Payday loans are short-term unsecured loans that are typically used to cover expenses until your next payday. They are also known as cash advances or check loans. Payday loans are generally small, ranging from $100 to $1,500, and have high-interest rates, with an APR of 400% or more.
How do payday loans work?
When you take out a payday loan, you will typically write a post-dated check for the full amount of the loan, plus fees and interest. The lender will then hold onto the check and cash it on your next payday. If you don’t have enough money in your account to cover the check on your next payday, you may be subject to NSF (non-sufficient funds) fees from your bank, as well as late fees from the lender.
What are the benefits of using payday loans?
There are a few potential benefits of taking out a payday loan:
- You can get access to cash quickly – Payday loans are typically processed quickly and can be available within 24 hours.
- They’re easy to qualify for – Unlike other types of loans, such as personal loans or home equity loans, which can require a lengthy application process and good credit history, payday lenders only require that you have a steady income and an active checking account.
- They’re relatively small – As mentioned above, payday loans are usually for small amounts of money, which can make them more manageable than larger loans.
What are the drawbacks of using payday loans?
Despite their convenience, there are some significant drawbacks to taking out a payday loan:
- High-interest rates – The high-interest rates associated with payday loans can make them very expensive. If you’re not able to repay the loan in full on your next payday, you may end up paying even more in interest and fees.
- Short repayment terms – The short repayment terms associated with most payday loans (usually two weeks or less) can make them difficult to pay off without borrowing more money or incurring additional fees.
- Potential for debt trap – Because they’re easy to qualify for and offer quick access to cash, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of taking out new payday Loans each month just to cover the previous one’s payments – which can lead to ruinous debt levels very quickly.
How to Use Payday Loans in New Jersey?
Step 1: Determine do you actually need one
The first step in using payday loans in New Jersey is to determine whether or not you actually need one. Payday loans are typically used for emergency expenses, such as unexpected medical bills or car repairs. If you have any other source of funds available, such as savings or a credit card, you may want to use that instead of taking out a payday loan.
Step 2: Find a reputable payday loan lender
Once you’ve decided that you do need a payday loan, the next step is to find a reputable lender. There are many lenders who offer payday loans, but not all of them are created equal. Some lenders charge high-interest rates and fees, while others have more reasonable terms. It’s important to do your research before selecting a lender so that you can be sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Step 3: Apply for a payday loan
Once you’ve found a reputable lender, the next step is to apply for a loan. This process is typically very quick and easy and can be done online or in person at the lender’s office. You will need to provide some basic information about yourself and your finances, and then you will be given an approval decision within minutes.
Step 4: Repay your payday loan
The final step in using payday loans in New Jersey is to repay your loan on time and in full. Payday loans typically come with very short repayment terms, usually two weeks or less. This means it’s important to make sure you can afford to repay the loan before taking it out in the first place. If you’re unable to repay the loan on time, you may be charged costly late fees or your interest rate may increase significantly.
Alternatives to Payday Loans in New Jersey
Personal Loans
Personal loans from credit unions or online lenders may be a better option than payday loans, as they typically have lower interest rates and APRs. Credit unions also tend to offer more flexible repayment terms.
If you have good credit, you may be able to qualify for a personal loan with a low-interest rate from a traditional bank. You may also be able to get a co-signer with good credit to help you qualify for a better interest rate.
Peer-to-peer lending platforms like LendingClub and Prosper can also be good options for personal loans, as they offer competitive rates and terms to borrowers with good credit.
Credit Cards
If you have good credit, you may be able to use a 0% APR introductory credit card offer to finance your debt consolidation. This can help you save on interest charges while you work on paying off your debt. Just make sure that you pay off the full balance before the intro period expires, or you’ll be stuck with a high APR.
You can also use a balance transfer credit card to consolidate your debt onto one card with a lower interest rate. However, this only works if you’re able to qualify for a balance transfer credit card with a 0% intro APR period. Otherwise, the fees associated with the balance transfer will likely outweigh any interest savings.
Home Equity Loans
Home equity loans can be used to consolidate your debt into one monthly payment at a lower interest rate than what you’re currently paying on your debts. However, this option comes with a risk: if you can’t make your payments on the loan, you could lose your home. Make sure that you carefully consider all of the pros and cons of taking out a home equity loan before making any decisions.
Payday Loan Consolidation
Payday loan consolidation is an option where someone takes out one larger loan to pay off multiple smaller payday loans outstanding. The benefit of this is that it consolidates multiple payments into one and often comes with reduced monthly payments and/or lower overall Interest rates. The drawback however is that it extends the amount of time needed to repay the original debt which could lead to accruing more total Interest Paid over time.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling with debt, you may be considering a payday loan to help you make ends meet. Payday loans can be a helpful tool if used correctly, but they also come with some risks. Before taking out a payday loan in New Jersey, it’s important to understand how they work and what the potential drawbacks are.
There are some alternatives to payday loans that may be more suitable for your needs. Personal loans, credit cards, and home equity loans are all potential options. If you decide to go with a payday loan, be sure to shop around for the best rates and terms. And always make sure you can repay the loan before taking it out.