Frequently Asked Questions

Most lenders in our network look for applicants who are at least 18 years old, a U.S. resident, have a regular source of income, and hold an active checking account. Individual lenders may add further requirements.

Not necessarily. Many short-term lenders weigh income and banking history more heavily than a traditional credit score, though some do run a credit check. Requirements vary by lender.

Often, yes — many lenders accept self-employment income, but may ask for additional documentation such as bank statements. This varies by lender and state.

Costs vary by lender, state, and loan amount. As an illustrative example, a $300 loan with a $45 finance charge repaid in 14 days works out to roughly 391% APR. See our Rates & Fees page for a full breakdown.

Policies differ by lender. Many short-term lenders do not charge a prepayment penalty, but you should confirm this in writing before signing any agreement.

Contact your lender before the due date. Depending on their policy and your state's laws, you may be offered an extended payment plan or a rollover (which typically adds another finance charge). Missing payment entirely can lead to additional fees, negative bank account impacts, or collection activity.

No. It's a request for information used to see whether a participating lender may be able to make you an offer. You are never obligated to accept any offer you receive.

Many visitors see a result within minutes, though this depends on lender availability in your state and the completeness of the information provided.

Yes — a legitimate lender will always disclose the APR, finance charge, total repayment amount, and due date before you're asked to sign or accept funds.

Some states restrict or prohibit payday-style lending, so a match isn't always possible. Visit our Responsible Lending page for free alternatives, including credit union small-dollar loans and non-profit assistance programs.

You can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (consumerfinance.gov) or your state's financial regulator. You can also contact us and we'll look into removing a non-compliant partner from our network.