Banks have maneuvered their way into the payday loan industry. Now there are many banking institutions that will provide these short-term loans in the same manner as online payday lenders. The basic loan principals are followed, but banks have more freedoms as they do not have to follow the same state guidelines set up for your typical payday loan.
Typical bank loans are not easy to get. People who had a bad credit history, a low credit score, a high debt to income ratio were and still are being rejected for regular bank loans. Buying a new home or car is a tough process by the time you work your way through all the qualifications. An average person does not need such a large loan as often, but sometimes getting a personal loan to help out with a stressed budget can do the trick. Personal loans without collateral are tough to get through banks as well. The payday loan industry boomed with customers looking for small loans and now the banks and credit unions are collecting beg revenue without having to follow state regulations.
They have set up their system very similar. Fast money into your bank account and your payoff comes out automatically when your next paycheck gets directly deposited. So what exactly is the difference? It's more in the how their process works. First off, the caps for loan amounts do not exist. Your state could regulate a payday loan amount to $300, but a bank can loan a higher amount. Some people who are looking for a cash advance loan may live in a state in which these short-term loans are banned. The customer will be able to get one at a bank who provides them. In general, the banks have a much more positive reputation than a payday loan lender. This is working in their favor, but it is getting customers into quick financial trouble.
These loans need to be paid off fast. When the bank receives your paycheck deposit, it automatically takes their full payment. If for some reason a person cannot afford to pay the loan of in full, it will put them into a position of getting a second loan bringing in more fees and future trouble with the following paychecks. The banks have leverage over the customer's bank account. There are warnings in the payday loan disclosures of potential overdraft fees, negative reports sent to credit bureaus and if there is any tampering with direct deposits of the paycheck, the bank can close your account. This will freeze any money you have in there for a while until you clear things up.
The banks are backed by federal regulations which have so far kept them from having to follow the state guidelines for payday loans. If you are leaning towards using the banks for a payday loan and your state does allow payday loans where you live, it will be in your best interest to shop around to compare fee amounts, interest rates, and the terms regarding loans that are not settled on time.
