Did you know the typical payday loan customer pays $793 in fees on a $325 loan? That's in addition to the original loan amount. When an emergency happens, you need quick cash, but there are far less expensive ways of borrowing.
Once you get caught in the trap of payday loans and check advances, it can be difficult and costly to get out. Avoid the trap altogether by exploring alternatives before handing a blank check to a payday loan business.
Pay with your credit card
If you have a credit card with available credit, use it to fund the purchase rather than taking out a payday loan. Recognize the signs of a
bigger money problem, like using credit cards to pay for groceries or other credit card bills.
Use a credit card cash advance
Credit card cash advances can be expensive, but if you shop around for low fees and good interest rates, it will surely be less expensive than a payday loan. You'd have to work hard to pay $793 in interest and fees on a cash advance. Since credit card cash advances have higher interest rates, don't charge anything else on the credit card and pay off the balance as quickly as possible.Get consumer credit counseling
If you're having trouble making your credit card payments each month, a
consumer credit counselor can help you lower your monthly payments to a managable level. Seek credit counseling early to protect your credit score.
Sign up for your bank's overdraft protection
Your bank might offer an overdraft protection plan that pays overdraft items with a line of credit. Talk to a customer service representative about signing up for this kind of plan. This is an alternative to bouncing a chcck and getting charged non-sufficient funds and overdraft fees.Dip into your emergency fund
This is precisely the type of expense you can use your
emergency fund for. After you take money from your fund, make sure to put it back so you have it in case another emergency arises.
