# Research & Data: Payday Loan Cost Studies 2026 | Big Daddy Loans > Original Big Daddy Loans research — the 50-State Cost Index, borrower surveys and network comparisons. Free to cite with attribution. Источник: https://bigdaddy-loans.com/research/ --- # Research & Data Our independent research examines the real expenses of short-term credit and its typical users — featuring uniform cost analyses and consumer studies, all dated and with documented methods. All materials on this page are available for journalists and researchers to use, provided they credit us. ## Why we publish original research Reporting on payday loans often depends on promotional rates or one state's regulations. We create datasets enabling direct, fair cost comparisons. Operating as a nationwide lead generator, Big Daddy Loans observes the significant price differences for identical loans across state borders. This disparity is seldom clear to consumers, who view an individual offer rather than a market standard — and it's frequently overlooked in media reports. To address this, we release our own investigations: consistent cost analyses and borrower surveys that add necessary perspective. Every report is complete, has a publication date, and explains its approach so the analysis can be verified. The content provided is available for citation, quotation, and linking, as long as Big Daddy Loans is credited. Members of the press can ask for the original data or to speak with the study's author — refer to the contact details at the bottom of this page. ## Original research (3) Research from Big Daddy Loans, available without charge for citation by journalists and academic investigators, with attribution. [The $400 Gap37% of US adults can’t cover a $400 emergency with cash — and borrowing it costs $5 to $100 depending only on your state.](/research/the-400-dollar-gap/) [50-State Payday Loan Cost Index 2026What a $300 / 14-day loan really costs in every state — ranked.](/research/cost-index-2026/) [Borrower Pulse 2026Survey of short-term borrowers on why and how they borrow.](/research/borrower-pulse-2026/) ## What each study covers A straightforward outline of each report's focus and purpose, helping you assess its relevance before using it as a source. ### [The $400 Gap](/research/the-400-dollar-gap/) Pairs the Federal Reserve’s finding that 37% of US adults can’t cover a $400 emergency with cash against what borrowing that same $400 actually costs — showing the fee swings from about $5 in 36%-APR-cap states to about $100 in the most expensive states, driven by state law rather than the borrower’s credit. Built on Fed SHED 2025 plus our statutory cost model. ### [50-State Payday Loan Cost Index 2026](/research/cost-index-2026/) Calculates the total dollar amount and effective APR for a typical $300, 14-day single-payment loan across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. — developed using the official fee structures and rate limits from each state. This tool lets you evaluate states on equal footing, focusing on real costs instead of advertised terms. ### [Borrower Pulse 2026](/research/borrower-pulse-2026/) A survey of recent short-term loan customers detailing their reasons for borrowing, lender selection process, how they repaid, and knowledge of cheaper options. Offers insight into borrower motivation and choices, presented with sample details and survey dates on the report page. ## How we research A concise summary of our research approach and data sources. Methodology & sourcing - **Legal data prioritized.** Cost analyses originate from primary legal documents — state laws, official fee charts, and rate limits — not marketing materials. Every cost figure can be linked back to its governing rule. - **Uniform comparisons.** For equitable state comparisons, we fix the loan terms ($300 amount, 14-day duration, one payment) and only allow the legal regulations to differ. The resulting APR is computed, not advertised. - **Full survey disclosure.** Survey-based reports state the participant count, data collection period, and that the information is self-reported. Our conclusions do not go beyond the provided respondent answers. - **Dated and updated.** Regulations evolve. Each study shows its release date and is updated — with a change record — when the source laws are modified. - **Reviewed before release.** Every analysis is examined per our [fact-checking policy](/fact-checking-policy/) and assessed by a member of our [editorial team](/authors/) prior to posting. Mistakes are recorded on our [corrections page](/corrections/). Big Daddy Loans is a lead-generation service, not a lender. Our research is editorially independent of the lender-matching business and does not promote any specific lender. Where a study touches on Big Daddy Loans’s own service, that relationship is disclosed in the study. ## For journalists & researchers Guidance on referencing this research and contacting our team. Our reports are designed as a resource for journalists writing on consumer finance, scholars researching small-dollar loans, and policy analysts evaluating state systems. You can copy charts and data points with clear attribution to **Big Daddy Loans** and a link to the original study. To request the raw data for a cost model, ask about methodology, or schedule an interview with the analyst, get in touch with our editorial team through the [editorial policy](/editorial-policy/) page. We answer sincere media inquiries within two business days. ## Comparisons Straightforward, comparative reviews of how Big Daddy Loans measures up to competing services and more affordable alternatives. [Big Daddy Loans vs. MoneyMutualNetwork size, transparency, state coverage and cost compared.](/compare/big-daddy-loans-vs-moneymutual/) [Payday loans vs. alternatives15 lower-cost options ranked against a standard payday loan.](/payday-loan-alternatives/) ## Guides & explainers (3) Step-by-step money guides written by our editorial team and reviewed before publication — newest first. [All 9 guides →](/money/) [What APR Really Means on a Two-Week LoanA 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](/money/what-apr-really-means/) [Credit-Union PAL Loans: The Small-Dollar Option Few People KnowA 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](/money/credit-union-pal-loans/) [Paycheck Advance Apps: How They Really WorkPaycheck 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](/money/paycheck-advance-apps-explained/)