Loan Products & Guides

Short-term lending offers various options, and a payday loan is seldom the most affordable. Honestly evaluate each choice below — expenses, potential downsides, and other options you should consider.

Loan products & guides (9)

All our guides undergo editorial review, include source citations, and present less expensive choices before showing lender offers. Begin with the loan type you're thinking about — or explore the alternatives.

Payday Loans
The complete guide: how they work, real costs, eligibility and the cheaper options to try first.
Online Payday Loans
Apply from your phone — what online lenders check, funding speed and how to spot unlicensed sites.
Payday Loans Near Me
Storefront vs. online, what to bring, and how to find a state-licensed location near you.
Same-Day Payday Loans
When same-day funding is realistic, cut-off times and faster low-cost alternatives.
Installment Loans
Borrow more and repay over months in fixed payments — how they compare to a payday loan.
Title Loans
Using your vehicle as collateral: the risks, the cost, and safer ways to raise cash.
Cash Advance
Credit-card and app-based advances explained, with the fees most borrowers miss.
Bad-Credit Loans
Borrowing options when your score is low — and how to avoid predatory offers.
Alternatives to Payday Loans
15 lower-cost options ranked by APR: PALs, EWA, nonprofit aid and more.

Not sure where to start?

Review your state's regulations, then calculate the costs prior to submitting an application.

Payday loans by state
Rate caps and rules for all 50 states + DC
Loan cost calculator
See the real dollar cost in your state
Eligibility checker
Find out what you qualify for by ZIP

Guides & explainers (14)

Step-by-step money guides written by our editorial team and reviewed before publication — newest first.

Out of Cash for a Medical Bill: Your Options Ranked
When you can't pay a medical bill, the worst choice is often the first one you see. Here's how to rank your real options, what each costs, and how to act today…
Curtis Nakamura · August 24, 2026
How to Spot a Small-Dollar Loan Scam
A real lender never asks for money before funding and always carries a state license you can verify in 60 seconds. Here is the exact check, the five warning…
Rachel Mensah · August 20, 2026
Budgeting When Your Income Is Irregular
The only budget that works for irregular income is one built on your worst month, not your average. Here's how to calculate your baseline, smooth the spikes, and…
Curtis Nakamura · August 17, 2026
Debt Snowball vs Avalanche When the Balances Are Small
When your total debt is a few thousand dollars or less, the snowball method usually wins — the interest difference is tiny, but the motivation to finish matters…
Curtis Nakamura · August 13, 2026
Bank Accounts With No Overdraft Fees, and Why It Matters
A bank account that declines your card instead of charging you $25–$35 can save a working family hundreds of dollars a year. Here's what these accounts do…
Curtis Nakamura · August 10, 2026
What APR Really Means on a Two-Week Loan
A two-week payday loan typically carries a 300–600% APR. That sounds alarming, but it's just math — here's what it actually means for your wallet and when it…
Rachel Mensah · August 6, 2026
Credit-Union PAL Loans: The Small-Dollar Option Few People Know
A federal credit union PAL loan caps interest at 28% APR — a fraction of a payday loan's typical 300–600%. Here's how PALs work, who qualifies, and how to apply…
Curtis Nakamura · August 4, 2026
Paycheck Advance Apps: How They Really Work
Paycheck advance apps let you tap earned wages before payday — usually $50–$500 — for free in 1–3 days or same-day for a small fee. Learn what they really cost…
Rachel Mensah · July 31, 2026
How to Negotiate a Bill Extension Before You Borrow
Before you take out a loan, call the company you owe. Most utilities, medical offices, landlords, and credit card issuers will give you 7–30 extra days if you…
Curtis Nakamura · July 28, 2026
What Lenders Actually Check When There's No Credit Check
No credit check means no hard pull from Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion — not no verification. Lenders still check your income, bank account, identity, and…
Rachel Mensah · July 24, 2026
7 Cheaper Alternatives to a Payday Loan
The best payday loan alternative depends on your situation, but credit union PALs, employer advances, and payment plans from creditors are almost always cheaper.…
Curtis Nakamura · July 21, 2026
How to Build a $400 Emergency Buffer from Zero
Save $400 in 60–90 days by setting aside $5–7 a day from things you already spend money on. Here's a concrete week-by-week plan that works even on a tight budget.
Curtis Nakamura · July 14, 2026
Payday Loan vs Bank Overdraft: Which Actually Costs Less
A bank overdraft typically costs $25–$35 per transaction. A payday loan can cost $15–$30 per $100 borrowed — which adds up to 300–600% APR. Here's how to compare…
Rachel Mensah · July 10, 2026
What to Do When You Can't Make Rent This Month
Can't make rent? Call your landlord first, then dial 211 for free emergency rental assistance. Short-term loans are a last resort. Here's the exact order to work…
Curtis Nakamura · July 7, 2026