Payday loans go by many names, including cash advances, bad credit cash advance loans, payday advances, payroll advances, paycheck advances and deferred deposit loans. Whatever you call them, it can't be argued that they're helpful as a short term loan until the next time you get paid. When unexpected expenses pop up, like car repair costs, doctor's bills or other fees, a cash advance can help bridge the gap between paychecks.
Many people are aware of the benefits of payday loans: they're a fast and easy way to get the cash you need to cover life's unexpected expenses. But does the same go for online payday loans? Is it safe to apply for an instant cash advance or loan online? Read on to learn how you can safely and securely apply for a fast payday loan online.
So is it safe to apply for online payday loans? Short answer: yes. Long answer: it depends on which company you use. Most online payday loan companies take their data security very seriously because they are invested in their company and if they become known as unreliable or unsafe they will quickly lose all of their business. There is the occasional online loan company that doesn't take their data security seriously, however.
Here are some tips on how you can ensure your information is safe when applying for an online payday loan:
1. First check the Privacy Policy of any payday lender or broker's website. (A payday loan broker does not make online cash advance decisions, but instead matches you with a payday advance lender based on your application.) The Privacy Policy should be written clearly and should detail the kind of information they collect and disclose whether they sell or share any personal information about you with third parties.
2. If you have any concerns about site security or the security of your personal information, talk to a customer service representative from the company. Are information databases accessible by all employees or just those with security clearances? What happens to your information after you close your account? Ask any questions you may have and based on their answers you can make your decision. Most websites also have a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section that can answer many of your questions.
3. Once you are happy that the site will not sell your personal information, it's important to check that the application page is secure as well. Whenever you're about to transmit sensitive data online, not just for an instant payday loan but for any transaction, there are two things to look for to make sure your transmission will be secure. The first is an added letter "s" after the "http" portion of the internet address line in your browser. The second thing to look for is a yellow padlock symbol at the bottom right side of the screen. Both of these things indicate that your data will be encrypted before it is transmitted to the website, and that it is safe to send your information.
4. Last but not least, a great way to check that your data will be safe is to investigate the online payday loan lender or broker itself. Google their name online or check with the Better Business Bureau to see if they have any customer complaints against them. It's always a good idea to see what other people like you are saying about the company you're about to do business with.
Whether you're ordering a pizza, buying new clothes, or applying for a cash advance online, no matter what kind of business you're doing online, it's important to make sure your information is secure. By using the above tips, you can ensure that your online cash advance transaction is safe.
