Direct Payday Lenders USA FAQ

Answers To Common Questions About Direct Payday Loans

What does your company (Direct Payday Lenders USA) do?
We are an internet-based consumer advocacy organization. We specialize in helping consumers find direct lender payday loans, even if they have less-than-perfect credit. Our company strives to give readers information and feedback on the direct payday lenders in our database. We’re adding new information and resources, so bookmark our site and check back often!

What is a short term loan/cash advance?
A short term loan is a way for someone to get quick cash from an unsecured lender. These types of loans are also known as online payday loans and direct lender payday loans, to name a few.

What is a direct payday loan lender? I see that term used all throughout your site.
A direct payday lender is a hard money lender that cuts out the middleman. Many direct payday lenders offer short term loans to consumers with no other emergency funds source. Actual direct lenders are different from online marketing companies and brokers. Once you work with a direct payday lender, you only work with that company. Many other companies will send your personal info to a payday loan marketing or broker service.

Should I get a payday loan from a local company or apply online?
Most of the large companies we list in our database have retail store-fronts. These companies also have online systems where you can fill out an application. There’s no difference in getting a loan online or in person from these large payday lending companies. Sometimes, if you go to a storefront, you can receive money in real time. Compare that to waiting the next day with an online payday loan direct lender.

Are online payday loans legal in all 50 states?
Payday loans are not legal in all 50 states. Unsecured loans are banned in over a dozen states and even more severely limit the available loan options. That doesn’t mean all forms of lending are not allowed in those 13 states. Some of them allow installment loans or other types of longer term loans.

Does the database of online payday loan companies also include tribal lenders?
At this time, we have decided to create a separate list that details and breaks down many of the best tribal loan companies. This list of tribal lenders is not as comprehensive as our database of online payday loan companies, but we will be adding more lenders as we move through 2023.

Do you list companies that offer auto title loans?
We specialize in companies that offer direct payday loans and tribal loans. Unlike large payday lenders, only a few direct auto title loan companies lend to most of the country. We plan to list more companies that lend money based on the equity you have in your vehicle.

Do you list companies that offer online flex loans?
Yes, many lenders in our directory have a broad offering of financial products. Flex loans are much like installment loans. With a flex loan, you can get a high-dollar loan for a longer term than a payday loan. Flex loans are typically structured for several months, and you can pay them off early with no pre-payment penalty.

Do any of the payday loan lenders or installment lenders listed here report my payment history to the credit bureaus?
Many of the best direct payday loan lenders in our directory will not report your monthly payment history to the credit bureaus. On the other hand, most installment loan companies will report monthly payment info. Taking out an installment loan is beneficial if you’re trying to rebuild your credit as you can make on-time monthly payments and bump up your credit score with each payment. Each lender is different, so check with them to see if they report on time monthly payments.

Do any of these direct lenders of payday loans offer discounts or promo codes if I get approved for a loan? 
Yes. Every so often, these direct payday lenders will have promotions or fee reductions. Many lenders will have promo codes around the holiday season. Check out our list of lenders for the most recent updates.

What if I have bad credit or a recent bankruptcy?
Payday and Installment loans are intended to serve a need of someone with bad credit. That’s why interest rates and the annual percentage rates are so high! Most consumers will qualify for some loan, assuming they have an income of at least $800 monthly with an active checking account. Some direct payday loan lenders will even approve your application if you’ve been flagged by the credit bureaus.

How many times can I take out a payday loan?
We have a state resource guide that breaks down the various payday loan regulations by state. With that, some direct payday lenders will run your information through untraditional credit checks. These systems will determine how many loans you have outstanding. Generally, most top direct lenders will deny you a loan if you have 2 or 3 loans outstanding when you apply.

How do I know my payday loan application is secure once I leave your site?
We have no control over your lender application once you leave our site. After you leave our site, you’ll want to ensure that your prospective lender uses 128-bit encryption. Only fill out an application that comes from a secured site. You may also want to check and see if your payday loan direct lender is a member of the Online Lenders Alliance.

How are direct payday lenders and direct installment lenders regulated?
Most states regulate how the payday loan and installment loan industry can work in their specific state. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is now regulating the online lending industry. You’ll also want to ensure that any lender you work with follows all industry best practices standards. Some states have agencies to regulate lenders that provide funds in their state. The Department of Business Oversight controls most regulated companies’ lending choices in California.

What’s the difference between payday lenders and installment lenders?
Installment loans will usually have fixed monthly payments. Many have payoff times longer than what you see with traditional loans. Also, direct installment loans typically have higher loan amounts. These amounts are generally in the thousands versus direct payday loans, usually in the hundreds.

Can I still qualify for a loan if I recently filed for bankruptcy?
Some lenders will not consider this when you apply for a loan. You may be disqualified for an installment loan if you have a bankruptcy on your record, but it shouldn’t matter with companies that offer payday lending.

What time of the day can I apply for a direct payday loan with any sites listed in your database?
Most online payday lenders will authorize and approve your application 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Many lenders can process and underwrite an application automatically. That means there is no faxing or in person meetings necessary.

What if I get a direct lender payday loan but change my mind a few days after?
Consider your options before moving forward with an online loan. Be sure your lender specifies what happens in this specific situation. Usually, most direct payday lenders will abide by state laws and industry best practices about loan rescission.

I see terms like cash advances and direct lender payday loans used often on the site. Why is that, and aren’t all types of online loans the same?
Yes, payday loans aren’t very different from cash advances or installment loans. These are all forms of short term loans that are available either online or offline. We use these terms because some consumers may know what a direct payday lender is but not what a cash advance is. They’re pretty much all the same; we want to understand that we often refer to financing from a direct loan company.

Are there any processing or application fees incurred when I only take out a direct lender payday loan?
This all depends on the actual payday loan direct lender you go with. Some lenders may charge a fee but some lenders may not. It depends on your state as many states have rules governing this practice.

What are the minimum requirements to get an online direct lender payday loan?
There are a few basic requirements that most direct payday lenders require to fund a loan. You need to be 18 years old, with an income of at least $1,000 a month, and not be a regular/reserve member or dependent of the military. Some lenders have other specific requirements that may differ based on state requirements.

So, if I’m in the military, I can’t qualify for a direct payday loan?
That’s correct. The federal government and the Department of Defense have strict rules regarding payday lending to active duty military. When applying for an online loan, you must declare if you are active duty military. We recommend visiting militaryonesource.com. Sites like this are great for more information on lending options available to the military.

Can I use a co-signer when applying for direct lender payday loans?
It depends on the actual lender. Most finance companies will let you have a co-signer, which also makes the co-signer responsible for your loan. Ask the underwriter about this when applying for a loan.

Can I apply for a short term loan if I’m a debtor in a bankruptcy case?
You likely won’t qualify with any secured or unsecured payday lender. Many services that offer payday lending will frown on giving money to someone in active bankruptcy. There may be exceptions to this rule that we don’t know about, but it’s not likely. As always, you should ask your attorney and prospective lender for more information.

How quickly will I know that my loan application from a payday direct lender was approved or denied?
Most direct payday lenders are very quick in processing loan apps. The larger companies that offer direct lender payday loans will have an automated 24/7 approval process. You’ll usually know within a few minutes of submitting your information.

How much can I borrow from a direct payday loan lending company?
The amount of money you can borrow depends on your state. All online payday lenders have specific amounts they’ll lend to first-time consumers and returning clients. It can range from $250-$5,000.

Why did a company turn down my application for a payday loan?
The decision by a direct lender to lend you money only comes from the info you submit when you apply for the initial payday loan. The decision to lend is sometimes based on a review of your credit history. This does not mean the lender checked your credit report. A decline can come from a negative Chexsystems report. Some direct lenders now offer no denial payday loans. These loans are much easier to qualify for, but the interest rate will likely be higher.

Does applying for an advance online or installment loan with any company listed in your database cost anything?
Not at all. Direct Payday Lenders USA is not a direct lender. We only host this site to help consumers find the best direct payday lender(s). You won’t notice a charge unless you qualify for funding and move forward with signing off on the loan. If you come across a company asking you to give them money to apply for a loan you should know that’s a huge red flag.

How can I receive money being loaned to me by an online lender?
Most qualified borrowers have options but depend on how the lender operates. If they’re strictly an online cash advance lender, you can get your money the next day through a bank wire. If your lender has a physical presence in the state, you may be able to get the cash within less than an hour. More and more direct payday lenders can provide a 24 hour payout option. Lastly, there are now options where you can get the cash deposited onto a debit card within 12 hours.

What if I don’t have a savings account or checking account?
This can make it tricky to get a payday loan as most direct lenders want to be assured they’ll get their money back. Some larger short term loan companies have physical storefronts where you can work something out face to face with them. Contact your lender and see if there is any way around this.

Will most payday loan lenders check my credit report or credit score?
Not at all. These online loans are designed for people with bad to poor credit. Oftentimes, your lender will approve a payday loan if you have a checking account, no loans outstanding, and make at least 1,000 a month. Some firms that provide next day funding will have their own credit lookup services. This option is unique to each company.

Do I need to fax or mail in any payment stubs or banking information?
Most likely, this won’t be necessary. Many direct lender payday loans in our database operate as fax-less online companies. Many of these firms provide only direct lender payday loans. Everything can be done in real-time within a few minutes. Some direct lenders may need a pay stub or bank info sheet, but it depends on the state you live in.

How long does it usually take to be approved by a direct installment loan lender?
Much like the direct payday lenders listed on our site, it usually depends on which installment lender you choose. Approval by a direct installment lender may take a bit longer. Installment loans are generally higher dollar amount loans compared to payday loans. This means the payday loan company may take longer to verify personal and credit information.

Will direct-payday.com keep my personal information secure?
Remember, we’re not a direct lender of payday loans. We’re not even a cash advance loan matching service. We never ask for or require any of your personal information or information related to your financial history. We host a database of cash advance loans and direct installment lenders. Once you exit our site and land on a direct payday loan lender’s site you’ll want to be sure the company has a plan in place. This plan should include methods to safeguard your personal information.

What will happen if I don’t make my first loan payment?
You must never get to this point. As we recommend throughout this site, a borrower should only take out short term funding from a direct lender if they’re confident they can pay it off. You will have a set payment amount and due date with all direct loan services. Don’t find yourself in a situation where the monthly payment is coming due, and you can’t make the payment. If this is possible, you should first contact your direct payday lender to explain the situation. Much like other forms of unsecured debt, you will be sent to collections if you default on what is owed.

Is there an extra charge if I pay off an installment loan early?
A: It will be best to check this question with your direct installment lender. Most direct payday and installment lenders choose not to assess a penalty if you pay off the full amount before it’s due. With most financial transactions, there could be exceptions to this. Double-check the payoff rules and don’t sign the contract if you don’t feel comfortable!

Can I repay my obligation early and would this affect my finance charges?
Yes, you can pay your loan early. We always recommend limiting the amount of interest you pay. There should never be a penalty assessed to you by a direct lender. Remember, direct lenders make their money by stringing you along for weeks. Working with direct loan lenders should only be viewed as a short term advance. Do all you can to repay the loan as soon as possible. Some states require you to be eligible for a partial refund of your interest charges if you pay off your loan in full before the due date.