The only certainty in life is that life is uncertain. No one can be sure when a financial emergency will arise and drain their bank account, leaving them without enough money to buy groceries or fuel to get back and forth in order to work to earn a pay cheque. While situations such as this are all too common in the United Kingdom, they are very troublesome to those who experience them. However, there are many lenders who specialize in payday loans to help people find a way out of their immediate money troubles.
Even though it is relatively easy to qualify for a payday loan, the applicant must meet certain criteria that are dictated by the lender and the government. Usually, a potential borrower must be a permanent resident of the United Kingdom. In addition, they must earn an income via valid employment. In most cases, the borrower should have a regular monthly income of £1,000 and they must be an adult, which means they have to be at least 18 years old. Finally, all borrowers need an active current or savings account in good standing.
While cash loans are easy and convenient to get, one of the main downfalls is that the loan amount must be repaid in a short time period. These loans are borrowed against the individual's upcoming pay cheque. This means that the lender will claim their money the next time the borrower is paid by their employer. Depending on the borrower's pay frequency, the repayment period could be one week, two weeks or one month. Sometimes, the borrower can get an extension; however, they will be charged a fee.
Another point to consider is that payday loans are only given in small amount. The average loan amount ranges from £100-£1,000. There are several factors that determine the amount of money a lender is willing to give a customer. Once factor is the borrower's monthly income as well as the loan company's lending policy. Some companies allow return customers to borrow more than new ones. For example, a first-time borrower may get £500 but the next time that customer needs to borrow, they could be eligible to get £750. Of course, the lender will also take into account the customer's repayment history.
The time frame for getting a loan approved is very short, especially for people who apply online. It is common for online applicants to receive approval and the loaned money in 24 hours or less. Once a borrower gets their loan, they can use it for any purpose they so choose. Some typical examples that cause people to seek payday loans are to pay credit card balances, fix their car or pay an unexpected bill.
In the United Kingdom, countless citizens have utilised the specialized niche of payday loans in the financial lending industry. There are slight variations to the standard payday loan. Alternative names and systems for this type of lending are no-fax loans, no credit-check loans, same-day loans, urgent payday loans and online payday loans.
Although the payday loan industry has its share of naysayers, the service it provides to the UK public has benefited many people. This kind of loan service has also gained popularity thanks to the simple processing system. Many lenders allow applicants to complete the process on the Internet, bringing a whole new level of convenience to potential borrowers. There are no large quantities of complicated paperwork to review and fill. And applicants only need to submit basic personal information such as their legal name, contact info, salary and employment standing. Furthermore, there are no credit investigations conducted.
Once the applicant has provided all the required information, they will have to wait for the lender to approve the loan. Payday loans in the UK are processed fairly quickly. Most people appreciate that the money they need is deposited into their bank account within several hours as long as they apply on a working business day. These loan companies understand that people come to them in times of financial emergencies; therefore, their customers need money as fast as possible. This need is the foundation on which the payday loan industry was built.
Once an application is approved, most payday lenders will start the money-transfer process in the following 24 hours. Because of the processing and lending speed, a lot of people casual refer to these institutions as "instant cash advances." However, this convenience comes with an added cost: an attached interest rate. While all lenders charge interest rates, payday loan company interest rates tend to be higher than what is charged by other places. Consumers are advised to shop around before taking out a loan.
While each payday lender is different, the loan maximum is mainly dependent on the borrower's income level. However, the government's regulations prevent these lenders from giving over 32 % of the person's monthly pay. And, borrowers may not take out a payday loan if they have an outstanding payday loan. These rules protect both the borrower and the lender so the borrower does not get in a rough financial spot and the lender does not lose money.
Applicants are also encouraged to only take a loan amount that they can repay. Obviously, there are many aspects of payday loans that people should consider before applying for one. It is imperative to research various companies' loan terms, interest rates, application procedures and borrower requirements in order to make an informed decision.