You’ve been hit with a financial emergency and need cash now. The banks said no to a loan, so your last resort is a payday loan. Or is it?
Not necessarily. A payday loan may seem like a quick fix to your problem, but it could also mean bad news for your finances if you’re unable to repay on time.
Let’s delve into how payday lending works in Wisconsin and why it may be worthwhile to seek other alternatives.
Options For Payday Loans in Wisconsin
Payday lenders must follow the regulations set forth by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
You can apply online or at a physical location. The process is the same for both options, but opting to visit a brick-and-mortar establishment means you can get funds the same day if the loan is approved. But if you apply online, the funds should arrive in your bank account the next business day.
During the application process, the lender will request your routing and checking account number. This account is where funds will be disbursed (assuming you apply online). It’s also the account where the payday lender will process a transaction to collect what they’re owed when the loan becomes due.
Requirements
Not sure if you’ll qualify for a payday loan in Wisconsin? Lenders have specific criteria potential borrowers must meet.
For starters, you should be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. that’s 18 or older with a driver’s license or government-issued photo identification card, physical address and phone number. The lender will also want to know that you have a verifiable source of income that can be used to repay the loan and an open checking account that accepts direct deposit.
Credit Affects
Payday loans do not impact your credit as there are no credit checks when you apply, and payment activity is not reported to the credit bureaus.
However, defaulting on the loan could have severe consequences for your credit.
Max Loan Amount and Terms
The amount you can borrow is limited to the lesser of $1,500 (including interest and fees) or 35% of your gross monthly income.
So, if you earn $5,000 per month, your loan amount is capped at $1,500. But if your monthly earnings are $3,000, the loan amount cannot exceed $1,050.
The maximum loan term is 90 days.
There’s no ceiling on the interest rate payday lenders can assess. Also, know that you can take out several loans at once, but the aggregate total must not exceed the amount you’re permitted to borrow per state law.
A cooling-off period of 24-hours applies. This means you have to wait for an entire day after paying off an outstanding loan to apply for another one.
Penalties
Lenders are entitled to an insufficient funds fee of $15 if you don’t repay the loan. Your bank may also charge you fees.
However, state law permits rollovers if you need more time to repay what you owe. Or you can enter into a repayment plan once every. If you exercise this option, the outstanding balance will be divided into 4 payments to make the loan payments more affordable.
Failure to adhere to the payment arrangement could result in accelerated collection action.
Payday Loan Alternatives in Wisconsin
Have you tried getting a loan from a close pal or relative? How about selling a few items to the local pawn shop in exchange for cash?
These are both viable alternatives to payday loans. But if they don’t quite work for you, don’t worry. MoneyLion offers low-cost loan alternatives that are far more beneficial to your finances.
Instacash
Get an interest-free cash advance of up to $250 through the Instacash feature from MoneyLion. Even if you have less than perfect credit, you’re encouraged to apply as there are no credit checks.
If approved, you can request the funds you need (up to the credit limit) and receive the cash in your bank account in minutes. You’ll repay the loan in a few weeks when you’re back on track.
Perhaps the best part about Instacash is that it operates like a line of credit. You’re free to request a cash advance anytime you need it if you have available credit. And you won’t be charged a penny in interest.
Download the MoneyLion app, customize your profile and link your bank account to see how much cash you can get today.
Credit Builder Loan
Want a loan that helps you get over the financial hump while building credit? Consider the credit builder loan from MoneyLion. You may qualify for up to $1,000 – you will receive some or all of the funds right away, and any remaining balance will go to an interest-earning Credit Reserve account in your name.
As loan payments are made, they are reported to the credit bureaus to improve your payment history and build your credit score. And you will receive the remaining portion of the funds when the loan is paid in full.
A Credit Plus membership is $19.99 per month and gives you access to credit tracking and other premium features like managed investing and Instacash cash advances.
Apply for a Credit Builder loan
Find An Online Loan In Wisconsin
| Instacash | Credit Builder Loan | |
| How Much Can You Borrow? | $250 | $1000 |
| Fees & Interest | $0, 0% APR | Low APR, 0 fees |
| Credit Check | No | No |
| Availability | Online & Mobile | Online & Mobile |
| Wait Time | Instantly | Instantly |
| Next Steps | Sign Up | Sign Up |
Get the Cash You Need in Wisconsin!
Payday loans are easy to get but could mean bad news for your finances. A better alternative: consider the loan products MoneyLion has to offer. You may qualify for a free cash advance of up to $250 with no strings attached. We also offer a Credit Builder Loan up to $1,000 that can help boost your credit rating.
