Has an unexpected bill taken you by surprise? Do you need a quick influx of cash before your next paycheck? You’re probably already looking into the quickest and easiest way to get cash today.
One option many people consider is a payday loan. These are risky, high interest and high fee loans that can do more damage to your finances than good. The good news is that you have safer options.
Keep reading to understand traditional payday loans and your alternatives.
Options For Payday Loans in Texas
Payday loans are short-term, high-interest loans that need to be paid back in full by your next paycheck. Many states put heavy restrictions on payday lenders, but Texas has some of the most relaxed legislation on lenders. Here is everything you’ll need to know about taking out a payday loan in Texas.
Requirements
- You have to be at least 18 years old
- There is no credit score requirement.
- You will need to show proof of regular income and have a bank account.
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Credit Impact
Payday lenders won’t typically pull your credit, but you risk harming your credit score if you fail to make your payments on time. If you do pay on time, it won’t help your credit score improve.
Number of Loans
There is no regulation in Texas on how many payday loans you can have at any given time. Although some cities might have local regulations, it is very easy for borrowers to fall into cycles of debt.
Max Loan Amount
There is no maximum loan amount in the state of Texas. Different counties and lenders may have their own policies.
Penalties
There is no APR limit in the state of Texas. APRs can be as high as 662% – and even higher.
Safe Payday Loan Alternatives in Texas
Payday loans are some of the most predatory lending methods available. High interest rates can easily trap borrowers into debt cycles and destroy credit scores. The good news is that there are safer alternatives.
Instacash
Instacash by MoneyLion is designed to be the safer and cheaper alternative to payday loans. You can get up to $250 at 0% APR when you need extra cash. There’s no interest and no monthly fees. And there’s no credit check to apply. Just link your checking account, and we’ll secure check your finances to see how much Instacash you can access.
With Instacash, we won’t report your application or payments to credit bureaus. The MoneyLion app makes the cash advance super easy to access at any time – and funds deposit instantly. Stop worrying about filling the gap between paydays – use Instacash to access money as often as you need at no additional cost. You can read more about Instacash here.
Credit Builder Loans
You shouldn’t be deterred from taking out a loan just because you have a poor credit history. You also shouldn’t be charged crazy high interest rates. MoneyLion offers a solution.
With a Credit Builder Plus account, you can get a loan for up to $1,000 at a competitive APR – even if you have no credit history.
MoneyLion will report your payments to major credit bureaus, so as long as you stay on top of your payments – your score will likely go up! The same can’t be said about payday loans.
| Instacash | Credit Builder Loan | Local Payday Lender | |
| How Much Can You Borrow? | $250 | $1,000 | Varies |
| Fees & Interest | Free membership, 0% APR | Competitive APR, $19.99/month fee | No limit APR |
| Impacts Your Credit? | No | Yes, it builds your credit score. | Yes, will harm your score if you miss a payment. Won’t improve your score even if you pay on time. |
| Availability | Online & Mobile | Online & Mobile | Sometimes In-Store, Sometimes Online |
| Wait Time | Instantly* | Instantly | Next business day |
| Next Steps | Sign Up | Sign Up |
Payday Loans are Dangerous – You Deserve Better!
You don’t need to settle for predatory payday loans. There are safer and cheaper lending alternatives available. Whether you need a zero-interest cash advance or want to build up your credit, MoneyLion can help.
MoneyLion members have access to zero-interest cash advances and affordable Credit Builder Loans. But the benefits don’t stop there. Members also have access to other important financial tools – like personal investing.
Needing a cash advance shouldn’t set back your financial future – get the best for your finances with MoneyLion!
