can match consumers to the right lender in all 50 states.
    • Funds: How quickly you receive your funds varies based on the lender you choose to work with.
    Silver Cloud Financial

    Silver Cloud Financial offers short term installment loans, also called tribal loans. The company has no hidden fees, no prepayment penalties and multiple payment options. The company offers rate discounts to qualified returning customers. 

    Read more about Silver Cloud Financial
    Approved Cash Advance

    Approved Cash is a payday and title loan company that offers in-store loans.

    Read more about Approved Cash Advance

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