The States That Have the Highest Number of Payday Loans

In the United States, there are two types of states: those that prohibit payday loans and those that regulate them. More states in the latter category impose limits on maximum loan amounts, interest rates, and loan renewals.

Why is there interest on payday loans?

Despite being more readily available than personal loans, payday loans are notorious for their high fees and debt traps. A payday loan is easy to acquire. The only requirements for the borrower are verification of employment and a pay history.

A $375 payday loan with a 390% APR needs the borrower to repay $520 within two to four weeks (APR)

It is disgraceful that the majority of payday loan borrowers are more concerned about obtaining a loan than paying the excessive interest rates. A $375 payday loan would require the borrower to return $520 within two to four weeks, at an annual percentage rate (APR) of 390%; nevertheless, borrowers are more concerned with securing the loan than with the repayment terms.

According to surveys, the average borrower took out eight payday loans each year, in some instances incurring an APR of 600%. After repaying loans with paycheck funds, the borrower has little or no finances to last until the next payday. As a result, they apply for another cash advance with high interest rates and continue to repay the small loan until they realize they are in a loan cycle, or rollover, and are subsequently in debt. This describes eighty percent of payday loan borrowers.

What does it mean by Indebtedness resulting from a cash advance?

Some governments already safeguard their citizens from the absurdly high interest rates imposed by payday lenders by limiting the interest rates on payday loans and regulating the business practices of the service provider. Some individuals have chosen to outright ban payday lending.

Other popular payday loan states, including Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and West Virginia.

Where Are Most Payday Lenders Located?

Due to the fact that payday advances are unsecured loans, they frequently target individuals with low incomes and those who dwell near military bases. Typically, these are cash-strapped individuals who cannot provide security in exchange for a personal loan and its benefits.

According to experts from California State University, the number of payday loan stores in the majority of states where payday firms are successful is comparable to McDonald’s. The second-highest number of payday lenders is found in Texas (1,675), while Rhode Island has the least (2,451). (5). Per capita, New Mexico has the most payday loan establishments per 100,000 residents.

The following 10 states have the largest concentration of payday lenders:

State               Payday Lendersper 100,000 APR           
New Mexico 41.78 416%
South Dakota 40.01 36%
Mississippi 38.67 520%
Alabama 26.47 456%
Tennessee  23.62 459%
Louisiana  22.58 391%
South Carolina 22.48 390%
Missouri 22.47 1950%
Utah 19.12 No limit
Kentucky 17.49 459%

Missouri has the highest APR on the list, charging up to 1950% for a $100 loan with a 14-day term. In contrast, state regulations compel payday lenders to disclose all pertinent information, including interest rates and service fees, prior to approving an applicant for a cash advance loan. There are no limits on the amount of money that loan applicants may request or the interest rates that lenders may charge in Utah, so long as the lenders comply with all other rules for running a payday lending business inside the state.

In order to protect its citizens, South Dakota strictly regulates payday loans. The maximum APR allowed in the state is 36%, and consumers are limited to one $500 payday loan at a time.

Individuals may find it difficult to repay payday loans, as the average APR across all ten states is 564%. This explains why, despite the fact that the majority of jurisdictions prohibit usury and limit interest rates to 35% to 40%, payday lenders continue to seek legal loopholes in various statutes that allow them to continue charging excessive interest rates. When selecting tempting payday package deals, borrowers should take caution.

How to Avoid the Traps of Payday Loan Debt?

If you are caught in a cycle of payday loans, you are not alone. Annually, 12 million Americans obtain payday loans for quick cash, totaling $9 billion in loan repayments. The high interest rates on payday loans might make them deceiving and exploitative. There are choices for those who have been seriously harmed by payday loans, but what borrowers thought would be a temporary fix and a modest loan for unanticipated needs can turn into a debt trap that they will have to cope with for years.

Annually, 12 million Americans use payday loans, and they pay up to $9 billion in interest.

Start by reducing your expenditures. Planning and control of one’s finances are the initial and most crucial steps in escaping debt. The great majority of payday loans are used to cover expenditures such as rent and food, which can be handled with a budget. Most likely, you will be able to pay for the things you borrow money for in other ways.

What are the Interest on cash advance?

Extended Payment Plans (EPPs) are provided by the majority of payday loan companies that are members of the Community Financial Services Association of America (CFSA). EPPs permit you to extend the term of your loan without incurring additional fees. In some instances, state regulations mandate payday lenders to allow borrowers to extend their payback obligations. Ensure that you apply for your loan before its due date by obtaining the necessary information from your lender or state laws.

Credit Counseling Agencies may be able to help you change your repayment conditions through a restructured payback service, similar to the EPP option; but, if this is unsuccessful, they may offer to negotiate a settlement sum with your lender to permanently eliminate the debt.

If bankruptcy is your last option and you don’t mind having it appear on your credit report for up to 10 years, use it to delete payday loans.

Regardless of whether you live in a state that prohibits or allows payday loans, it is essential that you investigate the state regulations and APR ranges prior to obtaining a loan. Payday lenders often market themselves as givers of financial support and aid, but their high fees can trap borrowers in a cycle of debt for the remainder of their lives.