Top 10 Best Payday Loans Companies

Payday loans, sometimes referred to as cash advance loans, have received quite a bit of bad press, but when used properly, a payday loan can have a definite upside. A short term financial bind can happen to a lot of people and being able to get a small loan quickly can save you money by avoiding costly late fees or overdraft charges. Sure, $50 is a steep price to pay for a $300 payday loan, but if it means you are able to get your rent check, house payment, or car payment in on time and avoid the hefty late fees and possible damage to your credit score, it is more than worth it.

When considering a payday loan, make sure you only get loans when you really need them (not just to purchase non-essentials), that you will be able to repay the loan when it comes due (this is where some people get into trouble), and that you have selected a reputable, reliable, and fair payday loans company. To help with this last step, below is a list of the top ten payday loans providers in the United States.
The Top Ten
1 Check 'n Go Check 'n Go offers short-term loans, installment loans, and check cashing services. Founded in 1994, the company operates in 28 states across the US. Customers can apply online, in-store, or via phone, and can receive funds as soon as the next business day.

Easy qualifications and easy repayment options. Finance fee is great compared to others.

The application process was very simple and stress-free. I was approved for a loan within minutes.

It is as described. Can't argue much about things with them.

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2 CashNetUSA CashNetUSA offers payday loans, installment loans, and lines of credit. The company was founded in 2004 and operates in 28 states across the US. Customers can apply online, and can receive funds as soon as the next business day. CashNetUSA also offers other financial products, such as personal loans and credit lines.

I was in need of some quick cash fast last year. My mother passed away, and I had to help with that. I put in a request for a loan and was approved quickly. The money was in my bank the next day! $2900. Thanks, CashNet USA! You guys rock.

I've been getting cash from them for 3 years and even get discounts of up to 40 percent off. Paying off your loan helps you get bigger loans. They send you money the next day.

They have always come through when I needed to get quick cash. Instant approval, and the money is deposited the next business day. They've worked with me when I needed an extension. There's a decent payback period. I stand behind CashNet 100%.

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3 Advance America Advance America is a payday loan provider that was founded in 1997. The company offers payday loans, installment loans, and title loans, and operates in 28 states across the US. Customers can apply online, in-store, or via phone, and can receive funds as soon as the same day.

Amazing! Received what I was looking for in just a matter of minutes. Done deal.

Fast! Quick approval and money on the same day.

Very nice and trustworthy company.

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4 Check City Check City offers payday loans, installment loans, and title loans. Founded in 1986, the company operates in 17 states across the US. Customers can apply online, in-store, or via phone, and can receive funds as soon as the same day. Check City also offers other financial services, such as check cashing, money orders, and prepaid debit cards.

They are by far the best payday lender out there. Their customer service is always top-notch, and they truly care about their customers' situations and well-being. I am proud to say I am a Check City customer, and I would not have made it through some pretty tough situations without them!

The Lehi location was amazing. Debbie always helps me when I am in a financial bind. She takes time to listen to my needs and even gives suggestions on how to manage my loans. She always looks out for my best interest. I trust her very much, and Check City is very smart for having such a great person representing them. Thank you!

Check City has the best customer service. I can tell the people who work there actually care about me and want to help.

5 LendUp LendUp offers payday loans, installment loans, and lines of credit. Founded in 2012, the company operates in 7 states across the US. Customers can apply online, and can receive funds as soon as the next business day. LendUp also offers other financial products, such as credit cards and personal loans.

Seamless product that helped me instantly when I needed it the most. Their customer service is definitely top-notch as well.

Clear terms, and they will work with you if something else comes up.

Phenomenal. Eventually reports to credit bureaus.

6 Check Into Cash Check Into Cash offers payday loans, installment loans, and lines of credit. Founded in 1993, the company operates in 32 states across the US. Customers can apply online or in-store, and can receive funds as soon as the same day. Check Into Cash also offers other services, such as check cashing, money transfers, and prepaid debit cards.

I was able to get more money here than anywhere else. Super nice!

Fast and easy with clear contract information. Great service!

Great company, highly recommended.

7 ACE Cash Express ACE Cash Express offers payday loans, installment loans, and title loans. Founded in 1968, the company operates in 23 states across the US, as well as in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Customers can apply online or in-store, and can receive funds as soon as the same day. ACE Cash Express also offers other financial services, such as check cashing, money transfers, and prepaid debit cards.

Great direct lender. They have flexible payback dates and offer payment plans if you get overwhelmed. Easy application process and decent customer service.

The best vendor company all over the United States.

8 Speedy Cash Speedy Cash offers payday loans, installment loans, and lines of credit. The company was founded in 1997 and operates in 28 states across the US, as well as in Canada and the UK. Customers can apply online, in-store, or via phone, and can receive funds as soon as the same day.

These people run a top-notch business in my opinion. Always professional, I am able to get a loan very fast, and one time when I had left my DL at home, I was able to get a loan with no ID (the store manager recognized me as a regular).

I will say that I have always repaid my loans within five days. Most of the time, I repay them in under three days, in which case there is no interest accrued. I borrow $250 on Wednesday and on Friday when I go to pay, I owe just $250. You can't beat 0% interest!

I've used it for many years. My credit score is in the upper 500s, and I was making about $13,000 the first time they approved me online. Now I make more, and when I need help, they are there.

Very nice people, easy to work with. Just stay in contact with them. They are helping me with my loan now. I got injured at work and lost my job.

9 LendingBear LendingBear offers payday loans and installment loans. Founded in 1990, the company operates in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Customers can apply online or in-store, and can receive funds as soon as the same day. LendingBear also offers other financial services, such as check cashing and money orders.
10 Approved Cash Advance Approved Cash Advance offers payday loans, installment loans, and title loans. Founded in 2004, the company operates in 5 states across the US. Customers can apply online or in-store, and can receive funds as soon as the same day. Approved Cash Advance also offers other financial services, such as check cashing and money transfers.
The Contenders
11 National Payday National Payday offers payday loans and cash advances. Founded in 2000, the company operates in 23 states across the US. Customers can apply online, and can receive funds as soon as the same day. National Payday also offers other financial products, such as prepaid debit cards and bill payment services.
12 Cash Central Cash Central offers payday loans, installment loans, and lines of credit. Founded in 2005, the company operates in 22 states across the US. Customers can apply online or in-store, and can receive funds as soon as the same day. Cash Central also offers other financial services, such as check cashing and prepaid debit cards.

Cash Central has helped me a lot. It's easy and fast.

13 Instant Cash Advance Instant Cash Advance offers payday loans and cash advances. Founded in 1999, the company operates in Michigan and serves customers in-store only. Customers can apply in-store, and can receive funds as soon as the same day.
14 Hotpayday.com Hotpayday.com offers payday loans and installment loans. Founded in 2010, the company operates online and serves customers in all states except for Arkansas, Georgia, New York, Oregon, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Customers can apply online, and can receive funds as soon as the same day.

Honest, reasonable flat fee. Cash overnight. Great customer service.

15 MoneyKey MoneyKey offers payday loans, installment loans, and lines of credit. Founded in 2011, the company operates in 14 states across the US. Customers can apply online or in-store, and can receive funds as soon as the next business day. MoneyKey also offers other financial products, such as personal loans and credit lines.

Fast and easy over-the-phone loan.

16 NetCredit NetCredit offers personal loans and lines of credit. Founded in 2012, the company operates in 35 states across the US. Customers can apply online, and can receive funds as soon as the next business day. NetCredit offers loans for a variety of purposes, such as debt consolidation and home improvement.
17 EzPaydayCash EzPaydayCash offers payday loans and cash advances. Founded in 2009, the company operates online and serves customers in all states except for Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Customers can apply online, and can receive funds as soon as the next business day.
18 MaxLend MaxLend offers payday loans and installment loans. Founded in 2012, the company operates in 38 states across the US. Customers can apply online, and can receive funds as soon as the next business day. MaxLend also offers other financial products, such as personal loans and credit lines.
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What are some good reasons to get a payday loan?


A payday loan should be considered as a last resort and only in emergency situations when no other financial options are available. An appropriate time to get a payday loan might be when you're facing a sudden, unavoidable expense like a medical emergency, urgent car repair, or home repair that you cannot cover with your available funds or other financial resources. In such cases, a payday loan could provide a temporary solution.

Another situation where a payday loan might be appropriate is if you're at risk of overdrawing your bank account and incurring high overdraft fees. A payday loan could be a less expensive option to cover the immediate shortfall, but only if you're confident you can repay the loan on time. Additionally, if a missed payment on a credit card, utility bill, or loan would result in significant penalties or harm your credit score, a payday loan might be a temporary solution to avoid these consequences. However, this should also only be considered if you can repay the loan on time.

It's important to remember that payday loans come with high interest rates and fees, and they should not be used for non-essential expenses or as a long-term financial solution. Before taking out a payday loan, exhaust all other options, such as personal loans, credit cards, borrowing from friends or family, or negotiating payment plans with creditors. Additionally, create a repayment plan to ensure you can repay the loan on time and avoid getting trapped in a cycle of debt.

What are some things to look for when shopping for a reputable payday loan provider?


When shopping for a reputable payday loan provider, it is essential to consider several factors to ensure you are working with a trustworthy and responsible lender. First and foremost, make sure the payday loan provider is licensed and registered to operate in your state, as most states have specific regulations governing payday lenders. You can usually verify this information on your state's regulatory agency website.

Transparency is another crucial aspect to consider. A reputable lender will provide clear and transparent information about their fees, interest rates, and loan terms. Make sure you understand all the costs and conditions associated with the loan before signing any agreement.

Online reviews and testimonials can also help you gauge the lender's reputation. Look for customer reviews on third-party websites to get an unbiased perspective on the lender's services. While some negative reviews are to be expected, a pattern of consistent complaints may be a red flag. Additionally, check the lender's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and any complaints filed against them. A good rating and a history of addressing customer concerns are positive indicators.

Customer service is another important factor. A reputable lender should have a responsive and knowledgeable customer service team that can answer your questions and address any concerns you may have. Test their customer support channels (phone, email, or chat) to gauge their responsiveness and professionalism.

Privacy and security should not be overlooked. Make sure the lender's website is secure, and they have a clear privacy policy in place to protect your personal and financial information. Furthermore, a reputable payday loan provider should follow responsible lending practices, such as verifying your income and ability to repay the loan, as well as adhering to state regulations regarding loan amounts, fees, and rollovers.

Finally, watch out for lenders who try to impose hidden fees or charges, such as prepayment penalties or application fees. A reputable lender will be upfront about all costs associated with the loan.

By carefully researching and comparing different payday loan providers based on these factors, you can increase your chances of finding a reputable lender that will meet your short-term financial needs in a responsible manner. However, remember that payday loans should be used only as a last resort due to their high costs and potential for causing a cycle of debt.

What are some alternatives to a payday loan?


There are several good alternatives to a payday loan that you can consider if you're in need of short-term financial assistance. One option is a personal loan from a bank, credit union, or online lender, which often comes with lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms than a payday loan. Credit unions, in particular, may offer payday alternative loans (PALs) specifically designed to help members with short-term financial needs.

Another alternative is to use a credit card for your immediate expenses. While credit cards can have high interest rates, they are typically lower than those of payday loans, and you may also have an interest-free grace period if you can repay the balance in full within a certain time frame.

If you have a good relationship with friends or family members, you might consider borrowing money from them. This approach can be more flexible and cost-effective than taking out a payday loan, but it's important to be transparent about the terms of the loan and your ability to repay it to maintain a healthy relationship.

Negotiating with your creditors is another option that could help you avoid a payday loan. Many creditors are willing to work with you to create a payment plan or temporarily reduce your interest rate if you're experiencing financial difficulties. This approach can provide some relief and give you time to get back on your feet financially.

In some cases, seeking assistance from local nonprofits, charities, or government programs might be a suitable alternative to a payday loan. These organizations often provide emergency financial assistance, food, or other resources to help individuals and families in need.