Online Payday Loans in Texas

Texas law grants broad leeway to payday lenders by allowing them to operate under a special designation that circumvents traditional interest rate caps. In Texas, lenders structured as credit access businesses (CABs) can bypass regulations by acting as brokers that facilitate payday loans through unlicensed third parties.

The high fees that CABs charge directly to consumers can result in APRs of well over 500%, but some localities, such as Austin, enforce stricter municipal regulations.

Payday Lenders in Texas

The following lenders offer payday loans in Texas, with varying APRs, fees, loan amounts and terms. 

Ace Cash Express

• Loan amounts: $100-$1,000

• Fees: $25-$500 credit service organization (CSO) fee, depending on the amount borrowed; 661.69%-661.73% APR

• Notes: Funds deposited to bank account, debit card or available for cash pick-up

AdvanceAmerica

• Loan amounts: $200-$5,000

• Fees: 305.39% APR

• Notes: Loans limited to $4,000 online or $5,000 at 95 Texas locations

CheckCity

• Loan amounts: $250-$2,500

• Fees: CAB charge of 1.55 and 1.65 times the amount borrowed, plus 10% lender APR for a combined APR of 579.02%-610.18%. 

• Notes: Offers three-day cancellation window

LendNation

• Loan amounts: $25-$2,000

• Fees: 309.9%-659.98% APR, including CSO co-fees of $50-$3,750

• Notes: Installment loans range from $50-$1,000; single-payment loans range from $25-$2,000

AdvanceFinancial

• Loan amounts: $100-$3,000

• Fees: Generally 652.71%-658.11% APR; varies by amount, term and CAB fees

• Notes: Payment schedule is bi-weekly, semi-monthly or monthly

SavvyLoans

• Loan amounts: $100-$1,500

• Fees: 615.55%-882.82%

• Notes: Does not allow multiple loans for the same customer, but repeat borrowing can increase loan maximums

Jora Credit

• Loan amounts: Up to $500

• Fees: 75%-349% APR

• Notes: Also offers installment loans for bad credit of up to $1,700

Check ’n Go

• Loan amounts: $500-$5,000

• Fees: 165%-360% APR, generally, but varies in Texas; late and returned payment fees apply

• Notes: Must have checking account open for at least 30 days

SpeedyCash

• Loan amounts: Up to $3,000

• Fees: 342.76%-730.8%, including CAB fees of $252-$2,820

• Notes: Also offers title and installment loans

Devolada Loans

• Loan amounts: $300-$700

• Fees: 487.8%-487.81% APR, including $600-$1,400 in CAB fees

• Notes: Repayment schedule is biweekly or monthly 

Alternatives To Online Payday Loans In Texas

Payday loans should always be an option of last resort, particularly in industry-friendly states like Texas. Before you apply for a payday loan, consider the following alternatives, which offer far more forgiving rates and terms, even to less-qualified borrowers.

• Some fintechs offer small-dollar emergency cash advances with no credit check based on your banking and employment history. For example, MoneyLion's Instacash® advances up to $500 of your pay, early once you qualify. There is no interest or fees unless you choose the Turbo delivery, the cost of which maxes out at $8.99 per disbursement.

• Bad credit personal loans, like those offered by specialized lenders such as OneMainFinancial, work with all credit scores for loans of up to $30,000 with APRs that max out at a comparatively modest 35.99%.

• Local institutions that specialize in poor-credit loans can offer an even better alternative. For example, Texas National Bank offers short-term loans of up to $1,000 with a maximum APR of 17.75%.

• Local nonprofits and community organizations might also offer relief.

Final Thoughts

Payday loans are considered predatory lending. The interest they generate is among the most toxic debt that retail consumers can take on — and Texas has among the nation’s loosest regulations. Payday loan APRs in Texas can top 800%, turning a $1,000 loan into more than $3,000 owed in just 120 days.

There’s almost never a worse option than payday loans, particularly in states with scant consumer protections. If you must take one, shop around, read the fine print, and repay as quickly as possible at the expense of just about everything else, as interest compounds daily.

FAQs

The answers to the following frequently asked questions can help you navigate the high-stakes world of small-dollar payday loans in Texas.

How much do online payday loans cost in Texas? 

Because of its industry-friendly legal structure, Texas has some of the highest payday loan APRs in America, often topping 500% and sometimes exceeding 800%. 

What is the minimum credit score for an online payday loan in Texas? 

Payday lenders approve loans based not on credit scores, but on income — and payments are taken directly from the borrower’s paycheck. This is true in Texas and all states. 

How much can I borrow with a payday loan in Texas?

Most payday loans are for less than $500. However, some approve loans of up to $5,000, depending on income and other factors. 

How do I repay a payday loan? 

Payday loans can be repaid in one lump-sum payment or through installments, typically weekly or biweekly. 

Sources

• Austin, Texas Code of Ordinance. CHAPTER 4-12. - REGISTRATION OF CREDIT SERVICES ORGANIZATIONS AND CREDIT ACCESS BUSINESSES.

• Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner. Credit Access Businesses.