Online Payday Loans in Tennessee: Details You Should Know

Tennessee residents have wide access to a range of lenders offering short-term loans, including payday loans. Before you apply, you'll want to understand the rules, costs and what you’re agreeing to. Payday loans in Tennessee come with high fees, short repayment terms and state regulations that impact what and how you borrow.

MoneyLion offers a service to help you find personal loan offers. Based on the information you provide, you can get matched with offers for up to $100,000 from our top providers. You can compare rates, terms and fees from different lenders and choose the best offer for you.

Key Takeaways

• Payday loans are legal in Tennessee, but tightly regulated. Borrowers can receive up to $425 after fees, with a maximum 31-day repayment term and an annual percentage rate (APR) cap of 460%.

• The costs are steep. Lenders can charge up to 15% of the loan amount in fees, and the allowed APR of 460% makes Tennessee payday loans among the more expensive short-term borrowing options available.

• Rollovers are banned, but borrowers can hold up to three loans at once. After two consecutive loans are repaid, borrowers must wait one business day before taking out a new one.

• Safer alternatives exist even for borrowers with poor credit. Credit union payday alternative loans (PALs), earned wage access (EWA) apps and community assistance programs all offer lower-cost options with more manageable terms.

Summary generated by AI, verified by MoneyLion editors

What Is a Payday Loan?

A payday loan is for borrowers who need quick cash — usually between $100 and $1,000 — without a credit check.

• The loan requires no collateral, but comes with high APRs.

• Repayment is timed with the next time you get paid, usually two to four weeks from the loan date.

• Approval for this loan is quick, with funds arriving either the same or the next business day.

Tennessee Payday Loan Regulations

While payday loans are available in Tennessee, they are regulated. These are the key rules that will impact what you can borrow:

• The maximum check face value a lender can accept is $500, but lender fees are included in that total, so the most you can receive is $425.

• There’s a maximum loan term of 31 days, though many loans will require repayment on your next payday.

• The current allowed APR rate is 460%.

• Borrowers may have up to three payday loans at one time.

• Rollovers are not allowed.

• After two consecutive loans have been repaid, borrowers must wait one business day before taking out a new loan.

👉Find Out: What Do I Need for a Payday Loan?

Tennessee Payday Loan Costs and APRs

Typically, Tennessee payday lenders charge up to 15% of the loan amount in fees.

For example, for $100, the maximum fee a payday lender can charge is $17.65. The lender can choose to charge less than this amount.

Online Payday Loan Lenders in Tennessee

Check Into Cash 

• Borrowable amount: Up to $425

• Fees and APR: 214.63% to 459.90% APR

Check Into Cash serves Tennessee residents. It has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and over 25 years of industry experience. You’ll need to be at least 21 to borrow funds, which is older than some lenders’ requirement of being 18 years or older.

Tennessee Title Loans 

• Borrowable amount: $100 to $400

• Fees and APR: Not disclosed online

Tennessee Title Loans offers multiple funding options, including payday loans. You can borrow up to $400, but you must finish the application process in person even if you start the initial inquiry online.

1F Cash Advance 

• Borrowable amount: Up to $425

• Fees and APR: 458.86% APR 

1F Cash Advance offers a fully online application and funding process, allowing borrowers to access up to $425 without a credit check. The due date is typically set for your next payday, and the maximum repayment period is 31 days per Tennessee’s regulations. 

A1 Cash Advance

• Borrowable amount: Up to $425

• Fees and APR: 443.21% APR 

A1 Cash Advance has payday loans for Tennessee residents. You can apply online, though you will need to go in-store to receive funding. Funding is transparent and repayment is required on your next payday, and it’s worth noting that they offer a slightly lower APR compared to some of their competitors. 

Speedy Cash 

• Borrowable amount: Up to $425

• Fees and APR: 214.71% to 460.08% APR

Speedy Cash allows you to borrow up to $425 in an entirely online process, though you also have the option to apply by phone or go to a nearby location and apply in person. You can receive your funding immediately in store or receive a direct deposit within one or two business days.

Sunshine Loans

• Borrowable amount: $100 to $400

• Fees and APR: 214.62% to 459.90% APR

Sunshine Loans services the state of Tennessee and allows you to borrow up to $400. There are 14-day and 30-day term loans available, which may vary depending on when you’ll receive your next paycheck.

Max Cash 

• Borrowable amount: Up to $425 for true payday loans 

• Fees and APR: Varies by lender 

Max Cash works like an online marketplace. You can apply online, and if you meet their eligibility requirements, they’ll partner you with a trusted lender in your state. While their site says you can access up to $1,000, state regulations in Tennessee cap true payday loans at $425. 

ACE Cash Express 

• Borrowable amount: $100 to $425

• Fees and APR: 459.90% APR 

Ace Cash Express allows you to apply for payday loans online or in person at an ACE store. This is a straightforward product, allowing you to borrow between $100 and $425 in $25 increments that will be repaid on your next payday.  

Cash Central 

• Borrowable amount: $100 to $400

• Fees and APR: 459.90% APR 

Cash Central has payday loans that can be deposited directly into your account, which means the loan can be paid back automatically through an authorized electronic withdrawal. Their website has a calculator that lets you view the total costs of a loan based on the amount borrowed alongside the duration of the loan. 

LendNation

• Borrowable amount: $50 to $425

• Fees and APR: Not disclosed online 

If none of the payday lenders so far seem like a good fit, LendNation is a popular lender in Tennessee. However, you’ll need to visit one of the lender’s 26 in-person locations in Tennessee. 

How To Apply for a Payday Loan in Tennessee

Whether you decide to apply in person or online, the process is easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose a Tennessee lender: Decide to apply online or in person.

2. Provide documentation: Make sure you have proof of income, a government-issued ID, a Social Security number, proof of residency and an active bank account.

3. Complete the application: Fill out the information required by the lender. It will take a few minutes to apply.

4. Get a decision: Usually, you’ll receive a decision from the lender within minutes.

5. Review the loan terms: Once your application is approved, review the loan terms and check the APR, repayment amount, fees and the due date.

6. Receive your funds: You’ll receive the funds the same business day or within one to two business days.

7. Repay your loan: Your repayment is usually the next time you're paid.

Payday Loan Eligibility Requirements

Want to get a payday loan in Tennessee? Here’s a checklist that will let you know if you qualify:

• You must be 18 years or older.

• You must have proof of Tennessee residency.

• You must provide a government-issued ID and Social Security number.

• You must provide proof of income.

• You must have an active bank account in good standing.

• You must meet the lender's minimum income threshold.

• You must not be in default on another payday loan.

• You must not have filed for bankruptcy recently.

• You must not have an amount over $500 in existing payday loans.

Alternatives to Payday Loans in Tennessee

Payday loans can seem like a fast and easy solution when you need cash fast, but the reality is that they can be extraordinarily expensive to the point where they’re difficult to repay. Make sure you consider all of your payday loan alternatives first, because there are options even for those with poor credit.

Your options may include:

• Credit union PALs: Many Tennessee credit unions offer small-dollar loans with rates that are capped. Terms are more flexible, and fees are typically much lower than standard payday loans.

• EWA apps: EWA apps allow you to access wages you’ve already earned before your next payday. These apps typically come with minimal or even no fees, so it’s a good option for employed borrowers who just need access to their next check a little early.

• Installment loans: Short-term installment loans may offer higher borrowable amounts and longer repayment terms. However, many have exceedingly high APRs, so these should also be used only if no other good options are available.

• Credit card cash advances: Cash advances may be available through your credit card. While they do carry high fees, the fees are much lower effective costs than payday loans, especially if you can repay them quickly.

• Community assistance programs: Nonprofit organizations, churches and local government agencies throughout Tennessee may offer emergency financial assistance for costs like rent, utilities or food.

Final Thoughts on Payday Loans in Tennessee

• You can only get a payday loan of up to $500 in Tennessee.

• Tennessee allows borrowers to have three payday loans at a time.

• The APR on a payday loan in Tennessee can be as high as 460%.

• There are alternatives to payday loans including PALS, installment loans and government assistance.

FAQs

Are payday loans legal in Tennessee?

Yes, payday loans are legal through licensed lenders.

How much can you borrow?

Tennessee caps loans to $500 per loan.

Can you have multiple payday loans?

Yes, you can have up to three payday loans at a time in Tennessee.

Do lenders check credit?

Most Tennessee payday lenders do not require a hard credit check.

What happens if you can’t repay?

In Tennessee, the lender must offer you a repayment plan of up to 60 days at no additional charge. The lender is required to do this only once in a 12-month period.

Are payday loans available online?

Yes, several Tennessee payday lenders offer online loans.

Key Terms

• Payday loan: A short-term, small-dollar loan typically due on your next payday. In Tennessee, the maximum amount a borrower can receive is $425 after fees, with repayment due within 31 days.

• APR: The yearly cost of borrowing expressed as a percentage, including interest and fees. Tennessee caps payday loan APRs at 460%, meaning even a small loan can become very expensive if not repaid quickly.

• Rollover: A payday loan feature that extends the repayment date in exchange for an additional fee. Rollovers are prohibited in Tennessee, which helps limit the debt cycle risk common in other states.

• PAL: A small-dollar loan offered by credit unions with APRs capped well below payday loan rates. PALs offer a safer, lower-cost substitute for borrowers who need short-term cash.

• EWA: A financial tool that lets workers access a portion of their already-earned income before payday. It carries no interest and is one of the most affordable alternatives to a payday loan.

Summary generated by AI, verified by MoneyLion editors

Sources

• UStatesLoans. "Tennessee Payday Loans: Law, Stats and History."

Ana Gotter contributed to the reporting for this article.

Data is accurate as of June 2, 2026, and is subject to change.