Payday advance UK is a type of short-term loan that's designed to help people cover unexpected expenses until their next payday. Typically, these loans are due to be repaid within 30 days.
The maximum amount you can borrow with a payday advance UK is £1,000, although some lenders may offer smaller or larger amounts.
Payday advance UK loans often come with high interest rates and fees, which can make them expensive. Some lenders charge interest rates of up to 1,500% APR.
Understanding Payday Advance UK
Payday advance UK is a type of short-term loan that's designed to help people cover unexpected expenses.
These loans are typically small, ranging from £100 to £1,000, and are meant to be repaid within a short period, usually two to four weeks.
The interest rates on payday advance UK loans can be steep, with some lenders charging up to 1,500% APR.
This makes it essential to carefully consider whether a payday advance UK loan is the right choice for you, and to shop around for the best rates and terms.
What Is Payday Advance UK?
Payday Advance UK is a type of short-term loan that allows borrowers to access cash quickly, often within 24 hours.
These loans are designed for people who need money between paychecks, typically due to unexpected expenses or financial emergencies.
The maximum amount that can be borrowed varies depending on the lender, but it's usually capped at £1,000.
Borrowers can apply for a Payday Advance UK online or in person, and the application process is often straightforward and easy to follow.
Interest rates for Payday Advance UK loans can be high, with APRs ranging from 1000% to 5000% or more.
This is because the loan is meant to be repaid quickly, usually within a few weeks, which can result in a higher interest rate.
The repayment term for Payday Advance UK loans is typically short, ranging from 14 to 30 days.
Borrowers are expected to repay the loan in full, including interest and fees, on the agreed-upon due date.
Failure to repay the loan on time can result in additional fees and penalties, which can add up quickly.
UK Locations
In the UK, you can get a wage day advance loan from a lender that's registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as a minimum, and has a safe website.
To apply for a wage advance loan, you'll need to find a lender that offers this type of loan, and their website should be safe to use.
You can repay a wage advance loan in smaller monthly instalments, with options to repay in as few as three months for small amounts, or up to nine months for larger amounts.
Some employers in the UK may be willing to give you an advance on your wages, but you'll need to speak to them directly to ask for it and find out their process for handling wage advances.
Financial Difficulties
If you're struggling financially, it's essential to know your rights as a borrower. A firm must not request payment on a continuous payment authority more than twice on the same agreement once it has already been refused.
This rule is outlined in the FCA's Consumer Credit sourcebook (7.6.12). If you're in financial difficulties, be cautious of lenders who don't respect this rule.
When to Take Out
Life can be unpredictable, and unexpected events can leave us in a tight spot. Unexpected events like urgent car repairs can be a common use of payday loans.
You might be surprised at how many people borrow to cover everyday essentials like food shopping or utility bills.
A payday loan can be a valuable tool in these situations, providing quick access to extra money when you need it most.
In Financial Difficulties
If you're in financial difficulties, it's essential to know your rights as a consumer. The FCA's Consumer Credit sourcebook states that a firm must not request payment on a continuous payment authority more than twice on the same agreement once it has already been refused.
You should never feel pressured to take out a loan if you're struggling to make ends meet. Many people use payday loans for unexpected expenses like urgent car repairs or unplanned purchases.
In the UK, there are some companies that offer payday loans, but it's crucial to choose a reputable lender that offers a fair deal. Our service is designed to provide the best deal for our customers, with a fully online process that gives you maximum flexibility and complete control.
To avoid getting into a bad situation, only use cash advances for emergencies like rent, car payments, or repair costs. Don't use them for frivolous purchases that can lead to missed payments and further financial difficulties.
If you're struggling with debt, you may want to consider applying for breathing space, which can stop most types of enforcement and interest charges for 60 days. This can give you the time you need to get debt advice and find a debt solution.
Alternatives to Payday Advance UK
If you're struggling to manage your finances and considering a payday advance, there are alternatives to explore. You may be eligible for government help, such as a short-term advance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if you've claimed certain benefits but haven't yet been paid.
A credit union can also be a viable option, offering loans to members who have saved a certain amount with them first. You can search for a credit union near you at www.abcul.org.
If you need money for essentials like food, furniture, or white goods, look into local food banks, recycling projects, or organizations like Fair For You's website, which offers affordable furniture, electrical items, and white goods.
Alternatives to Payday Advance UK
If you're struggling to manage your finances and considering a payday advance, there are alternatives you can explore. You may be eligible for government benefits, such as Universal Credit, which can help with costs like funeral expenses, maternity care, and cold weather payments.
Use online tools like the Benefits Calculator and Grants Search on the Turn2us website to see what benefits you might be entitled to. This can make a big difference in your financial situation.
Local councils may also be able to provide assistance through their welfare schemes. If you've claimed certain benefits but haven't received payment yet, you can apply for a short-term advance from the Department for Work and Pensions.
If you're on Universal Credit, you can apply for a budgeting advance instead of a budgeting loan. There are rules about who can apply, so it's worth checking with the relevant authorities.
For a more traditional loan, consider credit unions. Many credit unions offer loans to their members, often with lower interest rates than payday lenders. You can search for a credit union near you on the ABUL website.
If you need help with food, furniture, or household items, look into local food banks and recycling projects. For example, you can search for a food bank on the Trussell Trust website or check out Fair For You's website for furniture and white goods.
Here are some options to consider:
It's worth noting that some credit cards, like those offered by 118 118 Money, can be a lower-cost alternative to payday loans. However, be aware that if you don't pay off your balance in full within 51 days, you'll start accruing interest.
Where to Borrow Money
If you're looking for a short-term loan, the internet is a great resource to find fast cash advance loans. You can get payday loans and cash advance loans from the comfort of your home using online applications through direct lenders or loan brokers. Using loan brokers can help you find lenders that are likely to approve your loan request without damaging your credit score. At Loanza, they work with the best direct lenders in the UK, all authorised and regulated by the FCA. You can click on the big orange button to get started.
Regulations and Complaints
If you're not happy with the response from your bank or lender, you can take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).
The FOS can help settle disputes between businesses and consumers, and can award compensation to you if they find in your favor. You have six months from the date of the final response to take your complaint to the FOS.
If you're unsure about whether your complaint is eligible for FOS help, contact them for advice. They may not be able to assist if you don't complain within the time limit, or if the issue occurred some time ago.
New rules introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in 2015 limit how much payday lenders can charge, including a maximum daily interest and fee rate of 0.8%.
Stopping Your Payments
If your loan repayment due date is coming up and you're struggling to pay, you can take action to stop the payment from being taken. The payday loan company may not be able to stop the payment if given very short notice.
You need to take action as soon as possible to avoid any further payments being taken. This will depend on the repayment method you agreed with the payday loan company.
If you're in financial difficulties, the FCA has rules in place to protect you. A firm must not request payment on a continuous payment authority more than twice on the same agreement once it has already been refused.
If you later agree that more payments can be requested, this rule does not apply.
How Are Regulated?
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates payday loans in the UK.
Payday lenders are subject to strict rules to prevent them from taking advantage of vulnerable clients.
In 2014, the FCA introduced regulations that capped interest and fee costs at a maximum daily amount of 0.8%.
This means that lenders can no longer charge ridiculously high interest rates, and borrowers are protected from excessive fees.
Some key rules to keep in mind include:
- Interest and fees must not exceed 0.8% per day of the amount borrowed, even when rolled over.
- Default charges must not exceed £15.
- Borrowers should never have to pay back more in fees and interest than the original amount borrowed.
Complaints
If you're not happy with the response from your bank or lender, don't give up. You can take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).
The FOS plays a crucial role in helping settle disputes between businesses and consumers. It can look into your complaint and award compensation to you.
You have six months from the date of the final response to take your complaint to the FOS. Your bank or lender should tell you when their response is final, so be sure to ask if you're unsure.
If you're not sure whether the FOS can help with your complaint, you can contact them for advice. They may not be able to help with all complaints, so it's worth checking first.
Here are some key facts to keep in mind:
If you're not happy with the FOS's decision, don't worry - you can still take further action.
Cashfloat Lending
Cashfloat lending offers a wage day advance alternative that allows you to borrow an extra bit of cash to tide you over until your next payday.
You can borrow up to £1,500 from Cashfloat, which can be deposited into your bank account within one hour if you're approved.
Cashfloat provides short term loans at an affordable price, making them a viable option for those in a financial emergency.
Their dynamic wage day advances allow you to repay all or part of your loan early to save on interest payments.
Cashfloat is a direct lender, welcoming people with bad credit scores.
Really happy customers have praised Cashfloat for being easy-going and affordable, with quick and straightforward loan processes.
You can get an instant decision when applying for a Cashfloat loan, and they're a very friendly company to contact.
Cashfloat's wage advances are designed for emergencies, such as unexpected bills, car repairs, or emergency travel expenses.
Payday loans, including those offered by Cashfloat, should only be used as a last resort, when you have no other way of making it to payday with your finances still intact.
Cost and Repayment
You'll need to consider the cost of a payday loan before taking one out. At Cashfloat, they charge no more than 0.74% interest per day.
The interest rates for payday loans can vary depending on the loan company and the loan amount. You can use a loan calculator to compare interest rates for different loan amounts and durations.
The full cost of a payday loan will be explained to you before you take it out, and it depends on how much you borrow and for how long. This is important to consider, as taking out a loan you can't afford can cause serious money problems.
You'll usually have to repay a cash advance loan within three months or less. This can be as short as a single month, but some lenders may offer longer repayment terms, such as 36 months.
It's essential to think carefully about whether you can afford the loan and make the interest payments. Can you stick to the monthly repayment plan, and will you have enough money to pay all your other expenses?
Applying and Process
Applying for a payday advance in the UK is a straightforward process. You can start by clicking the "apply now" button on a website like Loanza, which will take you to an easy-to-fill online form that should only take about 2 minutes to complete.
To ensure you're dealing with a legitimate lender, check if they're authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You can do this by searching their trading name on the FCA website.
Once you've submitted the form, the lender will search their network to find the best match for your loan request. This usually involves an e-signature where you agree to the loan terms and conditions, so be sure to read and understand them before signing.
If approved, your loan can be sent to you within minutes. With over 50 direct lenders in their network, Loanza aims to find you the best loan offer available.
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
- Apply online for a loan
- Get an instant decision
- If approved, get the funds to your bank account within an hour*
- Make monthly repayments to the lender
With some lenders, like Cashfloat, you can even get an instant decision on your loan application, and if approved, get the funds to you within an hour*. They also offer a wage day advance alternative loan, which works in a similar way.
Representative Example: £400 loan repayable over 39 weeks at £18.96 per week, Rate of interest 113.46% p.a fixed; Representative 498.78% APR, Total amount payable is £739.44.
Bad Credit and Debt
If you have bad credit, you might think a payday loan is your only option, but it isn't. You can consider alternative lenders like 118 118 Money that consider applications from those with imperfect credit backgrounds.
There are lenders who prioritize your level of affordability over your credit score, such as Cashfloat, which makes the loan application process simple and easy to understand. They'll check your income and other financial factors to determine your eligibility.
You can use comparison websites to understand what different lenders provide, and many providers have the eligibility check option to see if you'll be accepted. This can help you determine if a personal loan or credit card with a more competitive rate of interest is a cheaper alternative to a payday lender.
Bad Credit
Bad credit can make it tough to get a loan, but there are options available. Some online lenders, like Cashfloat, consider applications from people with a poor credit score.
You can get a wage advance from Cashfloat even with a bad credit score, as they place greater importance on your level of affordability than on your credit score. They'll check whether you can afford to pay for a wage advance, and if you can, there's a good chance you'll be approved.
Payday loans are often seen as a last resort, but they're not the only option. Lenders like 118 118 Money consider applications from people with imperfect credit backgrounds.
Using comparison websites can help you understand what different lenders provide, and many providers have an eligibility check option that can give you an idea of whether you'll be accepted. This can help you determine whether a personal loan or credit card might be a cheaper alternative to a payday loan.
Short-term loans and payday loans are available from some lenders, but be aware that these often come with high APRs and fees. 118 118 Money, for example, does not offer payday loans, and instead offers loans that can be repaid over 12-36 months.
Debt Relief Order
A debt relief order can be a serious step to take, but it's worth considering if you're overwhelmed with debt.
If you're in a debt relief order, receiving a refund from a payday lender could put your entire situation at risk.
Receiving a refund while in a debt relief order can actually lead to the order being revoked.
Getting a Mortgage
Having a payday loan while applying for a mortgage can hinder the decision, as lenders see it as a risk.
Mortgage lenders weigh your debt to income ratio heavily, aiming for 35% or lower to get approved.
Ideally, you shouldn't need a payday loan if you're financially able to take on a mortgage.
Paying off short-term loans before considering a mortgage is probably a good idea.
Taking on new debt when trying to get a mortgage is usually not a good idea, as it can make your debt to income ratio seem high due to the high cost and short payment terms of cash advance loans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Payday UK still trading?
No, Payday UK is no longer trading as it has ceased operations following a Scheme of Arrangement. Learn more about the circumstances surrounding its closure.
What is the easiest loan to get UK?
Consider a guarantor loan, which may be easier to get with a co-signer, or a bad credit loan designed for those with a low credit score
Featured Images: pexels.com