Applying for a payroll loan can be a straightforward process if you know what to expect. You can start by checking your eligibility, which typically requires a steady income, a valid bank account, and a minimum age requirement of 18 years.
To apply for a payroll loan, you'll need to provide personal and financial information, including your name, address, and employment details. This information will help the lender assess your creditworthiness and determine the loan amount you're eligible for.
Most payroll lenders offer online applications, which can be completed in as little as 15 minutes. You can also expect to receive a decision on your loan application within a few hours, depending on the lender's processing time.
What Is a Payroll Loan?
A payroll loan is a type of short-term loan that allows employees to borrow money from their employer, usually on paydays, to cover unexpected expenses.
The loan amount is typically a percentage of the employee's paycheck, and repayment is usually made through automatic deductions from future paychecks.
Payroll loans are often used to cover emergency expenses, such as car repairs or medical bills, and can provide a quick and convenient way to access cash when needed.
The interest rate on a payroll loan can vary, but it's often lower than that of traditional payday loans, since it's tied to the employee's regular income.
Repayment terms for payroll loans can also be flexible, allowing employees to pay back the loan over several pay periods.
Getting a Payroll Loan
You can get a payroll loan to bridge cash flow gaps and ensure your employees are paid on time and in full. This type of loan provides quick working capital to help you meet your payroll obligations.
At Clarify, you can get approved for funding in as little as 24 to 48 hours, with loan amounts going up to $5M. Online lenders can also provide fast funding, with some offering decisions within 24 hours and funding within a day or two.
To qualify for a payroll loan, lenders typically look at your business's credit history and cash flow situation. A good credit score can result in a more favorable annual percentage rate (APR), while a less favorable credit score may result in a higher interest rate.
Here are some common reasons businesses may need a payroll loan:
- Not receiving timely payment from customers.
- Encountering unexpected expenses.
- Offseason reduction in revenue.
- Holding too much inventory.
- Natural disasters or other disruptions to regular business.
Credit Score 500+
We can work with any credit score, but the better your credit, the more favorable terms you can get. If you have a credit score of 500 or higher, you'll have a better chance of getting approved for a payroll loan with more competitive interest rates.
A good credit history shows you've responsibly managed funds and can result in a more favorable APR. This means you'll save money on interest and have more money to invest in your business.
Applicants with good credit are seen as lower risk, which gives you access to some of the most competitive loan products in the marketplace. This is especially true for business loans, where your business credit score matters more than your personal one.
You deserve low rates and an honest payroll lender who has your back. Our providers will look at your credit score and other factors to determine the loan size and type you qualify for.
When Needed
When you're in a tight spot and need a payroll loan, it's essential to understand when you might need one. Cash flow shortfalls can happen to any business, and it's not uncommon for unexpected expenses to arise.
Businesses may experience cash flow issues when customers don't pay on time, leading to a delay in receiving payment. This can be a significant problem, especially if you're counting on that revenue to make payroll.
Some businesses may also face cash flow problems due to offseason reductions in revenue or holding too much inventory. These situations can be challenging to manage, and a payroll loan can help bridge the gap.
Natural disasters or other disruptions to regular business can also lead to cash flow issues. In these situations, a payroll loan can provide the necessary working capital to keep your business running.
Here are some common situations that may require a payroll loan:
- Not receiving timely payment from customers.
- Encountering unexpected expenses.
- Offseason reduction in revenue.
- Holding too much inventory.
- Natural disasters or other disruptions to regular business.
In some cases, a payroll loan can be disbursed in as little as 24 to 48 hours, providing the necessary working capital to meet your payroll obligations.
Types of Payroll Loans
Payroll loans are a type of financing that can help small business owners cover short-term working capital needs, including payroll costs. They're often used as a bridge loan to ensure employees get paid on time.
There are several types of payroll loans available, each with its own characteristics and benefits. For example, merchant cash advances (MCAs) are a popular choice for immediate needs, with funding available within 24 hours. However, MCAs come with a high factor rate, which can result in expensive fees.
Short-term loans are another option, offering repayment periods of up to one year. However, these loans often have high interest rates and fees, which can inflate loan payments and make it difficult to repay the loan.
Here are some key terms and conditions for different types of payroll loans:
6 Financing Types
There are different business financing types, each with its own benefits.
Prospective borrowers typically discuss their specific business objectives with a lending adviser to determine which funding type fits their situation best.
Finding the best loan for your financial needs depends on your circumstances and preferences.
Different business financing types have their own benefits, so it's essential to choose the right one.
Prospective borrowers typically discuss their specific business objectives with a lending adviser to determine which funding type fits their situation best.
Short-term Loans
Short-term loans are a type of payroll loan that can provide immediate funding for small business owners. These loans typically have a repayment period of up to one year, which can seem beneficial at first but may needlessly inflate loan payments by cramming the repayment schedule into a short period.
The main reason small business owners cover payroll with short-term loans is that they can make funding available within 24 hours. This can be a big deal, as payroll gaps can increase turnover rates. However, these loans often come with exorbitant interest rates and fees.
Some common characteristics of short-term loans include a loan amount that varies widely among lenders, a repayment period of up to one year, and a repayment schedule that can be daily, monthly, or weekly. Funding can be available as little as one day after applying, and rarely longer than one week.
Here are the key terms and conditions of your average short-term loan:
- Loan amount: Varies widely among lenders
- Repayment period: Up to 1 year
- Repayment schedule: Daily, monthly, or weekly
- How long you’ll wait for funding: As little as 1 day, and rarely longer than 1 week
Payroll Loan Application Process
The payroll loan application process is designed to be straightforward and efficient. Loan applications are judged on a case-by-case basis to determine the loan size and type you qualify for.
The application process is kept simple and the paperwork is light, allowing you to get fast funding. At Clarify, you can receive funding in as little as 24 to 48 hours, getting the working capital you need without the wait.
The application process is a quick and easy way to get the funding you need to pay your employees on time. This is especially important during times of cash flow gaps or seasonal downtrends, as it ensures your team gets their paychecks on time.
Here are the main criteria that lenders look at when evaluating loan applications:
- Loan size and type
- Business financials
How It Works
Payroll loans are short-term business loans that provide you with the funding you need to pay your employees in-full and on-time. They're usually issued by online, alternative lenders.
Payroll loans have terms of one year or less, with interest rates that vary. This means you can expect higher interest rates compared to other types of business loans.
To get a payroll loan, you'll need to choose a specific type of loan and work with a small business lender. The rates and terms of payroll loans will depend on the lender you work with.
Here are some general ranges you can expect for payroll loans:
- Terms: one year or less
- Interest rates: vary
Due to their short-term nature, lenders are more likely to require daily or weekly payments for payroll loans, as opposed to a longer-term monthly repayment schedule. This can help you stay on top of your payments and avoid late fees.
Bank Account Required
To qualify for a payroll loan, you'll need a business bank account. You'll also need to provide your last three months of bank statements to confirm your income, as your Clarify advisor will ask to see this information.
Your lender will use these bank statements to validate the financial information you've provided. This is a common requirement for most lenders, so it's essential to have this information ready.
Having a business bank account is a fundamental requirement for a payroll loan. This account will be used to receive the loan funds and make repayments.
You'll want to make sure your bank statements are up-to-date and accurate, as your lender will use them to assess your creditworthiness.
Factoring Companies
Factoring companies can be a viable option for quickly meeting payroll needs, but their fees can be expensive compared to bank loans.
Factoring companies can be subsidiaries of banks or private companies. For instance, AltLINE, which offers payroll funding, is a division of The Southern Bank, a community bank.
ECapital, another company that offers invoice factoring, is a private firm.
Change Deductions or Lump Sum Payments
You can change your payroll deductions or make lump sum payments at any time without any prepayment penalties. This flexibility allows you to manage your loan payments in a way that suits your needs.
To change your payroll deduction amount, you can use the Retirement Online platform or mail a form to the Loans Unit. To use Retirement Online, sign in to your account and select "Manage my Loans."
You can also increase your payroll deduction amount or make additional payments by mail, using a Loan Payment Change form (RS5521) or a letter with your name, NYSLRS ID, current payment amount, new payment amount, and signature.
To make extra payments, you can mail a check or money order payable to the New York State and Local Retirement System, with "loan payment" and your NYSLRS ID written on the payment.
Here are the steps to follow when making extra payments by mail:
- Mail a check or money order payable to the New York State and Local Retirement System;
- Write "loan payment" and your NYSLRS ID on the payment;
- Mail it to NYSLRS, 110 State Street, Albany, NY 12244, to the attention of Accounts Receivable.
The address for mailing loan payments is NYSLRS, 110 State Street, Albany, NY 12244. Make sure to include your NYSLRS ID or the last four digits of your Social Security number on the payment.
Tax Withholding and Citizenship
If you're taking a taxable loan, the IRS requires NYSLRS to withhold a percentage of your taxable amount from your loan. This is a mandatory process.
As a U.S. citizen or resident alien, you have the option to elect not to have taxes withheld when you apply for a loan. However, if you have a non-U.S. address, taxes will be withheld at a mandatory 10 percent rate.
The amount of federal taxes withheld depends on your citizenship status. Here's a breakdown of the withholding rates:
Keep in mind that the amount withheld by NYSLRS may not be the total tax you'll owe the IRS. You can refer to IRS Publication 505 or consult a tax advisor for more information.
Clarify Capital
Clarify Capital is an online lender that specializes in providing fast funding for small businesses. They offer payroll loans that can be funded in as little as 24 to 48 hours.
Their loans are designed to help businesses cover their payroll expenses, ensuring that employees get paid on time. Clarify Capital's payroll loans are available to businesses with poor credit, and their advisors will help navigate the process.
One of the unique advantages of working with Clarify Capital is their fast funding process. Unlike traditional bank loans, online lenders like Clarify Capital can provide funding quickly, which is especially helpful for businesses with cash flow gaps.
Business owners who have worked with Clarify Capital praise their easy and straightforward loan process. In fact, one business owner noted that it was the "easiest process I've ever had for funding." Another business owner appreciated how Clarify Capital's timely support helped them manage gaps in cash flow.
Here are some of the reasons why business owners choose to work with Clarify Capital over traditional lenders:
- Fast funding: Clarify Capital can provide funding in as little as 24 to 48 hours.
- Flexible terms: Payroll loans have terms of one year or less, with interest rates that vary.
- Easy repayment: Repayment options include daily or weekly payments, or a longer-term monthly repayment schedule.
Alternatives to Payroll Loans
If you're considering a payroll loan, it's worth exploring alternative financing solutions. Business term loans can provide a lump sum of money to cover expenses, but they often come with higher interest rates and stricter repayment terms.
A business line of credit can offer more flexibility, allowing you to borrow and repay funds as needed. This can be a good option for businesses with irregular cash flow.
Working capital loans are specifically designed to cover short-term expenses, such as payroll and inventory costs. They're often easier to qualify for than traditional loans.
Equipment financing can help you purchase new equipment or upgrade your existing fleet, but it typically requires a significant down payment. Invoice factoring can provide immediate cash flow, but it comes with higher fees.
Merchant cash advances can offer quick access to funds, but they often come with high interest rates and strict repayment terms. SBA loans are backed by the government and offer favorable terms, but they can be difficult to qualify for.
Here are some alternative financing options to consider:
Repaying Your Loan
You've got a payroll loan, great! Now, let's talk about repaying it. Once you submit your loan application and we issue a check, you can't return an uncashed check and the loan fee is nonrefundable.
To repay your loan, you'll need to make payments through payroll deductions. Choose a payment amount when you apply, and we'll instruct your employer to deduct that amount from your earnings. This ensures you're making regular payments towards your loan.
If your employer doesn't take payments or sends them late, NYSLRS will send you a letter warning you're at risk of defaulting on your loan. If you receive such a letter, make a payment to avoid defaulting.
You can check your loan balance by calling our automated phone service at 866-805-0990 (press 2 for members, then follow the prompts). This is a great way to stay on top of your loan payments.
If you go off payroll, you'll need to make minimum payments at least quarterly to avoid defaulting on your loan. This is a crucial step to ensure you repay your loan within the required five-year term.
Where to Find Payroll Loans
If you're looking for payroll loans, you can find financing options for working capital that can help you meet your business's payroll requirements. Some lenders may not specifically advertise "payroll loans", but they can still provide the funds you need.
Banks and credit unions are a good option to consider, offering short-term business loans and lines of credit that can provide cash for payroll and other purposes. However, bank loans often require an established business with excellent credit.
Traditional banks and credit unions typically offer the best interest rates and terms for payroll loans. They can be a good choice if you're willing to wait for funding and have a solid business credit history.
Options for Your Small Business
If you're a small business owner, you're not alone in facing cash flow shortfalls. Payroll loans can help bridge the gap, providing a quick working capital solution to ensure your employees get paid on time. At Clarify, we offer competitive small business loans for every business type, leveraging our relationships with over 75 lenders to find you the best financing options and lowest rates possible.
You can get approved for funding in as little as 24 to 48 hours, with loan amounts going up to $5M. This can be a lifesaver, especially if you're facing a cash flow gap and need funds immediately. I've seen it firsthand - a business owner contacted Clarify Capital when they needed funds quickly, and Bryan at Clarify came through with a same-day loan.
Payroll loans are used for exactly that: payroll. However, they can also free up working capital, allowing extra cash to be allocated toward a variety of priorities. Some common uses for payroll financing include paying bills, purchasing inventory, and meeting payroll.
You have several options for payroll loans, including short-term loans, business lines of credit, and invoice financing. These options can give you access to cash quickly, with no restrictions on how you can use that capital. Short-term loans, for example, can provide loan amounts from $2,500 to $250,000, with repayment term lengths from three to 18 months and interest rates as low as 10%.
Here are some key differences between the three options:
Ultimately, the best option for your small business will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. Be sure to explore your options and choose the one that works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take out a loan for payroll?
Yes, you can take out a loan to cover payroll expenses, helping to ensure timely payment to employees despite cash flow gaps. This type of loan can provide a financial safety net during periods of delayed customer payments.
Sources
- https://clarifycapital.com/payroll-loans
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/small-business-loan-payroll
- https://www.osc.ny.gov/retirement/members/loans-applying-and-repaying
- https://www.fundera.com/business-loans/guides/payroll-loans
- https://smartbizloans.com/blog/payroll-loans-for-small-businesses-options-plus-helpful-tips
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