How to Find Safe Payday Loans

Payday Loans, sometimes referred to as Cash Advances, are short-term, small-dollar loans that are intended to help you get by when finances are tight. You can find legit Payday Loans online or in person, depending on your preferences. It’s important to do your research, compare your options, and find a safe and reliable Payday Loan. 

Finding a safe Payday Loan lender 

Safe Payday Loans are readily available through a number of lenders. However, because people applying for Payday Loans are often in a tight financial situation, there are also illegitimate lenders looking to take advantage of them. 

Because of this possibility, it’s important to be vigilant and not apply for a Payday Loan from just any lender. You should check the credentials and look up reviews of any lender you’re considering. 

Trustpilot and Google are great places to turn to for business reviews. It’s also a plus if you work with a direct lender approved by the Better Business Bureau, as this ensures they’re a legitimate lender.

How to identify a safe Payday Loan online 

If you’re looking for Payday Loans online, there are a few additional parameters to consider. 

• Look for https in the URL. Having an 's' after 'http' in the URL ensures the safety of data when it’s shared. It’s a must for payday lenders and other businesses that request and store sensitive financial data. 
• Check for a lock in the address bar. While ‘https’ indicates that a site is secure, a lock icon in the address bar signifies that any data you send will be encrypted. What does this mean? It means when your data is encrypted, it’s protected from being stolen for fraud and can give you much-needed peace of mind. 
• View the site information. If Google Chrome is your default browser, it may not display either the lock icon or ‘https.’ Instead, there’s an option to click “View site information” before the URL in the address bar. This allows you to check that the connection is secure and the website valid. 
• Lenders reaching out to you. When applying for any type of credit, you provide personal information like your Social Security number, mailing address, and email. This allows legitimate lenders to send you notifications and promotions — however, fraudsters often pose as lenders to steal your information. If an unknown lender contacts you with an offer that’s too good to be true, it could be a phishing scam. Always research the sender to confirm they’re reputable before clicking links or applying through their website. 
• Fake debt collectors. Scam emails and calls from fake debt collectors are common. They may claim you owe money on a past loan or demand immediate payment. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, real debt collectors must provide key details, including the creditor’s name, the amount owed, the original creditor’s name, and how to dispute the debt. If they fail to do so or aren’t affiliated with your original lender, it’s likely a scam! 
• Asking for upfront payments. It's important to understand that Payday Loans are a type of unsecured loan. In other words, you don't have to make a deposit or offer anything up as collateral in order to receive the loan. So, if a prospective lender tells you they need a down payment before they can give you a loan, look elsewhere. 
• Asking for alternative payment methods. Reputable Payday Loan providers accept payments via credit or debit card, personal check, or direct bank account transfers. If a supposed lender requests payment in the form of gift cards or apps like PayPal and Venmo, it’s a scam. 

Safe Payday Loan FAQs 

Is it safe to take out a Payday Loan? 

As long as you do your research and confirm that your Payday Loan lender is reliable and legit, it’s perfectly safe to take out a Payday Loan online or in-store. Just make sure you can afford to repay the loan in full on your next payday. 

Is your Social Security number safe to supply for online Payday Loan applications? 

Lenders require you to apply with your Social Security number so they can confirm your identity and prevent fraud. As long as you’ve chosen a reputable lender, it’s safe to provide your Social Security number in an online application. 

Is it safe to supply your bank details for online loan applications? 

When you apply for a loan online, the lender will issue your funds via direct deposit. To do that, they will need your bank details, including a checking account number and routing number. Again, as long as you’re working with a vetted and reliable online lender, your bank details should remain safe and secure. 

Advance America online Payday Loans 

If you’re looking for fast, reliable, and safe Payday Loans online, Advance America is a top direct lender for online and in-person loans — and has been since 1997. 

We offer a fast and convenient application process and quick approvals. Plus, if you apply before 10:30 AM EST, you could even receive your funds the same day! 

Here’s how to apply: 

1. Collect the necessary application documents and information, including your Social Security number, driver’s license, and banking information. 
2. Review the loan agreement and make sure it’s the right option for you. 
3. Fill out and submit the online application. 
4. Wait for our approval decision, which should come within minutes. 
5. If approved, you will receive the money via direct deposit, and it’s yours to spend accordingly. 
6. Review your repayment plan to ensure you make your monthly payments on time. 

It really is that simple! Fill out your application today to get the funds you need.

Apply now