If you’re looking for the best payday loans online, it’s probably a safe assumption that you have found yourself in a situation that requires getting your hands on cash–and fast. Let’s be honest, having to borrow money is rarely a fun circumstance, but sometimes when life turns sideways, you have to take care of business the best way you know how.
Getting payday loans online can get a bad rap sometimes, but if you’ve exhausted all your options for alternatives, then there shouldn’t be any shame in turning to this funding source. Just make sure you’ve researched the online loan options out there.
To help you along with your search for a lifeline, we’ve put together this road map to understanding the process and finding the best payday loans online!
The top payday lenders online
There’s no shortage of online payday lenders, but we’ve spared you the time and hassle of having to research lenders or take a risk with a lesser known company. We consider Lend River, Lendlanes, and Borrowfix to be the top payday lenders online, and multiple borrowers agree with us. Here’s what they have to say about their experience:
“I was having a hard time making my rent payment and I was really stressing out. I came across LendRiver by chance when I was searching for a way to get help. I was so happy to get a response right away. The money was deposited into my account the next day. Problem solved. Thanks, LendRiver!”
- Lorie Sanchez, WI
“My loan helped me cover my dental deductible. After nagging tooth pain, I went to my dentist hoping for a quick cavity filling; and found out fast that I needed an expensive Root Canal. LendLanes, helped me cover what my insurance wouldn’t.”
- Hellen Belton, WA
"Super fast. I filled out the form and found a lender in minutes. Got the money I needed to pay my light bill before payday."
What to look for in an Online Payday Lender
With so many different payday lenders online it can be difficult to choose the right one for you, but if you’re like the thousands of other Americans who are applying for personal loans, trust is a big concern.
Reputation
When you’re looking for the best payday loans online, it’s critically important to do your due diligence and examine the reputation of the lenders you are considering. Unfortunately, there are scammers and unscrupulous lenders online that you need to look out for, so it’s important to research each company for ratings, reviews, and testimonials.
Speed
You will also want to make sure that you’re dealing with a lender that has the capacity to respond to your application with a sense of urgency, while also keeping your sensitive information secure.
Security
When entering sensitive personal information online, always make sure that the website you’re on is using an encrypted connection to keep your data from being intercepted. You can tell if a website is using a secure connection, by looking at your browser’s address bar and locating the padlock symbol. If you see the lock, you’re safe. If you see a message that says “Not Secure”, or a padlock with a line through it– do not enter any sensitive data into this website.
What are the benefits of payday loans online?
The main benefit that payday loans offer is the ability to get cash in your hands quickly. Depending on your lender, you might be able to receive an approval decision within a few minutes. Some borrowers report that after filling out a quick application, they were able to receive the funds they needed within one business day.
You’ll also have the added convenience of being able to go through the entire loan process from your home.
How long does it take to receive funds?
The amount of time between you finishing your application and receiving funds can vary depending on your lender. We typically hear from borrowers and lenders alike that the online payday loan process is relatively quick, with some borrowers reporting a loan decision within minutes of applying, and receipt of funds within one business day.
What if I have bad credit?
Filling out an online payday loan application is one of the few times that you won’t have to be too concerned about your FICO score or your credit history.
A lot of the best online payday lenders usually understand that a credit report doesn’t give the full picture when it comes to how worthy a person is of credit. Additionally, since the loan is tied directly to your income, there’s less risk for the lender and your credit history isn’t as important of a factor.
Will online payday lenders pull my credit report?
This is dependent on the specific lender, but in most cases for online payday loans the lender performs what’s referred to as a “soft pull” of your credit, meaning that your credit score will not be impacted by the inquiry.
However, as mentioned above, your credit score is only a part of the consideration for your eligibility to receive a payday loan, so you are still encouraged to apply even if your credit report is less than ideal.
What do I need to apply?
The application process for the best payday loans online is usually quick depending on the lender. You can apply directly from your mobile device or a computer, and you can typically expect to hear back with a decision within a few minutes.
A lot of lenders require the following information to apply:
- Your legal name
- Proof of income
- Social Security #
- Drivers License #
- A current phone number
- An active email address
- A checking account capable of electronic transfers
What can I use a payday loan for?
Payday loans are usually reserved for those occasions when you are in a jam and you need cash as soon as possible. Typically, people apply for this type of loan product after running into unexpected circumstances like a medical emergency, car repairs, or the loss of a job, but you are free to use your loan as you see fit.
How long do I have to pay back my loan?
The specific terms of your loan will be dependent on your lender, but since this type of loan acts as a payday advance, borrowers commonly pay their balance within 2 to 4 weeks.
A final word on the best payday loans online
Regardless of your reasoning, if you need urgent access to funds without a bunch of hoops to jump through, a payday loan is right for you.