Saddled down by money problems but can’t get a loan due to credit woes? You may be leaning towards a payday loan as a quick fix. But these high-interest products aren’t as helpful as they may seem.
There are better, more cost-efficient options for your finances. Let’s dive into how payday loans in Washington State work and more viable alternatives worth considering.
Options For Payday Loans in Washington State
Payday lenders in Washington State extend loans online or at in-person locations. Next business day funding is available for online loans. If you need money faster, you can apply in person and receive loan proceeds on the spot.
On the due date, the lender will draw funds for your bank account to recoup the loan proceeds and any applicable interest.
Payday lenders must adhere to the rules set forth by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.
Requirements:
Not all payday lenders have the same qualification criteria. However, you may qualify for a loan if you meet these general guidelines:
- Are at least 18 years of age and have a valid Social Security number
- Possess an active checking account
- Can prove you have a steady source of income
When you apply, the lender will also ask you to provide your physical address, phone number and email address.
Credit Effects
There’s no credit check when applying for a payday loan in Washington State. Also, know that payment activity isn’t reported to the credit bureaus unless you default on the loan and it’s sold to a third-party debt collector.
If left unresolved, they may report it as a collection account. This is bad news for your credit score as these negative entries remain on your report for 7 years and can tank your score by up to 100 points.
Max Loan Amount and Terms
Payday loans in Washington state are limited to the lesser of $700 or 30% of your gross monthly income. So, if your monthly gross earnings are $2,000, your loan amount cannot exceed $600. But if you earn $2,500 or more, the amount is still going to be capped at $700.
State law requires payday lenders to extend loan terms between 7 and 45 days, and the maximum finance charges are as follows:
- 15% of the loan amount for the first $500 borrowed
- 10% of the loan amount that exceeds $500
Borrowers are limited to a single loan at a time, and can’t take out more than 8 payday loans in a 12-month window. There’s no cooling-off period between loans.
Penalties
To avoid insufficient fund fees from the lender and your bank, you can request a repayment plan of 90 days if you owe up to $400 or 180 days for higher balances. If you exercise this option, the lender is not allowed to charge extra fees.
But if you breach the agreement by not paying, you may be subject to a $25 insufficient funds fee plus any applicable collection costs.
Payday Loan Alternatives in Washington State
Have you considered a loan from a family member or friend? How about a pawn shop loan? These are just a few payday loan alternatives in Washington State. Or you can use your credit card to hold you over.
If these options don’t quite work for you, consider MoneyLion to meet your short-term financial needs.
Instacash
Want a cash advance that won’t cost you a cent in interest? It may sound far-fetched, but Instacash from MoneyLion makes this wish a reality with 0% APR cash advances of up to $250.
Apply in minutes by downloading the MoneyLion app, customizing your profile and linking your bank account. Your Instacash offer will appear, and you’re free to advance as much as you’d like (up to your limit). Funds will arrive in your bank account right away.
You can use the Instacash the feature anytime you’d like. There are no monthly fees or commitments.
Credit Builder Loan
MoneyLion offers an installment loan through the Credit Builder Plus membership. But it’s not just any loan – this product helps restore your credit health as it reports payment activity to the 3 credit bureaus. Plus, payments are affordable, so you won’t break the bank repaying what you owe.
Applying takes a few minutes of your time, and there’s no credit check. If approved, you’ll get up to $1,000 deposited into your bank account in a jiffy. Depending on your financial qualifications, some of your loan may be saved for you in a Credit Reserve account in your name, where it will earn interest, and you’ll receive those funds when you pay the loan off!
The monthly membership fee is only $19.99 and includes instant access 0% APR Instacash cash advances as well as other optional features like banking and investing.
Apply for a Credit Builder Loan
Find An Online Loan In Washington State
| Instacash | Credit Builder Loan | |
| How Much Can You Borrow? | $250 | $1000 |
| Fees & Interest | $0, 0% APR | Competitive APR, 0 fees |
| Credit Check | No | No |
| Availability | Online & Mobile | Online & Mobile |
| Wait Time | Instantly | Instantly |
| Next Steps | Sign Up | Sign Up |
Get Approved for a Loan in Washington State!
A payday loan may seem like the best money move to get over the hump. But before you make a decision, take a look at what MoneyLion has to offer. An interest-free cash advance from Instacash is a far cheaper, safer for your wallet. If you want more cash, try out the credit builder loan that puts more money in your pocket while strengthening your credit profile.
