Payday lending regulations by state
Regulations for payday loans vary greatly from state to state. Some states, like Oregon, place practically no restrictions on payday loans, while other states ban them entirely. The regulations of your state have a huge effect on what lenders can charge. As a borrower, it’s important for you to be aware of these regulations and to make sure your loan has the right terms and fees dictated by law.
Before you take out a short-term loan
Payday loans, installment loans and auto title loans come with high rates and fees which can trap you in a cycle of debt. Borrowers may find themselves taking out a second or third loan because they couldn't pay back the first one on time.
Consider alternatives before opting for a short-term loan:
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) no longer requires lenders to consider your ability to repay a loan. This could put you at risk of getting caught in a cycle of debt. Carefully review your finances and the loan cost to make sure it fits your budget.
What are lenders allowed to charge you?
The Annual Percentage Rate, or APR, is one of the main costs you need to consider with a payday loan. In most states that regulate payday loans, you’ll find the APR is restricted. Otherwise, a lender may be able to charge as much as it wants. Make sure you know the total cost of a loan before you borrow.
Some states also impose restrictions on the percentage lenders may charge based on how much you borrow or in the total amount you can be charged in a year. These regulations usually only apply to interest rates, meaning a lender can charge fees on top of the interest rate or for refinancing your loan.
These fees have been regulated in some states, but in others they remain at the discretion of the lender.
How much you can borrow and how long you have to repay
States impose limits on loan amounts and terms. The typical state-imposed maximum being around $500 or 25% of your gross monthly income.
Payday loans are meant to last until your next payday. This means that a typical loan term will be two to four weeks, and many states have minimum and maximum terms. The length of your loan has a huge impact on the amount of interest you’ll end up paying. Make sure the amount you’re borrowing and the payment plan aligns with your budget as well as the prevailing state regulations.
