What Do I Need for a Payday Loan? Requirements Checklist

Payday loans are handy if you're in need of a quick amount of cash. To qualify, you'll generally need a government-issued ID, be at least 18 years old, have a Social Security number, show proof of steady income and maintain an active bank account in good standing. Some lenders may also check whether you have existing payday loan defaults.

Find out how payday loans work, what lenders require and how they compare to other borrowing options.

Key Takeaways

• Payday loans have simple requirements. You'll need a valid ID, Social Security number, proof of income, an active bank account and proof that you live in a state where payday loans are legal.

• These loans are fast, but the costs are high. Most charge around 400% annual percentage rate (APR), meaning a $300 loan can cost $45 in fees — all due back within two to four weeks.

• Missing a payment makes things worse quickly. You could face overdraft fees, a rollover that adds more fees on top and eventually debt collectors.

• There are cheaper ways to get fast cash. Personal loans and credit card advances all tend to cost less and give you more time to repay.

Summary generated by AI, verified by MoneyLion editors

What Is a Payday Loan and What Are the Requirements?

A payday loan is when you borrow a small amount, usually between $100 to $1,000, from a lender to cover a cash emergency. Repayment occurs in two to four weeks, typically timed with your next payday. No collateral or credit check is required, but these loans can be risky and typically carry high APRs.

Payday Loan Requirements Checklist

To get a payday loan, you must meet basic payday loan requirements that the lenders set. They generally include:

• Age: You must be 18 years or older and in some states you must be 21.

• Valid ID: You'll need to provide a government-issued ID.

• Social Security number: You must provide a Social Security number.

• Proof of income: You must demonstrate you have proof of steady income.

• Active bank account: You need an active bank account in good standing.

• Minimum monthly income: You need a monthly income of $1,000 to $2,000.

• Proof of residency: You need proof of residency in a state that allows for payday loans.

• No active defaults: You can’t have any defaults on existing payday loans.

It's good to keep in mind, too, that meeting the requirements doesn't guarantee you'll be approved. Lenders will take a look at your application and financial profile just to make sure that you have the means to repay the loan.

Minimum Age

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a payday loan in all states. Some states may require borrowers to be 21 or older.

Identification

Lenders typically require a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. You’ll also need to provide your Social Security number for verification purposes.

Income Verification

Proof of steady income is one of the core requirements for payday loans. This can include pay stubs, benefits statements or other documentation showing you can repay the loan.

Minimum Income Requirements

Payday lenders typically require a minimum monthly income between $1,000 and $2,000, though exact amounts vary by state and lender.

Bank Account

Most payday lenders require an active bank account to deposit funds and withdraw repayment. You may be asked to provide recent bank statements to show transaction history. The bank account will also need to be in your name.

Some online payday loans advertise no bank verification payday loans, but these often come with higher fees or stricter terms.

Residency

You need to provide proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement, showing you live in the lender’s service area. Note that you must reside in a state where payday lending is legal, and the lender is licensed to operate.

No Active Defaults

Borrowers with unpaid loans or accounts in default may face challenges meeting payday loan eligibility. Many states also prohibit having multiple payday loans simultaneously.

Credit Check

While payday loans are often marketed as no-credit-check loans, some lenders perform soft credit checks to verify financial stability.

How To Apply for a Payday Loan in 3 Steps

Whether you decide to apply in person or online, the process is easy. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose a lender, gather your documents and apply: Decide to apply online or in person, make sure you have proof of income, a government-issued ID, a Social Security number, proof of residency and an active bank account, and fill out the application.

2. Get a decision: Usually, you will receive a decision by the lender within minutes.

3. Receive your funds and repay: Once your application is approved, review the loan terms and check the APR, repayment amount, fees and the due date. You will receive the funds the same business day or within one to two business days. Your repayment is usually the next time you're paid.

Payday Loan Requirements by State

Payday loans aren't available in every state, with about 19 states prohibiting or imposing restrictions on the terms, such as by capping interest rates.

Here's a look at a few examples in a few states:

Payday Loan Fees and APRs

Payday loans are known for their high interest rates. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the average APR for payday loans is around 400%, compared to single-digit rates for traditional personal loans. This makes payday loans far more expensive than other options.

Payday loan fees are typically flat. For example, for every $100 you borrow, you could be charged between $10 to $30.

Quick Fee Example

If you borrow $300 for two weeks and the lender charges a $15 fee for every $100 borrowed:

• You would pay $45 in fees.

• Your total repayment would be $345 after 14 days.

• That fee structure works out to an APR of roughly 391%.

What Payday Loan Amounts Can You Expect?

Most payday loans are for small amounts, usually ranging from $100 to $1,000.

Note: The loan amounts are often based on your income and state regulations.

What Can Disqualify You From a Payday Loan?

Here’s what may disqualify you from a payday loan:

• You are under 18 years of age.

• You don’t have steady income or have no documentation to prove it.

• You are in default on another payday loan.

• You don't have an active checking account in good standing.

• You live in a state where payday loans are prohibited.

• You can’t provide valid identification in the form of a government-issued ID.

Payday Loans vs. Alternative Fast Cash Options

While payday loans may seem convenient, their high costs and short repayment terms often make them a risky choice. Here's a side-by-side look at how they compare to safer alternatives:

Final Take

• A payday loan is a quick way to get small amounts of cash, usually between $100 to $1,000.

• Repayment is usually timed with your next payday.

• The requirements on a payday loan are straightforward. You need to be 18 or older, provide a government-issued ID, Social Security number, proof of income and residency, an active bank account and have no other defaults on payday loans.

• Payday loans can be risky, so be aware of high APRs, fees and repayment terms.

• Consider alternatives to payday loans, including small personal loans and credit card advances.

FAQ

Can you get a payday loan without a bank account?

Yes, it is possible, but much more difficult. Most payday lenders require a bank account so they can withdraw the amount you automatically owe from your next paycheck.

Do payday lenders check credit?

No, most payday lenders don’t check credit. They are more interested in your employment history and income.

How fast can you get funds?

It’s fairly quick - usually the same day or the next business day.

What happens if you can’t repay?

The lender will still try to withdraw from your account, regardless of whether you have the funds or not. This will likely trigger an overdraft fee. Also, the lender can roll over it into a new loan, which will result in an additional fee. Failure to pay over a long period of time may cause the lender to send your account into collections.

Are payday loans legal in every state?

No, payday loans are not legal in every state. The loans are banned in about 19 states.

Key Terms

• Payday loan: A short-term, small-dollar loan typically due on your next payday. Payday loans require no credit check or collateral but carry some of the highest APRs of any borrowing option, often around 400%.

• APR: The yearly cost of borrowing expressed as a percentage, including fees. A $15 fee per $100 borrowed on a two-week payday loan translates to an APR of roughly 391%.

• Soft credit check: A limited credit review that does not affect your credit score. Some payday lenders perform soft checks to verify financial stability even when they do not require a full credit inquiry.

• Rollover: A payday loan feature that extends the repayment date in exchange for an additional fee. Rollovers cause debt to compound quickly and are a leading driver of the payday loan debt cycle.

Summary generated by AI, verified by MoneyLion editors

Jacinta Majauskas contributed to the reporting for this article.

Sources

• CFPB. 2024. "What is a payday loan?"

• CFPB. 2024. "What do I need to qualify for a payday loan?"