Payday loans provide a quick and easy way to access cash in times of financial emergencies. However, with sky-high interest rates, short repayment terms and the potential to trap borrowers into a cycle of debt, they have attracted considerable controversy in several countries around the world.
What are Payday Loans?
A payday loan is a short-term loan designed to cover unexpected expenses or emergency bills. It is generally due on the borrower’s next payday.
Oklahoma is one of several states in the United States that have legalized payday lending. Residents of Lebanon, Oklahoma can access payday loans through a network of licensed lenders. According to state laws, payday loans can only cover up to $500 with a maximum repayment period of 45 days. The maximum finance charge for a $100 payday loan can be up to $15.
How Do Payday Loans Work?
Payday loans provide quick cash for unexpected financial emergencies, but they come with a price. You can usually expect to pay a high interest rate and fees for a payday loan. This high cost is often what traps people in a cycle of debt.
Here’s how it works: A borrower fills out an application for the loan, which usually involves providing proof of employment or income. The lender will then provide the borrower with a loan for the agreed amount, minus a fee. The loan amount is usually due on the borrower’s next payday, and the lender will often require the borrower to provide a post-dated check or provide access to their bank account to automatically withdraw the funds on the due date.
The interest rates for payday loans in Oklahoma can be steep, with an APR (Annual Percentage Rate) that can be as high as 390%. For example, a $500 loan with a finance charge of $75 for 14 days has an APR of 390%.
The Pros and Cons of Payday Loans
While payday loans can provide much-needed cash in an emergency, they come with significant downsides.
Pros:
- Quick access to cash – Borrowers can usually receive the funds on the same day they apply.
- No credit check – Most payday lenders do not require a credit check, making them an option for borrowers with poor credit.
- Easy application process – Borrowers can apply for a payday loan online or in-store, usually with minimal documentation required.
Cons:
- High-interest rates – The APR for a payday loan can be exorbitant, often ranging from 200% to 400%.
- Short repayment terms – Payday loans must be repaid in a matter of weeks, unlike traditional loans that allow for several years of repayment.
- Potential for a cycle of debt – Some borrowers find themselves taking out a new payday loan to pay off their old one, creating a vicious cycle of debt.
- Easy to access – The ease of access to payday loans makes them tempting to borrowers, even if they cannot afford the high interest rates and fees.
Facts and Statistics about Payday Loans in Lebanon, Oklahoma
- According to a report from the Center for Responsible Lending, the average payday borrower in Oklahoma takes out 6 payday loans per year with an average annual interest rate of 391%.
- Oklahoma has one of the highest concentrations of payday lenders in the country. There are nearly 400 licensed payday lenders in the state.
- A 2013 report from the Oklahoma Policy Institute found that the average payday loan borrower earns less than $30,000 per year and is more likely to be a minority, a single parent, or a senior citizen.
Apply Now
At TheGuaranteedLoans, we aim to connect our readers with trustworthy lenders in Lebanon, Oklahoma who can provide them with payday loans when they need them most. If you need a payday loan, fill out our online application form and we will match you with a lender who can meet your needs. Please note that while we are an online connector service, we are not a direct lender and cannot guarantee loan approval or terms.