Frequently Asked Questions -
Payday Loans

Most states only allow borrowers to have one Payday Loan with Advance America. Click here to learn about the options available in your state.

In most states, you must be at least 18 years old to apply for a Cash Advance. Exceptions do apply.

Advance America will work with you to establish Payday Loan payment arrangements. And we’re committed to collecting past-due accounts in a professional, fair, and lawful manner. We do not report to Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion credit agencies. If you are unable to pay your loan on time, please contact us at your local store or our toll-free number (844) 562-6480.

Yes, you can pay off your Cash Advance before the due date without facing any prepayment penalties. Log in to your online account or contact Customer Care to make a payment or pay off your loan.

Yes! You can always repay your Payday Loan before the due date. Depending on your state, you may even be entitled to a partial fee refund for paying off the loan early.

Please contact the store that originated your loan or call us at (844) 562-6480 to arrange early repayment. We can even discuss online loan options to help you pay off your Payday Loan ahead of schedule.

Since this is a short-term loan, your Cash Advance is due in full on your next pay date. The exact timing depends on your pay schedule.

Your Payday Loan is typically due the same day as your next paycheck. Depending on your state, several in-person and online payment options are available to make repaying your loan easy and convenient.

Payday Loans are regulated by state law in terms of how much money you can receive. Additionally, you’ll qualify for a specific loan amount based on your current income. Find out your state’s maximum loan amounts here.

The maximum amount you can borrow with a Cash Advance is regulated by state law. Your current income will also determine how much you qualify for within that range.

Discover the loan amounts available in your state.

We follow all federal and state laws, so the ability to refinance short-term loans depends on your state’s regulations. To learn whether you can refinance your Cash Advance, please call us at (844) 562-6480 or contact your local Advance America store.

Advance America follows all federal and state laws. As such, your ability to refinance your Payday Loan depends on your state’s regulations. For more information, please contact the store that originated your loan or call us at (844) 562-6480.

For the best Payday Loans, choose a lender with:

• An easy application process and knowledgeable staff. Whether you’re applying in-store or online, we can help you find the best Payday Loan to meet your needs.
• A secure website. The address bar should display a padlock icon in front of the URL. The symbol indicates that the website is encrypted and secure. Check out our Privacy Policy for more information.
• Transparent fees, rates, and terms. At Advance America, we’re always upfront with your Payday Loan details. Learn more about your state’s loan rates and terms by clicking here.

Yes, a Cash Advance is also known as a Payday Loan. Whichever term you prefer, it is a short-term personal loan due in full on your next pay date.

Past-due payments may impact your ability to take out future loans with Advance America or other lenders. We’re committed to the fair and lawful collection of past-due accounts and can work with you to establish payment arrangements.

If you anticipate being unable to repay your Cash Advance on time, please get in touch with your local store or call us at (844) 562-6480.

If you’re having trouble paying back your Payday Loan, please call us at (844) 562-6180 or stop by your local store to discuss payment options.

The difference between an in-store loan and an online loan is simply the way you apply...

First, you can stop by an Advance America store to apply in person. Getting an in-store Payday Loan takes about 15 minutes, and you’ll often receive money immediately.

Second, you can apply for a Payday Loan online through our website. After submitting your online application, you will usually receive money in your bank account the same day you’re approved, or by the next business day if you apply between 10:30 AM- 8PM ET Monday-Friday. Holidays can impact these times.

Learn more about Payday Loan options in your state by clicking here.

Yes. Unexpected expenses arise suddenly, requiring immediate financial assistance. A Cash Advance from Advance America can be an ideal short-term solution when you need extra money between paychecks.

You can use your loan to cover urgent expenses and necessities before you get your next paycheck. Whether you need to pay rent, cover an unexpected medical bill, or buy groceries, Payday Loans can give you the extra money you need right away.

Payday Loans are short-term loans designed to be repaid in full on your next payday. The due date depends on your pay schedule. All details are included in your loan agreement, which can be provided by the store or found in your online account.

Most states require you to have a checking account to qualify for a payday loan. Check the documents required by your state.

Yes. Advance America complies with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations, including those of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. As members of OLA, we adhere to all industry best practices to provide the most beneficial, responsible personal loan services.

The fee is an extra cost you'll be charged to borrow money. Typically, our fee is about $15 for every $100 you borrow.

Keep in mind that fees can vary according to state regulations.

Yes. Advance America complies with all state and federal laws and regulations. We’re also members of the Online Lenders Alliance (OLA). This means we follow all industry best practices to provide the most beneficial, responsible personal loan services.

With Advance America, you can be confident that all the information you submit on your application is sent through a secure server and kept in a protected database. One way to verify a website’s security is to look for the padlock icon in the URL address bar, which tells you the site is secure and encrypted.

For more details, please view our Privacy Policy and Security Information.

Absolutely! Same-day funds* may sound too good to be true, but we understand that when you need money, you need it fast. That's why we offer a simplified application process and instant approval decisions – not to mention friendly, knowledgeable staff who are always happy to help.

Depending on the loan options available in your state, you may be able to apply online or in person. With either option, you can get money the money you need as soon as the same day* you’re approved.

Apply online now or visit your nearest Advance America location to get started.

Payday Loan applications at Advance America are reviewed based on a variety of factors, not just credit score. We also consider factors like your employment history and income in our approval decision.

No, applying for a Cash Advance with Advance America does not impact your FICO or Vantage scores.

We use third-party data sources to determine your eligibility for a Payday Loan. This process does not affect your FICO credit score, and you may still qualify for a loan with bad credit.

Yes, you can pay off your Cash Advance before the due date without facing any prepayment penalties. Log in to your online account or contact Customer Care to make a payment or pay off your loan.

Your Payday Loan is typically due the same day as your next paycheck. Depending on your state, several in-person and online payment options are available to make repaying your loan easy and convenient.

Advance America follows all federal and state laws. As such, your ability to refinance your Payday Loan depends on your state’s regulations. For more information, please contact the store that originated your loan or call us at (844) 562-6480.

If you’re having trouble paying back your Payday Loan, please call us at (844) 562-6180 or stop by your local store to discuss payment options.

Payday Loans are short-term loans designed to be repaid in full on your next payday. The due date depends on your pay schedule. All details are included in your loan agreement, which can be provided by the store or found in your online account.

We use third-party data sources to determine your eligibility for a Payday Loan. This process does not affect your FICO credit score, and you may still qualify for a loan with bad credit.

Advance America will work with you to establish Payday Loan payment arrangements. And we’re committed to collecting past-due accounts in a professional, fair, and lawful manner. We do not report to Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion credit agencies. If you are unable to pay your loan on time, please contact us at your local store or our toll-free number (844) 562-6480.

Absolutely! Same-day funds* may sound too good to be true, but we understand that when you need money, you need it fast. That's why we offer a simplified application process and instant approval decisions – not to mention friendly, knowledgeable staff who are always happy to help.

The fee is an extra cost you'll be charged to borrow money. Typically, our fee is about $15 for every $100 you borrow.

Keep in mind that fees can vary according to state regulations.

Advance America follows all federal and state laws, so the ability to refinance your Payday Loan depends upon your state’s regulations. Please contact your nearest store for further information or call us at (844) 562 – 6480.

Yes, you can pay off your Payday Loan early. Please contact the store in which your loan originated or call (844) 562 – 6480 for an online loan to pay your loan off early. In some states, you may be entitled to a refund of part of your loan fee.

You can use your loan to cover urgent expenses and necessities before you get your next paycheck. Whether you need to pay rent, cover an unexpected medical bill, or buy groceries, Payday Loans can give you the extra money you need right away.

Whether you apply in store or online, which depends on your state, processing your completed application will only take a few minutes and you will receive an approval decision immediately.

Payday loans are short-term loans that are typically due on your next payday. Timing depends on your pay schedule.

Yes! You can always repay your Payday Loan before the due date. Depending on your state, you may even be entitled to a partial fee refund for paying off the loan early.

Please contact the store that originated your loan or call us at (844) 562-6480 to arrange early repayment. We can even discuss online loan options to help you pay off your Payday Loan ahead of schedule.

Since this is a short-term loan, your Cash Advance is due in full on your next pay date. The exact timing depends on your pay schedule.

A Cash Advance (or Payday Loan) is a short-term, small-dollar loan, often used to cover unexpected expenses or just get a little extra money before your next paycheck. A Cash Advance is a personal loan that provides an alternative to bouncing checks. Cash Advances are used to cover short-term financial situations — they are not a long-term financial solution.

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Advance America abides by OLA Best Practices and state laws, where applicable, regarding rescission, which enable you to rescind the transaction at no cost within a certain time period by returning the full amount of the advance. Contact your local Advance America store, give us a call, or visit us online and enter your location to see which specific rescission policies apply to you.

Advance America is regulated by state and federal laws. Depending on your state's laws, there may be specific guidelines regarding the use of a Payday Loan. You can view options available in your location here.

All credit levels can apply for a Payday Loan with Advance America. An established credit history is one of many factors considered when Advance America reviews a Payday Loan application.

Payday Loans are regulated by state law in terms of how much money you can receive. Additionally, you’ll qualify for a specific loan amount based on your current income. Find out your state’s maximum loan amounts here.

The maximum amount you can borrow with a Cash Advance is regulated by state law. Your current income will also determine how much you qualify for within that range.

Discover the loan amounts available in your state.

We follow all federal and state laws, so the ability to refinance short-term loans depends on your state’s regulations. To learn whether you can refinance your Cash Advance, please call us at (844) 562-6480 or contact your local Advance America store.

An in-store Cash Advance/Payday Loan allows you to visit one of our stores and receive your money in person. The entire process typically takes about 15 minutes, and you could get the money you need on-the-spot. An online Payday Loan gives you the convenience of processing your loan completely online without the need to visit a store. Simply submit an online loan application, and if approved, the funds from this personal loan are deposited directly into your bank account, as soon as the same day.*

*Online approvals before 10:30 AM ET (M-F) are typically funded to your bank account by 5 PM ET same-day. Approvals after 10:30 AM ET are typically funded in the morning the next banking day.

Our customers are hardworking individuals — including teachers, nurses, bus drivers and first responders — who make a positive contribution to their community. All customers must have a steady source of income and a checking account to receive a Cash Advance.

According to customer surveys, 92% of customers think Cash Advance lenders offer a valuable service and 90% are satisfied with their understanding of the terms and costs of Cash Advances.

If you’re applying in-store, you’ll need:

Government issued photo ID, proof of open and active checking account (statement), most recent proof of income (check stub, award letter or direct deposit), and verification of SSN. Depending on state, a check may be required.

If you’re applying online, you’ll need:

• Valid Social Security Number

• Have a valid and active email address

• Active Checking Account

• Source of Income

The maximum amount of money you'll be able to receive from a Payday Loan is regulated by state law. In addition, you'll qualify for a particular loan amount based on your current income, within the allowed range. To learn more about the loan amount ranges in your state, click here.

For the best Payday Loans, choose a lender with:

• An easy application process and knowledgeable staff. Whether you’re applying in-store or online, we can help you find the best Payday Loan to meet your needs.
• A secure website. The address bar should display a padlock icon in front of the URL. The symbol indicates that the website is encrypted and secure. Check out our Privacy Policy for more information.
• Transparent fees, rates, and terms. At Advance America, we’re always upfront with your Payday Loan details. Learn more about your state’s loan rates and terms by clicking here.

Yes, a Cash Advance is also known as a Payday Loan. Whichever term you prefer, it is a short-term personal loan due in full on your next pay date.

Past-due payments may impact your ability to take out future loans with Advance America or other lenders. We’re committed to the fair and lawful collection of past-due accounts and can work with you to establish payment arrangements.

If you anticipate being unable to repay your Cash Advance on time, please get in touch with your local store or call us at (844) 562-6480.

Yes, Advance America follows all applicable laws and regulations at both state and federal levels, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. We’re also members of OLA, so we follow all industry Best Practices where applicable to provide the most beneficial, responsible personal loan services.

A Payday Loan is a two to four week short-term loan that is due on your next pay date. Payday Loans are perfect for unexpected expenses or when you need a little extra money before your next paycheck. Depending on your state, you could get up to $1,800. To find out what is available in your state, click here.

For over 25 years, millions of hard-working Americas have trusted Advance America to provide flexible and personalized financial solutions to meet their needs. In fact, our customers rate us excellent, 5 out of 5. View reviews here.

We understand that financial solutions aren’t one-size-fits-all, so we provide a variety of services to meet customers’ needs. We have over 800 stores across the country, with a friendly and knowledgeable staff ready to talk through your options so you can be comfortable about your choice.

And as the nation's largest Payday Loan Company, we recognize the significant responsibility of following all applicable federal and state laws and presenting agreements and fees that are clear and easy to understand. We’re also proud to be a founding member of the Community Financial Services Association of America.

Not all Payday Loan approvals will be guaranteed, as certain criteria must be met. To find out what is available in your state, click here.

The difference between an in-store loan and an online loan is simply the way you apply...

First, you can stop by an Advance America store to apply in person. Getting an in-store Payday Loan takes about 15 minutes, and you’ll often receive money immediately.

Second, you can apply for a Payday Loan online through our website. After submitting your online application, you will usually receive money in your bank account the same day you’re approved, or by the next business day if you apply between 10:30 AM- 8PM ET Monday-Friday. Holidays can impact these times.

Learn more about Payday Loan options in your state by clicking here.

Yes. Unexpected expenses arise suddenly, requiring immediate financial assistance. A Cash Advance from Advance America can be an ideal short-term solution when you need extra money between paychecks.

Advance America is regulated by state and federal laws. Depending on your state's laws, there may be specific guidelines regarding the use of a Payday Loan. You can view options available in your state here.

Your Payday Loan is typically due on your next pay date. We offer several options to make paying your loan back convenient, including in-person or online payment options (varies by state).

When reviewing your Payday Loan application, we may evaluate your credit eligibility by receiving information from third-party data sources.

If you are having difficulty paying back your Payday Loan, you can contact Advance America to arrange payment options.

Most states require you to have a checking account to qualify for a payday loan. Check the documents required by your state.

Yes. Advance America complies with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations, including those of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. As members of OLA, we adhere to all industry best practices to provide the most beneficial, responsible personal loan services.

Cash Advances are highly regulated on the state and federal level to protect both our company and the consumer. Laws and regulations include:

• State Regulations: The Cash Advance industry is highly regulated by state officials across the country. State laws typically limit the principal amount on an advance; set maximum fees; limit a customer's ability to renew an advance; and require various disclosures. And, most states require that a customer have the right to rescind the transaction before the end of the next business day.
• Federal Regulation: A number of federal laws and agencies regulate our business and help protect our customers, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
• Federal Truth in Lending Act (TILA): This law requires lenders to clearly define key terms of consumer lending agreements and fully disclose all associated fees and charges, ensuring that consumers are able to compare the costs of all credit options.
• Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): Advance America only contracts with collection agencies that use legal, professional and non-aggressive collection practices.
• Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): We adhere to strict policies that regulate the collection, dissemination, and use of consumer information, including consumer credit information.
• Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA): We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or because someone receives public assistance.
• Gramm-Leach Bliley Act (GLB Act): The GLB Act is designed to protect consumers’ personal financial information held by financial institutions, which means we will not share yours or other customers’ personal information.
• John Warner National Defense Authorization Act limits the total charges on certain loans to a 36 percent Military Annual Percentage Rate. As a result, we do not offer loans to military personnel.
• Industry Regulations: Advance America is a member of OLA, Online Lenders Alliance.  OLA's mission is to ensure all members adhere to industry Best Practices.  

We take all necessary steps to respect and protect your privacy. Your Payday Loan transaction is confidential, as is your personal information. You can also be sure that all the information you submit online is sent through a secure server, and we keep your information in a secure database. One way for you to verify that our website is secure is to look for the security icon in the footer of our site that tells you that your information is secure and encrypted. The green padlock in the URL address bar also signifies that your information on this website is encrypted. For more details, see our Privacy Policy.

At Advance America, we understand that when you need money, you need it fast. That’s why we offer a simplified Cash Advance application process, along with a friendly and knowledgeable staff that’s ready to help you every step of the way. So when you choose Advance America, expect great service and money in your hands the same day*.

Depending on your loan type and state, a Cash Advance charges a flat fee and does not have interest accruing fees. The typical fee for a Cash Advance is $15 per $100 borrowed — a set price for a short-term transaction. This makes a Cash Advance often less expensive than bouncing a check, missing a credit card payment or neglecting a bill.

The Federal Truth in Lending Act (TILA) requires all financial institutions to disclose loan fees as Annual Percentage Rates (APR). To comply with TILA, Advance America reports the implied APR of a cash advance — the amount you would pay if you renewed your advance every two weeks for a full year. However, the average loan term is only two to four weeks. APR is a more appropriate measure of costs associated with loans that last for at least a year, such as a mortgage loan or a car loan. However, even using APR as a measure of the cost of various options for short-term loans, Payday Loans and Cash Advances are still the least costly option compared to bank overdraft, bounced check, late payment and utility reconnection fees.

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Payday advance fee vs alternatives

Sources: CFSAA.com; Stephens, Inc. 2011; Moebs Services 2010 Fee Revenue Study; Bankrate.com; Readex Research National Data on Short-Term Credit Alternatives 2006; Moebs Services 2010 Financial Pricing Survey

Our hours vary by store. Click here to view the hours of the store nearest you.

Applying for an online Cash Advance from Advance America is simple, but know that online Cash Advances are only available in certain states. Click here to find out if in store or online Cash Advances are in your state. Then, click Apply Now to get started on your Cash Advance application to start an online application. There are a few simple steps that take only a couple minutes of your time. You can expect to receive your approval notice same day*.

Yes. Advance America complies with all state and federal laws and regulations. We’re also members of the Online Lenders Alliance (OLA). This means we follow all industry best practices to provide the most beneficial, responsible personal loan services.

With Advance America, you can be confident that all the information you submit on your application is sent through a secure server and kept in a protected database. One way to verify a website’s security is to look for the padlock icon in the URL address bar, which tells you the site is secure and encrypted.

For more details, please view our Privacy Policy and Security Information.

Some of our critics have proposed capping interest rates for Payday Loans or a Cash Advance, but doing so would greatly impede our ability to operate. If we charged lower fees, we would not generate enough income to pay for basic business expenses, such as rent, utilities and wages. If we were to charge an APR of 36 percent, as some of our critics have suggested, that would mean customers pay a fee of $1.38 per $100 borrowed. No business — not a credit union, not a bank — can lend money for 10 cents a day for a two-week loan term without being subsidized. Such rate-cap models overlook the significant cost of operating a regulated business, and would be an effective ban on Cash Advances. Our customers recognize that the price of the one-time fee is appropriate for a short-term loan, relative to other options.

The application process at Advance America is efficient and simple and only takes 10-15 minutes. Below is a summary of our quick process:

• Choose an in-store or online loan, where available.

• Fill out quick application

• Get an approval decision in minutes. Get money same day*.

• Pay it back in a single payment on your loan due date.

• Loans are typically due on your next payday. However, the exact timing depends on your pay schedule and state regulations.

*Online approvals before 10:30 AM ET (M-F) are typically funded to your bank account by 5 PM ET same-day. Approvals after 10:30 AM ET are typically funded in the morning the next banking day.

Depending on the loan options available in your state, you may be able to apply online or in person. With either option, you can get money the money you need as soon as the same day* you’re approved.

Apply online now or visit your nearest Advance America location to get started.

Most banks do not provide small-dollar, short-term loans that our customers need. The average amount of a Cash Advance and Payday Loan is about $350, an amount significantly lower than what a bank will loan. Some banks and credit unions have begun to offer products they promote as "alternatives" to Cash Advances, but these options are not broadly available and involve a variety of restrictions and complex fee structures. And in some cases, though our customers all have a bank or credit union account, they may choose not to obtain credit from these institutions because of a negative past experience, such as encountering hidden fees. We support a competitive market and encourage our customers to weigh all of their options before choosing our service. Cash Advances are not for everyone, but our customers make informed decisions, and choose Advance America because they appreciate the simplicity, reliability and transparency of our Cash Advance services.

The fees are specific to your state or store, and can be viewed here. Often, the cost of a Cash Advance may be lower than the alternatives considered by many people, such as paying a bill late or incurring overdraft fees from banks and credit unions.

Payday Loan applications at Advance America are reviewed based on a variety of factors, not just credit score. We also consider factors like your employment history and income in our approval decision.

No, applying for a Cash Advance with Advance America does not impact your FICO or Vantage scores.

The "cycle of debt" catchphrase is our opponents' attempt to portray our industry as taking advantage of people. Our stores and service representatives work to prevent this by making Payday Loans and Cash Advances that match, but do not exceed, customer’s needs. It hurts the company, and the customer, when a loan is not repaid.

If a customer is unable to pay back an advance within the arranged timeframe, Advance America works with him or her to find the best way to deal with their individual situation and to repay the personal loan in full. For example, our stores offer an Extended Payment Plan — where available under state law — that allows customers a longer time period to repay at no additional charge. In fact, about 90 percent of our customers repay their advances when due and 95 percent are ultimately paid off.

Additionally, we have a high customer satisfaction rating indicating our customers need our services and are happy with their experience.

Fees vary depending on the amount of your loan and your state regulations. Our fees comply with all applicable state and federal laws.

You could get approved for a Cash Advance even if you have bad credit. Credit is not the only factor Advance America considers when reviewing a Cash Advance application.

Our customers are hardworking individuals — including teachers, nurses, bus drivers and first responders — who make a positive contribution to their community. All customers must have a steady source of income and a checking account to receive a Cash Advance.

According to customer surveys, 92% of customers think Cash Advance lenders offer a valuable service and 90% are satisfied with their understanding of the terms and costs of Cash Advances.

To qualify for a loan, you must provide personal identification, proof of income, a bank statement and a personal check. In many states you can provide a debit card or ACH authorization if you do not have a personal check. No personal property is required to get a Cash Advance. To view more details on what to bring to an Advance America store in your area, click here and enter your zip code.

Most states only allow borrowers to have one Payday Loan with Advance America. Click here to learn about the options available in your state.

In most states, you must be at least 18 years old to apply for a Cash Advance. Exceptions do apply.