Finance Roll

When it comes to money lending, payday loans are becoming one of the most popular alternative solutions to high-street bank loans. However, like all loans, they do have to be paid back at some point and in the case of payday loans, paying them back on time is imperative. In order to help with the repayment process, it is always prudent to understand just how payday loans are made and more importantly what you, as a consumer needs to know about the whole process.

The first thing that a consumer will need to understand is that a payday loan is designed to be paid back in one lump sum and over a period of no longer than one month. This means that there are no installments for the borrower to worry about, thus allowing them to better focus on paying off their loan right away and staying on top of their finances. Additionally, one swift payment means that the loan won't incur any more interest.

Let's review some of the main elements to consider when taking out a payday loan.

When is taking out a payday loan right for me?

It cannot be stressed enough that taking out a payday loan is not for everybody in need of some last minute funds. Why? Well, in short, a payday loan is a temporary solution to a short-term problem. If you are considering taking out one of these loans, but constantly find yourself unable to make ends meet at the end of the month, then a payday loan is probably not the answer for you.

If you usually have a pretty good grip on your finances and just happened to overspend this month or found yourself in an unexpected emergency with a temporary cash flow problem, then a payday loan could be an excellent tool in easing your financial stresses.

How is the repayment made?

In essence, the pay back process is made as simple and as easy as possible - all thanks to the internet. When an applicant applies for a loan, he (or she) must pass through a series of filters to make sure that they qualify. One of the criteria for a payday loan is that they have a current bank account, which they must provide to their lender. These details are then used by the lender to automatically take the one and only payment on the specified date that was agreed upon by both parties. In doing so, things are made a whole lot more convenient for the borrower especially because the only thing that needs done is to make sure that the amount is in their account on that day.

The amount paid is the loan amount plus the agreed interest.

What happens if the applicant cannot make a single repayment in full?

If you inform the payday loan provider that you cannot meet the agreed payment in full, then the majority of lenders will allow you the option of 'rolling over' the payment. Now, this is where things can get sticky because however tempting it may be to have more time to pay back your loan, it is important to note that this will incur larger interest charges. However, you will have had to agree to these costs in the very beginning when you took out your payday loan.

*Ask your payday lender about the costs of rolling over, should you be unable to meet the agreed upon repayment date*

Generally speaking, the interest charges on rolled over loan are split into two categories; additional fees and extra interest. The extra interest will typically be the loan plus the extra month's interest charges at the specified rate.

The additional fees will typically be that of an application or processing charge. This is usually a small administration fee which is charged out once every time a client 'rolls over' a payment.

If you, the borrower, should decide that rolling over the payment will give you more time to get you finances in order, it is imperative that you speak to the lender before your first payment comes out. Failure to notify your lender in advance will most likely result in hefty late payment charges and may hurt your chances of borrowing any future money.