Would you want a credit card that charged 400% interest or more?
How about a mortgage that more than quadrupled the cost of your Alabama home?
Most consumers would instantly answer, “No.” Yet, in 2017, about 12 million Americans were so desperate for fast cash that they agreed to so-called “payday loans” with triple-digit interest rates. Yes, you read that right – rates typically range from 300% to 900%. In Alabama, like many other southern states, the typical loan rate is a whopping 456%.
These short-term loans soared in popularity during the 2008 recession. In response, the federal government has taken notice, resulting in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in 2017 toughening payday loan regulations to protect borrowers.
Many state governments have also cracked down on some of the more controversial practices of payday lenders. Alabama allows payday loans. But even with limits on interest and payback terms, Alabama’s cap on payday-loan annual percentage rate of 456%, as of 2021, was among the nation’s highest. And, as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic, the rate of workers taking out payday loans tripled according to a recent survey.
The bottom line? Consumer advocates agree that payday loans provide poor value. If you really need money, the smarter choice is to work with your Alabama bank or credit union to address your financial problems. MAX Credit Union offers a wide range of loan options, as well as financial counseling services.
What is a Payday Loan?
A payday loan is a short-term loan usually offered in amounts ranging from $100 to $1,500 or more. Lenders argue that the loans provide financial lifelines to those facing financial emergencies.
Also known as “cash-advance” or “check-advance loans,” they’re usually referred to as payday loans because the payment deadline is set for the borrower’s next payday. Given such a brief repayment period, it’s no surprise that more than 20% of payday borrowers nationwide default on these loans.
Payday Loan Fees
Most payday lenders charge fees ranging from $10 to $30 on average for each $100 borrowed. For example, a consumer taking out $1,000 loan might be required to pay back the $1,000 plus $300 in interest, all within two weeks. This works out to an annual percentage rate (APR) of about 400%. In contrast, most credit cards carry interest rates of well under 30%.
So why do consumers want loans with such lousy terms? Some have poor credit histories and feel they can’t get more conventional loans. Others like the fast, few-questions-asked application process. But the truth is, these loans often cause more problems than they solve.
When consumers can’t afford to repay their initial loan on time, they roll it over into a second loan. And often, into a third loan. And things snowball from there. A study by Pew Charitable Trusts found that, on average, payday borrowers are in debt for five months and pay an average $520 in interest above the original loan fees.
Alternatives to Payday Loans in Alabama
If you are in a tough financial position, consider these alternatives:
- Take money from savings: It’s great to prepare for the future. But if you have a crisis now, it’s better to tap into savings than be saddled with a high-interest loan. Once you’ve weathered the financial storm, start socking away money again. MAX Credit Union has several types of savings accounts that can help put you back on sound financial footing.
- Use your credit card: Yes, you should try to avoid maxing out your credit cards. But in a financial crisis, consider using them to fund some short-term expenses. After all, paying 25% interest on your card balance is better than paying 400% on a loan. If you don’t have a card, MAX Credit Union offers several credit cards, including one for consumers trying to rebuild their credit ratings.
- Take out a traditional loan: If you have a job that provides a steady stream of income, talk to our lending team at MAX Credit Union. Homeowners might be able to get a home equity loan. Others can inquire about personal or debt-consolidation loans.
- Contact creditors: If you can’t pay your bills, many creditors will work with you to reduce the amount due or give you more time to pay. It’s much better to negotiate than to skip payments. That can hurt your credit score and affect your future borrowing ability.
- Talk to your employer: Ask your boss or HR department if they can give you an advance on your pay; let you work overtime; or adjust your income tax withholdings. All these alternatives are better than a payday loan because there are no interest payments involved.
- Work with a credit counselor: Counselors can help you figure out a repayment plan, negotiate with creditors, and work on long-term budgeting and savings plans that will prevent future crises. Contact MAX Credit Union for more information about the financial-management services we provide or contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
To anyone facing a financial crisis, a short-term payday loan might indeed sound like a lifeline. However, the reality is that these loans can lead to a long-term debt spiral that just makes things worse. If you’re facing financial difficulty, contact MAX Credit Union. We’d be happy to work with you to help figure out your options.
MAX Credit Union is a full-service financial institution serving Central and East Alabama, including Montgomery, AL; Auburn, AL; Opelika, AL; Prattville, AL; Wetumpka, AL; and Troy, AL.