Payday loans can be a solution for people needing quick access to cash, but there are other options available.

Before taking out a payday loan, it's important to understand the alternatives and explore all your options so you can make an informed decision about what is best for you. 

Although payday loans have benefits such as convenience, speed and the fact that they generally don’t require a credit check, there are some potential downsides to consider. 

Let's briefly explore who wouldn't benefit from payday loans and what other options are available.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Payday loans are generally intended for those with an immediate need for cash, and they typically carry high-interest rates.
• There are several alternatives to payday loans including: debt consolidation, credit cards, personal loans, credit unions, and employer cash advances.
• If you’ve considering payday loans, it is important to know that while they may be a short term solution, they could have serious long term consequences.

Situations Where Payday Loans Won't Make Sense

Payday loans are generally intended for those with an immediate need for cash, and they typically carry high-interest rates that can quickly add up over time. 

If you're unable to pay back the loan in full within a short period of time (usually two weeks), then it's likely not a good fit for your financial needs.

For example, if you just got fired or foresee a client contract ending, payday loans won’t be the best option. They may solve financial problems in the short term, but they can cause bigger issues in the long run as they are still loans that do need to be paid back. 

With that in mind, let's explore some alternatives to payday loans.

Alternatives To Payday Loans

Debt consolidation is a common reason for taking out a loan. Debt consolidation loans are programs designed to help you pay off and combine multiple existing debts into one single loan, usually with a lower interest rate than the individual loans had. 

When done correctly, it can help manage debt levels more efficiently and even improve credit scores over the long term.

In this situation, a payday loan isn’t the ideal option as the interest rate may still be higher than the debt you are consolidating. With an average of 400% APR, payday loans are exceptionally higher than credit card debts that carry an average of 20% APR, so it's important to look at other financing options. 

Now, let's explore a few alternatives to payday loans that would be more suitable for debt consolidation as well as for those who are not keen on payday loan options

Credit Cards

If you have a good credit score, you can look into opening up a 0% APR introductory credit card and use the balance transfer feature to consolidate debt on high-interest cards. 

Although it’s still borrowing money, the 0% APR period can provide a cost-effective way to consolidate debt and give yourself enough time to pay off the balance without interest.

However, if you’re transferring balances from high-interest accounts to credit cards, make sure that you have an actionable plan in place. 

You should also be mindful of the fact that your credit utilization ratio (the ratio of how much you owe to how much available credit you have) could take a hit if you use too much of your available balance. 

Personal Loans

Many reputable online lenders offer personal loans with low rates and flexible repayment schedules suitable for consolidating debt and other needs. Unlike payday loans, these lenders typically offer longer terms and fixed rates that make it easier to pay back debts promptly. 

Shop around to find the best loan for your needs as different states have different regulations and lending limits.

When considering a personal loan, it is still important to review the terms and conditions, make sure you can afford to pay back the loan and find out if any fees or payment options may be of benefit. Additionally, while personal loans may be more expensive in the long term, they typically come with lower interest rates than payday loans.

Credit Unions

Credit unions may be a viable way to get an affordable loan. The advantage of applying for a loan at a credit union is that they usually offer better rates than banks, and can help to negotiate a more flexible repayment schedule with you. 

Credit unions typically have lower fees than other traditional lenders so it's worth looking into them if you're in need of a loan.

For those who are unfamiliar with what a credit union is, it is a non-profit financial cooperative that provides banking services to its members. Essentially, they act as a bank but without the corporate structure or large fees. 

As a community-based institution, they also have the experience and flexibility to work with their customers to create a loan that works best for them. 

Employer Cash Advance

Another alternative is a cash advance from your employer or an employee loan. This option is usually best for employees who have a steady, reliable income and can pay the cash advance back quickly. 

Employers may work with a 3rd party processor that offers short-term loans that are paid back through payroll deductions over a period of time. While it's important to manage expectations when taking out a loan with your employer, an employee loan can be a great way to get a quick source of money.

It's also important to note that while it may be easy to obtain a loan from an employer, they can be more expensive than other types of loans. The repayment terms can also be strict and the interest rate might not be as low as with traditional lenders. 

Some employers also may not offer them, so make sure to check with your HR department before applying. 

How Credit9 Can Help You

At Credit9, we offer loan options that could provide you with the financial solution that works best for you. 

Since 2018, Credit9 has provided over $460 Million in loans to over 36,000 of our customers, and we’re confident we can help you too. 

For more information about Credit9’s unique debt consolidation services, contact us today to see how we can help you consolidate your debts and receive a free, no-obligation, and fully-customized Credit9 loan solution!